Acid Reign : Genesis
Chapter 4: Ripp

Ripp’s modified Mustang raced through the desolate tundra. Ahead of him, nestled into the shadows of two surrounding mountains was a broken city. The only kind of city you found while exploring the Fringe, crumbling, dark, and more often than not a home to Fringers.

A monitor showed a digital representation of the Nucrean transport heading right towards him.

“Okay, if you insist,” Ripp said with a mischievous grin.

The four soldiers were crammed into the transport’s small cabin.

“Don’t lose him,” Corporal Jamis said with anxiety.

“Going as fast as this thing will go,” Bettis replied as he pumped his leg, showing that the gas pedal wouldn’t go any further into the floor.

Lieutenant Roberts pointed through a dust-covered windshield at the remnants of a city at the base of the mountain range. “Doesn’t look like there’s anywhere for him to run,” Roberts said calmly. “Just follow the tracks.”

“Why does Kurth care about runners being way out here? It’s just another junk pile,” the Rookie said.

“I don’t ask questions Rookie. I follow orders, and you should stop calling the Captain by his first name,” Roberts replied as he finished inspecting his pistol and holstered it.

“Sorry, Sir.”

Roberts looked at the young man with compassion. The Fringe was a dangerous enough place for someone who knew what to expect, but for a first time soldier, fresh out of training, it could be overwhelming.

“Just do your job, Rookie,” Roberts said. “Everybody gear up. I’m sure he’s expecting us.”