August 22^nd 2033

Six was still having mixed feelings about traveling with these humans. On the one hand, being stuck clinging to the truck bed was not a pleasant experience. Especially with how poor the highway was, and all the weaving around wrecked and abandoned cars. Not to mention their habits and expressions of speech confused her to no end. After two days with them she still couldn't quite wrap her head around a lot of what they said, she pretty much gave up asking for clarification after a while.

On the other? She finally understood what salt and pepper were! And she was awestruck by how versatile and incredible they were! It exposed her to what food should taste like, or as close as she could perceive it. The Viper quickly learned that her sense of taste was very different from theirs. Fish properly cooked with salt and pepper was actually amazing, though from what Hayden, (Cpl. Myers insisted that she be addressed by her first name at this point) had said it was fairly average flavor wise. They both figured it was Six's utter lack of reference points when it came to food.

Six settled for the situation being a good thing overall, she had other people she could interact with face to face now. Hayden and Joaquin (he'd also insisted on being addressed on a first name basis, at least outside of a combat situation) had both been teaching her things. How to better cover her tracks, refine her hunting skills with practical experience, and various other practical skills for survival.

Edwards (she insisted on Six only addressing her by her surname) more or less avoided interacting with the Viper as much as was physically possible. The human seemed to have a particular disdain for Vipers, she tried asking Hayden and Joaquin about it. But neither had a real answer, and Edwards would just swear at her for her trouble. Six decided to just ignore it and keep her distance instead. It was probably for the best.

Bobby (he seemed utterly indifferent to how he was addressed) was an enigma unto himself. Very soft spoken, and generally off-putting. At least to Six, he would often just be off to the side and just stare at her. And did little else unless Edwards dragged him off to do something. The Viper made a point to keep away from him, something about how he was acting made her nervous. The others dismissed it as him being traumatized by things he'd witnessed ADVENT doing in the City Centers, citing his young age as making it harder for him to move past it. Six had her doubts, but she also wasn't aware of much of ADVENT's activities outside her own narrow field.

Joaquin still had his suspicions around the Viper, but he was at least upfront about it. He kept a very close eye on her whenever she used her tablet or radio. Six appreciated the honesty and was honest with him in return, she had no reason to be deceptive. He had even returned her axe to her, still kept the rifle though. Not that she minded. While she was effective with it, she still preferred a pistol. She could do more with having a free hand than not. Hayden on the other hand seemed to have taken a liking to her…once she got over the awkwardness of casually speaking to what essentially was a giant space snake (her words). Especially since she was more accustomed to shooting at said giant space snakes.

“Alright so let me understand this, cuz I'm still not quite wrapping my head around this. Your kind don't have recreation of any kind?" Hayden asked the Viper as they worked on prepping a meal for an early lunch, some kind of stew.

“As far as I'm aware. I wasn't even aware of the concept until you brought it up and explained it." Six said with a sigh, “I doubt anyone in ADVENT is allowed such an indulgence. The more I learn about you humans and your world, the more robbed I feel."

“Can't fault you there, I actually feel pity for ADVENT's forces. Never thought that would happen." Hayden shook her head with a sigh.

“Even so, we don't have much choice with engaging them either." Six said, “The Skirmishers said as much. Freedom in death is still better than life enslaved. And much as I hate it, I have to agree. I wouldn't call being under the Elder's rule living. And if it were easy to break the Elders hold, I doubt things would be how they are now. I'm one of the lucky ones it seems."

“That's one way to look at it, and you do seem to have a great deal of luck. With everything you survived thus far." Hayden agreed, “Let's lighten the mood a bit. This conversation got dark enough."

Six paused a question practically written across her scaled face.

“It means changing the topic to something not so unpleasant." Hayden answered the unspoken question.

“Human language is very confusing." Six rubbed along her hood a bit.

“Ha! And that's just English, there's no end of languages that can be confusing." Hayden laughed as she stirred the pot of stew, “How about a little game of sorts? You ask a question, then I ask a question, and repeat. It'd be a nice distraction."

“How is that a game?" The Viper tilted her head.

“Just go along with it okay, you can go first." Hayden said.

“What's that thing you all do in the mornings and evenings?" Six asked after a pause.

“What 'thing'?" Hayden raised a brow confused.

“With your teeth." The Viper clarified.

“Ooooh, you mean us brushing our teeth in the mornings and evenings?" The human asked, to which the Viper nodded.

“That's just to keep them clean, remove bits of food and such. Otherwise, they'd rot and fall out. Which is very bad out here, plus the risk of infected teeth can be lethal." Hayden explained, “Annnd probably means nothing to you."

“Your teeth don't grow back in?" Six asked genuinely surprised, “Whenever my fangs break, new ones would just grow in after a few days."

“Only once. Going from child to adolescent, we lose our baby teeth and grow in permanent ones." Hayden explained, “Now it's my turn, I've heard rumors about Vipers."

“If this is about that venom sac thing, the answer is it's not true." Six said rather quickly.

“Not what I was going to ask about, but now I'm curious." The human stared at Six.

“I've heard the rumor myself while I was still…ADVENT. That Viper breasts were actually the venom sacs." Six said as she gestured to her slim chest, “It's very much a lie. No, I don't know why Vipers have breasts either. I don't even have them myself."

“That's an…interesting rumor. Probably some pervert's idea as an excuse to stare." Hayden shook her head, “I assume you can still spit out venom no problem?"

“Not sure you can call it venom, mine has been modified so I instead spit out a thick gel-like substance that releases a jolt of electricity through a nanite payload. I thought it was just for disabling MECs when they get out of control." Six explained, “But it seems to be powerful enough to knock out an enraged Muton… That's how I was able to take out the one that attacked your camp. If it weren't for that…I might not be here talking with you."

“Wow, that's impressive…also terrifying." Hayden shuddered, “With everything that went on I didn't have time to think about what had happened to that Muton. I was just glad he was gone, thanks for that."

“You're welcome." Six nodded slowly, “I…ended up shooting him while he was down. It felt…necessary, but not right. If that makes any sense?"

“Yeah, I can understand that feeling. But you did do the right thing. In the heat of battle, you have to make pragmatic decisions. He easily could have gotten back up and shot you in the back." Hayden assured the Viper.

“That was my thinking as well. I still don't like that I had to do it though." Six frowned.

“I'd say that's a normal response. Now, I think we've derailed into negative topics again." Hayden put a hand on Six's shoulder, “Now as for what I actually wanted to ask. I was wondering if you actually shed your skin like earth snakes do?"

“Yes, we do. I…hmmm actually it's been quite some time since I last shed. That's strange." Six hissed softly with a bit of concern.

“You shed often?"

“At least once a month in my case. I wasn't around other Vipers often enough to compare. But it's nearly been a month since my last shed. I should ask if Bruce knows on the next check in. See what Rita and Zero's opinions are on it." The Viper said as she checked over herself, “I don't feel like I will shed anytime soon. Could something be wrong with me?"

“Let's hope that isn't the case." Hayden said, “Maybe it's just late?"

“I just hope it's not a bad sign; I'd very much like to have all my scales back." Six said as she pointed out the spots of unscaled skin along her coils, “My skin is starting to get irritated."

“Hayden, can you give me a hand with these bandages?" Joaquin called out from the truck.

“Yeah, sure thing. Think you can watch the food?" Hayden glanced to the Viper, “Just let it sit for a couple more minutes. Then you can shut off the burner."

“Yes, I can handle that." Six nodded.

Satisfied Hayden headed over to where Joaquin was sitting in the bed of the truck.

“Getting really chummy with her huh?" He asked with a bit of a smirk, “Never seen you get so quickly attached to someone, let alone what would've been an enemy just a few days ago."

“Someone has to be there for her, poor girl's been through hell. Have you seen how many wounds she has? I'm no medic, but even I can tell they're from within the last month or so." Hayden said, “ADVENT former or not, she's still a child. As for you, are you not going to entirely trust her yet?"

“Not quite yet, she knows it. Child or not she's still a lethal coil of muscle and claws." Joaquin said as he dug out fresh bandages and some rubbing alcohol, “Believe me or not, I want to trust her. Everything so far points to her being trustworthy. She's been upfront with answering any questions so far, hasn't done anything suspicious. But I want to be certain, a little paranoia isn't a bad thing. Especially out here and after what happened to the camp."

“No, it certainly isn't a bad thing. But I think it's safe enough to drop our guard around her. That Jacobs friend of yours is another story, you certain he isn't the one we should be wary of? Even if you knew the man before the invasion, all the shit we've seen and done it changes you." Hayden said as she helped Joaquin remove the dirty bandages, “Looks like these burns are done bleeding finally. How's the arm?"

“I've been thinking about that all day myself, at this point he's just a voice over a radio. But I have hope." Joaquin winced as Hayden checked the burns on his face, “Arm could be worse, hopefully we set it properly. Probably should have him send a medic if possible. You keep a close eye on Six, let me worry about Cameron when the time comes."

“You got it boss." Hayden said as she carefully cleaned the burns, “Be glad this was just a glancing shot. You'd be dead or blind in one eye otherwise."

“At least I get a cool scar out of it." Joaquin chuckled a little.

“Laugh all you want; it's certainly an improvement. You were pretty ugly before." Hayden chuckled as she re-bandaged the burns.

“Don't be jealous when the ladies find me more attractive than your butchey ass." Joaquin shot back.

“The food is ready." Six called.

“Well, time to socialize with a giant snake. Never thought I'd say that more than once." Joaquin said as he got to his feet.

“Let's just make sure Gwynn doesn't start shit again." Hayden sighed, “I almost punched her out during dinner last night with that hateful rant of hers. I get that she's not happy with Six around, but that was uncalled for."

“I'd have done so myself, if Six hadn't shut her down so hard." Joaquin shook his head, “'I might not be human, but I'm clearly more empathetic than you are.' That was surprisingly brutal coming from her."

“Tell me about it." Hayden agreed as they reunited with the others and got to serving themselves, “How do you like my cooking Six?"

“Better than anything I could have done!" Six said excitedly, “Too hot for me to really eat yet though."

“Just give it a few minutes." Hayden said, “No need to rush."

The Viper nodded, letting her food cool. A shiver ran down her spine when she noticed Bobby staring at her again, eating his food slowly without taking his eyes off her. Six immediately looked away and pretended he wasn't staring.

Later…

“Well, this poses a problem." Hayden said as she stuck her head out the driver's window.

After lunch they had continued down the highway, finally coming across the city in their path. The maps suggested it would take too long trying to go around, not without ditching the truck. The forest was too dense to drive through, and there was also the wide river separating it from the city, with only the highway bridging the distance. Said bridge full of abandoned cars.

“Understatement, it's still either go around on foot, or we try our luck cutting through the city. Think the truck can do it?" Joaquin asked.

“It'd be tight in places, but possibly. Not every street in the city can be blocked off right?" Hayden glanced at Joaquin.

“I'd rather be in a truck than walk the whole way." Edwards chimed in.

“I have detailed maps of the cities in the area. I should be able to find us alternate streets inside if needed." Six said with a degree of trepidation, “Still I'm hesitant to venture into another city."

“Let's just pray there's nothing too bad in there." Joaquin said, “We'll hurry on through hopefully before it gets too dark."

Hayden nodded as she got them moving forward.

Fortunately, it seemed other people long before them had similar ideas in the past. Many of the vehicles had been moved in some fashion, leaving a path they could follow into the city proper. Six managed to guide the way through thanks to her maps. They took a slow pace to avoid crashing into anything. Or making too much noise

The city was very eerie, absolutely quiet save for the occasional sound of wind through decayed buildings, or loose debris shifting. Partway through the drive Joaquin took over driving, Hayden sticking her upper body through the sunroof her rifle in hand. Better safe than not out here. The Viper was staring up at the towering buildings, vigilantly keeping her eyes open for rifle barrels and masked faces. She wasn't going to be caught unaware this time.

“I really don't like this." Hayden muttered, “It's far too quiet. Sooner we're out of here the better."

Six's tongue was flickering out rapid-fire, taking in all the scents around them. Nothing but rot and decay reached her senses, no scents that indicated any sort of life…until.

“Stop the truck." Six hissed as she rose a bit higher in the truck bed, tasting the air more thoroughly.

“What's wrong?" Joaquin asked as he slowed to a stop.

“I smell smoke, faint on the wind. But something is burning upwind of us." The Viper hissed, “And not a small something."

“Camp of survivors maybe?" Hayden offered as she looked around, finger on the trigger.

“The scent is too faint for me to really tell. I should be able to scout ahead to a degree with my drone." Six said as she dug out her tablet and passed it to Hayden, “You'll be able to see the feed from this."

“How far can you send it out?" Joaquin asked as he took the device from Hayden.

“About two city blocks roughly. Any further and the connection degrades, which causes me a headache." Six explained, “The drone is linked to me, we cannot be too far from each other."

“Scout ahead and see what you can find out, I'll move us forward slowly." Joaquin nodded.

“Would it be a mistake to ask for a firearm at this point?" Six asked as her drone zoomed off ahead.

“On the chance we get into a firefight, it would probably be more pragmatic for you to have one. At least till we're out of the city." Joaquin said, “Take your pick."

“That's more than fair." Six agreed as she opened up the weapon crate they had in the truck bed, arming herself with a pistol.

The Viper also grabbed several loaded magazines, it felt like a wise decision. She'd return them once they were clear. Satisfied Joaquin got them moving again, albeit at a slower pace. Just in case. The drone stayed just within maximum range, feeding data to both Six and her tablet. So far it was finding nothing. The road was at least clear enough to drive though so far.

“I'm starting to smell it too. Chemical fire I think?" Hayden said as she quickly checked the magazine on her rifle, “I don't think it's a camp."

“Maybe something long abandoned finally blew up?" Edwards offered, “That happens, doesn't it?"

“Could be." Joaquin agreed as he navigated around a car, “Still it's better that we take this slow."

And that's what they did for another half hour. The scent of smoke grew stronger as they went along. That was when the drone finally spotted the source.

“What in the hell…?" Joaquin stared at the tablet screen in disbelief.

The drone watched as a series of fuel trucks sat in the middle of the road. Surrounded by ADVENT Troopers, different than the typical ones. They were decked out in heavier ADVENT armor, orange in color with tanks on their backs. They were armed with flamethrowers, burning everything around them. More accurately burning Lost! The once human creatures were rushing at the Troopers, only to be incinerated instantly!

“What sort of Troopers are those?" Joaquin asked.

“Not one's I've ever seen before." Six shook her head, “Looks like they're attempting to burn out the Lost."

“Whatever the reason they're occupied with that and not us." Joaquin said, “See if you can find us an alternate route. I'd rather avoid getting cooked to death."

“I'll see what I can do." Six nodded as she commanded the drone.

It pulled back and then shot up higher, to gain a better vantage point over the adjacent streets. The Viper mentally called up the city maps she had collected and started working out possible routes for them to take.

“I think I have a route." Six said as the drone moved ahead again.

“Guide us through, I really don't want to be stuck in this city now." Joaquin said.

“Yeah, don't need Lost on our asses, or whatever those Troopers are." Hayden agreed.

With it starting to get dark, traversing the city was getting trickier. They had to avoid using the headlights, lest they draw unwanted attention. Given what they had already seen, they had very good reasons to take a less direct route through. Six was able to keep them on the right track for the most part, they'd hit some roadblocks here and there from clogged streets. But thanks to her drone scouting ahead they made good headway.

“I think we just got five or six more blocks to go." Six said as she kept track of their progress, “We'll have to cross a bridge to get back on the highway.

“Let's hope it's clear." Joaquin said as he drove.

“Has to be for those big trucks those troopers were using. Even they can't air lift something that big." Hayden remarked, “Right?"

“As far as I'm aware no. UFOs don't have the capability for that either. The one's I've seen at least." Six explained, “Not that I've seen very many of them. I wasn't allowed to work on them. The airships I have worked on before though."

“What else have you worked on?" Hayden asked, “That could be handy Intel for future reference. And help distract from the tension."

“Mainly computer networks. Cybersecurity, hardware maintenance, that sort of thing. Sometimes vehicles, they're basically computers on wheels. Not like this truck, to be honest. I'd rather be in one of these. More reliable than ADVENT cars I think." Six said, “They've also had me work on MECs, debugging and streamlining their programming. That's essentially all I've done since I was made. On occasion I did get to work on ADVENT weaponry, at least enough to know how to maintain and use them properly."

“How do you keep that all in your head?" Hayden asked, “Shit, I've probably forgotten more about firearms than I've retained."

“I have excellent memory retention and recall." Six said with a hint of pride, “Not so much on time management or attention span apparently. Not sure if that's just how my brain is wired, or withdrawal from my dependency on the Psionic Network. Or even a bit of both. I still sometimes struggle with overthinking things."

“So, if we were to say, get access to one of those ADVENT airships? You'd be able to fly it?" Joaquin asked.

“In theory yes. I've worked on them enough to understand how they work, but never actually flown one. They didn't program me with that sort of information." Six nodded.

“You know you're not a machine, right? Don't have to act like you were programmed." Hayden said.

“What else would I call it then? It's not inaccurate." Six pointed out, “Turn right at the next intersection. Looks like the road is compromised ahead and blocked off on the left."

“Yeah, I can see it." Joaquin nodded as he steered accordingly, “Both of you aren't entirely wrong either."

“Are you really having a casual conversation in this situation? With it?" Edwards chimed in after being quiet for some time.

“It's helping the time pass. You could lighten up on her too, Gwynn." Hayden remarked, “She's been pulling her weight."

“All the better to lure us in." Edwards muttered.

Hayden rolled her eyes annoyed then went back to surveying their surroundings, “It's sad seeing cities like this. I still remember when they were full of people. Sure, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. But it was lively."

“Sunshine and rainbows?" Six asked.

“All optimistic and positive." Hayden clarified, “Which is probably well outside your frame of reference, sorry."

“It's alright. I'm learning." Six said before frowning, “Stop the truck, quickly."

Joaquin slowed to a stop and cut the engine, “Yeah, I see them. This might be a problem."

The drone spotted a large crowd of Lost blocking the way ahead. Worse, they could see the bridge out of the city just two blocks away.

“Shit that's a lot of Lost." Hayden frowned, “What's the plan?"

“Alternate routes?" Joaquin asked the Viper.

“There's another bridge, but it's a long way from our current position. And no telling what might be in the way. More Lost or possibly those Troopers." Six hissed and shuddered, “And I want to hope that there's no humans hiding out that hunt ADVENT for food."

“You mentioned that before, in another city." Joaquin said, “You think there's some of those people here too?"

“I suspect it. But I can't confirm it. They're very good at hiding. They always managed to sneak up on me. And they were persistent, I ran from them for three days straight before I finally got away." Six shuddered, “That was just the first time."

“They didn't try hard enough then." Edwards muttered under her breath.

“Not much choice but to try and get across here then." Joaquin said, “I'd rather not have to camp here for the night."

“So, what do we do?" Hayden asked, “I doubt we could run them down and make it across."

“They respond to noise. A distraction?" Six suggested.

“We'd need a pretty big one then." Joaquin said, “What do we got explosives wise?"

“Last I checked, maybe four pounds of C4. Dozen frags, four rockets for the RPG." Hayden said, “That should be plenty."

“I don't want to use all of it if we can avoid it." Joaquin rubbed his chin, “Let me think."

“I might have an idea." Six said, “We need a loud explosion. Not necessarily a big one, yes? We can use the cars around us for that. A small explosion in the right spot should set off a chain reaction. I was…on the receiving end of that once. C4 should be perfect for what we need, and not much of it at that."

“That could work. And it would draw their attention away from the bridge." Joaquin said, “The question is where to set it off, and who's gonna do it?"

“I'll do it." Six offered immediately, “I can move quickly and more importantly unnoticed."

“I could do it." Hayden said, “Do you even know how to use C4?"

“Enough to apply it and attach the detonator. You can hold the trigger." Six said, “I don't want to accidentally set it off too early."

“Sure, give the snake high explosives. What could go wrong?" Edwards muttered sarcastically.

“Can it Gwynn!" Hayden snapped, “What do you think Joaquin?"

“I think it's our best option. You'll be more helpful as fire support here." Joaquin said, “How much do you need?"

“Maybe a fist sized amount?" Six said, “Just to be certain it works how we intend it to."

“I'll handle that part." Hayden said as she quietly climbed out of the truck.

“I'll keep the pistol on hand, in case it becomes necessary. If that's okay?" Six said, “You can track me with the tablet. I should be staying in range."

“Probably a good idea." Joaquin nodded, “On both points."

Edwards grumbled something and shook her head.

“Alright, this should do the trick. Think you'd be able to use your drone to extend the trigger range if needed?" Hayden asked as she handed over an orange sized ball of C4 and a detonator.

“If I really need to. But I don't think I need to go too far." Six hissed quietly, “I'll try not to take too long."

“Be careful." Joaquin said, “We're counting on you."

Six was a bit confused by the phrase, but she understood the sentiment from context. The Viper nodded and quietly slithered ahead with her drone. Joaquin and Hayden watching through the tablet.

“Think she'll pull it off?" Joaquin asked.

“This should be cake in comparison to what she's been through." Hayden said as they watched the feed.

Joaquin just grunted in agreement as they watched.

'This should be simple, find a car in the right spot. Plant the charge, then get to a safe distance.' Six thought to herself, quite glad she had stopped thinking aloud, 'Simple and easy.'

The Viper kept low to the ground as she slithered into the car packed intersection. The Lost weren't moving thankfully. They simply stood still, staring unblinkingly at nothing. Six suppressed a shudder, they still creeped her out and made the bite in her hood throb. She kept as quiet as possible; her drone was watching her from above. Allowing her to avoid bumping into the eerie creatures as she weaved around derelict cars. It only took a few minutes to find a car that seemed like a suitable target. Six carefully squeezed underneath the vehicle and got to work applying the C4 to the gas tank.

'I hope this still has fuel in it.' She thought as she made quick work of her task.

Satisfied, she applied the detonator ensuring it was active and ready. The Viper wasted no more time and wriggled back out from under the car and quickly started slithering clear.

Meanwhile back at the truck…

“Looks like she's setting the charge. Once she's clear set it off." Joaquin said as they watched the drone feed from the tablet.

“Just set it off now." Edwards said, “Two birds one stone."

“Gwynn, can you just stop?" Hayden groaned, “This is getting old."

“I'm not taking another chance with that thing!" Edwards snapped, “Give me the trigger, I'll do it myself!"

“Hey stop it!" Hayden snapped as the young woman hopped out of the truck, and lunged at her.

Hayden shoved her back, keeping the C4 trigger away from the woman, “Are you mentally deficient?"

“Give it to me!" Edwards yelled as she lunged at Hayden again, this time tackling her to the ground.

“Gwynn are you insane?" Joaquin got out of the truck as well, “This is not the time for this!"

“Shut up, I'll do what needs to be done!" Edwards snapped as she wrestled on the ground with Hayden, knocking the trigger away.

“Like hell you will!" Hayden socked Edwards in the jaw while they continued to roll around the ground.

Given their position the blow didn't quite have enough oomph to it. Joaquin upon seeing the trigger on the ground. Did the only thing he could and rushed to grab the trigger for the C4. Edwards noticed this and managed to wrench herself free of Hayden's grasp. Unfortunately, Edwards was closer to where the trigger landed. She immediately snatched it up and without an ounce hesitance squeezed the trigger.

BOOOOOOM!

Joaquin and Hayden both looked at the bright glow and smoke bellowing from around the corner in shock. The Lost responded exactly as expected, groaning and hissing as the swarm scrambled towards the source of noise.

“What did you just do?" Joaquin shot a glare at Edwards, “She was HELPING US!"

“I did what you two were too cowardly to do! That thing was going to get us all killed, just like the others!" Edwards shot back, “We shouldn't be getting chummy with such a monster!"

WHAP!

Hayden socked Edwards in the eye, knocking her flat on her ass.

“You STUPID! STUPID WOMAN! How do you think it's going to look when we show up at the meeting point MINUS the Viper they were expecting to meet?" Hayden snapped, “Trusted or not that is not going to be a good look for us. She had the only working radio on top of that! If anyone is gonna get us all killed here, it's YOU!"

BOOOO-
                OOM!

BOOOOOM!BOOOOOM!

Then just as predicted the explosion triggered a chain reaction of explosions, which also drew in more Lost.

From EVERYWHERE!

“That's…a bigger reaction than I was hoping for. Screw it, we'll argue later. Get in the truck double time!" Joaquin swore under his breath as he jumped into the driver's seat.

“This isn't over Gwynn." Hayden growled as she helped the woman to her feet, “Get in quick."

Edwards grumbled and muttered something as she climbed in. Bobby was curled up in his seat covering his head. He'd been that way ever since they entered the city. Hayden quickly climbed in as well, grabbing her rifle as she positioned herself through the roof of the truck.

“This is gonna be messy!" Hayden exclaimed as she braced herself.

“No kidding, Lost six o'clock!" Joaquin yelled as he spotted a small swarm in the side mirror.

“I see em!" Hayden took aim and started shooting, “This went sideways REAL fast!"

“Just shoot and hang on!" Joaquin yelled as he stepped on the gas.

The truck lurched into motion as he steered around some cars aiming to cross the two blocks to the highway bridge. Most of the Lost ahead of them had moved towards the source of the explosions. But swarms were coming from deeper in the city as well, drawn in by the noise. If they didn't cross the bridge now, they'd be swarmed!

At that same moment…

“Oww…" Six groaned as her whole body ached, her vision swam as she tried to orient herself.

The C4 went off sooner than she expected, was it a malfunction? Did they underestimate the size of the explosion? Was it deliberate? The Viper wasn't in a position to consider possibilities, she was lucky to have been far enough to simply get blown clear. It hurt though, but not as much as the first time it had happened to her. Six hissed as she picked herself up and saw several burning cars.

“Okay, that really was a bigger explosion than I expected." The Viper muttered to herself, “Where's my drone?"

She could still feel its presence so it was active. It took a moment for her to spot it hovering high in the air, sparking in a couple places. That wasn't good. The Viper called it down and got a quick look, the shell was banged up and one of the hover pads was damaged, the optical sensor was cracked as well. Six let it latch onto her back; she'd have to give it a better evaluation later.

'First get back to the truck, then hope to get somewhere safe enough to look it over.' She thought to herself as she readied her pistol, Lost were being drawn in by the explosion.

The Lost were scrambling over anything and everything to get at the source of the noise. The Viper took a deep breath before exhaling to steel herself, then she bolted back to the truck. Six weaved around cars and Lost, keeping just out of reach of their clawing grasp. Shooting any Lost that got too close.

'Wish I counted the ammunition.' She grumbled as she swapped mags and swatted another Lost aside with her tail.

Then she saw the truck rushing forward, running down a couple of Lost.

“WAIT!" Six yelled as she shot a couple more of the emaciated creatures.

The truck screeched to a halt.

“Six!? Thank fuck you're alive! Get in quick!" Hayden yelled over her own gunfire.

Six didn't need to be told twice. She coiled up like a spring and jumped into the truck bed roughly.

“GO! GO! GO!" Hayden yelled, taking out two more Lost.

“Don't stop!" Six added as she kept shooting as well, “Us shooting is only going to draw their attention more!"

“Hang on!" Joaquin yelled as he stepped on the gas, throwing caution to the wind entirely.

Driving at high speed with only one arm was no easy task. But Joaquin did his best, running over some more Lost as he weaved the truck around some more cars. Though he did still ram a few cars out of the way in the process. They could all hear more explosions as well. The chain of explosions wasn't quite over it seemed. It did help divert focus away from them at least! Before they knew it, they were crossing the bridge. Some of the Lost still gave chase, but Six and Hayden managed to put them down swiftly.

“Fuckin hell that was intense!" Hayden sighed as she finally relaxed, “Are you okay Six?"

“Sore, my drone took some damage. I'll have to evaluate it when we stop for the night." Six said, “What happened? I thought you were going to wait for me to blow the C4?"

“We'll…get into that once we're safe." Hayden frown, “I'm just glad you're okay."

“So am I." Joaquin chimed in, “I'll keep going as long as I can. Put as much distance between us and the city."

“The maps mention a 'rest stop' a few miles down the highway. Maybe we can shelter there?" Six suggested.

“Works for us." Joaquin said as he focused on driving, “And we can evaluate the truck at the same time. Banged it up pretty good back there."

From there, they drove in silence.

Later…

Just as Six said, there was a large rest stop on the side of the highway. Joaquin had pulled the truck into the mostly full parking lot. And just in time too, it seemed the truck was more banged up than they initially thought. It sputtered and died with a hiss of steam from the radiator.

“Well guess we're down a truck." Joaquin frowned.

“Maybe we can find another in working order here?" Hayden offered.

“We'll save it for the morning. Scope out the rest stop, make sure it's safe. Then we can unload the truck and hunker down for the night." Joaquin said as he climbed out of the truck.

“You got it." Hayden nodded, “You coming Six?"

“Yes." The Viper nodded.

“Actually, I need her for a minute." Joaquin said, “She can catch up to you."

“Right. Good luck with that." Hayden nodded, knowing what it was about.

She hopped out of the truck, rifle in hand and headed into the rest stop.

“So! Explanation time." Joaquin rubbed his face, “We were going to wait till you got back to the truck to set off the C4. But THIS estúpida had an entirely different idea. She jumped Hayden and after a brief tussle grabbed the trigger and set it off early."

He glared at Edwards, who was now sporting a black eye, “We weren't planning to leave you behind, or blow you up. I'm sorry about that, for multiple reasons."

“Namely being your ticket in with Jacobs' group, yes?" Six said calmly, “And how it would look if I wasn't with you."

“That's one reason yes." Joaquin nodded with a sigh, “That aside, its overall better having you with us. This isn't just about pragmatism, you know I don't fully trust you. You could still easily be a very good actor. However, you've proven yourself to be more of an asset than a liability, and I'm not stupid enough to just throw that aside. Frankly you've been very, very patient and understanding with us in only a few days. Not to mention good for conversation, it's been a nice distraction from everything we went through recently."

“I understand." Six nodded, “While I'm not happy with her attempt on my life, I do understand where she's coming from. There won't be any problems as long as we keep away from each other. And she hopefully doesn't try again. Is that all?"

The Viper shot a glance at Edwards, who hatefully glared right back.

“I swear…it's like traveling with a saint!" Joaquin rubbed his eyes, “That's all, make sure Hayden doesn't hurt herself."

The Viper nodded before slithering after Hayden.

“Patience of the gods I swear." Joaquin shook his head, “You're lucky she didn't want your head on a pike for that stunt."

“Fuck off you blind idiot!" Edwards snapped, “It's only waiting for the right time to just kill us all."

“You're probably gonna get us all killed long before the idea even crosses her mind at this point. It's only been three days and you've had it out for her the entire time." Joaquin said, “And she's only snapped at you once. Are you trying to get her to kill you?"

Edward just grunted and stayed quiet.

Six for her part WAS angry, granted she did understand that Edwards didn't like her. But to actually try and kill her in an explosion? That was a step too far! Now wasn't the time to deal with it though. Getting to Jacobs in one piece was a bigger priority than trying to think of a reasonable punishment for the hateful woman. She was also concerned by how Edwards would respond when she sees that Jacobs was already playing host to two other Vipers and a Muton. The woman might prove to be a serious problem in the future. But Six didn't have the authority or human understanding to worry about it. She'd have to rely on Joaquin and Hayden to keep the peace for now.

The Viper wandered into the rest stop; the place looked trashed. It had to have been picked through ages ago. The structure was at least intact, aside from broken windows and doors. There were tables and chairs all shoved to one side. And what looked like a food counter. Six was still learning about such things from what Hayden and Joaquin explained to her. Where was Hayden?

“Hayden? Where are you?" Six called out cautiously, she still held onto the pistol just to be safe.

“Over here. Everything alright?" Hayden called from the opposite side of the entrance, “Place is empty. Don't think anyone has been here in a long while."

“It doesn't smell like it." Six said as she sampled the air, just the scent of decaying architecture, “Likely years."

“Place was cleaned out of anything useful. But its dry enough if we don't stay too close to the windows." Hayden said, “And about Gwynn-"

“Don't. I understand why she did it. No, I'm not happy about it." Six said quickly, “Right now I'm happier keeping my distance from her. This isn't the time to fight amongst ourselves. I'm more concerned about what she might do when we meet with Jacobs and his group."

“Yeah, that's a valid concern, we'll have to radio him later." Hayden agreed, “Still I'm sorry we almost left you for dead."

“It's alright." Six shrugged not wanting to dwell on it further, “If things are clear we should start bringing in everything."

It didn't take them too long to move everything from the truck inside. Six was able to move the larger items without too much trouble. Edwards kept her distance, but still glared at the Viper whenever their eyes met. Bobby was as quiet as ever, still staring at Six at every opportunity. The Viper did her best to ignore him still.

Once things were settled Joaquin and Hayden kept Edwards and Bobby separated from Six. She was perfectly fine with that, plus it let her focus on her drone finally. She carefully shut it down and dug out her tools to evaluate the damage.

“Need a hand?" Hayden asked as she walked over, “I need a break from the glaring."

“Umm…I don't think so?" Six asked confused while looking at her hands, “I have two hands already."

“I mean do you need help?" Hayden rolled her eyes with a cuckle, “Sometimes I forget things like that go over your head. As in, you miss the obvious context."

“Oh." Six mulled that over, “I don't need help, but the company is welcome."

The Viper carefully pried open her drone, the really important components looked intact. The shell was punctured in a couple of places, but it at least took the brunt of the damage.

“The shell is punctured, so it won't be watertight anymore. I don't have the means to repair it. Unless I can get my hands on a security or medical bit. Then I could repurpose the shell. The lens for the optical sensor is cracked. But I think I have a replacement for that. The hover pad is another issue, but I think I can fix it." The Viper started digging through her bag.

“I know what you can do for the punctures." Hayden said, “One second."

Six was about to ask what she meant, but Hayden already walked off. Then she returned with a roll of adhesive.

“Duct tape! It solves everything." Hayden said proudly.

“It…solves everything?" Six tilted her head confused.

“Trust me on this, this stuff is practically magic. A few pieces of this will protect your drone from water. At least for a few weeks. It's a good short-term solution." Hayden explained.

The Viper stared at the human, was she being serious?

“Yes, I'm serious. This stuff can be used for all sorts of things." Hayden nodded at the look Six gave her.

“If you say so." Six said, still not quite believing her.

That aside the Viper carefully pried open the damaged hover pad. Some of the circuits had been damaged, but the board itself was intact. It was an easy fix; fortunately, soldering tools had been available when she had scavenged the resort last month. With a little effort the hover pad was repaired. She was able to replace the damaged lens as well, thanks to some spare parts from her security cameras. She was glad she had kept those on hand, and that the lens was compatible. She also patched the holes in the shell with the duct tape, at Hayden's insistence. The Viper did have to agree that the tape was indeed useful.

“Now I just need to run a software check. Then I can see about checking in." Six said as she plugged the drone into her tablet.

“Glad to hear. I'll let Joaquin know, and see about prepping some food." Hayden said before walking away.

Six just nodded and focused on her work. Thankfully there didn't seem to be any issues there, but it was wise to be sure. She wasn't sure what would happen to her if the drone ever failed entirely. Six didn't want to find out.

“Alright, should be able to check in now." The Viper said as she prepared the radio.

“Everything good here?" Joaquin asked as he walked over.

“Yes, made the repairs that I could. My drone is functioning properly, I just need to be mindful of it getting wet." Six nodded to him, “I was about to check in. With the truck out of commission, and a replacement up in the air we might end up delayed."

“I wouldn't worry about it too much. We don't know the road conditions further down either way. We'll make it, also wanted to suggest sleeping a bit further from the rest of us. Just in case." Joaquin said.

“I was planning to. And you can have this back." Six said as she ejected the mag and cleared the chamber of the pistol she had been holding onto.

“Keep it. Just to be safe." Joaquin said, “Think of it as an apology for earlier. I suggest sleeping with it under your pillow."

“Oh…alright then." Six nodded as she reloaded the pistol and holstered it, “I already sleep with my axe in hand anyway."

“Smart." Joaquin nodded with approval, “While I don't expect Gwynn to try anything. I'm concerned about other potential threats. Wildlife and such. Further south we go, the more likely we'll encounter people as well. Bad as it might look with you being armed, I'd rather you be protected. And having an additional gun in play is always helpful in a fight."

“I understand." Six nodded, “As long as they're not out to make a meal out of me."

“Or us." Joaquin said, “Yeah some people can get desperate enough for that too."

The idea that humans if pushed to it, would EAT each other? It made Six shudder, she hoped she never got to such a point where humans were appetizing, or anyone from ADVENT former or otherwise for that matter. She put that thought out of her mind, and focused on the radio for the nightly check-in.

August 26^th 2033

The group had been on the road for the last two days. They'd been lucky at the rest stop, having found an old school bus left to rot. By some miracle it was still in fairly good condition. Joaquin suspected it had been used by people not too long ago. Sitting unused for at least a year. The interior was still in excellent shape, and the engine didn't need much work to get working again. Still took a good while so they opted to wait till the next day to get moving.

The bus was certainly a boon, it was big enough for all their supplies. And had enough space for them all to sleep inside at night. They did rip out some of the seats in the back, so Six had space for sleeping. The others slept towards the front of the bus, providing some much-needed separation between Six and Edwards. Something the Viper greatly appreciated, after the C4 incident there was a greater degree of tension whenever they had to be near each other.

Jacobs had been less then pleased by the news of the incident that night. He said he'd handle it when they finally met up. And made sure to alert the aliens in his group about Edwards, to preempt any issues.

Joaquin continued to serve as the driver, carefully navigating the bus around abandoned vehicles. It was a bit rough riding at times, and not as fast as the truck. But the advantages outweighed the problems. They were still on schedule for the meet, and the journey had been more or less smooth. At least for everyone but the Viper.

Six hissed softly as she lay in the back of the bus, she wasn't feeling great. It was subtle at first, not long after they left the rest stop, she started feeling a bit nauseous. Six wrote it off as unease with riding in the bus. Then her hood started hurting, especially around the bite wound, the Viper was also experiencing chills every so often. As the days progressed it started getting worse, fatigue and muscle weakness. Hayden and Joaquin were quick to pick up on it, much as she tried to hide it at first. Hayden scolded her for trying to hide it, to which she quickly apologized.

It didn't take much to piece together why she was feeling the way she was. The Lost bite got infected, and her body was struggling to fight it off. They also found that some of her skin was developing rashes in places without new scales to protect it.

“That's probably why you haven't shed yet. You've probably been fighting off that infection for a while without realizing it." Bruce had told them when they relayed the news, “Unfortunately human medicine isn't going to be much help. We learned that the hard way. Zero had a similar problem a couple years back. Human anti-biotics don't work, quite the opposite in fact. She ended up having an allergic reaction and we nearly lost her. Best you can do, is keep warm and tough it out. I couldn't tell you if ADVENT even has medicines that would work. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't. We're all expendable to them."

As a result, Six had to stay in the back of the bus smothered in blankets they found. And it sucked. The Viper felt absolutely miserable; she was just glad she hadn't lost her appetite. Yet.

Joaquin also insisted on her not doing anything, which she very reluctantly agreed to. She didn't like being idle, it let her thoughts run rampant with a lack of something to focus on. The Viper had been confined to the back of the bus since yesterday.

“How're you feeling?" Joaquin asked as he sat on the closest seat to the Viper.

“As Hayden would put it 'like shit'." Six grumbled, “My whole body feels tight and sore. Though that could be partly from the C4 explosion, I can't tell at this point."

The man chuckled and shook his head, “She's rubbing off on you. It'll get worse before it gets better. But according to your Muton friend, you should be able to bounce back from it soon enough."

“I hope so…I've never been sick before. Infection or otherwise." Six said, “Being unable to do anything isn't helping either. I bet Edwards is loving this though."

“If she is, she's hiding it well." Joaquin said, “More importantly from what the maps are saying, we should be at the meeting point in another three days. Think you can hold out till then?"

“I can try." Six nodded.

The bus slowed down to a stop at that moment.

“Uhh you might want to see this." Hayden said from the driver's seat, “Keep Six out of sight."

The Viper tensed up and covered herself fully with the blankets. This couldn't be a good thing. Her drone clung to the roof of the bus, keeping itself hidden and unassuming. While still letting her observe the situation. They were blocked off from the road.

By armed men in hefty looking armor.

Six could make out faded lettering on their equipment, making out a W, and a T. They were all wearing masks as well, making it hard to tell who they were. They were equipped with rifles, one of them even had a shotgun.

“Stay quiet and be ready for a fight. Just in case." Joaquin whispered to Six as he moved to the front of the bus.

Six stayed silent, but carefully moved her hand to her pistol.

“Can we help you gentlemen?" Joaquin asked in a relaxed manner, wisely keeping the bus door shut.

“This road is ours. You want to cross you need to pay a toll." One of the men said almost casually.

“We weren't aware there was one." Joaquin replied, “We don't have any money either."

“We'll take any food or gear you got then." The man said, “Or anything else that catches our eye."

“Well, you're certainly upfront." Joaquin shook his head, “And demanding. No room for negotiation?"

“You think you're in a position to?" The man scoffed; his fellows just chuckled with amusement.

“Can you believe this audacity?" Joaquin asked Hayden, “Little Soldier Boy thinks he's threatening."

“Sounds like one of those City Center kids. Too young to have witnessed the invasion." Hayden commented, “Quit while you are ahead kid, unless you want a war with us?"

“Big talk for a couple washed up army has-beens. We have you outnumbered and outgunned." The man by the door laughed.

Six tensed up, through her drone she could count eight men. One was making his way to the back of the bus. He was going to be sneaky and open the emergency door! The Viper tightened her grip on the pistol, her other hand gripping her axe. Regardless of how she was feeling she was ready to fight.

“Let us go and we'll give you a live Viper!" Edwards stood up from her seat.

Six went rigid when she heard that, was she seriously going to sell her out? Hayden and Joaquin immediately turned to glare at her.

“Seriously Gwynn?! How fucked in the head are you?" Hayden snapped, “You want another black eye?"

“Gwynn, sit down and shut up!" Joaquin warned.

“No, YOU shut up! I've had it with this cozying up to a damn snake bullshit!" The woman snapped, “Its sick with an infection, but it'll recover. It's in the back of the bus."

“Well now that's an interesting offer. What say you boys? Wanna try a snake?" The man asked his men.

There were mutterings of agreement, and other carnal comments.

“I think we might have a deal then!" The man chuckled darkly.

“No deal, she doesn't speak for us." Joaquin shot Edwards a glare, “And should know better by now."

“I'm trying to save our asses you idiot!" Edwards snapped.

“I think the pretty lady is the smart one. Grab the snake, if it's worth keeping, they can go." The man said as he took a step back from the bus, “Try anything and we'll riddle all of you with bullets."

“Hayden." Joaquin glanced her way and she nodded, climbing out of the driver's seat.

“Smart move."

Six wasn't going to let them take her, not without a fight. As soon as the back door was forced open, she spat in the man's face.

KZZZZZZZZZZZZT!

The man screamed and seized as he was electrocuted, collapsing to the ground. If her spit could knock out a Muton, she shuddered to think what it actually did to a much smaller human. She didn't dwell on it long as another of the men rushed to engage her. Six aimed quickly and shot the man in the knee, these men had foolishly neglected to properly protect their legs. He screamed and dropped to the floor. At the same moment, Joaquin had jumped into the driver's seat and stepped on the gas.

The bus jumped forward, Six nearly fell out the open door.

“Swiss cheese their asses!" The man yelled as they all took aim and started shooting.

Six hissed and kept low, to avoid getting hit as she fired back.

“You're both insane!" Edwards yelled.

“Not as much as you, get low, shut up, and keep Bobby safe!" Hayden yelled as she joined Six at the back and started shooting as well, “Fuck me, they got bikes!"

Edwards immediately shut up there and did as she was ordered.

“Shoot out the tires if you can! I'm not stopping!" Joaquin shouted back as he drove, “Fine fucking time to have a broken arm!"

Their pursuers were catching up on loud motorbikes, taking shots when they could. They weren't going to give up easily.

“You heard him, aim for the tires." Hayden said as she let out another burst of rifle fire, “Think you can hack one of their rides?"

“We're moving too fast, and it'll be really hard for me to concentrate on something that complex. I can barely focus enough to aim." Six made a gagging noise, the nausea was kicking in hard, “Using my spit was a bad idea, ugh…"

“Just do what you can, I got an idea!" Hayden said as she moved over to one of the crates they had on board.

“Are you seriously going to use that?" Joaquin asked as he caught what she was doing on the rearview mirror.

“Oh yeah!" Hayden said as she pulled out an RPG and slotted a rocket into the barrel.

Six grew wide eyed, “That would do it!"

“Six, Gwynn, Bobby cover your ears! Lt. open the front door!" Hayden yelled as she knelt down and took aim, “LET'S SEE HOW YOU FUCKERS LIKE THIS!"

Six covered the sides of her head, just as Hayden pulled the trigger. The bus was filled with smoke from the backblast as the rocket shot out at high speed. The men chasing them panicked as the rocket struck a car just as they were passing it.

KABOOOOOOM!

The resulting explosion sent the men flying in all directions, trashing their bikes. If any of them survived that, it was a mystery. Hayden quickly dropped the RPG and started opening all the bus windows, coughing a bit from the smoke.

“I think they'll think twice after that." Joaquin called back, “Good thinking there, Corporal."

“Yeah, I figured it'd end that before it got serious. Anyone get hit?" Hayden asked.

“I think I'm okay." Six coughed a bit, “Being sick aside."

It took the Viper some effort to shut the back door with her tail.

“We're okay…physically." Edwards chimed in.

“Be grateful we didn't throw you to the wolves!" Hayden yelled, “What were you even thinking?"

“I was buying our way out without losing our supplies!" Edwards yelled back.

“So, selling her out just because she isn't human is okay?" Hayden asked, “What if we offered YOU to them instead? Then it'd suddenly be taboo? Those guys were half ass idiots, we would've blown past them at the right moment just fine!"

“You don't know that!" Edwards exclaimed, “They outnumbered and outgunned us!"

“I do know! Those guys didn't have military training like Joaquin and I. They don't know how to handle people that know how to fight back. You need to THINK before you say or do anything else. Because I swear, I will throw you out of this moving bus." Hayden warned, “You're quickly becoming a liability to our collective safety. That was strike two."

“You'd just throw me out?" Edwards' jaw dropped, “You can't be serious! Over a damned fucking snake!?"

“Damn right she's serious, and so am I!" Joaquin snapped, “That 'fucking snake' has saved our asses twice now. What have YOU done Gwynn? Hmmm?"

Edwards looked between the two soldiers agape, then sat down in silence. There was an uncomfortable tense silence as they continued on the highway.

Later that evening…

Once they were safe enough Joaquin had been kind enough to explain what those men were doing, and what they'd planned to do to her if they had gotten their hands on her. Which led to a very awkward conversation about some intimate practices among humans, as well as taboos. It took the Viper an uncomfortably long while to pieces it all together. Once it sunk in Six was utterly horrified that such things could…DID occur! Moreso that even before the invasion it was a constant problem in the world. To think humans were capable of such acts to their own kind and wanted to do the same to her…

She didn't sleep that night.

August 28^th 2033

Six groaned weakly, she struggled to keep her upper body balanced on her tail. Her sickness was getting worse, she could barely move without serious effort on her part.

“You, okay?" Hayden asked, looking up at the Viper.

“Not really…hurts to move. But I need to…you know." Six grumbled.

“I hear ya. Need help getting to a private spot?" Hayden offered.

“I think I can manage." Six slowly slithered past, “But thank you."

“If you need help just holler." Hayden nodded.

Six nodded back slowly before moving on. They'd camped out off the highway in a grove of trees, all the better to hide a bright yellow bus. The Viper didn't mind it, though she kept to the inside of the bus. The nights were starting to actually get colder. And coupled with her current state of health it made her feel worse. She didn't leave the bus unless it was absolutely necessary, like now. Six didn't stop until she was a decent distance from their camp, hidden from view by foliage. The Viper quickly did her business, eager to return to the warmth of her improvised nest as Hayden called it.

As she was making her way back, she stopped dead in her tracks. Bobby was standing a short distance ahead of her, staring at her. What was his issue with her? Edwards she could understand, and knew where she stood with the hateful woman. But Bobby was still a mystery to her. Trying to talk to him was a waste of time, he hardly if ever replied to her. He only stared at her from a distance.

“Am I in your way?" Six asked after an uncomfortable silence.

Bobby simply stared, then in a blink was gone! Had he actually been standing there?

The Viper rubbed her head as she slowly made her way back, “I think I'm starting to hallucinate now…great."

“You alright? You took a while; I was starting to get worried." Hayden asked with some concern.

“Yeah…just the fatigue and such…I think I'm starting to hallucinate too." Six explained with a weak hiss, “Bobby wasn't out there too, was he?"

“I don't think so, I didn't hear the tent open. You saw him?" Hayden raised a brow.

Six nodded quickly and immediately regretted it as her head swam a bit, “On my way back, just staring like he always does. Then he just vanished, humans can't do that right?"

“No, we can't. You probably were just seeing things." Hayden shook her head, “Probably cuz he creeps you out? And you're in a pretty vulnerable state. Hallucinations are weird like that."

“I suppose so…" Six mulled that over, “I'm going back to sleep."

“You'll need it, big day tomorrow. We should be at that meeting point by the afternoon I think." Hayden said, “We'll wake you when we get there."

“Sure." Six agreed as she climbed back into her little nest to sleep.

August 29^th 2033

Six slept through breakfast the following morning, she hadn't had much of an appetite the day before either. She didn't even wake when the bus started moving again, sleeping well into the afternoon. She was that exhausted.

“Think she's gonna be, okay?" Hayden asked as she drove, “She didn't really eat much yesterday. Her scales are starting to look off too."

“I think she's just exhausted." Joaquin said as he glanced at the back of the bus.

The Viper was completely hidden by blankets and sleeping bags.

“Imagine if we had a giant heating lamp for her." Joaquin chuckled a bit, “Bet she'd love that."

“And what? A Viper sized terrarium?" Hayden snickered, “Don't know if she'd love or hate that."

“Can ask her when she wakes up." Joaquin shrugged.

“She'd only be confused, and that would lead to more awkward explanations." Hayden said with a laugh, “I still can't believe you had to give 'The Talk' to an alien three-year-old."

“That was a very uncomfortable hour of conversation." Joaquin shuddered, “You're talking to her next time she has awkward questions."

“Pfft! Dream on! You're the senior officer; it's on you to educate the rookies." Hayden laughed.

“Are you seriously trying to pull rank on me?" Joaquin rubbed his eyes, “Look if it's anything that relates to feminine stuff, you're handling it. Fair?"

“Yeah, I guess that's fair." Hayden relented, “Besides that buddy of yours has Vipers in his group, right? I bet they'd be more than happy to answer her questions."

“We'll find out when we meet them." Joaquin said as he checked the maps, “We're almost there. Looks like it's in a small town."

“I think that's it ahead." Hayden pointed ahead to a rural town buried in overgrowth, “Where do we actually meet up though?"

“Stay on the main road, I say we stop at the main square and wait there." Joaquin said, “I'll take over driving, gear up just in case."

“On it, boss." Hayden nodded as she slowed to a stop so they could switch.

Joaquin rolled his good eye and took over driving while Hayden geared up. She checked her rifle over before slapping in a fresh magazine.

“Is that necessary?" Edwards asked from her seat.

“After what we went through a few days ago? Do you really need to ask?" Hayden shot her a glare, “Try to sell her out again, and I'll use you for a meat shield."

Edwards looked like she wanted to comment, but wisely stayed quiet. Instead, she kept an eye on Bobby, making sure he was okay. The boy was quiet as always.

“I really hope that friend of yours is actually friendly. We're pretty exposed here." Hayden said as she looked out the windows.

“We'll have to go on faith." Joaquin said as he slowed the bus to a stop and cut the engine, “We're as here as we're gonna get."

“I suppose we just wait here then?" Hayden asked.

“Can try the radio." Joaquin offered, “It'll work with Six asleep right?"

“Yeah, her drone just serves as an antenna. I'll set it up." Hayden nodded.

“I don't think there's a need." Edwards said as she pointed outside.

Five soldiers were walking towards the bus, coming out from the derelict general store. They were armed, but relaxed.

“Wake Six up." Joaquin said as he stepped out of the bus.

“You must be Lieutenant Joaquin Cortéz right?" The lead soldier asked, he was a broad muscular man with a long unkempt beard and bald head, “We're here to escort you to camp. General's orders."

“General? Where was I for Cameron to get that many promotions?" Joaquin raised a brow.

“Bit of a nickname we dumped on em years back." The man chuckled, “Meant it as a joke, but it kinda stuck. Staff Sergent Jothan McCalla, you can call me 'Cotton'."

Joaquin just stared blankly at the man, “Cotton? Seriously?"

“Yessir, family owned a plantation back in the day. Now I won't bore ya with the history, suffice to say it's a bit of an inherited nickname. Jothan or Cotton, either or." The man shrugged.

“Cotton it is." Joaquin sighed, “So Cameron couldn't come himself then?"

“Fraid not, had some incidents recently with some bad news types. Figured better he stay behind to make sure the camp stayed secured." Cotton explained, “Instead you got the eight of us."

“Snipers on the rooftops?" Joaquin asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yessir. Can't be too careful now these days. We got dropped off yesterday, so we had time to make sure the rendezvous was secure." Cotton nodded, “Now, I understand we got five escortees, and one of em got scales?"

“That's right. She's out of sorts right now." Joaquin nodded, “Hayden's waking her up now."

“Heard about that." Cotton nodded, “General did say she wasn't handling it too well from your last check in. Zero had a rough go of it herself when she got sick. I'll give ADVENT this, they make it very hard for their forces to get sick. But when they do, it hits em hard. Bruce and Rita haven't been sick. But Zero has a couple times, seems she's a bit more susceptible to illness."

“Zero is the older one of the two Vipers. We think she's pre-invasion, so not as strong an immune system." Said the solider to Cotton's left, “Richard LeCroix. You can call me Doc. Pretty much everyone else does. I…used to work at a Gene Clinic some years back. Before I got fed up with all the secrecy and paranoia."

He had to have been late twenties at most, from what Joaquin could tell. He had a short ponytail and smooth features; the fatigues he was wearing looked a size or two too big.

“I take it that means you're better qualified to treat a Viper?" Joaquin asked.

“To a point yes." Doc nodded, “Not much I can do about an infection, but I can give her a look over. And you too, I'm more than qualified for treating humans too."

“Maybe later." Joaquin waved off the offer, “Come on out everyone, we're among friends now."

Cotton grabbed the radio he had strapped to his vest, “Rita, Locksley, Revenant we're in the clear. Do a final sweep of the perimeter if ya don't mind. I don't want any surprises on exfil, I'll have Trace and Domino join you."

There was a series of clicks on the other end of the radio in confirmation.

“Trace, Domino give them a hand, would you?" Cotton asked, “I know I'm being all paranoid, but we can't afford chances in unfamiliar territory."

The two soldiers nodded with amused rolls of their eyes and headed off. That's when Edwards stepped off the bus with Bobby. The boy looked at the soldiers warily before moving off to the side, Edwards stayed close to him.

Cotton eyed Edwards closely, “Gwynn Edwards and Bobby Palmer I assume?"

“Yes." Bobby mumbled out.

“Yes, that's right." Edwards nodded, “You're escorting us to your camp, right?"

“Everyone but you lady. Standing orders are to take you out back an put you down." Cotton said matter of factly.

Edwards paled, “Wh-what?!"

“Kidding! Kidding!" Cotton laughed, “Sorry, gotta have a sense of humor out here or you'll go nuts!"

His fellow soldiers chuckled with him, “In all seriousness, orders were to keep a closer eye on you in particular. Given your…tendencies, but I can assure you, we're not gonna hurt ya."

“O-oh…" Edwards looked away.

“Well nice to finally see some friendly faces." Hayden remarked, “Corporal Hayden Myers."

“Nice to meet you as well." Cotton nodded, “Where's the guest of honor so to speak?"

“Here…" Six hissed as she nearly tumbled out of the bus, Hayden was quick to help her stay steady, “T.A.U. Zero-Six…reporting…"

“My god, Bruce wasn't kidding. She's gorgeous, never seen a Viper with such coloring before! Even Neonates aren't quite like this. She truly is one of a kind." Doc marveled at Six's unique appearance, “Let me have a closer look if you don't mind. I'm a medical professional."

“One who's absolutely nerding out at that." Cotton shook his head, “Never change Doc, never change."

“What's 'gorgeous' mean?" Six mumbled out, the Viper still struggling to properly wake up.

“I'll explain it later, let Doc have a look at you." Hayden said, helping the Viper stay upright.

Doc cautiously approached to better assess the Viper, “Looks like you'll be shedding soon, that's a good sign. Have you been eating enough? Vipers need quite a bit of calories."

“She's been eating pretty well up till yesterday. We've been making sure she stays hydrated, though." Hayden answered, “She'd been asleep for nearly eighteen hours straight."

“Hmm. I saw similar with Zero when she got sick the first time. Best guess it's the Viper equivalent of Torpor, or hibernation in layman's terms. Essentially a sleep healing state." Doc explained as he looked over Six, “It's a good sign that she's starting to bounce back from the infection. And would be a perfect time for us to get that chip out of your head as well."

“That would be nice." Six hissed softly, “To not have that to worry about it anymore."

“It's a very simple task, won't even leave a scar on you. It was a pain to do for Bruce though. Mutons have very thick skin after all, I broke two scalpels when I finally got his out." Doc said, “For you it should only take a few minutes and maybe two incisions at most. I can do it once we're at camp."

“I…I look…f-forwar-" Six didn't get to finish her sentence, as she promptly blacked out into Hayden's grasp.

She was so very tired.