“I’m so very sorry for the trouble we’ve caused.” Owen apologized to the camp councilor. The two were seated in his office, in a large cabin near the entrance to the camp. The two had mugs of coffee in front of them and had been seated for only five minutes…but in that time, Owen had apologized no less than ten times. The councilor, named Garth Hill, just waved it aside with a polite smile. The room was dark, but light was beginning to slowly eb its way in as the sun was rising. The crisp feel of morning stirred the tired souls.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s alright. If anything, the surprise was enough to make the kids happy.” Garth chuckled. “To be honest, most of these kids have never seen an extra species person before. To have four just burst out and surprise us like that? It’s a rush to say the least.”

“They were in attack mode…they smelled the pig you were cooking and thought they’d caught their target.” Owen answered.

“Either way, the girl named Charlie seemed to have a good time with the kids.”

“She’s kind of a child herself, to be honest.” Owen answered.

“The tallest one? What was her name? She seemed like the leader.”

“That’s Blue…and she’s the Beta. I’m Alpha.”

“No offense young man…but you’re no raptor. Why are you the alpha?”

“Hmph…Delta would ask me the same question if Blue and Echo weren’t there to make sure she stays respectful.” Owen chuckled. “The details of how they came to be under my command is classified, and I can’t talk about it…but what I can say is that the reason I’m their Alpha now is because they need a firm but guiding human hand to teach them how to thrive. The place they came from before is….it’s not a place any living creature should be rotting away in.”

“Sounds like those four have a history to them.” Garth acknowledged. “I could tell that with the Delta girl and…Echo, was it?”

“…Those two have scars I don’t know if I can ever heal.” The two sipped their coffee a moment and Garth leaned forward.

“You know this camp…it’s not just a kids summer camp.” He explained. “We’re funded and founded by a Church organization with a focus on saving lost souls and children with no homes.”

“I know where you’re going with this,” Owen smiled apologetically, “but I don’t think sending these girls to camp will fix their issues.”

“Maybe not…but what about letting them try to unwind?” He asked. “This place…it’s a refuge for so many who don’t know where they’re going. Why not let them stay a while? Let them take in the mountain air and rest? Maybe God will provide clarity? Healing?” Owen frowned and toyed with his mug, giving a shrug.

“I…don’t know what good it will do.”

“Well think about it for a while. I know you rented this site for the weekend next week, but if you wanna give us a try, let the girls stay here a week or two. We’ll provide their needs.”

“….You’re a good man, Garth. I’ll consider that. But for now, they have to come with me. I have a job for them.”

“God speed.”

The girls climbed in the back of the van as Owen climbed in the drivers seat. They all had to adjust their tails and clawed feet to fit properly, but it was only a few minutes before the van was roaring down the road again.

“Alpha…we deeply apologize again for our error.” Blue muttered.

“What matters is that no one was hurt and no one is in trouble.” Owen replied, smiling. “But I’m sure the brass will have some questions about this.”

“I hope we get to come back! This was fun.” Charlie squealed, waving out the window at the camp.

“Get your head inside, Charlie! You’re embarrassing yourself.” Delta groaned.

“I’m not embarrassed.”

“And that’s precisely the problem.” Delta grumbled back.

“Would you both chill out?” Owen asked. “Jesus, we haven’t been on the road 10 minutes and you’re already bickering. Delta, what’s eat’n you?”

“She’s still embarrassed we stumbled in on all those campers during our exercise.” Charlie giggled.

“I’m NOT embarrassed.”

“And that’s precisely the problem.” Charlie answered, giving her best Delta impersonation. Both Blue and Echo stifled giggles as Delta blushed and pouted.

“I said cool it.” Owen called back. The road took a few turns and sharp twists down the mountain, causing the girls to bump into each other and lean against the doors in surprise just how hard Owen was turning to keep up with them. “I hate driving in twisting roads like this…”

“Are we going home?” Echo asked.

“Negative, Echo.” Owen called back. “Unfortunately, not.”

“What?” Blue asked, surprised. “Where are we going?”

“Greensboro airport.” Owen replied. “We have a private jet waiting to pick us up.”

“A WHAT!?” All the girls cried, now in complete, undivided attention. Owen grimaced and sharply turned the car, sending all four of them spinning into the back of the van. “AAAAH!”

“Goddamn it, don’t crowd me like that!”

“S-sorry, Alpha.” Charlie winced.

“Get your tail out of my face, Echo!”

“Get your hand off my-”

“LOCK IT UP!” Owen bellowed, losing his cool demeanor. Even Blue looked unnerved by the anger in his voice. Delta frowned but didn’t say a word, and Charlie practically yelped like a wounded dog. “For God’s sake…the four of you bicker like warring countries! And to top it all off, I hate that I can’t take you home after all this. Leaving you out there in the camp all night with barely any rest…and sending you on a mission so quick…”

“A mission?” Blue asked.

“Yeah. Got a call while coming to get you. We’ve got an escalating situation on an island off of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a tropical island, so you’ll be in your element, at least.”

“What’s on the island that we have to deal with?”

“Well, supposedly it’s a branch off point for illegal extra species persons. They get dropped off on the island before hitching a boat ride into Florida or Louisiana. You’re going in to shut it down.” Owen explained.

“Now THAT sounds fun.” Delta grinned. “Plenty of action and excitement.”

“Sounds dangerous too. If it’s a large operation…they’ll likely have some tough muscle.” Echo added. Charlie was nodding, taking in the conversation. Blue though was still starring at the front seat where Owen sat in silence.

“Alpha…something else is bothering you.” She whispered, so the other girls couldn’t hear. “What is it?”

“…Should’ve known YOU’D notice…” Owen whispered back. “To be honest, yeah…I’m a bit unsettled. See…Hoshkins was the one who assigned the mission.” Blue’s eyes narrowed in disgust and she resisted the urge to spit, which seemed rather painful.

“Why’d you agree to it, sir!?”

“Not much choice. He’s my contact with the Navy. Since they pay for you to live here, there are some things he says that I can’t say ‘no,’ to.” Owen replied. “But what bothers me is what is he planning with this. That fat-ass doesn’t brush his own teeth without an agenda in mind. He’s meticulous and cunning…so I know he didn’t just give you this job for no reason.”

“You suspect a trap?”

“No…frankly I don’t know what to expect. I don’t even know if I SHOULD be worried.” Owen admitted to Blue. “I don’t think he’d jeopardize you by leading you into an unescapable trap…doing that would ruin any hopes he has of recruiting you. But that doesn’t mean there are WORSE things he could do. Maybe I’m just over paranoid?

“It’s Hoshkins…that’s reason enough to be skeptical, right?” Blue asked.

“Yeah…but keep this in house, Blue. I don’t want the other girls panicking or letting this interfere with their jobs.” He muttered. Blue nodded and sat back, watching Delta and Echo continue to discuss tactics. Blue sat in silence, as Owen drove them further and further way from the joys of the camp, and into the hands of whatever fate Hoshkins had set up for them.

Planes were a mixed bag for the girls. Each one responded differently to the jet. Echo was perfectly at home in the jet, easily being able to relax and get comfortable in the cushioned seats. Perhaps the private aspect of it made her feel more comfortable? Delta was stir crazy. Without something to nag at or be upset over, she was without a source to vent, and thus often spent her time with arms crossed and pout expressed. Blue loved planes though. Owen could remember all the times she’d said she wished she’d been born a harpy or bird of some kind so she could fly any time she wanted. Looking out at the sky filled her with joy, and watching clouds pass by made her giddy like a child.

Charlie on the other hand…

“AACK! WHAT WAS THAT SHAKING!?”

“Just some turbulence. Settle down, Charlie.” Owen said for the 9th time.

“B-B-But it was louder that time! What if an engine blows out! W-We’ll crash and die!!! I don’t wanna die!! AAHH GET ME OUT OF THIS THING! PLEASE!!”

“And where the heck are you gonna go, you baby? We’re in the air! We’ve been in the air for hours! Stop screaming.” Delta mumbled.

“Delta, don’t be mean to her.” Echo sighed.

“I’m not being mean! I’m being practical.” Delta retorted.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Charlie.” Blue agreed. “Delta’s right. We’re in the air and we’re fine. Nothing’s going to be happen. But you should see the sky! It’s purple! We’re so high in the sky the atmosphere looks different. It’s gorgeous! Like a dream or something.”

“I don’t wanna see! I don’t wanna see!” Charlie whimpered. Owen sighed and scooted over in his seat.

“C’mere and sit by me.” Owen offered. Charlie nodded and jumped into the sit, hugging Owen tightly in fear, burying her face in his shoulder.

“I hate heights…I hate airplanes…I hate helicopters. They suck! They all suck!”

“Shhh, settle down.” Owen whispered. “You’re alright.”

“Planes…why did it have to be planes?” Delta teased.

“Hey, check you out with the movie references.” Blue laughed.

“Hell yeah! Indiana Jones is the shit!”

“Language!” Owen snapped.

“Oh c’mon Alpha, you’ve dropped swear words too.” Delta pointed out.

“I don’t make a habit out of it.” Owen answered. “Neither should you.”

“Attention,” the pilots voice spoke over the intercom, “we are now beginning our descent. Everyone fasten yourselves in.”” Owen took a moment to tighten Charlie’s seat belt and then his own as the plane began it’s slow crawl to the island.

“Listen up girls!” Owen announced. “I don’t know what’s waiting down there fore you. Your priorities are the same: Get in, take out the targets, and pull out.”

“And only target extra species persons, right?” Echo asked.

“Correct. If there are any humans in the facility, radio me immediately and we’ll reevaluate the situation.”

“Do we know the location of the facility in question?” Delta asked.

“No, but we have a rough guess that it’s on the north side of the island. We imagine it’s pier or docking area.” Owen answered. We’re going to land on the southern landing strip. A good forty miles from your destination. Once we land, grab your gear, get suited up, and head to the rendezvous location.”

“Yes sir.” The girls answered together. After that, the plane ride fell silent. Charlie whimpered quietly as the plane rumbled its way to the earth…and the rest of the girls felt a sense of dread wash over them. Though no one could place it…they all felt like something was very wrong with this job…

The evening air was humid and the girls loved it. This was the kind of night that they enjoyed more than any other. The humid air carried such fragrance on the wind, and the stars above were like a thousand little eyes staring down, trying to pick them up out of the foliage. As they moved like shadows under the branches of the jungle trees, the four stayed in constant ecstasy. Charlie, having forgotten her previous fear was now running neck and neck with Delta, who had put aside all earlier grievance and annoyance. They were the top predators of the jungle…the ones to be feared.

“Hold! We’re close.” Blue hissed. The girls all nodded and slowed their running to a slow walk and hunched over. There were lights ahead that broke through the tree line. The smell of the salt air and the sound of waves told the girls they were near a beach…and the sound of gulls and the stench of rotting wood told them that there were docks. A pier was nearby.

“Let’s try to get a sightline. Pick our targets, then we radio in to Alpha.” Blue growled. “Delta, Charlie, you both move to the West and flank the facility. Look for openings and evidence of illegal smuggling of extra species individuals. Echo, stay with me. We’ll do the same to the East.”

“Affirmative.” The group split and took off in their respective directions. Blue had all but forgotten the earlier fear and doubt she felt…and yet, something was eating at her. Echo seemed to feel it. As they trotted to the Eastern side of the jungle to analyze the building, she slowed down some.

“Something doesn’t add up.”

“What is it?” Blue asked.

“If this is a location for illegal immigration of extra species persons…where are they?”

“Huh?”

“We’re not the only extra species creatures with hyper senses. Surely a few of the immigrants down there should be able to pick up on us by now.” Echo pointed out. Blue paused and nodded, slowly feeling a sick feeling wash over her.

“…Unless there are no extra species persons down there.”

“Blue, we got something here!” Delta hissed over the comms. “You need to get your tail over here, FAST!”

“On our way!” Blue replied. “Echo, on my 6!”

“Roger!” Blue and Echo darted across the jungle to Delta’s location until at last they caught wind of her, ducking low beneath a bramble of bushes.

“Status?” Blue hissed.

“You’re not gonna like it, Blue…Charlie’s scouting a little a head to verify…but those aren’t extra species. They’re humans.”

“What!?” Echo gasped.

“Charlie, can you confirm?” Blue asked into the coms.

“Yes ma’am!” Charlie called back. “There’s no sign that extra species individuals were ever here to begin with. If I had to guess…it looks like there are a lot of guns here…like…a LOT of guns.”

“Guns?” Blue asked.

“Gun running operation.” Echo whispered.

“You mean we’re walking in on gun smugglers?!” Delta growled. “That is NOT what we planned.”

“Charlie, get back up here, fast! We need to radio Alpha.”

“Coming!”

“BLUE GET DOWN!” Delta cried, throwing herself on top of Blue and knocking her to the ground. Just where Blue had been there was a screaming blast as debris and trees flew all over creation. The ground shook with force as the blast from an RPG sent all the girls sprawling to the forest floor.

“CALL IN!” Blue screamed.

“I’m good!” Echo shouted.

“I’m fine too!” Delta answered.

“O-ow, I’m hit!” Charlie cried. Echo climbed to her feet and ran to Charlie’s position, while Blue tried to adjust her comms.

“ALPHA COME IN! ALPHA! OUR POSITION IS COMPROMISED! THE TARGETS ARE HUMANS! REPEAT! THE TARGETS ARE HUMANS! REQUESTING ORDERS!” Blue called. There was no response…only silence… “ALPHA RESPOND!” The sky began to ring with machine gun fire and Echo nearly dropped Charlie as she pulled her out of harms way. “ALPHA!? OWEN, ANSWER ME PLEASE!”

“IT’S NO GOOD, BLUE, THEY’RE EITHER JAMMING OUR SIGNAL, OR HE’S ABANDONED US TO SAVE HIS OWN SKIN.” Delta roared.

“SHUT IT, DELTA! ALPHA WOULDN’T DO THAT TO US!” Blue screamed.

“Why else would he be so goddamn nervous about this if he didn’t have something to hide!?” Delta cried.

“Can we argue later?” Charlie whimpered, clutching her wounded shoulder. “It hurts…”

“Is it bad?” Blue asked. Echo nodded.

“It’s probably broken…but nothing life threatening.” Echo whispered.

“What was Alpha hiding from us?” Delta snapped, bringing up the subject again. “Did he know this would happen?” Blue just bit her lip.

“…Hoshkins…he said…Hoshkins gave us the job.” Delta screamed a cruse word and kicked the ground, pulling her tactical knife and trying hard not to plunge it into the nearest tree.

“THAT GODDAMN ASSHOLE!!! HE TRUSTED THAT FAT BASTARD!?”

“He couldn’t refuse him!” Blue argued.

“Well now he can’t bail us out!” Delta countered. “Whether this is his fault or not doesn’t matter! The tango’s know we’re here and are gonna find us soon. What do we do, Blue?”

“Alpha told us not to hurt any humans if we found them.” Charlie added.

“…But we can’t reach Alpha.” Echo added. “Blue…you’re the Beta. You…you have to make the call, okay?”

“What’s it gonna be Blue?” Delta asked.

Blue knelt down and bowed her head, listening to the sound of angry men shouting and scrambling over themselves to get to the girls. She could hear Charlie’s whimpering sobs as blood dripped from her shoulder. Delta’s heavy breathing and the smell of sweat on her brow as the reality of their situation made itself known. The sounds…the smells…the sensation of the jungle. It stirred in her, and there was no Alpha to calm her…no Owen to reach out with a reassuring hand and tell her it was okay. It couldn’t be his fault. He didn’t mean for this to happen right? Of course not…he was her Alpha. She trusted him….but that trust didn’t change their situation.

“Sorry Owen…” She whispered.

“Blue?”

“Your orders are simple.” She hissed, a primal anger flashing in her eyes. “Engage. Lethal force authorized. Kill everything that moves.”