Within the Delta Base facility, that all stared out through the window into the sea as the shape appeared – from so far away it was only the size of an insect, but it grew rapidly. They all took a step back, except for Charles Vandenberg, who stood up and help his ground. “Here she is,” he announced.
Professor Goodwin spoke urgently. “Vandenberg, you have to activate the device!”
“There is little point to that, old friend. She will kill us before the signal reaches her brain. Trust me, I’ve seen her hunt and it is not a pretty sight. She’ll bust through that glass with no effort at all. I implore you to start running.”
Everyone else was happy to leave, but Elsie took Vandenberg’s hand and urged him to leave as well. “Come with us!”
“There would be little point to that as well,” he replied. “I am tired of the cruel trickeries of life.”
And then, to Elsie’s surprise as much as Vandenberg’s, she slapped him. “You can be miserable after we get out of this alive, but I urge you to make up your mind later. Listen, you are more than your mistakes!”
It worked, and although reluctant at first, Vandenberg followed them out of the base. He brought nothing with him, and he wept knowing that his entire life’s work was to once again be destroyed. The colossal Specimen Zero soared towards the window, and it was riddled with the scars of its exploits. Its massive eye glowed with fire, and then its massive spear came forth and the glass exploded to let the ocean flow in.
Elsie ran as the white torrent of the ocean chased her and the others. Without realising, she took Jack’s hand and they used each other’s strength. The sound of water rushed behind them, followed by the groaning and cracking of the base as it slowly caved in on itself. “Not again!” she heard Jack scream and they ran. More windows busted, sending shard of glass through the air like buckshot, and all around them great steel beams began to topple over. However, by some miracle, no doubt, they escaped, and embraced the safety of dry land. Unfortunately though, their task was far from over.
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