Day One

RONI

Jack stares away from me for a few minutes, thinking and draining in the information I just shared. I'm certain that at this point he's going to hate me for the rest of his life and will probably call the expedition off the first thing in the morning. I spilled half of the confidential information that I had sworn to take to my grave but Jack's smart. He found the folder I had hidden in my unit. I should've thought about this, that he'll eventually solved the puzzle pieces. First of his class indeed.

I bend down and grabbed the folder and other documents on the floor. I can't risk everyone seeing this; Antigen Corpus Achilles Project: Alternative Universe (Creation) - MANNA ONE

With the successful vaccine and effectiveness of the drug stimulant that the company have produced, the first testing directly involves me, a cryptozoologist. Someone who studies unknown animals or creatures from legends and folklore. A perfect job for me since I was on the edge of completing the highly anticipated research: Alternative Universe. A project to prove that by science, fictional beasts can exist. Been working for half a year but I'm still lacking concrete evidences so when two months ago the vaccine was approved, the success of the phase blinded me. Manna One. Now we're unto a term we used for massive testing. I didn't agree with human try outs. I know too well that humanity will be wiped out if I agreed to that. Which I didn't tell. I lied to Jack. I said Manna One is phase one. I have to cover it. It's the only way.

"Who else knows about this?" After minutes of contemplating, Jack finally spoke. I let out a heavy sigh. If he hadn't say anything, I would be too guilty about it. "The head. Me and my colleagues. You." I answered. Jack stares at me like looking at me deeper, deciding if I am telling him the truth or not. He sighed before lying down on the mattress. He didn't said a word after. Until I wake up with a light nudge on the elbow.

I opened my eyes and closed it immediately, the morning sky blinded me a little. A slight touch in my forehead made me blink. Jack is standing beside my bed with a mug on his right hand. I sat up and massaged my temple a bit. Morning sickness, here we go.

"Good morning." I greeted him. He didn't answer back, instead he offered me the mug with hot chocolate. "You're late. The team started on their own an hour ago." He said, a matter of fact. I reach for my wristwatch and it says nine o'clock. We've been up til' three am. No wonder I overslept.

"Where's your team?" I asked after taking a sip on the hot chocolate. It tastes a little bit bland but in order for me to catch up with the rest, I have no choice but to drink something. I'll prepare a sandwich just in case I feel hungry on the way. "Art and I are going to examine the cave across the river. I figure I'll run late since I've been trying to wake you up but to no avail." Jack caressed my arm and tried to check for my temperature. I'm not sick, this is just a normal over sleeping habit. "I'll wait for you outside. You should go get ready."

Jack's less enthusiastic than the usual, he must've been feeling a little angry at me still. I took a deep breath and went out of his makeshift tent. No one's outside, the place looks deserted at all. I hugged myself as I walked to my tent. Though the sun is already up, the atmosphere feels a little cold. I guess I have to bring spare clothes and jacket with me.

When I finally zipped the tent and went inside, I saw the blanket well folded and the floor's clean too. That's weird. I remember it being distorted. My phone was in the table, still working. I tucked a few strands of my hair to my ear. This makes me nervous. The fact that everything's well-organized and clean. Someone must've fixed everything. Who would? Jack? He knows the truth so he probably did.

After I washed my face in the makeshift camp, I dried my hair. Time is running and if I take a bath, Jack would be late too. I changed into loose pastel purple shirt and tucked it in a black skinny pants. I wore the white sneakers I have bought for a smooth hiking in the mountains. I didn't bring my blow dryer and since we're using solar panel, it'll be a waste of electricity.

I grabbed a small black bag pack and throw the important things that will come in handy. I put some syringes that are still packed nicely and some medical care kit inside the bag. I tossed my cellular phone in and the walkie-talkie that will serve as our communication. Each of the head has one, just in case. I slid the small test tube in a rectangular jewelry box together with the blue serum. I should always bring this at all cost.

I found Jack near the crossroad path and he's already in his usual plain shirt. We looked like wearing a couple shirt since his is also pastel purple. He looked at me when he saw me coming, then he walked ahead. I tried to keep my mouth shut to avoid more arguments but I can't stand having this kind of silent treatment from him. He's really mad, big time. Unlike the times when we used to argue all the time. He can't bear us to be like this and now he's almost ignoring me. I grabbed his hand and intertwined it with mine. He didn't said anything nor even sparing me a look so I decided to stop walking and let his hand go at the same time. Jack halted before turning around to look at me.

"What are you doing?" I asked. "You've been ignoring me, Jack. Are you still mad?" I added. He whispered something to himself before extending his arm to me. His eyes were pretty when the rays of sun fell on his direction. I saw a glimpse of sadness and longing.

"Let's talk about it some other time. We need to finished this research as soon as possible so let's go." His stern voice made me obeyed. His tone was marked with finality and maybe it's best to talk after our main goal here is done. We continued walking then. The stroll took for five minutes and I guess it would be longer if it weren't for the rest of the team standing at the edge.

"What's happening here?" Jack asked them. Matt stood up and stare at him. "We're trying to figure the writings here. The scout said it is named Dephilia but there's something more to it." He answered. Matt and Jack are linguistics major, they can read writings that are not hardwired to English. Ancient symbols and other alphabets. Jack let my hand go and went near the bridge. Prim and Lauren rushed to my side with meaningful looks plastered on their faces.

"I've went to your turf but you're not there." Lauren started. "Yeah. We came to check up on you. It seems like you and Jack can't stay far away even one night." Prim smirked. I shrugged at them. It wasn't because I can't sleep without him but because of that werewolf visit. Plus Jack wants to think this thoroughly. "The cold wind bothered me so I decided to stay on Jack's tent for the night." I answered right away. "Anyways, what are you guys doing here? I thought you were hiking." Changing the topic might help me cover the events up last night.

"Apparently, my team needs to cross the bridge to reach the foot of the mountain." Prim showed me her tablet. A mini map for their research but I didn't see any paths nor stairs. Guess we all have to go across the hanging bridge.

"My team on the other hand is busy fastening the ropes. We'll descend once it's finished." Lauren answered. I see. Everyone's busy even if it's still day one. I'll get busy soon too once I follow the tracking device. It's morning and the creatures are supposed to be asleep or hidden somewhere daylight can't reach. It'll be easier to held them captive.

"Dr. Heartfillia?" I turned to see Archie who's standing behind us with a tablet on his hand too. He's wearing an over-all suit that may protect him from bio-hazard chemicals. We'll be spraying some later, once we saw my test subjects.

I excused myself from the two and walked to Archie's direction. He extended his arms and handed me his tablet. A green screen with a map like drawing flashed on the screen. I saw a tiny red circle blinking, not moving.

"It's been staying dormant this morning. Nothing changed." He muttered. "Which one?" I asked, without averting my eyes away from the tablet. He tapped the screen and it zoomed in, showing a wider road and a name below it. 'ANG-0087-CA' - the female. "Inform them about the situation. We're taking some proper measures in order to retrieve it. Ask Minho for it's medical record, also give me the progress in five minutes." I commanded. "Once we capture it, we'll proceed with Phase One. Understood?"

Archie nodded at me before returning to the group of scientists-my team. I glanced around and walked to the bridge. My friends are now busy giving some advice. "The bridge's been lying here for four hundred years. There's no way it's safe." Prim argued strongly. "Look at the woods that made the bridge. It's steady and strong so I'm sure we can cross it." Art muttered. They all went mad and argued at loud voices. Some of the team stopped with what they're talking and stare at the commotion.

"I'm with Prim, Art. The bridge is old and we don't know how long it'll hold. Plus the river is a hundred meter fall." Lauren commented. "There's no other way to get past this cliff. We have to try, at least." Matt butt in. Jack didn't say anything. He wasn't being bias to anyone but he could've convinced everyone to think about this clearly. I stare and examined the bridge and across it. The bridge's fifty to sixty meters long. It'll take three minutes tops before we reached the other side. I slowly stepped my right foot to the first wood. It didn't moved at first but when I stood and walked a few feet further, the hanging bridge swayed a little and it made a quiet creaked.

"Roni?" Jack's voice echoed on my ears but I refused to look back. I have to concentrate and make it to the other side safely. "Roni, what are you doing?" Art panicked a little, his voice shakes. "Get back here!" Jack shouted in frustration. I shook my head and continued walking slowly, step by step. Some of the woods are green and slippery but I held on to the rope railings for support, just in case.

"Roni, come on." Lauren joined them. My legs shake when the blind blows, making the bridge sway some more. This feels nauseous but I have to carry on. I'm almost there, just half-way from where I am. I looked over my shoulder when I heard a footstep. Jack's walking, trying to get near me. The bridge lowered a little. We may have to cross one by one or the bridge can't bear the load.

"Jack, stop." I shouted. He halted when I turned around. Everyone's looking so worried but I smiled at them and raised my hand to show an okay sign. "I want you to stay there, Jack. Wait until I reach the other side." I muttered. Instead of answering, he just stared at me intently. When I continued, no one seems to move even a single muscle. I can feel their stares at my back, hopeful and worried at the same time. I reached the other side in no time and I smiled at them triumphantly. I signaled them to come over too. Then slowly, they cross the bridge one by one.

"A word, please." I muttered when they successfully reached the other side. I walked a few feet away from the others and gestured for my friends to come over. I crossed my arms and raised a brow at them all. Jack didn't looked away but the others did, guilty of what I'm about to say. Their attitude towards the problem was too childish. As the head of the expedition, I find it irritating.

"What just happened? You know too well that as leaders we need to set as an example to the rest of the team." I stared at them and no one wanted to talk. "I don't want you to apologize for your stubbornness. I want your concrete explanation as to why y'all decided to argue, with us watching." I demanded. "If you can't say anything then it's fine. But if I heard you all screaming against each other for the last time, I'll revoked your position to the team."

They all looked up with shock registered to their faces. Lauren and Prim scowl at me, finding my decision too harsh. Art pinched his arm, nervously watching me. While Matt bit his lower lip, suppressing his anger. I'm maybe their friend, best friend, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate this behavior. We have a goal in my mind and I don't think we'll reached the conclusions with them arguing so much.

"You're throwing us out, just like that?" Prim retorted back. I sighed before walking away but I halted a few steps after. "I'm just reminding you." I uttered in complete authority. "I won't let your bickering be a hindrance even for a moment. And if you choose to defy me, feel free to leave after." I added. My head's hot, angry from everything and not just because of their immaturity. I don't want to miss this opportunity. I have to catch the female alpha or this trip will become more dangerous.

"I think revoking their position is too much." Jack finally said. I looked at him with a brow still raised. "It's my call. After all, I'm authorized to do so." I said coldly. Their mouth gaped open in utter shock. Can't blame them though. They haven't seen me so serious and stoic before. I need to be strict in order to fulfill my goals: retrieved the test subjects and to eradicate Corpus Achilles.

"We're fully ready to operate now, Dr. Heartfillia." Archie said. I nodded at my team and signaled them to proceed with Phase One. I've brought some tranquilizer gun just in case it goes berserk.

"Art?" I called. "Yes Ma'am? I mean, Veronica?" He stuttered and I suppress a laugh. I can't let them see me affected yet or else they'll see me as someone who doesn't have any authority. "Make sure you'll be back before the sun sets. I'll be checking your progress in a few hours so please proceed with your research." I calmly said. I turned on my heel and followed my team on the left side of the path. We're at the Mountain's foot but we need to go around to see the cave.

"She seems moody." I heard Lauren muttered. We're a few feet away from them now but her whispers are loud enough for me anyway. I have a good keen of hearing. "Roni's just stressed out, that's all." Matt answered back. "I don't know about that. But she acts like she's pregnant."

My eyes widened and I hurriedly turned around to see them but their backs are facing me and they're headed to the other side. Did my ears trick me or did I heard it right? Did Prim just suspected me of being pregnant?