Dr. Creepen's Dungeon - S2 Ep96: Episode 96: Biological Horror Stories

Episode Date: September 8, 2022

Today’s opening story is an instant classic in the making: ‘Agent Indigo’, a story by Noctevoire, shared with me via the Creepypasta Wiki and recorded here under the conditions of the CC-BY-SA license: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/User:Noctevoire Tonight’s second fabulous story is ''We Encountered a Biological Menace: This is our Story'' by the wonderfully talented Jideku, kindly shared with me for the express purpose of having me narrate it here for you all: https://www.reddit.com/user/Jideku 

Hey Ontario, come on down to BetMGM Casino and check out our newest exclusive. The Price is Right Fortune Pick. Don't miss out. Play exciting casino games based on the iconic game show. Only at BetMGM. Access to the Price is right fortune pick is only available at BetMGM Casino. BetMGM and GameSense remind you to play responsibly. 19 plus to wager, Ontario only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you,

please contact Connix Ontario at 1866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming Ontario. Welcome to Dr. Creepen's Dungeon. Well, it is said that you gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You're able to say to yourself, I live through this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along. Well, tonight's two tales of terror may put that theory to the test. Now, my dear friends, as ever, before we begin, a word of caution. tonight's stories may contain strong language as well as descriptions of violence and horrific imagery.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, then let's begin. Recovered from the logs of an abandoned North Vietnamese research station, circa 1977. Translated. August 12, 1962. The American planes overhead have just finished their daily defoliation routes. The air is sick with herbicide. I write this through a gas mask. Our soldiers are suffocating in this toxic environment. We are simply outnumbered in the unfortunate location of our outpost.

Luckily, our food supplies remain hidden from aerial view, and we can only hope that none of the chemical finds it, lest we all starve. The only detail keeping me from leaving this wasteland is the generous ground given to us by the Honourable Laudong officials, a sum of over 10 billion don't. This is enough for us to continue our research into creating an antidote for the American herbicide, Agent Orange. The successful creation of an herbal exfoliant

would put an end to the mindless extermination of our crops and provide our citizens and soldiers with sufficient rations. This could be the chance the glory state of North Vietnam is looking for. Our chemists are extracting samples from the affected plants as I write. Hopefully we will have the exact compound used in producing the diabolical substance by the end of the week. August 15, 1962. We have at last made essential progress towards our goal, after three grueling days of research. We have narrowed the possible chemical compounds used in Agent Orange to the following. 24D-245T iso-octyl ester, which may eat

even include traces of 2-378 TCDD. If such is the case, it is clear that our American enemy is constructing a mass genocide of epic proportions. Laotong has cleared the reverse engineering of the herbicide, effective September 1st. We awaited this day with baited breath, August 16, 1962. It has been confirmed that Agent Orange contains dioxin, which means it can now be officially considered a bioweapon. However, our suspicions as to why the chemical is present have been disproven. Having salvaged the wreckage of an American plane, we now see that the orange paint, its namesake, used on the barrel, has seeped into the solution. This is both disturbing and exciting news. It means that all people who have come into contact with the herbicide are prone to extremely

painful ailments, including rashes, blisters, and even cancer of the lungs and prostate. This explains the disease raging through our soldiers. However, it also means that our enemies are much more careless than we originally thought. We are preparing formulas for the impending project, and it cannot come soon enough. Addendum. Some of the soldiers have entirely lost this skin on their legs and arms. The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. September cannot arrive soon enough. August 23, 1962. The formulas are complete. We look forward to the physical manifestation of the chemical. The air outside has become so thick with defoliant that we must wear full body hazard suits and gas marks whenever we walk outside. The soldiers that have remained at the site

have been taken inside for protection. One positive that I can report, our food supply is still intact and flourishing. High hopes are present among the entire research staff. August 29, 1962. This morning, some of the spray from an overhead plane leaked into the bunker, causing a severe allergic reaction in one of the hospitalized soldiers.

He is currently suffering from anaphylactic shock and is only serving to prove that the experiment must be conducted as soon as possible. I fear for our safety, as long as this hateful war continues. August 31, 1962. We have decided to move our entire sample supply of crops indoors in preparation for the experiment. The plants in question include varieties of wheat, corn, ground nuts, indigo, and wild rice, all salvage from our herbicide-proof greenhouse. We plan to remain indoors for the majority of the chemical tests

so as to prevent any excess agent from leaking into the base. Our sustainable food crop cannot be moved, unfortunately, and we hope to send one volunteer each day to collect enough for the staff and soldiers. We simply cannot afford another casualty. Last we checked, the plot is herbicide-free, so we have relatively high spirits as we enter into the month-long tests of our new chemical, which we have decided to call Agent Indigo as a protest to the rainbow herbicides employed by the American army

September 1st, 1962, day one in the bunker. Our staff is concocting a batch of Agent Indigo right next to me, as I write. It looks every bit as exciting as I'd hoped. Our first food run was conducted the day, and PON, our youngest associate, was successful. We now have enough wheat germ, and flour to make a healthy bread meal for our entire style.

September 2nd, 1962. Day 2. The first vial of indigo is ready for testing. We only have a limited supply of lab mice, so hopefully they will reproduce quickly. Observations of initial test on mice. Control shows no effect. Sample 1 shows mild skin irritation, but no other adverse side effects. Sample 2 shows mild skin irritation, but no other adverse side effects.

Sample 2 shows no effect. Sample 3 shows minor hair loss on applied area. Plants. Control dies shortly after exposure to orange. Sample 1 with only indigo shows orange resistance on all crops. Sample 2 with indigo and sugar solution shows orange resistance on all crops except ground nut. A productive day overall. We are trying to eliminate all possible side effects so that we do.

not result in another bio-weapon. September 3rd, 1962. Day 3. We have created a new sample that will hopefully eliminate the hair loss and skin irritation. Mice. Control shows no effect. Sample 1 shows no effect. Sample 2 acquires bloodshot eyes and minor irritation. Sample 3 shows minor irritation. Plants. Control dies. shortly after exposure. Sample 1 shows resistance on only indigo crops. Sample 2 shows resistance on only indigo crops. Well, it seems there is more work to do. September 4th, 1962, day 4. Mice. Control shows no effect. Sample 1 shows no effect. Sample 2 shows no effect. Sample 2 shows no effect. Sample 3 shows no effect.

Plants. Control dies shortly after exposure. Sample 1 shows resistance on all crops except ground nut. Sample 2 shows resistance on all crops. Now we have something to go on. Groundnut appears to be the most susceptible to orange and least affected by indigo. We may be close and weeks before our deadline. September 7, 1962.

Day 7. I think we may have our formula. We're going to conduct what will hopefully be our final test. Mice. Control shows no effect. Sample 1 shows no effect. Sample 2 shows no effect. Sample 3 shows no effect. Plants.

Control dies shortly after exposure. Sample 1 shows resistance on all crops. sample too shows resistance on all crops this is excellent we have our product addendum Jiang was today's food runner and after coming back he said the air was so thick with agent orange that he could barely see and that the majority of his delivery was contaminated in the process we have to begin rationing our supplies September 8th, 1962, day 8. Mice, control shows no effect, sample one shows no effect, sample two shows no effect, sample three shows no effect. Plants, control dies shortly after exposure, sample one shows resistance on all crops, sample two shows resistance on all crops.

This has confirmed our hope. Agent Indigo is ready for deployment. We may as well start filling our barrel stock with Indigo prematurely since we have over three weeks left to spend down here before the escort arrives. Addendum. After the crew had gone to sleep, I went back to euthanize the mice. Two of the samples show signs of minor aggression and irritation. I have no desire to report this, as it seems benign and should in no way halt our research.

September 10, 1962. Day 10. We have so much indigo crop left over from the experiments that we have trouble finding something to use it for. It was the only crop that did not die in any of the tests. And since it is a die, after all, we are now using it to stylize the barrels, like the Americans did with theirs.

While none of us want to, we must still conduct experiments until at least the 15th, as per Lao Tong's orders. from now on or further observations should be considered arbitrary mice control shows no effect sample one shows no effect sample two shows no effect

sample three shows no effect plants control dies shortly after exposure sample one shows resistance on all crops sample two shows resistance on all crops addendum while euthanizing the meisternise one of the bastards bit me on the finger.

It was wriggling like a cat was chasing it as I plunged the kneel into its fur. This piqued my interest. Could a delayed side effect be abnormal aggression? While it is insignificant compared to cancer, it is still something to consider. I shall be watching the subjects more closely from now on. September 13, 1962. Day 13. We had an accident while packing.

the agent today. Pan had the idea of to paint the barrel while it was already full, and it fell over and doused him in the chemical. We've hospitalized him in case any unknown side effects present themselves, although this is unlikely. Mice. Control shows no effect, sample one shows no effect. Sample two shows no effect. Sample three shows no effect. Plants. Control dies shortly after exposure. sample one shows resistance on all crops sample two shows resistance on all crops addendum when i went to euthanize the meister night sample two was biting into the flesh of the control who'd been killed just moments before i arrive this is highly worrisome i'm beginning to think the batch is tainted in some way i'll notify the staff tomorrow that we should produce another batch september 14th night 1962, day 14.

News of a disturbing nature has just presented itself. Today was my day to collect supplies, and as soon as I stepped through the door I could see what Jiang had meant. Visibility is frighteningly low, almost as if the clouds had descended upon us. The situation became dire when I arrived at the crop site and found that it had become overrun by Agent Orange. I returned as fast as I could to the base and relayed the news. Luckily, we have enough food to last us two more weeks, which means we should escape the fate of starvation, but only just. Mice. Control shows no effect. Sample one shows no effect. Sample two shows no effect. Sample three shows no effect. Plants. Control dice

shortly after exposure. Sample one shows resistance on all crops. Sample two shows resistance on all crops. Now that we've replaced the old batch with one taken from the seal barrels, results should be more conclusive. Addendum. Tonight the mouse situation has become serious. All three mice were dead when I checked the cage, with their organs strewn about the floor.

I assume there must have been a massive fight between the three in response to one or more turning aggressive. This means that the aggression is a standard side of fear. which could potentially lead to murderous intentions it's imperative that I keep a close eye on fun and to not tell the others September 15th 1962 day 15 at last the final test hopefully the side effects will go unnoticed by the rest of the crew mice control shows no effect. Sample 1 shows aggression towards control. Sample 2 shows minor aggression towards control. Sample 3 shows no effect. Plants. Control die shortly after exposure. Sample 1 shows resistance

on all crops. Sample 2 shows resistance on all crops. This is not good. The experiments It showed that our last four lab mice had an urge to induce violence on one another. Luckily, the staff agreed that it was too late to change it, and that it was already proven to prevent damage from orange. We're getting to the last at the barrels now, and we still have indigo to spare. Addendum. I sincerely believe we are in trouble. We had separated the mice due to the danger of one killing another and when euthanization time came all three sample mice who quite literally imploded their organs and skeleton were hanging from the outside of their skin as if they'd been turned inside out i threw the mice corpses into the furnace and hoped that

no one would question their disappearance additional addendum one of the soldiers taking shelter here came into contact with a batch tonight he's been hospitalized next to farm september 22nd nineteen sixty two day 22 jiang found one of the untouched corpses in the damn furnace i informed him of the situation reluctantly unfortunately he agreed to keep it quiet we took the remaining mouse and applied some of the chemicals it was only 17 minutes before it began to convulse wildly spewing blood out of its orifices. What we witnessed next was truly horrifying. The mousy skeleton was forced out of both the mouth and anus,

and the skin receded into its ears, eyes and genitalia. Its muscles were clearly spasming out of control, forcing out anything inside the body that wasn't Agent Indigo. After the process was complete, we could see clearly that its veins were pumping the chemical rapid, with its heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and stomach hanging by thin strands of flesh attached to the skeletal midsection. It was a disgusting sight when we ordered the staff to quarantine pan and the soldier. Considering the human inner workings are much larger than a mouses, it should only be a few more days before.

It happens. I can barely sleep now, just thinking that this will occur to the same. them. Addendum. It's approximately 2.45 in the morning. I can hear moaning from down the hall. I think it's begun. The following is from a set of scribbled notes recovered along with the log, the count of the conversation. The moaning is not stopping. I understand it should take longer for a human to turn compared to a mouse, but it's been over two hours now. It is 3.10 in I can hear yelling from the quarantine zone. God, I can hear them. I can hear their screams. The pain they must be enduring. The screams are being muffled now. He must be close to the end of the process. Jiang is in the room with me. He says Pan has turned, but he's still moving. How is that possible?

The soldier has turned now. I can hear the shan. shrieking. I plan to run with Jiang to the storage room. It's the furthest place from the quarantine zone. We just hurt glass breaking. One of the soldiers just came running into the room in a panic. He's dripping with sweat and blood, but he claims it's not his own. He claims that Pan and the soldier are still very much alive. I'm terrified. We're about to make a run to the storage room. Have we done? As we were running down the hallway, I caught a glimpse of what used to be fun, rolling onto the floor with his skin turned inside out. I could hear the soldier, still attempting to scream from the quarantine zone. How were they still alive?

Zhang just went out to try and salvage some rations from the refrigerator, which involves passing the quarantine zone. May God be with him. My God, they knocked him down. How, how? Oh, my God. I fear I may not live to see an end to the destruction of Agent Orange. What they did to Zhang was disgusting. They enveloped him.

I heard him screaming, the chemical pouring from their veins onto him. I remember him calling out one last phrase, choking on Agent indigo. Kill the pain! We left him drowning. It's 5 a.m. The rest of the staff is in here with us. We're huddling around each other,

and all we can hear is the muffled moan of those things that used to be human. They're rolling their mangled bodies towards us. They just knocked a barrel over next to one of the soldiers. Indigo is all over the floor. The barrel. The barrel. Oh my God. We were so stupid. It was the barrels. It was the damn barrels. We made the same mistake the Americans made. Only this time we may have endangered the lives of everyone in this country. Of course the indigo plant fared so well. The indigo was a chemical

agent of its arm. The plant material fills some missing piece, which When introduced to organic matter, expels it from the inside. The barrel material just accelerated the effects, and the aggression just made it worse. My God, it's deliberately knocking over the barrels. They're all soaked. Everyone. I'm the only one still clean. I have to go. October 2nd, 1962.

Day 33. They lies. Loutong never sent back up. It's been a full day since the rescue was promised to arrive and I can ensure that they are either dead or non-existent. North Vietnam will die because of this. I'm currently at the exit. It's 845. I'm standing in the doorway, peering outside. It's dawn and the herbicide is everywhere. It persists even though the planes had stopped targeting this area days ago. I cannot see a thing. I can hear gunfire from all around the outpost, even though it's likely miles away it is still deafening.

But I can still hear them. Those things that used to be my colleagues. I can hear them rolling about the facility, moaning softly as if to say, It's fine. Come be with us. Death is certain, no matter where I go. Although, I think I'd rather stay and face the hell inside this bunker than the hell that's going on out there.

The pain endured by those things could never amount to the pain endured by the people of Vietnam who are forced to fight this war. If anyone finds this note, please, please destroy all that remains of Agent Indigo. The logger notes were discovered by American troops, surely prior to their withdrawal from the country. No trace of the alleged substance agent Indigo was ever found. No bodies were ever recovered. How did they compromise the safe house? Jugg's deep voice rang out in the silence of the makeshift refuge, held within an old and abandoned electronics factory. His scarred and battered face contorted into a look of utter disbelief.

Safehouse echo was one of our most. secure and they tore through us like it was nothing he continued as dot began to stitch up the gash in jug's right arm hold still and keep your voice down she said pushing a lock of golden blonde hair from her face do you want a repeat of last time johnny she quipped jug laughed quietly remembering the last time she accidentally stabbed him in the side of the head while patching up a cut across his face The laugh echoed across the room before gently fading out, leaving the six of them alone in the silence once again. After what felt like a lifetime, a voice finally broke the deafening silence.

Clocksmith, have a look around the factory. You may be able to find a few things that will come in handy for later. Snipes, find a vantage point on the roof and radio down if you see anything suspicious. Clocksmith nodded and quickly turned away, clicking the side. button on his flashlight, though it remained dark. He aimed it towards himself, gave it a few smacks before the light finally flickered to life, illuminating his old and worn face. A face aged in such a way that only war can cause. He began to walk into the darkness as snipes grabbed her rifle. Don't shoot first snipes. We need to be able to slip away quietly, if possible. She turned and faced the man.

the faint moonlight coming through the broken windows lightly bathing her bright red hair. You got it. Spex, safety on. She said before flashing a smile and walking to the nearest ladder that led to the roof of their new shelter. Spex turned away and quietly made his way over to a decrepit wooden table. He unhooked the small electric lantern from his side and placed it on the corner before putting it on. The light reflecting off of the now crack glasses that sit on a face that are a redacted. reveals his old age. He removed a torn mat from his satchel and proceeded to spread it out onto the table. As he began studying the hand-drawn roots, Jug came from behind him and stood next to him.

Any ideas on where we're headed, boss? Spex looked up at him and studied his face, a youthful yet battered one. He noticed a faint and hopeful smile across the young man's dark face before returning to the map. I'm thinking, safe house Charlie, but that's ten miles out. Bravo is less secure, but it's only a four-mile hike. We still don't know the severity of this situation, so there's a chance we won't be able to make it ten miles. Jugg took a step forward and took a look at the map. And if it's truly as bad as we think, a less secure safe house is at risk of being under siege, even if it's closer, he remarked. exactly specks replied letting out a defeated sign the two took to thinking quietly

about how to proceed when another man broke the silence so we really only have two options here safe house Bravo which is closer you're not very secure and safe house Charlie which is secure but further out it's about the man looked down at his watch pushing his black hair from his eyes 2337. If we were ahead for Charlie, daybreak would hit before we made it three-quarters of the way, whereas if we went for Bravo, we could make it with time to spare. The available routes are also less guarded, and it's easier to move through while staying out of sight. Going towards Charlie would result in having to go through the Central Park, which is more than likely going to be guarded

by Arak's four division. The silence returned, remained for a few. few more minutes, before it was broken by the hiss of a radio. Come in, Spex. The voice crackled over the radio sitting atop a small pile of junk. Spex made his way over and grabbed it and responded. What's going on, Snipes? K-Nix unit is moving in from the west. We don't have alarm before they get here, maybe 30 minutes. Spex paused for a moment before responding. Okay, get back down here. We'll start packing up and getting ready to head out. Copy that, she replied. All right, grab Clarksmith and help him with whatever he managed to find.

Doc, jug, you two gear up and get ready to head out. Snipes and I will cover the rest. The three of them immediately got to work as Spex folded up the map and placed it into the satchel on his side. after a couple of minutes the clangs of boots on the rungs of a ladder indicated snipe's return she hopped down and gathered her things or brighton clocksmith returning at the same time find anything good clocks snipe said somewhat cheerfully a few things should be useful if we end up in a sticky situation how's that laser rifle holding up dock no more mishaps he said turning to dock all good ever seen Since the last service, she responded. Good, we're probably going to need it, he said sternly. What's the plan us for? Snipes asked, turned to Spex, a hint of anxiety in her voice. Caneck's unit is closing fast, and they'll be able to pick up our scent and track us down

if their handlers realize that we're here. Spex responded as he finished gathering his things, doing his best to maintain the image of a cool and collected leader in the face of an all-too-bad situation. We're heading for Safehouse Bravo. Less secure, but we should make it there before daybreak. With any luck, they haven't been discovered yet. The anxious look on Snipes's face increased for a brief moment

before she regained her composure. Sounds like our best bet. Let's get moving. Ready to roll, Jug? She asked, telling him to Johnny. As ready as I'll ever be. He responded with a smile on his face. Good.

Speck said, with a strong sense of determination ringing in his voice, Let's move. The six-person team, known as Alpha Squadron 1, quickly left the factory under the cover of darkness, the moon being their only guiding light. They swiftly made their way towards Safehouse Bravo, moving from building to building, using a smaller map of the roommate by their squad leader Spex.

The first quarter of their journey went smoothly, and according to plan, until the squad came across a police checkpoint blocking their path. Just our luck that ARAX-3 would set up a checkpoint along the path. Snipes remarked, a hint of agitation in her otherwise soft voice. How do you know it's the A-X-3? Wouldn't it make more sense for A-X-2 to set up in this part of town? Asked Jugg.

There, look, Snipes replied, pointing out of the shattered window towards the rooftop of a building about 30 metres away. That's an A-Rex patroller. Trademark unit and used by A-X Divisions 3 and 4. I know it's three due to the older age. She finished. Okay, but why sit up here? Clocksmith inquired.

This isn't a city hotspot for Soto activity, so why deploy an advanced unit? Safehouse aircom. Spex responded, studying the ARAX patroller as it descended its rooftop perch. They're here to search for survivors making the way to other Soto safe houses. We need to be careful, he said, warily. Spex retrieved the small map of the Echo Bravo route and turned his bat to the window, letting the moonlight illuminate it. After examining the map for a short while, he spoke again. We'll have to reroute.

With a checkpoint blocking our path and patrolers actively searching for survivors, we need to diverge a fair bit, but not too much. We can't afford to lose too much time. It'll be risky, but we don't have any other options. He finished. What about the sewer? Albright asked. If I'm not mistaken, it'll be a further hike, but we'll be off the streets, and it'll, and well, it'll eventually lead straight to safe house bravo.

Not a good idea. The regime dropped to Basilisk in there a few months back. Figured that out of the hard way when Brotho 4 was nearly wiped out down there a few weeks ago. Doc responded. Shit. That's what happened to Bravo 4? Jugg asked, dumbfounded. When did they manage to make those?

I thought genetically modifying snakes was proven too difficult for them. Enough, Spex spoke up in a whispered shells. We need to move. We can't be found here with her thumbs up our asses when the patroller comes by. With that, Alpha One moved out again, this time on their redirected course around the ARAX 3 Division checkpoint. After making it nearly the entire way around the checkpoint, Snipes stopped the squad in an alleyway after hearing a faint chattering nearby.

Did you guys hear that? She said in an almost inaudible whisper. The squad stopped and listened intently. Their looks of confusion quickly turning to fear, save for specs who maintained his stark compulsion. They remained motionless with bated breath until the source of the chattering became apparent. Out in the street adjacent to the alley they were in,

an old Arak's patrol, a scuttled into view. The creature stood about five feet tall with black hair, long spindly legs and massive mandibles. He stopped and stood still, slowly looking around and intently listening for any disturbances. Spex looked back at his squad and motioned for them to quietly move forwards down the alley and out of sight of the Arragnant. The squad began to move forward at an agonisingly slow the crawl.

Spex, clocksmith and Doc managed to make it through the clearing and out of sight of the patroler. But just as Albright was about to make it to relative safety, the faint clang rang out in the silence, as Snipes felt a small can brush against her foot. The Arachnid quickly swung around and faced the alley, looking directly at Albright, Snipes and Chal. Everyone momentarily stopped, and the three in the clearing fixed their gaze on the patroller. Looks of terror on their faces. Jugs managed to say before the patroller quickly charged. The three of them broke from their...

stupor, as Speck shouted, Run! The squad broke into a sprint down the alleyway, hoping to make it to the building at the end before the patroller managed to catch up to them. As the six of them ran, Jog swung around and aimed his weapon at the beast, an eight-gauge shotgun loaded with double-eight bug shoot.

He quickly fire three shots at the creature, two of them hitting under its head and another hitting its face. The uracneedne led out of pain screech before turning to run up the wall of one of the buildings. Jug led off another two shots at the retreating patrola before turning back to continue running. Thanks to his youth and strength, he quickly caught back up with the squad despite his heavy gear. As the squad made it about ten metres away from their safe haven, the patroler returned, dropping down directly in front of the doorway to the building, blocking their way forward.

They all stopped suddenly, Jug nearly barreling into snipes in the process. The arachnid stood still. still, seemingly blinded, with disgusting green ooze leaking from the gunshot wounds that Jugg managed to make. Spex stood still at the head of the squad with a strong and determined look on his old war-torn face. He slowly removed his glasses and whispered, "'Aubright, C4 charge, now!' Orbright reached into his backpack, retrieving a small charge as he stepped forward. He handed the charge to Spex, as Spex handed him his glasses. in satchel.

Once I'm done, as fast as you can. You need to make it as far away from the checkpoint as you can before the rest of them show up. He said in a stoic tone. Boss, jug said quietly. Just do as I say and run. This thing will rip us to shreds before we can take it down with conventional weapons. And that launcher on your back will hurt everyone in a tight space like this. You then look to clocksmith before speaking again.

You're in charge now, Richard. Get to safe as Barabarado at any cost. Get these guys to safety. Clocksmith nodded solemnly as Spex turned forward. You don't have to do this, Tim. Doc shouted, trying to move forward, but Jug held her back. It's okay, Sarah, he said to her softly as tears began to well up in her eyes. The sudden noise caused the Arachna to charge again, heading straight for the squad.

Spex, in turn, also began to sprint forwards, C4 in hand. Jugg used his body to shield Doc, and the others turned and covered their heads, as the pair met in the dark and dang alleyway. Just as Spex came into range of the beast, he flipped a switch on the charge, and an explosion erupted, consuming the pair. The loud boom left a ringing in their ears and disoriented them a bit. As they regained their senses, they all stood in unison and faced the eye. afternoon, a mess of blood, green ooze, and gall. They all stood in disbelief remote,

before Clocksmith spoke up. We need to move, quickly, now. The remaining five squad members move forwards, slowly at first as they made their way past the grisly sight. Once they made it beyond the threshold of the building, they began to move with a fast pace once again. After covering another mile without attracting the attention of another patrol. They found another building to take Chartrein for a moment before continuing on. Orbright took the time to hand the satchel, containing the maps and specks glasses to clocksmith. Thank you, Alfred, he said softly, as he strung the satchel over his shoulder. The five members of Alpha One all sat down in silence, as they reflected on the recent events of that dreadful night.

jug was the first to break the silence still looking blankly at the floor beneath it it was tim that got me into the sons of the union you know he said with a strong hint of sadness in his voice the streets aren't too kind to an orphan black kid i was running on borrowed time when he found me and took me in he was like a father to me he finished and a proud father he was johnny doc said as she slicked closer to him putting her arm around him and her head on her head on his head on his head on his head on his head on his father he was johnny doc said as she slicked closer to him putting her arm around him and her head on his shoulder. The silence returned for a few minutes before clocksmith spoke up. Tim was a good soldier, good man. He always stood up for what he believed in, no matter the personal consequence. He was one of the first to join up with Sotu when the second civil war broke out. He saw the entire war and its aftermath, yet he always pushed forward. He always kept fighting for what he knew was right. Well, here's to Tim, Spex Simmons. Father, soldier, the dad, good man, said Albright.

Here, here, the others responded together. As they finished and the quiet returned, a faint sound could be heard in the distance. Are those gunshots? Snipes said in a hushed tone. They all listened intently and could certainly make out the faint sound of gunshots

ringing out in the distance. We need to move out and see what's going on. It sounds like those shots are coming from the direction of the market. Clocksmith said as he quickly rose to his feet. the others following suit. Within seconds, the squad was ready to move out again and swiftly moved towards the source of the commotion. The squad moved with haste as the sounds of fighting grew louder.

After travelling another half-mile beyond the resting place of their recently deceased squad leader, half-one came to the site of an old apartment complex, typically inhabited by the individuals that run the black market within, as well as the occasional sons of the Union squads looking for a place to rest and rest. As they made their way to the central courtyard, the source of the fighting was revealed.

There was a large conflict underway, with shots going off everywhere as a large group of men, some being Soto squad members and others being the inhabitants of the complex, fall against the Mantix 2 siege division. For one, quickly mobilised to join in on the fighting. Snipes entered a building and made a way up

to a vantage point as Jug and Doc flank left while Clocksmouth and Allbright flagged right. Jugg slung his shotgun over his shoulder as he pulled an M-72 L-A-W off of his back. He knelt down and took aim at the nearest mantis. After shouting, Bad blast, area clear. He fired the rocket at the monster.

The projectile quickly traveled to and hit its mark in the chest area, the explosion tearing a large hole where it hits. The mantis stumbled before, falling over, dead. Jugg returned the launcher to his back before retrieving his M240 Bravo and running to where the fighting was fiercest, dock in tow behind with her laser rifle in hand. The two ran into battle, Jugg unleashing a hellstorm of bullets as Doc carefully took

shots at the enemy with her MX-92 laser rifle. Meanwhile, Clocksmith worked his way around to the other side of the courtyard, joining up with several men firing at mantises as Albright hung back for a moment. at the courtyard entrance. After a few minutes, Albright joined in and began to fire shots with his M-16,

as Cloxmith continued to take shots with his M-14, one so modified that it hardly resembled the original design. The Mantix 2 Division continued to tear the men to shreds,

killing them far faster than the men were able to fell the beasts. As Clocksmith and Albright continued firing, one of the mantises turned towards them began to make its weight of them.

The bullet seemingly have no effect as it charged. Richard, did you finish that little grenade experiment of yours? Orbright asked quickly. I mean, yeah, but I don't know if they'll work, he responds. Give them here, Albright curtly says. Clocksmith obliged and reached into his pack and retrieved two orbs, each with a knob on them. Albright turned the knobs on each of the grenades and threw them at the beast.

They landed on the ground just under the rushing mantis, and as they did, they erupted into a massive electrical blast that consumed the phone. Once the intense blue light had died down, it revealed a charred and smoking mantis. Its legs gave out from beneath it, and it collapsed to the ground. Albright looked over to Clothsmith with a wry smile, to find that he had a look of pleased accomplishment on his face. With the obstruction dead, the men, Orbright and Clocksmouthed.

Smith included, made their way towards the centre of the courtyard, where the two last mantises remained. The men encircled the beasts, firing as they drew closer. The combined fire of them managing to affect the mantises. The creatures, upon realising they'd been boxed in, began to become frantic. The men didn't relent and continue to fire upon them with a storm of bullets. Suddenly, the beast charged in a single direction in an attempt to escape. The men in the path of their charge attempted to jump out of the way,

but many were swiped at and trampled by the stampeding mantises as they made their escape. Everyone continued firing them as they made their escape towards the main entrance to the courtyard. As they crossed under the archway, Albright removed a switch from his pocket and flipped it, causing an explosion to consume the fleeing enemies. When a smoke had dissipated, nothing but a mess of gore was left where the two mantises were. Not going to get away that easily. Albright said, he stuffed the switch back into his pocket.

With the battle won, the remaining fighters began to tend to the wounded and collect the dead for burial. Albright and Clocksmith began to search for Doc and Jug as snipes rejoined them. Where's Doc and Jug? She asked. I lost sight of them in the commotion. We should check where their wounded are. Doc would be helping there.

Juck would be helping the others collect the dead and wounded. Clocksmith said. The trio made their way to where the wounded were being treated, but had to walk past the row of dead as they made their way. As they walked past, Snipes suddenly stopped, causing Orbright to run into her. What the hell, Snipes, he said. His words cut short as he noticed the look on Snipes's face. Clocksmith turned around to see the colour had completely drained from it.

The two men then turned and looked. at what she was staring at to find that the bodies of Jug and Doc were laid amongst the dead. Doc had a deep gash across her chest, and Jug had a large hole punched straight through his. The three of them looked down upon their fallen friends,

a feeling of deep sorrow overcoming all of them. Sarah, Johnny, smipes mumbled as tears streamed down her dirty face. Albright put his arm around her and poured her clothes. She buried her face in his chest and began to weep. Clocksmith continued to stare on at the bodies of jug and dock in sorrow and disbelief. The moment was interrupted by a man with a thick Arabic accent as he approached them from behind.

Fellow squadmates, he asked calmly. Albright nodded lightly, and Clocksmith responded. Yeah, some of the best I've ever had the honour of fighting with. He turned to the man, was met by a young individual. with light brown skin, a thick black beard and long black hair pulled into a ponytail. My name is Yusuf. Yosef Hajar, he said, extending her hand. Well, my squad mates call me blade. Clarksmith took the man's hand and replied.

Richard Garfrey, called name Clarksman. The look on the man's face turned to astonishment. Wait, you're the clocksmith of Alpha One squadron. Clocksmith nodded lightly as he returned his hand to his sight. "'Ah, that'd be me,' he said emotionlessly, as he returned his gaze to the bodies of the fallen, while squad were in the youth sight to be laid. The man stepped forward and stood next to Clocksmith

and also looked down upon Jug and Dog. Delta Six, a squad that specializes in hand-to-hand in stealth combat. We were on our way to reinforce safe house echo, but we were too late. The siege was already well underway. We radioed into HQ and they advised that we divert to Safehouse Bravo. We weren't sure that anybody made it out alive. Clark Smith lightly sighed before responding. All of Alpha One made it out alive.

We decided to make our way to Safehouse Bravo. But we lost our squad leader, Spex, on the way here. Now Jug and Doc are gone too. He said, his voice dropping off at the end. Ah, the death of a friend is never easy. We've all seen far too much of it. Too much fighting, too much death and destruction, but at the end of the day, that's exactly why we fight.

Why we put our lives on the line, for the hope of a better future. They died fighting for that future, Clarksmith. Hold that fact close to your heart. Blade said as he put a hand on Clarksmith's shoulder. There was a moment of silence, and then Clarksmith spoke. So you're heading to Safehouse Bravo, right? Yes, indeed we are, Blade responded. Do you have your full squadron with you?

Clocksmith asked. Blade sighed and replied. There are only three of us left. Lenny, Mike and Elias all fell here defending the market. They were our medic, explosive specialist and spotter respectively. I'm the squad leader. My sister Samira is our second spotter, and Ivan is our weapon smith.

You have three remaining as well, correct? Correct. I've been the leaders in Spexville. Doc and Jug here are our medic and heavy weapons specialist. Albright is our explosive specialist. Snipes is our long-wringe specialist, he said, turning away from the bodies. Well, we should team up and move onward to Bravo. We'd have a better chance of making it if our squads came together.

Blade nodded and smiled. "'Come with me. I'll introduce you to Ivan and Samira,' Blatze. "'With that, the four of them walked across the courtyard and came up to a man and a woman having an animated conversation. "'And that is why it will simply not work.' "'The man said in a very light Russian accent. "'It just isn't possible.' "'Well, not with that attitude, Blacksmith.' The woman responded with an Arabic accent equal to Blades.

"'Anything is possible with the right attitude,' "'she continued with a smile before, turning to meet the approaching group. "'Footpad, Blacksmith, I'd like you to meet Clocksmith, Orbright and Snipes. "'They're the remaining soldiers of Alpha One, and they'll be joining us on our way to Safehouse Bravo,' said Blade. "'Alpha One, you say.' Blacksmith replied, "'I never thought I'd have the honour of meeting a special forces squadron.' "'Or what's left of it?'

"'Clocksmith responded, extending his hand. "'So you're the famed clocksmith,' for Beth said, "'a look of surprise painted across her face. "'Could you please tell this oath of man that it is indeed possible "'to create a viable flaming sword?' she asked, "'casting a sideways glance at Blacksmith, "'who responded with an eye-roll. "'I mean, it's certainly possible, if not difficult.

"'Your main issue would be a lightweight and official fuel sauce, but if you use... Please do not encourage her. Blacksmith interrupted. Okay, okay, Layt jumped in, stopping the conversation. We need to leave soon. Alpha-5, Echo 3 and Delta 3 are here and will help in securing the market. Start gathering your things. We need to leave in the next ten minutes. Daybreak is in an hour and we still have a mile and a half to cover from here. With that, the newly joined squadrons prepared.

to depart once again to cover the last stretch, to make it to Safe House Brava. The Joint Squad left the market complex after gathering their things and saying their final farewells to their fallen friends, embarking on the last mile and a half stretch before they at last reached Safe House Brava. With half of Alpha One fallen, the remaining soldiers continued on in grim silence and determination, hoping against hope that their journey wouldn't be in vain. considering the fact that Safehouse Echo were the most secure was compromised and destroyed

there wasn't a good chance that Bravo would be left standing by morning if it too had been compromised this was the thought process of those in Alpha One however the remaining members of Delta 6 had higher spirits and hopes between the playful bickering of blacksmith and footpad

as well as the calm confidence of Blade the group was able to move forward at a steady pain covering a mile over the course of 20 minutes. With only a half-mile left in the awful four-mile trip from the smoking ruins of Safehouse Echo, the sound broke the silence that had fallen over the group as they came to the end of their journey. An explosion? What the fuck was that?

Blacksmith remarked. An explosion, Orbright responded. Then we need to move faster, Blades said, looking to Clocksmith, who nodded in agreement. The six of them began to run for the final half-mile, the sounds of gunfire and explosions ripping through the air constantly as they closed the distance. As they approached Safehouse Bravo, the smell of sulphur and blood hit their sense of smell, and the yells and screams of men and beasts assaulted their ears in the sound of gunfire.

They cleared their way from the buildings to the streets, and as they sit foot on the asphalt, I looked forward to see Safe House Bravo and flames. In front of the burning Safe House, a large fight continued, but was far worse than what had happened at the market. This was almost as bad as the conflict at Safe House Echo. The six remaining soldiers of Alpha One and Delta Six immediately sprang into action, ignoring the insurmountable odds. Snipes again took to a rooftop to gain a vantage point,

while blade and footpad charged in together. Clocksmith, Albright and Blacksmith, all held back for a brief moment to observe the situation. This is really bad, blacksmith said, noting the sheer number of enemies. There were men and beasts alike, assaulting the safe house, from several police divisions of the regime. From the outskirts of the battlefield on her rooftop perch,

snipes could see just how diverse the attacking force was. With a click glance, she noticed two Canucks divisions, three Arak's divisions, a mantix division, as well as the dreaded Sphinx division. Fowl beasts created from spliced DNA of humans and lives. Snipes quickly began to take aim at the human enemies as the others down below charged in. Footpad and blade worked together using the all-too-rare laser sorts that they had acquired years back to run through the battlefield and cut their hands.

enemies down. As they made their way through, they eventually came across a large mantis. Footpad gained the beast's attention and quickly dodged a swipe as Blade ran around and removed two of the creature's legs with two swipes of his sword. This caused the mantis to stumble forward, putting its head within striking distance of Footpad, who delivered a decisive blow that removed the beast's head. Meanwhile, as Blade and Footpad cut their way through the battlefield, Albright, Clocksmith and Blacksmith charged in, using a few creations of the two weaponsmiths. Clocksmith removed the final two experimental electrical grenades and tossed one to Arbright. A pair turned the knobs on the grenades and threw them at a nearby canine that was

ruthlessly tearing apart the poor individual that was unfortunate enough to be caught unawareness. The two grenades landed beside the monstrosity. One of them, dead. detonating, but the other failing to explode. Nevertheless, the blasts from the functioning grenade crippled the beast and left it disoriented. Blacksmith took the opportunity to rush in with a unique battle axe that he had fashioned. As he approached, he reared his weapon back and then struck the beast in the head,

sending an electrical current through it, causing the creature's head to spasm uncontrollably. After a couple of seconds, he pried the weapon from the beast's head, living a charred and smoking wound as it slumped at the ground. As they continued to fight, Albright heard a faint scream through the commotion and turned around. He looked up in horror as he saw Snipes fighting off an Arach's patroller on the rooftop. He aimed his rifle at the beast,

but held off on firing for fear of hitting Snipes by mistake. He waited for an opening, and once Snipes was out of the way, he let loose a three-round burst, at the arachna. All three rounds found their mark, causing the arachna to stumble and screech in pain, very quickly recovered and charged snipes yet again. She managed to fire her rifle at the beast, hitting it square in the face, which resulted in another, louder, pained screech. For a moment, the fight seemed to be going in her favour, but the arachnid recovered quicker than she could fire

off another shot. It was upon her. It swiftly clamped. its mandibles around her midsection, and swung her to the left, releasing her and launching her over the rooftop. Orbright could do nothing but watch on in helpless terror, as she fell to the ground. He then began to rapidly fire at the beast, hitting it several times, causing it to stumble over the edge as well. He watched in pained satisfaction as the abomination hit the ground, his legs curling inwards. He continued to look on at the area where snipes had landed, but was broken from his entranced state when he heard a nearby scream of pain. He turned and saw a footbat held in the mouth of one of the canines.

Blacksmith and Blade ran to help, blade swiping at the beast's front leg, as Blacksmith drove his axe into its side, aiming for the heart. The electric charge jolted its heart to a complete stop, and the creature released footpath, but the damage was too severe. she was mortally wounded Samir Blate shouted as he ran to her dropping to his knees and supporting her head

Samira coughed up a mouthful of blood before speaking Keep up the fight, brother I'll see you She coughed up more blood and took a gasped breath of air I'll see you On the other side She said with a faint smile before closing her eyes for the final time.

When he returned to his feet, Blade looked around and noticed the dwindling numbers of the Soto soldiers. This was a losing battle, and they all knew it. We need to fall back. There's nothing more we can do here. This battle is lost.

Glocksmith reluctantly agreed, as well as Albright and Blacksmith. The battle may be lost, but the war continues. Albright remarked before the four of them began to retreat. They ran through the battlefield, dodging the bodies of the falling as they made their escape. They ran as hard as they possibly could, but, as they did, they had separate thud as growing closer and closer. Blade looked back briefly and noticed that two canines as well as the sphinx were hot on their table.

Run faster! he shouted ahead. The thuds of the abominations were closing in fast, and they knew that they couldn't outrun these enemies. Blade made a split second decision and stopped running. He swung around and charged the beasts, sword in hand. He dodged the first canine and drew his sword into the beast's heart. But before he could recover his blade, the second canine caught up and slammed the man with his head, knocking him to the ground before descending upon him, ripping him apart.

The last three continued to run, all bright at the head and the two weaponsmiths behind him, side by side. Clocksmith looked at Blacksmith and yelled, We can't unrun them, but we can't try to kill them. How? Blacksmith shouted in response. Here, take this, Clarksmith said as he handed Blacksmith a small black box.

If it works, an electrical current will jump from that box to this one when you press the button. He said, pulling another from his back. The current should hit the canine and jump to the sphinx. we're lucky, he concluded, nearly out of breath. Blacksmith silently agreed, and the two of them spread apart while continuing their full sprint. Once they were positioned correctly, Clocksmith shouted, now! The two of them stopped abruptly and pressed the buttons on their boxes. As planned an electrical arc jumped from Blacksmith's box. The two of them jumped

abruptly and pressed the buttons on their boxings. As planned an electrical arc jumped from blacksmith's box to clocksmiths. The ark jumped to the canaan and stopped it dead in its tracks, the beast sealing violently, but failed to jump onward to the charging sphinx. The sphinx charged clocksmith, swiping its paw at the old man, leaving a deep gash across his midsection. He fell to the ground as blacksmith charged the creature and drove his axe into its hunt. just barely missing his heart. The wounded creature quickly slapped him away and pounced, grabbing his throat with his mouth,

ripping it out in one swift motion. Albright looked behind him as he continued to run while his last two squadmates perished behind him. He took the opportunity of the final beast being distracted to escape. He faced forward and ran as hard as he could, reaching an old and abandoned building. he turned hard and ran inside. He ran through the building and found a room with no windows and ample furniture.

He ran into the room and quickly shut the door behind him. He proceeded to barricade the door with whatever furniture he could find before stopping to take a breather. He stood still and closed his eyes, listening to the sound of his pounding heart. After a few seconds of standing there, the sudden sound of something slamming into the door jolted him back. to reality. The blows to the door continued. Each time breaking down the makeshift barricade more and more, he said to himself, think, Alfred, think, there's always a way. He continued as the beast continued to throw itself against the door. He turned and looked upwards, noticing a large and open air duct on the wall. He laid out a sigh of relief. But as he did,

the beast gave one final blow shattering the barricade that separated them and so once again we reach the end of tonight's podcast my thanks as always to the authors of those wonderful stories and to you for taking the time to listen

now I'd ask one small favour of you wherever you get your podcast from please write a few nice words and leave a five-star review as it really helps the podcast that's it for this week but I'll be back again Same time, same place, and I do so hope you'll join me once more. Until next time, sweet dreams and bye-bye.