Short Stories: Love

Unscientific Reasoning

If there's one thing Leon hates the most, it's when people get in the way of his research. Especially if it's over something minor.

"Are you serious?! No way do I want to guard him," a nameless soldier scowled at Leon. Leon simply scoffed and raised his middle finger before going back to calculations.

"He may be the last hope humanity is ever going to get so either you will or your fired, Lieutenant Adler!" His commanding officer scolded him. With a pout and crossed arms, the soldier went up to him.

Leon paid the man no mind as he simply began to write up a clear and concise procedure in order to see if it will work. It has to work, it must. So he gathered up his paper and headed to the lab that they have. The guard moodily followed after him. He could hear the way his clothes shifted and his boots made a sound in the corridor but paid no mind. His guard doesn't even want to be there and Leon can't honestly blame him.

He set about doing his usual, other scientists greeting him then going back to their work. Leon simply kept to himself and began the experiment.

This continued for days, the two of them silent as he went on his business. So far the experiments had failed once more, the cure wasn't even close to completion and the military is getting anxious as the virus continued to spread. They had studied the virus extensively and yet Leon knew they were missing something... He pushed up his glasses. The virus itself is more of an effect of a mushroom's spores.

"Prepare something, we're going on an expedition." Was all he said to Lieutenant Adler (he still doesn't know his full name) before stalking out the lab and alerting the appropriate officials.

Once done he set his trip for tomorrow. Besides, all he's looking for is the mushroom that makes those spores which should be easy. All they need to do is head to a close area that the military had labeled as 'Zombie Spawns'. For Lieutenant Adler, it was a migraine and a headache rolled in one, for Leon it's was simply a means to an end.

As he collected samples, Lieutenant Adler gunned down zombie after zombie. So far, they hadn't encountered much beyond a straggler or two and even then they were quickly gunned down. The only reason they weren't infected yet was because of the face mask they had taken to wearing. Once Leon had the samples he needed, he signaled for Lieutenant Adler to escort him to leave and they left in a rush.

However, it seems that a cluster of zombies decided to block the exit and Lieutenant Adler held his hand, his other hand going for a grenade.

"When I say run, you run. On the count of three, one," he pulled the pin and threw it at the zombies, "Three!"

They ran faster than the wind could carry them. The place exploded behind them. Leon panted, leaning against a tree. He had hacked into the satellite and found they had escaped into a 'Pacifist' zone where it is barren if any hostiles.

"Specimen is undamaged and unaltered. Good," Leon rattled off as he examined the specimen.

"Whatcha need all that for anyway doctor?" Lieutenant Adler asked him.

He relaxed when he realised topic was science, he can do science but he can't do socialising. He has always been awkward around people, unsure how to act and unsure what to say. Most of the time he comes off as rude and abrasive. Talking about science was the one topic he could actually maintain without coming off too strongly.

"I have a theory related to how these mushrooms. If you've noticed the zombies had a little mushroom identical to this one. If i can pin point how it makes the spore, I can figure out the perfect combatant. I know I'm close to finding a cure, I just need to find the final ingredient."