Meeting Phoenix (Part1) (Patreon)

Summery: This is how Leon first met Jessica, code name Phoenix. The story follows both characters, Mainly Leon until Phoenix comes into the picture, then it is shared perspectives. This first part is a slow burn, just setting up the place and surroundings before the real action takes place.
Words: 1,586

Another missions in yet another country, Leon didn't mind leaving for other countries in his work, new places to see and experience. Albeit he never really got to go sight seeing or see the tourist attractions as he was usually always busy with his work and what he was doing to be focused on anything else. This time he was heading to the large Country/Continent of Australia, South Australia to be exact. And surprisingly he had been advised to take warmer clothes, as it was currently winter there. He liked to wear his Bomber Jacket so he didn't mind the fact that he would probably need to rug up once landing.
"Your mission, Leon." Says Hunnigan over the comm in his left ear. "Seek out the cause and problem of this breakout happening in a certain small town, it has currently been contained by the Australian Government and Army. Your contact will meet you in the airport going by the Code Name: Roo. He will be holding a sign for Condor on your arrival. Safe travels, Leon." She says before the line is cut off.
"Alright.. On to the land of killer everything." He said to himself, the airport's flight operator's voice coming over the speakers letting the airport know that his flight was now about to board. 

Making his way on first as he had been placed in business class, Leon placed his carry on over his seat and sat down, getting ready for a long 23 hour flight ahead of him. He didn't know if he would sleep though, sleeping on a plane was not something he really felt comfortable doing, but who knows, maybe this time he would nod off for an hour or two. Once everyone was on board and the hostess did their showcase on the safety and what to do in case of emergencies, he was now in the air, settling in with his ipod playing music in his ears, a playlist of the current popular songs from Evanescence, Switchfoot and Justin Timberlake.
To Leon's surprise he found himself feeling rather relaxed, trying to keep his mind off the current job that was inbound, preparing himself for what horrors he is going to see, soon he had drifted off into a deep sleep.
Leon was woken for when the food was being served and in the morning when breakfast was being served before landing. At least he got some breakfast, which also didn't taste half bad for airplane food anyway.

Once on the ground Leon only had his carry on luggage with him as he makes his way off the plane and walks out to the baggage pick up area, seeing the man Hunnigan had told him about, holding up a dominos pizza box lid with the word Condor written in all capitals with a sharpie. This made Leon crack a very slight smile as he shook his head making his way over to the slightly shorter male.
"Roo?" Leon asked and the man that had locked eyes on him having a feeling Leon was his guy gives a nod.
"Yup, nice to meet you Condor, I have much to fill you in on while we make our way to the destination, It will be an hour's trip by car. Hope you don't get car sick?" He asked with a joking tone while leading Leon out of the airport and towards his car.
The coolness of the early morning air hit Leon's bare skin, He could have sworn it might snow, but apparently that wasn't a thing here in Adelaide.

Hopping in the old Ford Leon was handed a folder of information and pictures to look through as he was filled in. "Currently the town has been surrounded by our military, most of the residence have been evacuated and tested for any signs of the T-Virus in their blood, the ones still inside however... Not so fortunate I must say. We are sure there are survivors in their but we have strictly prohibited anyone to enter, Until you arrived of course. The President himself sent you so we have been told to listen to your every order, sir." Roo explains briefly as he drove through the city, making his way onto the freeway.
Once outside the allocated town of Murray Bridge Leon was met with army camps set up in an old Caravan park just at one of the many entrances to the town, once the car slowly came to a holt Leon thanked Roo and steps out of the car, slinging his backpack over his shoulder before being led into one of the main operation tents.
"Finally, hope you rested well on the plane cause things have been getting worse every hour." Said a short haired, middle aged man. "The name's Rodney, Rodney Smith. I assume you are this top notch Federal Agent we had been promised?" Smith asks.

Leon placed his bag down in the corner of the tent and makes his way over to the table where maps had been drawn on and places scribbled out, pictures of specific Virus mutations that had been spotted inside the town, T-Virus and what appeared to be some B.O.W.s were marked on the map where they had recently been sighted.
"When did this attack start exactly? Has there been any indication on what may have been carrying the virus to make it spread in the first place?" Leon asked as he scanned over the maps and pictures.
"From intel we've sourced the first 'known' location was this medical clinic right here. Ultimately we believe the virus has been disguised as a flu shot, as it's currently the season people would be getting them." Smith replied. "However we don't currently have any proof of this yet, which is one of the tasks you have been assigned with. To retrieve any kind of flu vaccine or other if you have reason to believe it could be the cause."

Leon gives a nod as he looks over the map seeing where he was currently and where the clinic was on the map. "I'll take one person, who that is I don't care, but they need to know how to handle a gun and not be afraid to shoot someone if they are faced with a choice." He explains, walking over to his bag and picking it up the Sargent gives a solute and rounds up a small group of men to see who would be the one volunteered to enter the town with Leon.
Being le over to where Leon was equipped with any weapon of his choice as well as a tactical belt holding ammunition and medical supplies, a holster for any hand gun and a bullet proof vest, once again equipped with small pouches and a walkie talkie hanging on the right shoulder to keep in contact with base of operations. Leon fixes his combat knife to his left shoulder and places Matilda in his right leg holster while also taking a HK416 Rifle held to his body with a strap.
"Mr. Kennedy, Sir!" Called a male's voice from behind, causing Leon to turn around slightly to take a look at the young mid 20's male. A Caucasian, brown eyes with sandy brown hair stood behind Leon, a hand pressed to his forehead in respect.

"At ease, I'm just here to get a job done, no need to address me formally either. Call me Leon." He says checking he had enough ammunition and all his weapons were loaded, and safety turned on.
"Yes Sir.. I mean.. Leon." The Australian responds.
"You got a name?" Leon asked as he walked up to the man about his own age, slightly shorter, but not by much. He spots the name on the male's vest. "Well then, Kelly. You ready to help me retrieve some possibly dangerous goods?" He asked.
"I am. Though my men and I have been kept out of the loop on what exactly is going on. All info we've been given is that the same outbreak that has happened in the US as well as a few other countries in Europe and the Middle East is happening here. We've been given orders to kill any odd and unnaturally aggressive behaviour, from both Animal and Human."
Leon gives a nod, his eyes like steel, yet still holding emotion, one currently giving Kelly an empathetic look, knowing this man is never going to be the same after entering this town with him.
"Alright, but wait for my signal on whether you need to shoot anything or not." Leon added before walking past the male to leave the Ammunition and weapons tent.
"Oh... and one more thing before we start. If we are faced with these aggressors, shoot for the head, it's the only way to stop them. No brain, no cognitive function." Leon then pats Kelly on the back and walks out of the tent making his way to the gated off road leading into the town. Smoke Billowing from certain places in the town, Leon getting himself prepared as Kelly walks up beside him.
"You got a first name, Kelly?"
"Richard, or Dick." He replied starting to become more non-formal with the way he spoke and carried himself around the American Special Agent.
Leon gives a nod to Richard and turns to where he saw Sargent Smith, giving him a thumbs up he leads Richard around the gates and into town, a map in hand, using it to navigate the streets.