Jack crept behind a crate, lifting his gun up at the ready.  He could hear the guy approaching on the other side, talking to his partner.  "God damn it! Where did he go"?  A woman chuckled softly, before stating sheepishly.  "I told you that you should have put him on our team. I swear, Greg...".  Greg stopped just on the other side of the box to snap back at her.  "Yes, I get it! I made a mistake! Now help me find him before he takes the lead"!  Jack bit his lip hard as he tried to stay calm.  As Greg moved passed the crate, Jack took aim and fired!  Greg's LED vest turned from blue to red and blared a few 'death' beeps.  Greg cursed loudly and Jack quickly stood up to aim for Clare!  Both vests went off in unison.  Jack sighed, lowering his gun.  Clare lowered her gun and dropped to her knees, wheezing out.  "Fuck. You scared the shit out me"!  Jack let out a chuckle, replying cheerfully.  "You scared me back at the tunnel. I thought you had me".  Clare climbed back to her feet, gesturing to Greg with the point of her gun as she answered.  "That was HIS fault. Jumped right in front of me to chase you in... Otherwise, I might have".  Greg turned to sourly snap back at them.  "That wasn't MY fault! I told you to shot him BEFORE he got to the tunnel"!  Clare rolled her eyes, dryly stating.  "Hose down, Greg. Face it... You didn't even know that Jack was there. You were scooping out Dusty. 'I' saw Jack".  Greg puffed himself up defensively, but Clare ignored him to tell Jack impressed.  "Nice hiding spot by the way. How many of our guys did you snipe from there"?

Jack moved around the crate, trying to think as they headed for the 'union room'.  "I think it was at least seven. I was suppose to cover Dusty as he looked for your flag. What gave me away"?  Clare flashed him a smile, sweetly flirting back.  "I have a radar for the cute pups. No, honestly... I didn't see you until you started to move for the tunnel".  Greg grumbled bitterly to himself, before shoving passed him.  Clare flicked him off and told Jack gently.  "Don't mind him. He's a sore loser. Takes this game way too seriously. Plus... you killed him".  Jack smirked behind his leather muzzle as they entered into the union room.  Jack followed Clare to one of the tables and had a seat.  They'd have to wait here until the battle finished.  Clare tugged on her braided ponytail that hung down her shoulder as she stared at him.  She had been doing that a lot.  It didn't make him uncomfortable... but he really wasn't sure he liked it either.  Suddenly, she blurted out.  "Do I make you nervous, Jack"?  He shook his head.  She was one of Dusty's friends.  He had introduced them before the game had started.  She flashed him a wicked grin and scooted closer.  Blushing a little, he scooted the same distance away from her.  Dusty had mentioned she was a devilish bitch.  Clare giggled at him, before asking him a little seriously.  "Are you on the breeding program"? 

He blinked blankly at her, as a man approached answering her.  "No, Clare. I told you he's a pup. Besides, he's batting for the 'other' team".  Jack relaxed a bit as Dusty sat down at their table.  He winked at Jack and Clare whined out playfully.  "Awww... Come on! His master could get him started. I only need one part of him"!  Dusty shook his head at her, informing him lightly.  "Clare wants to be a mom, but her master is a woman. So... just like a bitch in heat, she's looking for takers".  Clare leaned over the table to swat Dusty's arm, playfully snapping back.  "Don't act so innocent! Your master had you in the program! How is Nora"?  Dusty blushed, rolling his eyes and refusing to answer.  Jack turned his gaze to the table.  Would Mark put him in a program like that?  Dusty seemed to read his mind, when he touched his hand and carefully stated.  "Don't worry. You won't be put into the program. You're too young. You have to be considered a 'dog' first. You're still a 'puppy".  Clare leaned against the table, pouting as she answered lazily.  "I could always just beg his master. I would love to have some irish pups with blue eyes".  Dusty rolled his eyes and Jack smirked.  The alarm blared over the speakers and the large tv showed the winning team.  Green team.  Jack joined the cheers with his fallen comrades and afterward, Dusty asked him excitedly.  "Round two"?  Jack jumped to his feet to high fived him.  Clare slowly staggered to her feet, mumbling softly.  "If we go again, I want to be on your team... I'm sick of Greg's shit". 

Dusty waved her over to high five her too, stating happily.  "Sure. Why not".  A few minutes later, They were passing through the teams starting door, when a man rushed in between him and Dusty.  Jack passed through the door and his vest lit up a neon green, as the man grabbed Dusty's arm and breathlessly told him.  "Dusty! I just found out who the blue teams commander is"!  Dusty shrugged, calmly asking.  "Why do you sound so scared? It's just a game".  The mans voice turned cold as he answered.  "Dusty... Rodger is playing this round".  Now Dusty's face changed to one of concern.  Jack turned to Clare who had the same look, asking.  "What's so scary about Rodger"?  Clare took a silent breath, before she told him scarcely.  "Rodger is a real piece of work. Try to think of it like this. We are house dogs... Rodger is a junkyard dog. His master runs a 'training academy' for pups... and Rodger is the mutt that breaks down the stubborn ones. He's little more than a pit fighter".  Dusty softly added in then.  "Our best chance is to end this round quickly. Since I'm Commander, He'll be after me and not the flag. So... we wanna play defense... or do you guys want to make a run for it? I can keep him distracted for awhile to aid your escape".  Jack shrugged uncertain as he asked.  "What are you talking about? Let him shoot you. It will end the round the fastest".  Clare touched his arm lightly, telling him in a somber tone.  "Jack... Rodger doesn't play that way". 

Jack stayed silent and Dusty finished for her.  "These team doors lock when closed. We have to go to the union room to leave. Rodger will have his two 'sibling' dogs guarding it at the start, but if you get by you can alert David for me".  Jack felt suddenly sick as he asked.  "Wait a minute... What does Rodger do"?  Dusty swallowed and Clare numbly answered.  "He takes prisoners and with no masters around...".  Clare trailed off and shifted around uneasily in place.  Jack turned his eyes back to Dusty who answered dryly.  "With no masters here, he can keep us here. At least, until one shows up looking for us... and trust me... you don't want to know what he does to the dogs he takes".  The alarm to start the game blared and Jack nearly jumped out of his skin.  He seriously wondered if he should try yelling loud enough for Mark to hear him.  To Be Continued...