Black Mamba - Part 2

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Shoot.

The rifle had little kickback as I fired straight in between its eyes. It had been two years since the outbreak began in New-Mexico, U.S.A or at least what used to be called United States of America. Now. It was just, the world. Any establishment, democracy, class separation had crumbled down a little over a year ago. A disease now called the black mamba had ravaged the world, killing billions. How many were still alive no one knew. Little to no communication was available seeing there was no longer anyone to control satellite towers. We resumed to old fashion walky-talkies but then again the range wasn't amazing. I heard fuzz coming from my left chest pocket and leaned back, my legs straddling a branch as I crossed my ankles keeping my hold.

Slinging the rifle back slightly, keeping my right index on the trigger I pressed the toggle button after checking my channel and called in. "Oya to Pantheon." I kept an eye on my surroundings, the smell of the creature's blood sure to attract more of its kind. "Pantheon to Oya, report back immediately to Noah's Arch."

I scrunched my nose in annoyance and tried to keep it out of my voice as I answered back. "Copy that give me five." I slid the radio back into my pockets before I slid the rifle, so it would rest against my back. Glancing around one more time, I let myself slide to the left before I unclasped my legs around the branch and fell to the floor crouching. Inhaling slowly, I held my breath listening for anything before I stood up and dashed towards the base. We called it Noah's Arch because that is what it was. A boat. A big fat boat which used to be property of the American Marine. Every time a non infected survivor was found we would take them back to the boat where they would undergo extensive training. From basic combat to guns to medical. We needed what we could get.

My heavy combat boots thumped against the ground as I ran, my breathing the only sound to accompany them. As I reached the gate, I pulled out my flashlight and flashed it two quick times and three slow towards the watch tower. The gates opened just as I reached them and I slid past before slowing my run into a jog. Reaching the door, I stopped at the scan and glared at the medic sitting down and reading a book. "Get up and do the scan I'm in a hurry."

Incompetent fools. Most people here were what I considered idiots. I had a profound disdain for people in general. I would even go as far as to say contempt. Stacks of meat waiting to be killed. Kill or be killed. Those were the new rules of survival here.

The kid who must have been a max of nineteen, jumped up startled and quickly made his way around. "Pardon me General." The poor worm couldn't even meet my eyes. Then again not many people would. I was ruthless. You needed to be or you wouldn't survive long. He started the scan and the second the green light popped on the screen I shoved the little shit out of my way and walked into the general quarters.

Most people would hush as I passed, others look away, and some would stare in awe. Do I give a shit? No. Pathetic leeches. I jogged down the main stairs before turning left unto a corridor with red lights. As I kept walking I nodded in approval seeing two guards flanked at the door. This time Nabil and Takuma were guarding. Wise choice I thought. Nabil was a cold motherfucker and Takuma had the skills. They made a nice pair. Both man stood straight and saluted me fist to their hearts as they bowed their head slightly and opened the door. The moment I stepped in everyone stood up and saluted me in the same manner. "At ease." I answered trying to keep the contempt out of my voice before I walked around to the control station. "The fuck you bother me for Gates?" The nerdy fucker looked up at me, pushing round glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"There's been a sudden peak in activity in Olympus. Last news we got were transcripts saying they had seen groups of around 20 Mamba's roaming around the base. That was three days ago. They've been silent ever since." He pushed his glasses back up as his eyes nervously darted around trying to read my reaction. I let out an annoyed groan. "We told them their stupid utopian shit wasn't going to work. We offered men they didn't take them. Don't see why they are my problem now." I barely finished my sentence that the one people affectionately called Zeus spoke. "A little compassion doesn't kill Oya. We could spare a few men to simply go assess the situation."

I looked up at him; frankly standing at six foot seven, Zeus made everyone look up at him. I tried to rein in my temper and simply scoffed taking the time to swallow back whatever profanity my tongue was aching to throw at him. "You're the boss, do what you want... Sir." The last came out strained and I saluted him before I turned around and began walking out. "Oya!" I froze in place and suddenly the place went really quiet.

"We all want to be saved Oya. We all owe one another." I closed my eyes and slid my hands in my pockets as I balled them into fist. "I didn't ask you jack shit Zeus. I don't owe you or anyone here shit." Saying so, I walked around one of the tables and turned into a corridor making my way into my dorm. Opening the door I slammed it shut before I turned around and punched into it till my hand felt numb. Letting out a slow breath, I sat on the edge of my bed and slid off my rifle. Bunch of fuckers. They could all die for all I care.

Reaching down I took off my boots kicking them lightly to the side before I stood up and slid off my vest. My tank top, pants and underwear quickly followed before I snatched my thick black towel from my desk chair. Walking to the bathroom I paused in front of the mirror and frowned at my reflection. Reaching up I untied my mid back length dread locks and retied them into a thick bun. My skin was just a tad darker then a latte, almost cinnamon and my body muscled. You didn't become a general by slacking off. I liked it.

Some men found it too muscular; I remember hearing the guys talking once. My shoulders slumped lightly and I cupped my breast as I looked around. This was as feminine as I got. A long scar went across my hard abs from a bad fight.

My body was a portrait of battle scars. Bullets, knives, claws, name it I had it. But the one that bothered me the most was the long scar that went from my right temple, over my cheek and down to my jaw. I almost hadn't survived that one. I closed my eyes as the memories flooded, the screams echoing in my head before I shook them away. Not tonight. Not now.

Turning around I turned the shower knobs and closed my eyes as the hot water slid down my back. Rolling my shoulders I let out a slow exhale as my muscles relaxed and closed my eyes. I stepped out a few minutes later, the bathroom completely fogged up. Walking back into the room, I slip on a pair of black sweatpants, black tank top and black sneakers. Sliding a rather small tomcat in my sock, I slid my pocket blade in my bra before I left my room. Closing the door behind me I let out a sigh as I spotted Achilles leaving his room. Smartass dickhead. Lazy as fuck and thinks he's the shit. I locked eyes with him, glaring at his carefree demeanor and muttered as I passed by him. "Cocksucker..." As I reached the corner, he replied in an even tone. "The bigger the mouth..." followed by a small cough. I flipped him off without looking back and turned left just in time to hear his soft chuckle. God knows I can't stand him.

I pushed open a door with stairs leading either up or down. I needed to blow off some steam so I decided to head down to the gym. I jogged down the stairs to the floor before the last and shoved open the double doors. Some guys were punching in bags, lifting weights or practicing with each other. I walked over to one of the treadmills and hopped on it before I started it at a jog. I made my best to ignore the guys watching or training as I concentrated on running. I heard the doors open and rolled my eyes.

Seriously is he doing it on purpose? I rolled my eyes as he walked in and chatted with some of the guys. Look at them. Bunch of sheep. Followers. Nothing more. I raised the speed and was now between a run a jog. Exhale, inhale, exhale... the fuck is Achilles coming here for? I looked away and continued running though every muscle in my body tensed sensing his approach.

"Word is we're going to Olympus. What a joy. Just you, me, Nabil, Takuma and Gates. Am I not the lucky bastard?" He said as he climbed on a treadmill and began a jog. I tried my best not to turn around and punch the smirk off his face but ended up having to clutch the bar of my own treadmill. I raised the speed so I was now running and stared straight ahead before I spoke. "Does that mean only three witnesses to get rid of when I'm done with you?" Turning around I flashed him my sweetest smile before I looked forward again.

"That hurts Oya, and here I thought I was your favorite." I tried; I promise I tried but couldn't help but look at him, only to roll my eyes at his cocky smile as he raised his own speed.

At this point I was breaking a sweat and feeling the wonderful pain rush into my muscles. "Oh you are my favorite, which is why I'll kill you first when I decide to blow this bitch up. You are a waste of oxygen." Saying so, I powered the treadmill off and stepped off walking away. With a smirk I turned around and pressed the button on his treadmill quickly a few times. Suddenly rising his speed before I walked away chuckling softly to myself. Man if only he could fall on his face and break it. My heart fluttered with joy at the mere thought.