# The Unsung Hero pt. 3

Author: Acchan Escovar
Tags: Adventure, Betrayal, Canine, Death, Depression, Evil, Folf, Human, M/M/M, Mammal, Military, No-Yiff, Post-Apocalyptic, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Science, Violence, Violence (Not In Yiff), Wolfox

It's been a while, but heres the third installment of the Unsung Hero.

CHAPTER 3

_4 years later_

"Lee, your logic is flawed.&nbsp; Even gravity couldn't help number 24 with scaling that house."&nbsp; Colonel crossed his arms as he was peering through the one-way Plexiglas window.&nbsp; Lee was sitting beside him at a button-covered console facing the window, his hands resting on his chin and his elbows on the console.&nbsp; I was standing at attention in the door frame, staring forward but constantly listening to the conversation.&nbsp;

"Actually Colonel, it is just what he needs.&nbsp; He'll just have to figure out about using the pendulum force of gravity to fling himself to the roof.&nbsp; And your attempt at sarcasm amuses me."&nbsp; Lee looked at the Colonel. "No offense, but you take issues far too seriously.&nbsp; Just because it takes 24 a few extra seconds to figure things out, doesn't mean he can't make more progress in a different field."

The Colonel sighed and said, "A split second could mean the matter of life and death, mission complete or mission failed.&nbsp; It could mean the loss of the war, by God."&nbsp; Lee absorbed this, and nodded.

"I understand where you're coming from sir.&nbsp; I just think that, like normal people, these Anthros have strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp; Perhaps we should invest in some new DNA?&nbsp; I understand that it would mean re-starting the entire cloning process, but then we could have different species of Anthro for different purposes."&nbsp; I didn't like how they were talking about my kind like they were just machines.&nbsp; Pawns were an even better metaphor.&nbsp; "For example, units like Acchan here would be excellent foot soldiers and guards.&nbsp; They can hear things that we normal humans can't, and focus on things...like he is right now.&nbsp; Isn't that right, Acchan?"&nbsp;&nbsp; He turned around to look at me, and I lost my bearings at how Lee picked me out, and how he knew!

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I stammered out, "Y-yes, sir.&nbsp; I have been listening the whole time, sir."&nbsp; I gulped and Lee smiled at the Colonel, who was gazing awestruck at Lee.&nbsp; "I couldn't help but listen in, sir.&nbsp; It was too interesting to me."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lee said, "It's perfectly fine, Acchan, I've designed you to do just that.&nbsp; That curiosity makes you more alert, meaning you would hear any unknown or hostile sounds, smell any smells, etcetera."&nbsp; He waved his hands. "Since you're so smart, you're best at protecting people, or establishments.&nbsp; Tell me, Acchan, how long have you been listening to our conversations?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I hesitated for the slightest second, "For as long as I could remember, sir.&nbsp; With all due respect, I couldn't help but listen, and I...I've come up with so many questions, sir."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, Specimen 37, I for one think you leave my presence before I decide to put you in extreme CT."&nbsp; The Colonel said with a cherry red face.&nbsp; "And I'm not talking about finding food for your squad while fending off wild savages; I'm talking about re-enacting the bloodiest battles of mankind."&nbsp; He stared at me hard. "Do I make myself clear?"&nbsp; I nodded and left the room with my head hung low, my ears folded back.&nbsp; I rushed to my room, only to find a strange surprise.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An armed guard was standing next to my threshold, obviously waiting for me.&nbsp; I slowed down significantly when I saw him, for I had only saw a guard twice, and both times it was unarmed, for a split second.&nbsp; "Excuse me, sir?&nbsp; May I ask why you are waiting for me?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He hefted his SMG, "Actually, I should be calling you sir.&nbsp; I have been assigned as your personal body guard, sir."&nbsp; I guess he saw my confused look.&nbsp; "There have been a few security breaches from outside the facility, and I've been assigned to you as a precaution.&nbsp; Sir."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Right, then.&nbsp; As you were...sir" We traded friendly smiles and I went into my quarters.&nbsp; I stopped and asked him, "By the way, what's your name soldier?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He swallowed then said," My name is Corporal Seffner Riggs, sir."&nbsp; I nodded and went to bed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was flying in my dream world, soaring over mountains, the cold wind biting my smiling face as I zoomed past cheering villages, dashing past flocks of startled birds.&nbsp; One flock of geese decided to fly with me, and they made me crash.&nbsp; I was suddenly in an abandoned city, there was a thick yellowish green cloud floating menacingly through the streets.&nbsp; I tried getting up, but I couldn't even breathe, much less get up and run.&nbsp; I stared with wide eyes as the cloud engulfed me, and I was choking on the lack of air.&nbsp; I'm dying, I thought.&nbsp; Suddenly, a bright flash, a scream, the cloud disappeared!&nbsp; Seffner ran up to me, asking me if I was alright, and if I could hear him.&nbsp; I nodded meekly, and my eyes shut in a puffy fit.&nbsp; Seffner picked me up, put me over his shoulder and ran through the city.&nbsp; I started to see that it was not in fact abandoned; everyone was just home, sleeping.&nbsp; Seffner said he would get me help really soon, and I weakly nodded, and then we turned a corner to see Lee!&nbsp; Lee was in the city, and he was going to make me move again!&nbsp; I was startled when he held up something long and silvery, and then brought it down to my neck.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Acchan?&nbsp; Acchan, can you hear me?&nbsp; Damnit!&nbsp; Acchan!"&nbsp; Lee was screaming into my face, slapping me, looking for any sign of consciousness.&nbsp; My eyes shot open, and I started gasping and coughing.&nbsp; Lee immediately hugged me, and said everything would be okay, like I was a baby.&nbsp; "Oh my God, Acchan, I thought we had lost you!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Panting I asked, "Wha...what happened?"&nbsp; I looked up to see Seffner, staring at me with wide eyes of relief.&nbsp; "Did...we crash?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lee gave a single, short laugh, and then said, "Well, Acchan, Seffner here saved your life.&nbsp; He was going into your room, and there was an intruder smothering you with a rag covered in chloroform."&nbsp; Lee shook his head.&nbsp; "Corporal Riggs here has shot the man, most likely crippled him for life.&nbsp; The Colonel is doing investigations on how the guy got into the facility undetected, and then he'll be debriefing Seffner."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Seffner...is that true?&nbsp; Was, was I being..." I gulped.&nbsp; "Assassinated?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seffner nodded slowly with a grim expression.&nbsp; "It seems ironic, and unbelievably lucky, that I was assigned to protect you the night there was going to be a try on your life."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lee and I both shuddered, just as the Colonel walked in with his face baboon red.&nbsp; "The man won't talk, he's currently going through intense, 'questioning'."&nbsp; He made quotations with his fingers.&nbsp; I smiled.&nbsp; Even though the guy was an ice cube, you got to love how seriously he took everything.&nbsp; He completely deserved the rank of Colonel.&nbsp; "Corporal Riggs.&nbsp; This way, soldier."&nbsp; He beckoned Seffner out of the room.&nbsp; I was a little disappointed that my new friend, and savior, had to leave so soon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seffner snapped to attention, and then marched out of the room with Colonel watching the back of his head.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Lee,"&nbsp;&nbsp; I said meekly, "Why did he try to kill me?"&nbsp; Lee got a hurt look on his face and sighed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You see, Acchan, not everyone likes Anthros the way we do.&nbsp; I don't mean to sound soft, but I see myself as a Father to you, so I'm probably taking it too seriously."&nbsp; He rolled his eyes. "What am I talking about, he tried to murder you.&nbsp; People see Anthros as beasts, as murderers, rapists, thieves and all around criminals.&nbsp; So, they decide to be hypocrites and murder, rape and steal from Anthros back.&nbsp; Basically, people are jealous that they can't be what you are.&nbsp; Think it as much as you want; you are more than just a clone.&nbsp; You are one of a kind, superior to any others in this world."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I sat for a moment, and then stood up.&nbsp; "Lee, I need to see him.&nbsp; If he tries to make another attempt, then I'll be ready, I won't be sleeping and vulnerable."&nbsp; I put a paw on his shoulder.&nbsp; "I'll be fine, sir."&nbsp; He nodded, and I left the infirmary.&nbsp;

When I returned to my room, there was a whole lot of commotion.&nbsp; More armed guards, scientists, forensic scientists in white robes.&nbsp; Everyone stopped and looked at me when I came in.&nbsp; I felt an awkward pulse flow through my body, then I started backing out.&nbsp; One guard followed me, and I didn't need to ask why.

I already knew.

I decided to not interrupt their investigation any further, so I decided to go to the CT room.&nbsp; I set up the system for a search-and-destroy raid, set for a drug cartel in the jungle.&nbsp; "sir..." the guard said. "I don't think hooking yourself up to that machine would be a good idea.&nbsp; Sir"&nbsp; I could hear the doubt in his voice about saying that to a superior, but he had good reason.&nbsp; I silently scolded myself for going to the CT room instead of looking for the would-be-killer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Soldier," I said to the guard, who immediately snapped to attention.&nbsp; "Do you know anything about this man who tried my life?"&nbsp; I looked him in the eye, which seemed to intimidate him.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I, I don't know, s-sir." He stammered.&nbsp; I looked away and kept walking to the prison block to check up on the situation.&nbsp; Perhaps I would run into the Colonel and Seffner on the way.&nbsp; Seffner was a different one from the common stone-faced tough-as-grits rabble I normally see.&nbsp; Perhaps he was forced by someone to join the Corporation?&nbsp;

Click.&nbsp; Click.&nbsp; I froze in my tracks and swiveled my ears around to pick up any more sounds.&nbsp; The guard said, "I knew Rodrick was too gentle.&nbsp; This time, stay dead.&nbsp; Beast."&nbsp; And he shot.

Getting shot hurts a lot more than it does in CT.&nbsp; I felt the bullet rip through my shoulder; I let out an agonized scream and fell to the ground.&nbsp; I curled up in the fetal position, twitching and convulsing.&nbsp; Out of the corner of my eye I saw the Renegade walk up to me.&nbsp; He smiled knowingly, and I'm positive he thought I was going to bleed out.&nbsp; "You're wrong,"&nbsp; I gasped out.&nbsp; "You won't leave this facility alive."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He did a double take, and staggered back.&nbsp; "How did you...?"&nbsp; I slowly stood up, painfully, covered in blood, clenching my fists to keep from screaming.&nbsp; I growled, and staggered toward him.&nbsp; "No!"&nbsp; He backed up, and stared wide-eyed.&nbsp; I felt myself about to cough up blood, and I doubled over.&nbsp; I stood back up, and he was backing away.&nbsp; I fell to all fours and let out a bloodcurdling roar.&nbsp; He turned around and ran, screaming.&nbsp; I started crawling after him, then going faster, and then finally pounding after him.&nbsp; I pounced on top of him, breathing heavily, not feeling the bullet in my shoulder, drooling spit and blood, and staring into his eyes.&nbsp; I could see the fear in his eyes, the regret, the knowing of what was going to come.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Why are you coming after me?&nbsp; Are you with anyone else?"&nbsp; We stared. "You answer me!" I shook him violently.&nbsp; "Tell me or I'll gut you right here!"&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Okay, okay!" he started crying. "Rodrick and me, we're from this gang outside the facility! &nbsp;We were sent to destroy progress in the facility, including any test subjects!"&nbsp; He sobbed.&nbsp; "Please don't kill me!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm not going to kill you."&nbsp; He seemed dumbfounded.&nbsp; "But eventually, you'll wish I did."

I heard footsteps pounding our way, and shouts from real guards.&nbsp; I stood up, and I saw Lee bolting ahead of them.&nbsp; I saluted.&nbsp; "I've captured the enemy..." the pain returned.&nbsp; "sir."&nbsp; Lee and another guard caught me as I fell to the ground.&nbsp; "Lee, I'm hit."&nbsp; He looked me over, and his face turned white.&nbsp; I looked at him with a confused face, and he shook his head.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry, Acchan..." he tried to hide a tear. "We can't keep you anymore."

Since I was much older than the other test subjects, I was to be released into the world outside the facility.&nbsp; They healed me in the infirmary for as long until I was able to walk again, which were only a few weeks.&nbsp; I didn't see Lee or the Colonel from the day of the assassination attempts, after that it was a different nurse and guards every day.&nbsp; I never got to see Seffner again either.&nbsp; I knew I was going to miss all three of them, and I didn't even know what I was going to do outside the facility.&nbsp; I've never even seen the outside before, CT was just a simulator.&nbsp; Outdoors were going to be different, I don't recall ever even seeing a window.&nbsp;

When I was healthy enough to leave the infirmary, two guards walked me to an unexplored hall.&nbsp; I didn't take anything with me, I didn't see the need.&nbsp; What use could I have with clothes that were never touched, or gear that only worked in certain rooms?&nbsp; They opened a door and led me in, then locked the door behind them.&nbsp; I kept my eyes and ears down, I felt ashamed at having to leave.&nbsp; My tail was grazing the floor; I never kept it that low unless Colonel was really angry with me.&nbsp; It felt strange.&nbsp; They typed in a code on the wall, and a hatch opened next to us.&nbsp; One guard beckoned me in, so I did.&nbsp; They closed the door, and I heard the system activate the pressurization sequence.&nbsp; I took a deep, shaky breath.&nbsp; Any moment now, I would be on the outside world.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/ve396Xpn

Previous: https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/470971-the-unsung-hero-pt-2.md