Complicated. That's what everything was right now. Really, really complicated.<br/><br/>There was clearly a strain in the make up of this group right now. Utem and Derrick, though they never really did like each other in the first place, have definitely created a rift. Just to even say that one hates the other is a complete understatement. Their natures, as mercenaries, is one that takes care of himself and they are probably going to get killed by the other's negligence and whoever survives in the end will think that the world is better off for it. Ashleigh just simply couldn't understand how people could still have that sort of selfish mentality despite the problems before them. A whole continent is in ruins, its populace consisting of survivors who go day by day not knowing what to expect while the rest run around mindless not caring what's happening.<br/><br/>"For fuck's sake..." Ashleigh whispered to herself as she unclipped her helmet. She nearly tossed it but when her rational mind piqued through her frustration, she could only place it on her hip. "If Hackett's going to leave everything to me, then I say everyone has to calm down and think for each other and not for themselves." Her tone wasn't quite angry as much as it was compassionate. "This mission isn't about me. Whether I die or not doesn't matter - it's when. If I manage to collect a certain sample; if I can find out something about this virus and contain it, THAT'S what the US Government wants. So keep everything in perspective.<br/><br/>"I need to know that I can trust everyone who is here. If ever once Derrick considers leaving, then I'll go as far as personally ruining his day with a bullet." Bluff. Anyone who has lived with Ashleigh for even a week would know that she is a fan of manipulating the mind, warping people's thoughts to her own with words, facts, a particular and fitting turn of phrase. "Utem, if you keep causing trouble with him - I know you might not be trying to - then someone is going to have to budge or we're all dead."<br/><br/>This wasn't leadership in Ashleigh's mind. She wasn't trying to impose herself or her ideals on anyone. This was her simply talking for the sake of reason. This just simply made sense to her. Anyone could speak up and she would listen to him or her intently. Despite the dark, she looked at Anna, to Utem, then squinted at Derrick and his friend before closing her eyes and sighing. "As soon as he finishes, whether we have a straggler with us or not - and I PLEAD that you all behave - we need to find shelter. Derrick mentioned that he had heard there was an American soldier hiding out in a plane nearby... I don't think it takes all of us to find him and he may even shoot if three or four people walk in on what's been his home for the last while."<br/><br/>"The lab, as of right now, isn't a priority. We need to find out where to put all of your stuff first and maybe take inventory. If we find a suitable building right off the bat, then we'll be laughing, but for now, being encased between four walls would be a brilliant thing to have." Ashleigh let another sigh escape through her lips, which were now in a little pucker after tiring herself out with her open thinking. If anyone argues with her, it wouldn't be a loss. If anything, she welcomed it. Even if Anna had renounced her say in what's being done here, she was still the most experienced in formal combat and espionage than anyone else here. Her word will always take precedence over Ashleigh's thoughts that are based solely on common sense.<br/><br/>After spilling out her brain, there was really only one thing that as on the young woman's mind. She poked through all of the pockets and pouches along her waist until she found a small LED flashlight. She held it in reverse, pointing it down so the beam wouldn't flare across the night sky and freak out whoever was watching, be it infected or otherwise. Flicking the switch, she illuminated that damn monocle device that Anna gave her, looking over it to see what made it tick - or at the very least an on button.