Dead Snow

Part 6 - The Descent

Shriek: *Stomp* *Stomp* Stomp*

Ross: Holy shit, look at the size of that thing.

The shriek was wearing an ACF security uniform and carrying a riot shield in its right arm. Standard issue ACF security uniforms have multiple layers of Kevlar woven into the fabric and ACF riot shields are rated to stop 50 caliber rounds. We were not killing this thing with our current equipment.

Doc: Damn things armored from head to toe. We ain't killing that.

Vic: What's the call, Ross?

Shriek: *Stomp* *Stomp*

Ross: We'll maneuver around it. Do not engage unless it spots you.

Doc: Vic, you're gonna want to prep a flash.

Vic: On it.

We take cover behind desks and tables scattered throughout the room, making sure to stay out of its sight. Ross quietly peeks out from behind the desk. While Ross keeps an eye on the shriek, he signals us when to move. The shriek slowly walked to the center of the lab, scanning the room while quietly growling. First up was Doc, patiently waiting for Ross's hand and arm signals to move from cover to cover until he reached the stairway. Then I was next. Ross was crouched behind a desk holding up a fist meaning "freeze" I start quietly moving toward the stairway when he waves two fingers forward. The shriek was distracted by the other dead shriek that Doc had worked on. It raises its shield and slams right through the reinforced glass. The fact that it only took one swing was enough to know one swing from that meant death. I joined Doc inside the stairwell and signaled Ross I was good. The shriek directed its attention toward the back of the lab, where Ross was hiding. Ross had his head down, if he peeked now, he'd be spotted for sure. Doc was already keeping watch on the stairs, I had to make a move.

Vic: Shit.

I carefully re-entered the lab making sure to position myself directly behind it to get the best shot. Just before the shriek could reach Ross, I fired a few rounds into the back of its head and upper back. The rounds bounced off his helmet and small fragments of kevlar and padding exploded from his vest. No effect, it didn't even flinch. But I only needed it to turn around.

Shriek: GGGRRRRRR

Vic: RUN! *Click* *BANG*

I pulled the pin off the flash grenade and tossed it toward its feet. The intensity of the flash is enough to light up the whole room, but our MVG's were capable of keeping our eyes safe.

Shriek: GRR! ROOOOAR!

It was surprisingly effective. Maybe a bit too effective. The shriek went into a blind frenzy, charging in my direction. I ran back to the stairwell as fast as I could while Ross did the same. The shriek ran into the wall, the impact shook the whole room and almost made me lose my footing.

Ross: Communications! Go Go Go!

We all ran as fast as we could to get back to the 1st floor to link up with Micheal and Mac. Ross radioed our situation to Micheal as we proceeded up the countless flights of stairs.

Ross: 1-1, this is 1-2. Medical bay has been compromised, moving to communications via the stairwell.

Micheal: Roger 1-2, what are we dealing with?

Ross: Threat is heavily armored and extremely dangerous. Current weaponry is insufficient!

Mac: 1-2, this is 1-5. Listen very carefully. Proceed up to the 14th floor and exit the stairwell.

Ross: Roger 1-5.

The roars from the shriek were beginning to soften as we went up. Hopefully, that meant we lost it before it could figure out where we ran off to.