Not A Small-Town Girl

the tension. As the leader of the Dragon Assault Squad, he had the authority to bring order. "If you’re going to argue, get out."

Luke, the quiet leader of the Lion Assault Squad, spoke calmly, "Our team reported that Shadow entered the border, but their plane was bombed on arrival. Shadow retaliated, taking out the attackers. It’s unclear whether it was Hades or Wulf Clan, but only they could’ve done it."

"It sounds like they’re already turning on each other," Justin observed. "War’s coming soon. Why not push things along?"

Luke agreed. "I’m with Justin on this one."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get to fighting!" Maximus stood, eager for action.

Justin gave him a disapproving look. "You’re all muscle and no brain. Do you ever stop to think before you act?"

Maximus’ face reddened. "You’re dead, Justin. I’m going to settle this with you." Elliot rubbed his temples, exhausted. "Enough! We’re not here to bicker. Our first mission is to locate the lab and rescue the hostages."

Garrett listened carefully to the reports, his expression stern. "They’ve taken Professor Erk hostage. This mission is about more than just rescuing the hostages-we need to get him out too. He’s a biologist, and he’s crucial to our efforts."

"Sir, let us handle this. We’ll get it done," Maximus said confidently.

"Sir, Tiger Assault Squad has the brains to get this done. We’ll handle it," Justin responded.

"Sir, we’re ready for combat," Luke added.

"Sir, I recommend all four Assault Squads combine for this mission. We can’t bring too many-it would be too obvious. Each squad leader should pick two of their best men." Elliot proposed, understanding that no single squad could handle this mission on their own.

Garrett nodded. "I agree with Elliot. This mission will be a joint operation between all four Assault Squads, and Major Darling will be in charge. You’ll all work with him and follow his lead. Understood?"

"Understood, sir," Elliot, Justin, Maximus, and Luke said in unison.

Danielle gathered the herbs she needed and went to the lab. She’d already figured out the antidote for the virus; she just had to turn it into pills. After a few hours, she had the antidote ready.

She quickly distributed the antidote to her subordinates and had the infected men take it. She’d made enough to give to everyone, even the uninfected, to prevent further contamination.

There was still a lot to be done.

The infected men started feeling better soon after taking the antidote. The itching stopped, the pain eased, and their fevers went down.

The men, now laughing in relief, couldn’t believe the transformation. After days of suffering, they were finally feeling like themselves again.

"I feel better! No more pain."

"Me too! The itching’s gone."

"My fever’s gone down too."

"Same here, same here!"