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Chapter 60: Marinah
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Genetically Modified Chapter 61: King
Three planes and three hundred additional warriors take off on schedule. Beck is on one plane, Nokita on the second, and I am leading the third. We have different destinations with my plane delivering me and my men closest to Washington, though still about three hundred miles away. Beck is landing near the northwestern Canadian border, and Nokita will be in the Florida panhandle. We plan to gather information on the human population as we head closer to Washington. Mate, my beast whines when I try to fall asleep the first night without Marinah. I'm in an old barn with the men sleeping on mounds of hay trying to keep warm. The days are mild and nights cold. After living in Cuba with the wonderful year-round temperatures, cold is not in my vocabulary or at least it wasn't. From the look at the shivering Warriors, they agree with me.I miss Marinah and can't help being worried for her too. If our plan goes accordingly, she can handle herself. She also has Labyrinth for backup. It's the
Genetically Modified Chapter 62: Marinah
I'm unsurprised at the early knock on my door. I quickly dress in military pants and a sky-blue T-shirt making me better prepared for what's coming today. I would throw the darned short skirt and see-through blouse away if questions wouldn't be asked. Officer Daniels's displeasure at waiting at my door has his lips pressed into a thin, unpleasant line. I'm also realizing he's older than he appeared at first. His snotty disposition brings his true age of around thirty to the forefront, pimply face aside. He isn't my friend."The Shadow Warrior's leader refuses to deal with anyone but you," Daniels says. "The president wishes you to solve the matter immediately."It's so hard not to snap my heels together and salute his idiocy. Instead, I scrunch my nose trying to act scared and concerned at the same time. "Oh dear, this isn't good," I say, wringing my hands for added effect. Okay that may be laying it on a bit thick. "I know I've been living with them, but they still make me nervous.
Genetically Modified Chapter 63: King
It's been a week since we landed in the U.S. We've moved slowly, skirting towns that could possibly be inhabited. It appears the Federation has gone after smaller groups of civilians. We found three destroyed towns with everyone dead, while they left mid-sized towns alone. They seem to be playing it safe and only going after the people in smaller groups. But why?Hellhounds have been more numerous the closer we get to Boyce, Va., our rendezvous point. We should arrive tomorrow and the other groups should follow within a few days. Boyce is seventy-one miles from the capitol and from earlier reconnaissance reports, deserted. There's a major abandoned railroad there that will provide metal sleeping quarters with safety from hellhounds. The rations we brought and what we've found along the way will keep us for months if needed.Mate, Beast whispers inside me.Yeah, months won't work for either of us.The America we're walking through now was blasted by bombs in the early days of the wa
Genetically Modified Chapter 64: Marinah
I kick Labyrinth under the table when he doesn't answer quickly enough.The jerk still hesitates another long moment before intensifying his glare and speaking, "We trusted you once before and it didn't end well. How will this time be different?" His voice is clipped and the general's back stiffens subtly.King's council decided Labyrinth shouldn't roll over for the Federation and he should fight back enough to keep their suspicions down. I give him credit for not killing Smyth on the spot. The man is pure evil.The general scratches his chin and seemingly relaxes into his chair. The hard eyes give him away. "The Federation is no longer running scared. It took a little time for us to realize the mistakes of the past and we're ready to fix what happened. If we had standardized communication, we would have reached out sooner." The general glances momentarily my way to see if I'll call him on his lie about wanting to contact the Warriors earlier than they actually did. Much of the data
Genetically Modified Chapter 65: King
The frigid night air rolls over me, the small bite of wind unwelcomed by Beast. I'm sitting next to a small fire on a ledge in the hills, looking about thirty feet down from a cliff, with only one thought on my mind.Marinah.The separation has Beast boiling beneath the surface doing everything he can to force my hand. Claws rake my insides and squeeze my internal organs. I crave her like air and must remind myself that we're doing this for the greater good. That good has weighed on me since Greystone's death. I never felt I was good enough to take his place, I also knew I was the only one who could do it, so it became my sacrifice. A sacrifice I'm now regretting because of my separation from Marinah.Movement in the distance draws my attention and I wait until they're closer before notifying the men that one of the other teams has arrived. It's Nokita and his men. They're tired and hungry having traveled a greater distance than we covered. It's an hour before the men are situated a
Genetically Modified Chapter 66: Marinah
I'm told by Officer Daniels that I need an escort to visit my friends at my old job. Friends is a loose term. I did my job, went home, and rarely socialized. It was easier that way, though they consistently invited me out. "Out" is anywhere they could find a drink. If I started downing alcohol, I wouldn't have stopped. It was better to stay away.The escort Officer Daniels arranged doesn't arrive until about an hour before the analyst shift is over. I'm sure it was planned this way. What they don't know is it could work in my favor. I need my co-workers to invite me out and I'm hoping after my long absence, they will. My guard stays at the door when we enter the small box-like room I called home during working hours. Stark gray desks with writing utensils fill the room. Nothing to adorn the walls and nothing personal scattered around such as pictures or mementos. This is where I worked and socializing as well as decoration of any kind was frowned upon. I never questioned why. Thad,
Genetically Modified Chapter 67: Marinah
It's Landan's turn to look at everyone, though his expression is fierce and meant to keep them quiet."Landan." He glances at me and I see the disgust in his eyes. "They gave me the title, dressed me like a hooker, and sent me to Cuba to," I hold my fingers up and give my next word quotes, "'negotiate' with the Shadow Warriors. I'm lucky I survived, wasn't raped, or eaten for a midnight snack. I came to see you, my friends, because things aren't as they seem and I was hoping someone in this group would be honest with me." I give them time to review what I said.Landan speaks for the others. "Why should we trust you?"I straighten my shoulders and the poor little scared girl routine slides away easily. "Because with the little you've said, I could already have you arrested." If looks could kill, I would be dead."She's right," Kara says coming to my defense. "She has a guard who isn't fond of her. Do we have a choice about trust? We're all dead if she gives the say-so."Mila, who i
Genetically Modified Chapter 68: Marinah
Nothing eventful happens over the next few days besides boredom. There are only so many spots on the wall to count and the books they've left me to read are depressing novels that do nothing but put me to sleep. I've requested a meeting with the president about my inactivity and haven't heard back.Friday takes forever to arrive. I've spoken only briefly to Labyrinth. Thankfully it was enough time to relay what Landan and the ladies told me. Labyrinth is concerned they're setting me up. I understand, but he wasn't at the bar and didn't see their fear or anger at the Federation. If they had betrayed us, it would already be too late and we would be jailed or dead. I left Labyrinth with those exact words.Officer Daniels escorts me to the ladies' quarters himself when Friday evening finally arrives. "I'll pick you up here in three hours," he says and walks off."Make it four," I call out. He doesn't turn and if he arrives early, he'll be cooling his heels in the hallway for the extra h
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Genetically Modified Chapter 113: King
Marinah is working with Ruth, who's making incredible progress. There hasn't been a complaint about the child in weeks. She follows Marinah around like she's her personal guard. The sword Marinah gave her always on her hip and her hand on the pommel daring anyone to threaten her instructor."King," Beck calls. "We have urgent news from the northern outpost."Here we go. It's been too quiet. "I'll grab Marinah. Have the men join us in the conference room in five." I don't ask what the news is because it's Marinah's job. Beck should have gone to her first, but that's something she needs to deal with. Eventually things will fall into place. When I took over after my uncle's death, it was the same way. Shadow Warriors expect a leader and sometimes knocking heads is the best way to lead them.I enter the gym, and Ruth is holding her sword with trembling arms, sweat rolling down her brow, and a stubborn set to her jaw which reminds me of Marinah's determination when she first trained. The
Genetically Modified Chapter 112: Marinah
They were laughing at me, and I don't blame them.I simply can't lead hundreds of men, scratch that, Shadow Warriors. I have no idea what I'm doing. I replay the entire meeting in my head. They're like children, and I can't believe I need to point them in a direction and tell them what to do.Stupid.And King's gone through this for years.Labyrinth mentioned Cosway, and it reminded me I need to check on her. I begin my search and eventually give up and ask one of the door guards. He points me to the outside courtyard. I find her there, playing with the kittens."Pretty butterfly," she says when she notices me.She's a rather pretty butterfly herself now. Soap, water, and good food make her look younger. Someone also took a chisel to her teeth. I'd place her in her mid-twenties. "Hi, Cosway. Do you mind if I join you and play with the kittens?"She pushes the calico in my direction, and I grab him before he scampers off. "He likes the pretty butterfly.""I like him," I say, cra
Genetically Modified Chapter 111: King
Marinah's avoidance doesn't bother me. She needs time to think this through. What she doesn't understand is, she's a leader and she's strong enough to lead the Shadow Warriors. I remember my doubts in the beginning. They ate me alive. The difference is Marinah has me at her side. I won't let her flounder.Axel begins testing the whistles after I give him Marinah's orders. I inform my guard that Marinah doesn't have meetings or training planned for today."You told her?" asks Beck."She took it as well as expected.""That bad?""It could have been worse." And the earthquake that took down San Francisco in 1906 could have been worse too."You want us twiddling our thumbs?" asks Labyrinth.The man's a lummox and I don't count dexterity as one of his pluses so I doubt he could. "Until we have our orders, go for it."He nods, lifts his hands, and twiddles those monstrous thumbs. That's when Marinah walks into the conference room. The men come to attention immediately, and it hits me
Genetically Modified Chapter 110: King
She handles it better than I expected. It's been three days, and she refuses to mention a word about it. Like I said, better than expected. Before coming here, Beck asked if she understood what's happened. He laughed when I asked if he was planning to tell her. His exact words were, "Throw me in a pit of hellhounds first."Wise man.It's four incredible days of bliss before she decides to voice her concerns. We're in bed in the early afternoon, after enjoying uninterrupted adult time. "I can't be a leader," she says with her head lying on my chest and her body half on mine. "I've just commanded my first unit. Leaders need experience.""They do.""How the heck do I gain experience? No, wait. I don't want that kind of experience. They're your men, King. Don't do this to me. You can't." Her fingers dig into my hip.Very softly, I tell her the truth, "They're your men now.""It won't work." She slams her fists on the bed beside me. I fight a smile. Now is not the time. "You can't pos
Genetically Modified Chapter 109: King
It took hours to get everything in place. I enter our room, and Marinah is sleeping. I quickly pack a bag for us both. She sleeps through it. I'm tired, but nothing will keep my alone time with Marinah from happening.Beck is attending the funerals in my absence. It's the only thing that made me hesitate with this mad scheme.Beck put me straight. "You take this time with your mate. You have more problems than simple mating rage. When you come back, you get the hellspawn, and I'm taking Missy away."I hope Marinah will forgive me when she misses Ryan's funeral. His loss hit her hard. I still remember the first Shadow Warrior who died under my command. It doesn't get easier.I collect everything we need and wake her. "Remember I told you I'm kidnapping you," I say when I'm sure she's awake."I think," she mumbles groggily.I scoop her into my arms. "It's happening."With the two bags tossed over my shoulder, and my mate in my arms, we leave the room. "I need clothes," she finally
Genetically Modified Chapter 108: Marinah
King places his arm around my shoulders, and we walk back to the outpost together. He tells me none of the humans in the outpost died, so I know Ruth and Missy are okay. But Ryan. He took my place and died because of it. Was he right? Should I have gone instead? I'll never know that answer, and it will haunt me forever.This is what King deals with. He takes every Shadow Warrior life personally. Now I know what it feels like. I lift my shoulders. It won't be easy, but I'll learn to live with it. We walk through the outpost gates, and Ruth spots me and starts running.Two feet away, she comes to a dead stop. "You're... huge. And bloody, cool."From beautiful to huge. This isn't looking good. "Yeah, I guess I am.""Are you meaner?"Oh, this child. "I hope not."Her lips curve downward and her eyes go stubborn. "Then it's not that cool.""She stabbed the general with her claws until there was nothing left of his face," Labyrinth tells the unimpressed child."You did?"I hope the
Genetically Modified Chapter 107: King
I lose track of Marinah after she takes off for the vehicles holding the rotary guns. She figured out what Smythe had planned. My men are ready to enter the fight. We circle the area where Marinah is taking on the rotary guns and leave our position. We've flanked the enemy on all sides. Many begin running toward Marinah, trying to get away, but I don't have time to think about the danger she's in. Beck's men are inside the outpost now, holding back the hellhounds. There are a few stragglers, and my men draw their swords and cut them down.The Federation soldiers realize they aren't winning and begin laying down their weapons. A hellhound about twenty feet from me grabs one stupid man. His muffled screams stop when the hound chews his face off. I charge three hounds with my sword, cutting them down as I run. Half my men point their rifles at the surrendering soldiers who have decided being shot is a quicker way to die than being eaten by hounds. They are no longer placing their weapons
Genetically Modified Chapter 106: Marinah
I lift my glasses again. Now I can see Beck and Cabel moving. I turn to the outpost and for the first time see General Smythe. I lick my lips. He won't be getting away this time. To hell with questioning him. If given the chance, I'll take his throat.Humans are stationed along the high wall on the inside of the outpost. The hellhounds will easily go up and over. Missy will have those unable to fight secured underground in one of their bunkers. Beck and his men will go against the hellhounds to stop them. Labyrinth's job is to take on the Federation soldiers.Knowing some Federation soldiers are here by force unsettles me.Kill, Ms. Beast whispers at my reticence. Yes, kill. If they are willing to kill civilians, including women and children, they won't be leaving here alive. My resolve is set, and I'm impatient to fight. Everyone is in place, and nothing is going on that I can see.The Federation waits ten more minutes, and then everything happens at once. The hellhounds are unl
Genetically Modified Chapter 105: Marinah
Cabel meets us outside the outpost walls and leads us to a large group of Warriors. The tension in the air is thick. Missy told us that more than a thousand soldiers have joined the Federation camp about two miles away. This morning, the soldiers began collecting their belongings. They are leaving or attacking, and the former doesn't seem likely.King speaks in hushed tones so our voices don't carry in the still night. There isn't a breeze, but it's chilly. I prefer warmth. It's times like this that I really miss our island. Pushing the thought aside, I listen to King. I need my head clear and thinking of home won't help.We have close to four hundred warriors versus a thousand Federation soldiers. If it weren't for the hellhounds, this would be a piece of cake. There's no way Smythe isn't leading this force. Is he unaware the Shadow Warriors have aligned with the outposts? Spying in the new world isn't as it once was. You need eyes now, not satellites. The Federation is building up
