Richard's eyes slowly opened, slowly taking in his surroundings.He was still on the island, tied in the pirates tent, surrounded by the seven ladies.Evelyn, the leader, sat in front of him, her eyes watchful."Welcome back pirate." Her voice smooth as silk.They assumed Richard was a pirate because of where they had found him.Richard tried to raise his head straight, but a wave of dizziness forced his head down.The other six ladies stood, watching him."What.... what happened?" He stammered.Evelyn smiled, "You tell us.""We found you in this pirate camp talking to yourself like some mad fellow."As Richard's head cleared, he took a proper glance at Evelyn."Who are you?" He asked, his curiousity piqued."You go first pirate, what's this camp for? and where are the rest of your crews?"Richard's mind raced as he tried to process the situation."You're mistaken, i'm not a pirate."Evelyn smiled, "Really? Explain yourself then."Richard thought of hiding his true identity or mission
They stepped into the submarine's hatch, and it closed behind them with a hiss.Inside, the submarine was sleek and high-tech, with holographic screens and advanced control panels.Evelyn took the command chair, and with a few swift motions, the submarine dove into the depths of the ocean.As they descended, the water pressure increased, and the darkness of the deep sea enveloped them. But inside the submarine, it was bright and spacious, with soft lighting and a calm atmosphere.Evelyn turned to Richard"Listen up, cleaner, the plan is simple; do not mess it up."Richard nodded, "What do you want me to do?"Evelyn's expression turned serious."Skullers research facilities are heavily guarded but they're going to underestimate you because you are a cleaner."Evelyn handed Richard a small device that looked like a wristwatch."This is a hacking tool. You'll use it to disable the security cameras and alarms in the facility. Mia will guide you through it."Mia nodded, her eyes fixed on
Richard closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, time was frozen.Cold shivers traveled down Richard's spine when he saw what was right before him.Bullets 12 inches away from him.If he hadn't stopped time, these bullets would have been the end of Richard Rawlings.He sighed in relief as he scanned the environment, everything seemed to be static.The birds flying in the sky and the waves of the sea all stood motionless like statues."These bullets can't be shot in vain." He said out loud.He walked to the two guards standing motionless in front of him, took their guns, and hid them in his uniform.He carried the guards one by one and positioned them in front of the bullets."That should do the trick."He picked up the mop stick and placed it on his shoulder as he walked into the research facility whistling.As Richard walked into the research facility, whistling a tune, he was met with an eerie silence.The usual hum of machinery and chatter of scientists was replaced by an u
The elder was completely oblivious to Richard's presence, the scientists didn't notice him either.Richard thought of calling his father-in-law's attention, but he was not ready to face six scientists who might shape-shift into bear-like creatures.He hid and watched them closely as they talked.Richard observed from his hidden vantage point, trying to make sense of the conversation."If my father-in-law is an elder in Skuller's group then that makes Scarlett directly involved too." He thought to himself.His eyes suddenly lit up."She sent the assassin after me.""Bloody hell, my wife tried to kill me."His anger boiled intensely.His father-in-law gestured emphatically, his voice rising as he spoke.The scientists nodded in unison, their eyes gleaming with intensity."....the serum is ready," one of the scientists said, holding up a vial of glowing liquid."We can proceed with the transformation.""Ooh, the serum is not for me," Richard's father-in-law responded."It's for my daught
As they descended into the submarine's depths, Richard's mind was occupied with thoughts of Scarlett and his father-in-law.He couldn't believe he had been foolish all along."How long have they been involved in Skuller's group?" he pondered."I can't believe I fell in love with someone like Scarlett.""What are they up to? Well, I'm glad I destroyed the serum, that will get on their nerves.""What would I do when I eventually confront my father-in-law again or Scarlett?"He struggled with the thought of killing his wife and his father-in-law."They tried to kill me, though; why should I spare them?"He sighed in exhaustion and stared at the screen displaying a school of fish swimming in front of the submarine.His mind drifted to Kate and agent Caroline."I wonder how they're doing, they probably think I'm dead."He was brought back to reality when Mia tickled his ear and brought him back to reality.She offered him a glass of wine and sat down beside him.This time, she had changed
Richard's heart sank as he watched the aliens move towards them. He knew they had to act fast."Mia, we need to get out of here, now!" he whispered urgently.Mia nodded, her eyes still on the aliens."Follow me," she whispered back.She pulled Richard through the streets, dodging alleys and side streets.They could hear the aliens' heavy footsteps behind them, their thick voices shouting orders.As they turned a corner, Richard saw a group of humans huddled together, frightened."Mia, look!" he whispered.Mia's eyes widened. "We have to save them," she whispered back."But how?""I'll draw them to myself, and then you get them to the boat." "No Mia, I'll draw the aliens away, you take them to the boat and contact Evelyn to come pick them."Mia smiled. "I admire your bravery, but I'm the soldier here.""Which is why you have to take them to the boat, what if we get ambushed on our way by another patrol? You have the skill sets to deal with that.""Fair enough, Rick, I'll take them,
As he burst into the bathroom, he saw Mia standing in front of the shower naked, her skin glistening with water droplets.Richard's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a sudden jolt of arousal.He quickly averted his gaze, his face burning with a flush.He had burst into the bathroom expecting to find Mia in distress, but he hadn't expected to find her naked."Mia, I..." he started, his voice trailing off as he took in the sight of her.Mia turned to him, her eyes locking onto his, "Rick," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Richard's gaze scanned over her skin, taking in the droplets of water glistening on her shoulders, the curve of her neck, and the swell of her breasts.He felt his heart race, his pulse pounding in his veins.Without a word, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.Mia melted into his embrace, her body pressing against his.As they held each other, the tension between them was palpable.Richard's hands traced the curves of Mia's
He reached her side and dropped to his knees, cradling her head in his lap."Mia, please," he whispered, his eyes scanning her body for any sign of injury.The bullets had hit her in the arm and chest.Richard stopped time and carried her away from the aliens, to an enclosed area.With a swift motion, he ripped open her jacket and shirt, revealing a mess of blood and torn flesh.Richard's stomach churned as he saw the extent of the damage.His face suddenly lit up, "She's a super soldier, she can't die," He blinked his eyes to resume time.As time resumed, Mia's body jerked in Richard's arms, and she cried out in pain.Richard's heart raced as he saw blood oozing out of her.”Mia, no, no, no," his voice trembling with fear."You're supposed to be healing?"Richard's eyes widened in horror as he realized the truth."The weapon they used. It's an alien tech, isn't it? That's why you're not healing."Mia's face contorted in pain, and she nodded weakly, "Yes, Rick."Richard's heart sank,