A loud creaking echoed against the walls. Onyx slowly sat up in his bed, his room warm from the heater. He blinked away his drowsiness, listening carefully as his brain registered the noise of wood groaning above him.

It felt like something was standing above the roof, causing the wood to bend and shift. Onyx swung his legs off the side of the bed, grabbing his shirt as he walked into the hallway.

The wind continued to blow outside, a few of the windows whistling. Although the wind was loud, the creaking audibly stood out. It was enough that Onyx could follow the sounds, walking down the hallway as the roof above complained.

Suddenly, the door next to Onyx swung open and Spencer stepped out, meeting the captain's eyes with wide ones. They both froze, not speaking as they both looked upwards.

A loud creak echoed against the walls, right above where the two were standing. Onyx met Spencer's eyes again, holding a finger up to his mouth as they both listened.

Whatever was on the roof hopped off. Onyx hurried over to a nearby window, peering out. There was nothing. The only thing he could see was the slight silhouette of distant trees and darkness.

The hell was that? Spencer asked in a hushed tone, standing next to Onyx.

Onyx shook his head, stepping away from the window, No idea.

Could it be an animal on the roof? Like a raccoon or something?

I see no reason as to why a raccoon would be on this roof, there's nothing to eat on this side and I doubt they're that heavy.

I heard some stuff earlier, it did sound kinda like scratching.

You heard scratching?

Yeah, I woke up to it but I thought I was just dreaming until I heard it walking across the roof.

The captain shook his head, Whatever it is, it's gone. Maybe we can check the roof tomorrow to see if there's any damage.

Spencer nodded, I volunteer to head up if you'd like.

We'll see, Onyx agreed, walking back to his room. Spencer turned to walk back to his, presumed to catch a bit more sleep before everyone got up for the day. He glanced at his alarm clock as he entered the dark room. It was just about to turn 4 in the morning.

Onyx knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, instead grabbing his work clothes for the day.



By the afternoon, the wind had diminished. Many of the rangers focused on smaller calls throughout the day, and Onyx found that it was safe enough for Spencer to head out onto the roof with a few others.

Unfortunately, they found absolutely nothing up on the roof. Spencer shook his head as he stepped off the ladder, shrugging.

I didn't see anything, no scratches or anything, sir.

It's fine, thanks for checking, Onyx replied, slightly disappointed nothing was there. Spencer nodded, heading towards the storage bay.

The captain turned to head inside just as Jasper appeared, smiling,

How's the roof, hm? the sergeant asked, glancing upwards.

Spencer saw nothing.

No leaks or anything?

Leaks? The captain frowned.

Yeah, y'know for rain or anything.

Our roof doesn't have leaks, he scoffed, walking up towards the porch.

Yeah but c'mon, this place is old as hell, I'm sure there's a couple of things that need checking.

That's why we get regular maintenance.

Well if you ask Tommy I'm sure he'd like an upgrade on his chair–, Jasper paused abruptly. Woah, that's weird.

Onyx glanced back, Sergeant?

Cap'n come look at this, isn't this like that bush you saw before?

Onyx hurried over. Jasper was peering into the community garden, a small patch of yard that the rangers put together for visitors and guests to walk through. Although it wasn't big, it held a few of the native bushes and flowers that are found in the area.

The plant that Jasper was referring to was a bush of Yarrow. The plant was singed and burned near the bottom of the plant, the top flowers intact. It was almost completely the same as the Sagebrush from a few weeks ago. The bright flowers hid the gray stems below, and if it wasn't for Jasper, Onyx would've completely missed it.

It also appeared grass next to the path was singed. Specks of ash could be seen mixed into the dirt of the path aswell. Onyx quickly realized there was some sort of a path left behind from the remaining ash.

What would've done that? Jasper asked, still looking at the Yarrow.

Cap'n? Jasper turned, watching as Onyx was following the trail. The hell you doin'?

C'mere, sergeant, Onyx spoke, standing next to the garden shed, trying to get a look at the top.

What's up? he asked, glancing up at the shed.

Go and grab the ladder from the bay.

Jasper nodded, grabbing a ladder and carefully carrying it over to the shed. Onyx stepped up, looking over the roof. Before Jasper could ask what the captain saw, he spoke again.

Could you grab the sample kit from the bay?

What for?

Be quick, sergeant.

Jasper huffed before jogging back to the bay. He returned with a small kit, one usually used by local researchers. As he turned the corner, he could see Onyx leaning over the top of the shed, his sleeves pulled back as he reached over.

You just gonna stand there, sergeant? Onyx asked, standing back a little as he looked down.

Sorry, here, he dipped his head, handing Onyx the case. The captain resumed scrapping the top of the roof. Jasper hadn't noticed before, but he was using a knife to carefully pick off what looked like flat, crusted ash from the top of the roof. Onyx took a piece off, dropping it into a small plastic petri dish.

After taking a few samples, Onyx began making his way down, Jasper holding the base of the ladder.

What'd ya find? the sergeant asked, glancing at Onyx's arms. They were dusted in the same ash from before.

It's weird, it seems like something got fried up there.

Like a plant or– Jasper grimaced.

I'm not sure, whatever it was seemed flattened, I'm gonna have Seal take a look at it.

Jasper nodded, You might want to wash yourself off first.

Here, take this to Seal and I'll go wash.

You got it, Cap'n, he nodded, taking the samples.

Onyx walked over to the hose out beside the storage hall, rinsing his arms and hands. As he turned his hand, he noticed the ash left a bit of a rash behind on his upper arm. Onyx stared at it for a second, analyzing the red and raised skin.

He became very aware of everything around him suddenly.

It was as if all of his senses were heightened, his breathing became faster and his ears began ringing. Onyx tried to steady his hands as he leaned against the wall, panic creeping up his lungs. He felt like running into the forest, although he didn't know from what.

The captain closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing for a minute. Slowly, the sounds of nature crept into view.

Onyx focused on the sounds of bugs, the wind blowing in the grass, and the footsteps of someone approaching.

Cap'n?

He slowly opened his eyes again, the panic he felt finally disappearing. Jasper was walking over, looking slightly concerned.

Hey, you ok? he asked, glancing at the captain. Onyx looked back down at his arms.

The red rash he saw was gone.

I'm okay, just needed a minute, the captain replied, walking back to the station. Jasper didn't look too convinced.

Okay, Seal said they'd let you know later tomorrow what they think.

Thanks, Jasper, Onyx glanced over with a small smile, Jasper nodded in return.



Onyx walked the hallways as he made sure everyone had gone to bed on time and that the base was secure for the night. After all the incidents, he felt this was an important step to ensure the safety of his rangers.

Although there was one ranger who had not left their post yet.

Tommy was bent over his comm, pressing the button rapidly.

Everything okay over here? Onyx asked, leaning over the front desk.

I can't get Pete to pick up, we usually talk around this time, the receptionist frowned, pressing the button a few more times before giving up with a huff.

Is the system bugged again?

I don't think so, I'm hearing a beep when I click it but there's just been static on the other side. What if he doesn't pick up?

Let's give him a bit. I'm sure Delilah can manage the desk for the night and routinely check on him. If he doesn't respond by the morning we'll send out a crew, okay?

I just don't want anything bad to happen to him, sir, Tommy pleaded. He looked shaken, understandably so after everything. Onyx frowned, nodding.

I know, but he's a ranger. He has an emergency signal and we'll get to him. Get some sleep, it's the best you can do for now.

Tommy nodded sadly, I think you're right, cap.

C'mon, ranger, Onyx motioned for him. They both walked up the stairs, the captain looking at another sleepless night.

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