As they sat down, Xiao ordered an apple pie and French fries. Jane was not interested in the food.
Jane detests any food made by the terminal system. He finds the taste to be too bland and uniform. He hates that everything tastes the same.
Tipping the gla.s.s of beer toward him, he barely took a sip before his face twisted in disgust. He leaned on his chin, looking bored.
This whole time he has not met Xiao Yan"s eyes once.
"Come on! Don"t be mad. When I can, I will tell you everything that is going on. Just please, don"t tell anyone what you saw."
"You don"t want me to report to General Gordon? He is my superior, I have an obligation to report to him affairs regarding your safety. That includes the x-virus, or anything else that may cause harm to your body. Doesn"t matter that it makes you--- "
Xiao Yan hurriedly stretched his hand across Jane"s mouth. There were not many people in the hall at this time, but anyone listening could easily understand Jane.
"Listen to me...If this gets out, the Surge will seize my brain, no matter the cost."
Jane sighed heavily and looked at Xiao Yan with a serious expression.
"So I should report. If you can"t divulge this to me then tell it to Gordon. This is not just about what you want. Xiao Yan your life is not only important to the city of the Shire, it is very important to me."
Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes as he thought and then tried another tactic. "If you have to report it, at least give me three months."
"Three months?!" Jane stared at Xiao Yan, his expression tight and stern.
"No way. Do you realize all that can happen in three months? My mission was to hold the research platform for three months. I lost over a third of my men in that time."
Xiao Yan froze, he had forgotten that Jane was in charge of the team what was attacked by the Surge bioweapons.
Although they had expected to lose soldiers, they had not expected to return with a third of their team gone. Especially since that team was Jane Wallace"s.
That is why Jane"s response had been so intense, he didn"t want to lose Xiao too.
"A month ... just a month?"
Jane closed his eyes, then very slightly nodded.
"Thank you!"
"You know how to really thank me?"
"How?"
Suddenly Jane"s fingers pinched his chin and his face leaned towards him. He put his hand down to prop himself on the table, his other hand still holding his beer. Xiao looks at Janes attractive facial features closing in. He definitely has the charm to seduce people. Xiao felt his heart sink. As Janes tongue grazes his, Xiao"s spine stiffens. Before Jane can deepen the kiss, Xiao swiftly
slammed his head against Jane"s and elbowed his shoulder as he turned around. Instantly Jane held Xiao down with one hand as his other clasped the back of Xiao"s neck, neatly resolving the attack. Then his fingers sank into his hair and his arms tightened around him, squeezing the breath from his lungs. Xiao Yan smashed his lips together, leaving Jane to just look down at him.
"Have you fallen in love with Heine Burton?"
Xiao broke free of Janes hold, or more accurately Jane released him.
"What are you saying?" Xiao Yan shouted.
His hands tightened into fists and his body vibrated with fury. He had thought that Jane was just like Maya. After their mission together, he thought Jane regarded him as a brother and comrade. Instead he just looked down at him as a rookie researcher that he could mess with at any time. If he had some of his x-2 with him, he had no doubt that he would be able to let Jane taste a bit of his strength.
"He has saved you countless times, right? You worship him. Maybe more than that... you are attracted to him. Even your fighting style resembles that guy"s."
Xiao"s racing mind halts as his thoughts distill, his heart chokes and stutters.
He looked up at Janes eyes, but found he couldn"t say a word.
He thought that he had hid it well, but even after six months of absence, Jane was able to correctly deduce the truth and easily wrenched the secret from his heart.
"It is not easy being attracted to him."
He decided to give up trying to conceal it from Jane. If he attempted to, Jane would only pursue the matter more aggressively.
"Some people say that it is easy to be attracted to me. Yet here you are, completely unmoved and indifferent to me."
Jane set down his beer and smiled.
"Burton made you forget something."
"What"s that?"
"I just kissed you."
Truthfully, Xiao Yan had been angry, but the minute Jane mentioned Heine he had forgotten the matter entirely.
Jane sinks his hands into his pockets as he stands in the entryway. He turns around and reveals his typical lazy smile. "The next time you use Heine"s moves to deal with me, I will tear off your arm."
Xiao Yan rubbed his head in exasperation. Why did this guy always come to him to validate his charm?
Even if I am attracted to Heine, it doesn"t mean that you are not important. You are irreplaceable to me.
I will always remember the sound of your bones shattering. It may not mean anything to you, but I am pained each time I think of it.
Xiao Yan is constantly thinking about the x-2 virus. If his research is successful, then he can tell Jane he no longer has to live as if every day is his last. Then maybe Jane"s expression will change.
Suddenly like a flash of light exploding in his head, Xiao though of something. The x-virus could adapt to the body, but the x-2 could not. Is it possible that he had removed a sequence that stabilized it? Perhaps he needed to go back and change something.
With this idea, Xiao excitedly heads back to the lab. As he moves through the hall, he sees that several special forces are being mobilized. Although, they are not from Burton"s team, Xiao has a feeling something has happened. He sighed to himself.
Perhaps, because things had quieted down, he had momentarily forgotten that the world was not safe... Even in this impenetrable city, known as the Shire.
An escort team is heading in his direction with Maya leading the group. His face was stern, there was no trace of his usual light hearted smile.
"Maya?" Xiao Yan paused in front of him. "What happened?"
Maya looked at Xiao and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulders. "Nothing. Everyone is just still uneasy because of the Surge. Don"t worry."
Even so, Xiao noticed that there was a distinct tension in the air surrounding the special task force. It was clear something had happened, but regardless of it all, his task was to complete his research.
________________________________
A couple minutes later Burton walks into Gordon"s office. Usually they enjoy a bit of tea, but this time Gordon has no time from niceties and jumps straight to the problem.
"Colonel Burton, our Antarctica base is under attack by the Surge."
Gordon had his back to Heine. Although he was unable to see his expression, the tone of his voice indicated that the situation was rather dismal. The recent mobilization of the special forces must have been an attempt to defend the base.
The Antarctic base is of unique import to the Shire. Because of its naturally low temperature, it is the only place on earth where zombies cannot survive. It is also where the most primitive comet virus resides, below several sheets of polar ice. In an effort to monitor the virus, the Shire had established a high end scientific base there with continuous special task force presence. It has the most sophisticated lab and skilled researchers of all bases. The Shire continually receives a steady flow of data from this research station.
"Because Antarctica has the most primitive and primary comet virus, it is of great value in developing a complete x-virus."
"But we must give up the base. Its location makes it too difficult to supply and defend. If the Surge continues their attacks, the base will eventually fall. I would like your input on the situation."
"From a strategic perspective the base has no value to us. However its import to future research is invaluable. It may be difficult to defend, but to let it go means surrendering. Who know what value the base means in terms of research potential..
Major General Gordon nodded. "According to out reports from the commander of the Antarctic base, Colonel Lutheran, the next Surge attack will hit within twenty-four hours. We must evacuate all personnel and acquire it before the base is captured."
"The Military Department and the Central Academy of Sciences held a meeting. The history of the Antarctic base is even longer than that of the Charles. We have studied the birthplace of the comet virus for many years and have extracted all valuable data. We also have sufficient samples of the comet virus. Besides, the surge needs the comet virus to develop a complete x virus. Defending it is of no value to us."
"Just let me know what you want me to do." Even facing such a huge decision, Hein"s face doesn"t waver. This calm is the reason General Gordon has always placed Heine in such high regard.
"Your mission is to defend the base long enough to evacuate the personnel. Thanks to the natural environment, the constant temperature of the Antarctic has allowed us to keep the virus in stable condition. Since we will only be able to perform one more field study of the virus in this rare stable state, we need to send a researcher with you. How do you feel about Colonel Casey?"
"The fact that you asked means that you are not entirely comfortable with sending Colonel Casey."
Gordon chuckles at Heine"s astute observation. "Colonel Casey is a strong research scientist but he has no experience in leaving the Shire. Without training in the field, I fear he will not be able to respond to the unpredictable dangers that are inherent in these missions. I know that you can protect him, but only for a time. We need someone who can provide the fastest and most extensive in depth a.n.a.lysis. This person"s ability will impact the future of our city. You have 3 seconds to tell me your choice."
"Xiao" Heine didn"t even have to think about it.
The three seconds was nothing but ceremony.
Gordon nodded. " I will inform Ervel that Xiao Yan is the best choice, considering the nature of the mission. You may go Heine."
"Yes, sir." Heine paid a salute and left the office.
___________________________
Xiao Yan is stumped by his lack of progress. He has a bad feeling that, to develop a more stable x-2, he needs a h.o.m.ologous virus to provide the parameters. He needs the comet virus as a reference. That virus is currently residing under an Antarctic ice sheet.
Xiao Yan, who is always obsessively thinking, has been experimenting with condensation guns in his lab. Only he would choose such a hobby to rest his brain.
First he developed the pistol, now he is looking into converting the gun into a sniper rifle and other more ferocious firearms. He looked into several designs and tested them against the system. The cost of the condensing agents is very high, but he has been given carte blanche on all this research projects. This includes cost.
The system simulator displayed the a.s.sembly stats of his designs, the sniper rifle has met all military standards.
Xiao Yan smirked and went to continue his research. He looked down to see he was no longer connected to the terminal.
"What the h.e.l.l?"
He removed his headset to discover that Heine was standing beside him, his expression was calm and alert. He was in full combat gear.
"...Are you going out on a mission?"
"Yes. We have been called out."
Heine"s knows the layout of Xiao"s research room very well, he even keeps a close eye on his projects. He walks to a display cabinet and removes the sniper rifle that Xiao Yan had just developed and broke it down.
"Hey...uh......prototype...That is still in testing."
"Combat is the best way to test it."
Heine removes his x-2 samples and picks Xiao Yan up from his seat.
"Change into your combat uniform."
"I"m going on the mission with you?" Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, instead of his usual fear and anxiety, his heart was filled with eagerness and excited adrenaline.
"Yes. You have three minutes to get ready." Heine lifted his wrist and tapped the face of his com device.
Xiao Yan flung off his lab coat and tossed it aside before taking off the rest of his clothes.
Compared to last year his physique has changed drastically. His back is sinewy and straight, his waist has no fat and his muscles pull the strong lines of his body into an elegant posture. The thick muscles gathered and undulated along his form, especially his b.u.t.tocks. When he lifts his legs to get into his suit, the muscles flex and move captivatingly.
Xiao Yan looks back to see Heine"s gaze on him. He stands and walks in front of Xiao.
Heine lowers his head and attaches his gun to Xiao"s hip. Then he tightened the utility straps along his legs, affixing his x-2 sample kits so Xiao could easily reach for them. In less than 30 seconds, Xiao is in full combat gear. He looks identical to the other Special Forces except he has a terminal on his back instead of the special forces blade; his skills are different and more specialized than the general soldiers.
"That all? Ready?" Heine lifted his head. He was standing very close to Xiao Yan, his warm breath brushed against Xiao"s lips as he spoke. His tone was firm and calm.
"Yes, Colonel."
Xiao Yan did not hesitate to meet Heine"s eyes. Heine"s fingers reach out and his knuckles gently swept against his cheek. His expression is complicated and unreadable.
Seeing Heine"s profile, Xiao is struck by the elegance of the features that were so close to his gaze. He has an impulse to lean forward and press his lips to his. He still remembers Heine"s pa.s.sionate and possessive kiss when Xiao was drunk. He recalls his crushing strength against his body.
"Let"s go."
His cold voice jolts Xiao back to reality and he sighs, feeling stupid.
Heine turned and headed out the door. Mark and Liv were standing with the other special forces along the corridor. When Heine"s long legs ate up the distance, Xiao Yan quickly followed.
Unlike in the past, Xiao doesn"t find the equipment too heavy or burdensome. He is able to keep up with the team on his own. In front of him is Colonel Burton.
Xiao feels that his mentality is far different than in past missions. He doesn"t" care what the destination is or if it is his first time completing the task. He simply wants to follow this man"s lead.
As he headed out of the headquarters building, he caught sight of Maya standing outside of the air craft. He looked over at Xiao Yan with a huge smile. "I should have known. No other technician is fit for this mission other than you."
The last time he left the Shire, Maya had to push Xiao into the craft. This time Xiao Yan jumps in with ease.
He looks down to see Maya looking at him with a stunned expression.
"You have really changed Xiao Yan."
Maya"s hair caught the wind of the crafts engine, the strands pulled back by the force. He fiddled with his hair out of habit and then dropped his hand.
.
"What is different?"
Instead of answering him, he just shouted, "Do what the other techs cannot!"
The hatch closed and Xiao Yan put down his safety device. He exhaled deeply. He knows that if Heine"s team is dispatched that the mission is not to be taken lightly. As long as Heine is involved it means the level of danger is quite high.
"Hey, little brother. Are you worried about making it back alive?"
This is the first time on a mission that Mark hasn"t referred to him as rookie.
He nodded back at Mark and honestly and seriously replied. "Keep me alive."
Liv, who was sitting opposite him smiled warmly. "You must stay alive. And so you shall."
"Oh...Antarctica...Apart from special training, I haven"t been there!" Mark said with a sigh.
"What? Our mission is in Antarctica?" Xiao"s eyes widened. He thought they were just securing a base against the Surge. He hadn"t thought they would be heading to where the comet virus had originated.
He had never expected, in his whole life, to have such an opportunity.
"What kind of expression is that? You just blindly followed without asking the mission?" Mark appraised Xiao from head to toe. "You are becoming more and more like a special forces soldier."
Xiao"s heart stalled and he suddenly thought of the equipment that Heine had prepared for him. He had paid attention to his habits and placed them perfectly along his suit. When finished, he had caressed his cheek so softly... as if his heart was sighing.
"Maybe the colonel didn"t tell you because we are so pressed for time. Let me brief you."
Liv"s voice dragged Xiao"s thoughts back to reality.
"We are responsible for evacuating the Antarctic base."
"What! We are abandoning the base?" Xiao was shocked. That base is where all virologists dream of visiting. Although they haven"t sent any new breaking data recently...still... to just give it up...
"Yes. The Surge has been launching regular attacks on the base. Within 18 hours they are likely to attack again. According to the commander of the base Colonel Luther, it is likely they will launch an ablation bomb."
Ablation bombs were not generally used as weapon. They are typically used to clear out areas of glaciers. Given the insanity of the Surge, it is not hard to guess their use for the ablation bombs. If they launch them near where the base is located, then the melted portion of the glacier will completely collapse and submerge the base.
Xiao Yan"s brows draw together as Liv continues.. "Since this is the case, all our research on the virus will halt. Now that we have to abandon the base, we need an elite researcher to conduct the final field study of the comet virus."
Liv"s finger lands on Xiao"s chest. "That person is you!"
Xiao Yan expression is completely incredulous. "What?! Me?"
Liv nodded. "Think about it."
Suddenly his whole being vibrated with excitement, every cell of his body swelled in eagerness. This was his chance! Closing his eyes, Xiao went over in his head the questions he wanted answered and arranged his approach for the final extraction of data. He knew that the time he had with the virus would be very short. He must use this limited time to its fullest potential.
Mark opened his mouth to say something, but was silences by Liv"s stern gaze. The entire cabin fell quiet, giving Xiao Yan the best environment for his contemplations.
After a half an hour, Xiao Yan opened his eyes and looked out the window. They had entered the arctic. The climate was frigid and as the temperature abruptly dropped, a white fog blew up towards his window.
"Hey Xiao, no matter what, don"t cry when we get to the south pole." Mark loudly warned him.
"Why?"
"Because tears will freeze on your face," Liv explained with a smile.
Finally they reached the Antarctic Circle, a pure and untouched white world. The surrounding sea was crowded with glaciers and icebergs that gleamed with a dazzling l.u.s.ter beneath the sunlight. The white continent looked isolated and lonely, yet shone with a divine brilliance; completely isolated from the rest of the world, and amid a planet swarming with zombies, it slept quietly immune to the crisis.