Failed Containment- Chapter 11: Two Sides of The Same Coin
#11 of Failed Containment
The Amazonian Rainforest encompass most of the Amazon Basin, covering roughly five out of seven million square kilometers. To say that the forest is large is to say that the desert is a bit warm. The majority of it is uninhabitable by most of today's standards of living. The unbearable heat and suffocating humidity are just mild inconveniences compared to the number of poisonous, disease-bearing, or just outright dangerous flora and fauna that can and will try to kill you. Needless to say, not many people like to go there very much.
This makes it a prime location for Facility Site 32, an underground compound undetectable by satellite thermal imaging. The only way to get there is by helicopter. Luckily, Facility pilots are trained to know exactly where the Site is via a combination of landmark association and GPS triangulation.
Aiden Kent currently rode on such a helicopter, looking around at the vast sea of green from the window. He wore a Facility tactical suit, with the designation S189 where the rest of the members of his team had nametags. Reedman. Sawyer. Fletcher. Chandler. Security personnel trained and outfitted to engage supernatural entities. Supernatural entities like him.
Aiden Kent was a black and yellow salamander of average height and a runner's build. After accidentally burning down his home at at the age of fifteen, Aiden was sent to a mental hospital for the criminally insane. Thought to be an arsonist beyond redemption, he was approached at the age of 18 by an odd sort of racoon in a business suit. He offered Aiden a freedom from the hospital working for some secret government facility under some federal authority. Authority Forty-Six X-Ray, he thought it was. Aiden had eagerly accepted the offer.
It had been the first time in his life someone had believed him to be more than an irredeemable arsonist.
They knew he was a pyrokinetic, a psychic with the mental ability to control fire.
The Facility took him in to study how his brain was able to psychically control flames, and Aiden was given limited freedoms under the Facility's watch. It wasn't long before they trained him to be part of their security force, giving Aiden a meager paycheck and lodging. Of course, the studies continued. His only regret, was the Serum injections. But, Aiden had to admit, he could understand that. He was a former mental patient trained in weaponry and tactics who can control fire with his mind. The Facility would have to be highly incompetent to not have some sort of leash on him.
"Specimen One Eight Nine. We are approaching Site 32 now. You have your mission, get ready to deploy."
The voice over the headset snapped Aiden back to reality as he saw the explosions in the distance. There was some monster that escaped its containment and the Site needed backup to contain it. This particular monster seemed to have a weakness for fire, which was why Aiden and the team was summoned. Armed with tactical flamethrowers and incendiary grenades, Tactical Response Team Firestarter was en route to assist.
The helicopter touched down amidst the fenced area that marked the entrance to the underground Site. Surviving members of the Site could be seen hurling improvised explosives at the Site entrance. Molotov cocktails were hurled, gas cans were thrown and then shot. A roaring wall of fire was desperately kept burning at the Site Entrance, presumably to keep the escaping experiments behind it, stopping them from heading out into the forest and beyond. Aiden's team rounded up the survivors and escorted them to the helicopters while the point men approached the roaring firewall and ensured the firey blockade was maintained.
Aiden signaled the team leader, a burly bull bearing a rather large flamethrower "Any survivors down below?"
The team leader signaled the com officer, whose face betrayed a wolf frozen with fear. The team leader started yelling at this lack of response. "On coms, now!"
The com officer seemed to nod slowly before he pressed a button. Aiden's ears were assaulted with the screams of a desperate and fearful voice over the headset.
"HELLO!? Someone! Anyone! Send help! They're, THEY'RE BREACHING THE DOOR! OH GOD, HELP US!"
An unnatural sounding rattle seemed to echo over the com link.
"...Your flesh is like honey to us..."
"THEY'RE EATING THEM! OH GOD! HELP!"
Then the voice came again, raspy, almost a whisper "...so delicious..."
"ITS GETTING CLOSER! OH G-" the transmission cut off into static.
Adien's team leader wore a grim expression on his face. "182. Torch everything."
The salamander nodded before approaching the wall of fire. A sheer exertion of will seemed to cause the conflagration to pulse before the flames rocketed down the entrance corridor to site 32. Aiden stood at the entrance, concentrating on the fire. The wall of flame came back to him, before he pushed it down the corridor again. Making a few more passes, he dissipated the fire and gave the signal for his team to cease adding fuel. He looked around at what appeared to be the charred corpses of humanoid-sized beetles. The flames seemed to have cleared the immediate entrance and the corridor from the bugs, but chitters echoing from deep within the compound told Aiden that his job was not done. He put a hand to his headset. "Entrance secure."
The team leader's voice came over the com link. "Tactical Response Team Firestarter engaged targets. Moving deeper into Site 32."
Aiden followed along with his team, sweeping for movement, ready to torch anything that dared show its face. He would earn his next Serum injection. He was sure of that.
****
Far away up in the Rocky Mountains, Curator Roland led Alexander along the whitewashed corridors.
"What you have to understand, is that the Protectorate and the Facility are in the same business, but dealing different products." explained the old mole. "The Facility is not our enemy."
Alex walked along, nodding silently, but looking confused. "And what business would that be?"
The old mole turned around and looked directly at Alex. "Protecting the masses and keeping public knowledge of the supernatural a secret. The only difference is our methods."
"Methods?"
Roland nodded. "Methods. The Facility wishes to harness that which it finds useful, and destroy the rest."
"And your side of the coin would be what?"
"We understand that just because something is supernatural, does not mean it should be abused."
"So they want to destroy things like me. You want to protect me. How does this not make you enemies?"
The old mole gave a sigh. "Sometimes I wish the two organizations could see beyond that misnomer. The Facility is a necessary force. There are things in existence that would see the end of everything we know. There are beings in Facility care that require nothing less than military strength and harsh protocol... The true monsters of the world that if ever loosed upon the public, it would be disastrous. More than disastrous. It would be an end to the shadow over our operations and at the very least lead to unprecedented loss of life."
"So the Facility keeps the bad guys locked in the basement."
"An oversimplified metaphor, but a correct one nonetheless"
"So what's your stake in all this?"
The old mole shook his head wearily. "The Protectorate is a sort of civil rights organization. We can't stop the Facility from doing the things that it does, but we can provide asylum for certain cases."
"Asylum?" Alexander asked. "So you're providing me asylum?"
"We can protect select individuals from Facility involvement. The Protectorate understands that there are certain things that need to be under lock and key, but we also understand that not everything needs a lock or a key." The old mole said. "The Facility is unforgiving in its treatment of the supernatural. We take a more humane approach."
"So you're the honey to the Facility's vinegar?" Alexander ventured.
"Precisely. Certain individuals, like yourself, are far more cooperative, even useful, if given certain civil liberties... like a name, for instance." The Curator said with a wizened smile.
Alexander looked at Curator Roland inquisitively. The old mole continued, "We have our fair share of supernaturals, and we work to see to it that those who wish, have a chance at a normal life. They are people, just as you or I, or the thousands of masses we work to protect. Of course, a fair number of them lend us their special gifts when we may require them. That is their gift to us."
"So what's with the back and forth between you and the Facility?"
"A little friction is bound to be had given our conflicting methods of dealing with the same things."
"Friction? Pardon me, Curator, but I've witnessed infiltration, subterfuge, and a repeat tazing. You're going to tell me that's just friction?"
"We have certain people infiltrate the Facility to gain information on possible rescue cases. Think of it as more industrial espionage than outright warfare. I never give my subjects the authority to kill Facility personnel."
"I can't imagine the Facility having the same qualms about your people."
The old mole grew a bit indignant, "The Facility Overseer is a stern, but honorable woman. She is not supportive of open warfare between our organizations. Such a thing would be catastrophic and counterproductive to both of our organizations, not to mention unnecessary risk of exposure. While some of her subordinates do not share her view of us, The Overseer can at least be counted on not to promote the killing of our personnel without probable cause. In fact, The Overseer was visiting me to apologize for a certain incident where someone from the Facility acted out of orders and a member of ours was killed."
"Then why did she pull a gun on me?"
"She is concerned about your motives."
"Because she couldn't torture it out of me."
"Yes... that is... regrettable. Still, she did honor the asylum given to you by our organization. That counts for something, doesn't it Alexander?"
The shapeshifter sighed, "I suppose so. I still don't like her."
The old mole nodded, "That is understandable. You are not required to like her. Your disdain is your right."
"So what now?"
The old mole regarded Alexander with a straight look. "I want your help, Alexander. You've proven yourself resourceful, and your particular gifts could be of value to my organization. You could be a great asset in providing us information."
"And what's in it for me?"
The old mole raised an eyebrow, "What is it you would want?"
"The bat girl that is with me, she is to be taken cared for and extended any courtesy extended to me." Alexander said sternly. "Food. A room. Medical care. If I work for you, then she is with me."
The old mole gave a laugh, "Of course, Alexander. She will be taken care of."
Alexander smiled toothily, "Then you have yourself a deal."
The shapeshifter and the old mole shook hands in that whitewashed corridor. "Welcome to the Protectorate, Alexander."
****
A private jet takes off from a secluded hangar on top of a particular summit in the mountains. Nestled in the red velvet interior sits a bespectacled panther sitting across from a black vampire bat.
"So why did we come up here again?"
Tabitha glared at the vampire bat's remark. "Because that's my job. My people fucked up, I have to clean up the mess."
Julian scoffed as he leaned back nonchalantly in his seat. "I never understood why you bothered. They infiltrated your facility and stole from your records. I'll never understand why you go an apologize."
Tabitha glared at her companion, "That's because it is not your job to understand." she said, narrowing her eyes over her glasses, "Its our job to deal with freaks. Not humans. Even if they are freak sympathizers."
"Your concerned with Protectorate personnel when I watched you feed your own subordinate to Subject 222?"
Tabitha looked out the window, averting her eyes. "The Protectorate are decent people. Misguided and annoying, but decent. The scientists, however... I'd feed everyone one of my personnel to Subject 222 if I could get away with it." she looked back to the bat and glared, "You know my disdain for the scientists why are you pestering me about it like this is news to you?"
Julian grinned evilly. "Because I just like to hear you say it. I find it funny how you hate them more than the... "freaks" which you have sworn to destroy."'
Tabitha maintained her unamused glare. "Freaks are freaks because they were born that way... They can't help it. The scientists? They're just as deserving of death. The things they do... their so-called experiments... disgusting." Tabitha spat. "I'd just as soon gather them all up with their beloved experiments and launch the entire operation into the sun. Every scientist. Every freak. Straight into the sun and out of my life."
The vampire bat maintained his wry smirk. "Even me?"
Tabitha rolled her eyes, "Especially you." she said, though Julian could not tell if this was sarcasm or not. He decided not to press the issue, lest she feel inclined to follow through on that threat.
****
Alexander made is way back to the main room after leaving Curator Roland to attend his business after his welcome to the Protectorate. He entered the antechamber and noticed Sophie sitting and playing with a cell phone.
"Where'd you get that?" Alexander asked.
Sophie sprung up from her seat. "Oh, hehe. Melissa gave it to me."
"Just gave it to you?"
The bat girl nodded. "Mm-hmm. Said they usually give them out to people who got nothing else, which really describes us, heh."
Alexander walked up to sit next to her, gesturing for her to sit down next to him, "About that, we're going to be staying with the Protectorate. I've agreed to work for them, and one of the conditions is that they take care of you."
Sophie nodded, looking rather touched. "Thank you... master." she said with a smile. "Melissa also showed me to our guest room here, shall I show you?"
Alexander nodded and returned Sophie's smile. "Sounds like a plan, my dear."
The two made their way through the corridors heading toward the guest rooms. Alexander recognized it as off of the main corridor as it seemed to get progressively colder. Apparently the dormitories, or at least the guest ones, were closer to the surface. A particularly cold breeze seemed to waft through the main hallway, and Alexander started to shiver. "Master," said Sophie as she noticed this change, "You're shaking." Sophie gave the shapeshifter a concerned look.
"Ah, it's nothing, my dear." said Alexander, "This cold just doesn't agree with me, hehe."
Sophie embraced the blue-furred feline form of her master, warming him with her body for a second. "I think I can help." she purred.
Alexander looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "Is that so?~"
Sophie nodded, before grabbing his hand and hurrying off in a direction that Alexander did not recognize. He was taken off guard, having assumed she planned on warming him up in one particular way, but he trusted her, and allowed himself to be led off.
Deep inside of Site 8, several floors down, was a natural spring that was artificially heated. Alexander walked in and was immediately warmed by the steam. "You can relax," Sophie said with another hug to her master, "Melissa said Site 8 isn't very popular, so not too many people come here... she didn't say why." Sophie said with a shrug.
Alex's form distorted and separated, giving way to his base appearance as the tentacle monster got comfortable. "It is... lovely, my dear." he said. He would have smiled had he the facility to express such a thing, but Sophie could hear the appreciation in his voice, so his sincerity was not lost.
"Glad you like it, Master." she said. "Shall I get undressed?" she asked. Sophie was assuming that Alexander would feed from her now.
The shapeshifter seemed to think for a moment. "Yes." he said, "And get into the spring." Alexander watched his little feeder girl strip herself of her clothing, a white cotton shirt and black sweatpants, standard clothes that the Protectorate gave out to those coming into their care who had nothing else. Still, even in such plain clothes, Alexander enjoyed the show. "You look positively alluring, my dear, hm hmm hmmm."
Sophie blushed at the compliment, thinking the opposite given her plain clothes. "Glad you think so, Master." she said as she slid into the water.
Alexander followed suit, having no need to strip anything. He slithered over to Sophie and placed a tentacle around her shoulder, pulling her next to him. "I think this is going to work out fine."
Sophie pressed herself against him, and nodded. "Aren't you glad you accepted my offer? Hehe." the shapeshifter said, causing Sophie to nod again. "Yes, Master."
Alexander ventured another tentacle to Sophie's shoulder, using his practiced techniques to rub her muscles and relax her. The batgirl rolled her shoulders, enjoying the treatment of Alexander's tentacles, her muscles relaxing as they were stimulated. "Hmmm.." she said, a small moan escaping her. Alex paused. "Something wrong?" Sophie asked as she noticed the attentions stop. Alexander merely shook his mass. "No, my dear. Nothing. Stand up for a second." Sophie did as she was instructed.
"Bend forward." the shapeshifter commanded.
Sophie did as she was told, with a little guidance from Alexander as his tentacles guided her back. She stood in the spring, bent over, her hands grasping the edge of the pool. Alexander rather liked his new vantage point, not in the least bit because of the little batgirl's alluring behind now in full view. Sophie shivered a bit as the air hit her wet back, but Alexander poured more of the steaming water over her with cupped tentacles. Sophie arched her back as the warm water cascaded over her. She looked back over her shoulder cutely to the tentacle monster and gave a smile that clearly showed her enjoyment.
Alexander took that as his cue to continue his venture, bringing a lot of his tentacles to roam her back. Indeed, the majority of his mass bent over in tandem with Sophie as his appendages set to roaming the now-familiar crevices of his feeder girl. Sophie moaned again as the warm, wet appendages caressed her most sensitive spots. Alexander smelled her arousal permeate through the steam, and soon was salivating. His slime mixed with the waters of the pool, but neither party took much notice.
Soon Alexander was bringing his phallic tentacle to bear, almost reflexively. He brushed the phallic tip against Sophie's growing desire, and she gave a small squeak. Only a small one, as she immediately relaxed and smiled back over her shoulder, but Alexander felt it was a lovely sound. The bat girl continued smiling over her shoulder, and pressed back against Alexander's member.
The tentacle monster thrust with his mass, as opposed to his regular attentions with singular tentacles. Putting his entire form behind it, he was able to thrust harder into his little feeder girl, eliciting more of those delightful little squeaks. It was a different copulation. It wasn't about power, or sustenance. It was a deeper connection, one Alexander nourished as his tentacles ran the course of Sophie's body, becoming more aware of it. The intimacy was not lost on either of them, as Alex held her close. He hugged her as he thrust into her, several tentacles wrapped around her stomach to hold her. Still more tentacles ran between, over, and around her modest breasts. He memorized her body, feeling every bit of electric pleasure he caused to course through her.
Sophie moaned with each thrust, enjoying what was essentially a full-body massage as she was penetrated. It was the single most relaxing pleasure she had ever had the pleasure to endure. Her legs relaxed as more tentacles ran along them under the water, threatening for her knees to give out. She stood wobbly, before she realized that Alexander was already supporting most of her weight with the tentacles wrapped around her waist, hugging her tightly. She let her knees buckle, enjoying the intimate attentions of the shapeshiter.
It was not long before Alexander felt Sophie's orgasm building, and kept his steady rhythmic thrusting until her moans came to a crescendo and he felt her body go limp.
The tentacle monster eased Sophie down to a sitting position, and then joined her by her side. Sophie ran her hands through the water, trailing slime as she lifted a handful of it out of the water. "Looks like we made a mess of things..."
"Entirely worth it, my dear, hehehehe."
Sophie hugged the tentacle monster before dozing off in his embrace within the warm steamy waters of the mountain spring.