The observatory was shrouded in darkness, with only small streaks of light penetrating the murk. Plastic sheeting rippled gently, briefly revealing the dated grey computer equipment below. The vast telescope was aimed at the closed ceiling, patiently awaiting a view of the night sky.
A brilliant white flash illuminated the entire chamber in an instant, before retreating back to a single point in the centre of the room, leaving behind a party of seven. Three of the team, Art, Jake and Krank, immediately stepped forward in three separate directions, guns pointed ahead, primed for any potential ambush. As the trio swept the room, Anthony lit a flare, filling it with a red glow, which threw quivering shadows of Ebbe, Carter and James across the towering walls.
"Hello sweetie," Ebbe cooed gently, as she made her way to the telescope, running a hand lovingly across the eye piece and checking her fingers for dust. "Some white light would be appreciated Gannymede," she shouted to James, who nodded, and scurried across the floor to a side wall, where he flicked a few switches. After a few seconds, several strip lights on the side of the walls started to blink into life, finally bringing a clean white light into the building.
"Clear," Art yelled from the left. This sentiment was echoed by Jake and Krank, and all three swiftly returned to Anthony's side.
"A little help?" Ebbe shouted to anyone willing to listen, as she started to pull the plastic sheeting away from the computer panels. Anthony nodded to Art and Jake, who both immediately stepped up and began pulling away the thin sheets and tossing them to one side.
Anthony eyed Carter with suspicion. He didn't like the way he was watching Ebbe, and he didn't like the way he seemed unperturbed by the events that had unfurled in the last few minutes. What reasonable minded man would remain so calm when transported across space and time without a word of warning? Besides, Anthony had an innate distrust of politicians. Especially their esteemed leader, who had surely reached his position by duplicity and corruption. Anthony could tell Ebbe a thing or two about her friend, that was for sure.
"Secure the room," he barked to James and Krank. James gestured to Krank, who followed, James leading him towards a pair of large metal doors with frosted glass panes. Krank tested the door, and found it was locked. Wordlessly the pair planted small amounts of explosives where the two doors met. Before taking up position, one either side, a few metres from the doorway, guns trained on the entrance.
Anthony acknowledged their confirmation that the only way in was now protected, and started to feel a little more relaxed. He turned his attention back to the prime minister, Hunter, as Ebbe had called him. Carter seemed blissfully unaware Anthony was eyeing him with mistrust as he slowly spun around, taking in the vast chamber that housed the telescope.
"Need any help Ebbe?" Anthony asked. She didn't answer, but he was pretty sure she shook her head. The lady was in her own world now, that was for sure.
"Pretty cool, eh," he said to Carter, who was staring up at the ceiling in awe. At first he got no reaction, and was about to ask again, when Carter turned and offered a wide smile that Anthony found hard to dismiss as anything other than a politician's mask.
"Spectacular," Carter agreed, "I've often wanted to visit, but the job rarely permits a getaway."
"All those foreign visits," Anthony replied suggestively.
"Quite so," Carter responded bluntly, refusing to rise to Anthony's jab at recent headlines. "Though with Ebbe's box of tricks, I could visit Russia, China and the US in the same day."
"It's some next level sci-fi shit ain't it!" Anthony enthused. While he had the man engaged on strange phenomena, Anthony thought it was a good chance to check how extensive the lapse of gravity truly was. "It's been a few days of crazy shit, don't you think sir? What with the sun, and the gravity."
Carter nodded thoughtfully.
"It's been the most difficult few days of my term so far," he confirmed. "Ebbe, dear girl, do you need any help?" he then shouted, before turning back to Anthony, "pardon me," he said, before striding off to Ebbe without awaiting a response from either.
Slimy son of a bitch, Anthony thought. Typical politician, never actually confirmed or denied anything. Look at him, leaning over Ebbe, placing his arm around her shoulder, as if she were a vulnerable waif, in need of his protection. My God, he snorted, she's actually playing into his act. He watched, wide mouthed with incredulity as the hard-edged Ebbe twirled her hair, and even seemed to giggle girlishly at something he whispered into her ear. Is this the same woman who defied his V6 and placed herself in the line of fire?
"Jealous mate?" Art remarked with a wide grin plastered on his craggly face.
"Fuck off," Anthony spat, "she's playing him like a violin," he countered.
"Whatever you say," Art grinned.
"At least you talked less when you were in a coma," Anthony joked.
"He doth protesteth too much," Art chuckled. Anthony responded by jabbing him gently in the ribcage with the butt of his gun. "She's an amazing woman," Art added, his grin dropping away.
"No mate," Anthony corrected, "she's so much more than that."
Art turned to eye Anthony with a lopsided smile. With an amused snort, he returned his attention to Ebbe and Carter.
"I suppose you're right mate," he added, rubbing the back of his head.
Ebbe suddenly stood and gestured dramatically at the ceiling.
"Release the Kraken!" she intoned with mock authority, as a loud hum began to vibrate through the building. A sliver of light peeked through the emerging crack in the ceiling above. The whirring vibrations intensified as the dome split apart and daylight spilled through. The mechanism shuddered to a halt once the roof had opened to the full width of the telescope. A eerie silence fell upon the room, as all the occupants stared up and out at the light blue sky now visible.
"Gentlemen," Ebbe started, "you have all seen recent phenomena that defies your understanding of the world as you know it. Am I correct?"
Everyone nodded, and mumbled she was correct.
"Sadly, you are all far beyond the curve in this matter. Some, I believe, have been aware of our precarious situation for some time now, but out of ignorance, or fear, or out of greed and malice, they have opted to shield the world from the truth. Now, I fear, it may be too little too late to reveal to all humanity what the few had learned. What do you think, Hunter?"
"Ebbe?" Carter replied with a frown.
"Your government have had a team protecting that control room for years now, have they not?"
"I, I..." he stuttered, much to the delight of Anthony. Gotcha!
"To be fair, I never expected it to be you who'd order my assassination," Ebbe added bluntly, much to Anthony's surprise. Instinctively he reacted, anger boiling up within. Stepping forward, he aimed the tip of his semi-automatic at Carter with a scowl.
"You son of a bitch," he cursed.
"Ebbe, I can assure you," Carter began to plead.
"Hiring a strike team to attack your own men was a stroke of genius, I must say," Ebbe continued, her steely gaze fixed upon Carter. "Eliminate me, and take control of the cubes below, all under the radar. Tricky tricky."
Anthony flicked a glance at Ebbe and she nodded back him, her eyes gesturing to Carter. The woman was a natural at this, Anthony thought, before signalling to his team that they should encircle and restrain the prime minister.
Within seconds Carter Huntington was tied up on a swivel chair, his hands behind his back, his feet secured tightly together with a plastic pull-tie.
"Lucky for you I'm not the vengeful sort," Ebbe glared at Carter, before turning back with a sweep of her hand, to gesture at the sky, "besides, sad to say that I shall be needing your help. And," she paused and turned back to face him, "if you're wondering why you would do any such thing, I shall show you why you have no choice, through the lens of this telescope."
"You'll have to wait until dark to show me a missing moon, and by then my team will have found us, and you and your team will be nothing more than a bad memory for me to digest," Carter scoffed.
"Wrong again," Ebbe smiled, eyes sparkling.
A bright white flash blinded the men, all turning their heads with a shout of surprise. When they turned back to the telescope, Ebbe was absent.
"What the?" Jake rasped incredulously.
Anthony just watched the area she had been standing only seconds later intently. He was certain she would be back shortly. She had simply returned to the control room.
"Dear lord," Carter gasped, shifting uncomfortably in the chair.
Every member of the team slowly followed his line of vision, and all allowed their guns to drop to their sides. Through the wide opening in the roof, the formerly light blue sky had began shimmer, wave and within seconds vanished. In it's place was the night sky. In the time it takes to blink, the mid-morning had jumped to the dead of night.
Before Anthony had time to process this switch, a blinding flash announced Ebbe's return.
"Now, Prime Minister," she continued as if nothing had changed, "give me just one minute," she added before taking a seat beneath the telescope and silently adjusting the view-piece. Everyone watched in awed silence, seemingly unwilling to comment on the newest impossibility their minds were having to process.
"There!" Ebbe declared with satisfaction. "You first Hunter," she said, giving a nod to Anthony that his legs could be released.
Anthony slowly unsheathed his blade and leaned in towards Carter. He held the sharp blade close to the prime minister's nose and let the man catch his own reflection in the weapon, before lowering it to cut the binds.
"No funny business," Anthony hissed after the cut released Carter's feet.
Carter opted not to respond, and instead stepped up obediently to the viewing chair, his hands still bound behind his back.
"This is a little awkward," he suggested, shaking his tied arms before he sat.
"Deal with it," Ebbe replied harshly, "now look," she commanded.
Carter exhaled, and shuffled awkwardly into position, grumbling a little as he did.
"What? What the?" he muttered incredulously. He pulled his eye away from the lens with a heavy brow, his eyes fixing upon Ebbe. "What, what does it mean?"
"I'm not entirely sure we are on planet Earth," Ebbe responded point blank.
Showing posts with label stand-off. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stand-off. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Chapter 11 - Part 2
Anthony was unceremoniously dragged backwards. As soon as his right hand was free, he grasped at any loose rocks and hurriedly shoved them into his pocket. The second he'd realised Atkins was his rescuer he'd concluded he'd rather die trying to flee than be taken as a captive. He knew his limbs would not be up to supporting him so the chances of success were slim; any chance to even the odds were to be taken.
A slim, beak nosed soldier tugged at his arm and pulled him to his feet. But his legs were not willing to co-operate with this concept and immediately buckled. Beak nose just let him crumple to the floor like a ragdoll. Anthony took the chance to glance behind and check out the state of the corridor behind him.
Interesting, he thought, that beam saved my life, but if they'd dug from the opposite side the beam would have shifted first and sent half a ton of English countryside onto my noggin. Somehow he instinctively knew Ebbe would have seen the exact same thing and halted any further rescue attempt.
"Come on your lazy twat," beak nosed coughed at him, sounding to Anthony as if he were in the early stages of lung cancer.
Anthony looked up at the scowling face of the soldier and wondered if he had the energy to shove that damned nose into his brain with the palm of his hand. Still, what use would that do, one solider down, and the rest would just swarm on him. Best wait it out a little longer.
Beak nose grasped at his right arm and tugged him back to his feet and, before he could fall again, a second soldier counterbalanced his left side. The pair started to drag him back into the cellar, his feet scraping uselessly against the dirt floor.
Atkins didn't even glance at him as he was pulled past. His full attention was on the still blocked corridor, though Anthony noticed he was unwilling to step too far into the collapsed area. He was a cautious man, unwilling to place himself in harms way. He was many things, but he was not a fool. Several of his men, however, were in the corridor still trying to shift the rocks and break through to the other side.
Beak nose and his accomplice tossed Anthony to the ground at the foot of the steps. He sensed beaky was planning to make good on Atkins' instruction to reward his survival with some broken bones. Better to act now and have bones intact, than try and catch Atkins in the tunnel.
The wry smile on Anthony's face gave beak nose pause. He turned to his colleague and looked as if he may shout something by way of a warning to Atkins, still peering through the entrance of the corridor. But there was no time for such niceties.
Anthony pressed a small button on inside left of his wristwatch and the tiny silver explosive device he had scratched off his combats earlier detonated, with enough power to shift that unstable beam. Beak nose and his friend were knocked off their feet as a shock wave powered through the room, bringing with it a choking cloud of dust. Anthony didn't take the time to check if Atkins had been swallowed up by the debris. He knew, with his legs still out of action, he had seconds to act. Grabbing the sharpest rock from his pocket, he dragged himself forward, and lunged at the nearest body to his. The rock sunk into the flesh at the nape of the neck of an unseen foe. His victim began to gargle and flail uselessly, his lifeblood already pumping out fatally.
Anthony heard the click of a safety catch being removed. Using his arms he pulled himself towards the sound, rolling to the left just as the crack crack crack sound of the gun firing sent a deadly hail of bullets at his last known position. If he didn't bring his assailant down to his level in the next few seconds, he was dead.
With a swing of his arm, his hand made contact with material and he grasped tightly and tugged. He sensed the weight of a body beginning to fall. A gun fired upwards and backwards, before the body crashed to the ground. Before they could react further Anthony scrambled across the man and pressed his forearm across his neck. The cloud of dust was beginning to settle now and Anthony was disappointed to recognise his captive as beak nose, rather than Atkins. With swift pressure he squeezed the air from his lungs and beaky passed out, his body going limp. Anthony rolled off and grabbed the assault rifle that had fallen from his hands.
Now if only my damned legs could get me up those stairs, Anthony cursed. There's sure to be a fucking platoon of these bastards up there, if I crawl my sorry arse up there, I'm just going to get shot to shit. Besides, where's Atkins?
As if the thought had somehow awoken the man himself, Anthony found himself seeing double after a swift kick in the head from Atkins.
"I presume you think you've made an impact Bishop?" Atkins spat, "but you don't even understand what you're protecting. Do you? Has it ever occurred to you that you were on the wrong side? That maybe someone was hiding something here from us all and preventing an uprising that is long overdue? Who are you to help hide the truth?"
Anthony tried to lift the rifle, but Atkins placed his foot on his hand, crushing the grip away. A swift flick of his foot sent the rifle sliding up to the wall.
"Truth?" Anthony cursed, "when were you ever interested in the truth? I think you've mistaken truth for power Atkins."
Atkins laughed.
"I fear this is neither the time, nor place, for a philosophical debate my good man," and with a sneer he pulled out a pistol from it's holster. "Shame, I was looking forward to breaking you, but I can tell you would only be a liability if left alive."
The pistol was aimed at Anthony's forehead.
A deep guttural throbbing from deep within the Earth gave him pause. His trigger finger lingered ominously. Anthony knew he would have no time to roll out of the way. It was practically point blank range and the bullet would have exited the back of his skull before he'd even had the thought to move.
The deep bass throbbing mysteriously from far below stopped as suddenly as it had begun, and in that split second Anthony knew his time was up.
"What the?" Atkins exclaimed, waving his arms wildly, sending a stray bullet ricocheting past Anthony's ear, close enough to draw blood.
Anthony watched in dazed bemusement as Atkins began to lift off the basement floor gently, before he also began to drift upwards gently. Loose rocks and debris began to follow them in their ascent.
Atkins flailed his arms, still grasping the gun tightly, trying to steady himself as he floated close and closer to the ceiling.
Anthony quickly found that despite his legs still being dead, if he made swimming motions with his arms, he could move forwards through the air. Whatever was happening was besides the point for a moment. The fears of the unknown had to wait until his life was safe. This was probably the one chance he had and he wasn't going to waste it.
Using a breast stroke manoeuvre Anthony thrust himself directly at Atkins, who spotted him drifting towards him at the last second. Despite being clearly disturbed by his new found weightlessness Atkins swept his gun upwards and fired just as Anthony crashed into him and pushed him up into the ceiling.
The two men tussled. The gun fired a second time before being knocked free and floating off to the opposite side of the basement. Bubbles of blood floated away gracefully from the battling men and splashed against the wall. A well placed punch to Anthony's gut split the pair apart. Atkins was holding his left arm, bubbles of blood seeping out.
The pair eyed the gun, bouncing against the far wall. With a war cry Atkins pushed against the opposite wall with his legs and floated towards the gun. Anthony, unable to do the same looked around the room frantically. Atkins grasped the gun with glee, turned and fired without pause.
A slim, beak nosed soldier tugged at his arm and pulled him to his feet. But his legs were not willing to co-operate with this concept and immediately buckled. Beak nose just let him crumple to the floor like a ragdoll. Anthony took the chance to glance behind and check out the state of the corridor behind him.
Interesting, he thought, that beam saved my life, but if they'd dug from the opposite side the beam would have shifted first and sent half a ton of English countryside onto my noggin. Somehow he instinctively knew Ebbe would have seen the exact same thing and halted any further rescue attempt.
"Come on your lazy twat," beak nosed coughed at him, sounding to Anthony as if he were in the early stages of lung cancer.
Anthony looked up at the scowling face of the soldier and wondered if he had the energy to shove that damned nose into his brain with the palm of his hand. Still, what use would that do, one solider down, and the rest would just swarm on him. Best wait it out a little longer.
Beak nose grasped at his right arm and tugged him back to his feet and, before he could fall again, a second soldier counterbalanced his left side. The pair started to drag him back into the cellar, his feet scraping uselessly against the dirt floor.
Atkins didn't even glance at him as he was pulled past. His full attention was on the still blocked corridor, though Anthony noticed he was unwilling to step too far into the collapsed area. He was a cautious man, unwilling to place himself in harms way. He was many things, but he was not a fool. Several of his men, however, were in the corridor still trying to shift the rocks and break through to the other side.
Beak nose and his accomplice tossed Anthony to the ground at the foot of the steps. He sensed beaky was planning to make good on Atkins' instruction to reward his survival with some broken bones. Better to act now and have bones intact, than try and catch Atkins in the tunnel.
The wry smile on Anthony's face gave beak nose pause. He turned to his colleague and looked as if he may shout something by way of a warning to Atkins, still peering through the entrance of the corridor. But there was no time for such niceties.
Anthony pressed a small button on inside left of his wristwatch and the tiny silver explosive device he had scratched off his combats earlier detonated, with enough power to shift that unstable beam. Beak nose and his friend were knocked off their feet as a shock wave powered through the room, bringing with it a choking cloud of dust. Anthony didn't take the time to check if Atkins had been swallowed up by the debris. He knew, with his legs still out of action, he had seconds to act. Grabbing the sharpest rock from his pocket, he dragged himself forward, and lunged at the nearest body to his. The rock sunk into the flesh at the nape of the neck of an unseen foe. His victim began to gargle and flail uselessly, his lifeblood already pumping out fatally.
Anthony heard the click of a safety catch being removed. Using his arms he pulled himself towards the sound, rolling to the left just as the crack crack crack sound of the gun firing sent a deadly hail of bullets at his last known position. If he didn't bring his assailant down to his level in the next few seconds, he was dead.
With a swing of his arm, his hand made contact with material and he grasped tightly and tugged. He sensed the weight of a body beginning to fall. A gun fired upwards and backwards, before the body crashed to the ground. Before they could react further Anthony scrambled across the man and pressed his forearm across his neck. The cloud of dust was beginning to settle now and Anthony was disappointed to recognise his captive as beak nose, rather than Atkins. With swift pressure he squeezed the air from his lungs and beaky passed out, his body going limp. Anthony rolled off and grabbed the assault rifle that had fallen from his hands.
Now if only my damned legs could get me up those stairs, Anthony cursed. There's sure to be a fucking platoon of these bastards up there, if I crawl my sorry arse up there, I'm just going to get shot to shit. Besides, where's Atkins?
As if the thought had somehow awoken the man himself, Anthony found himself seeing double after a swift kick in the head from Atkins.
"I presume you think you've made an impact Bishop?" Atkins spat, "but you don't even understand what you're protecting. Do you? Has it ever occurred to you that you were on the wrong side? That maybe someone was hiding something here from us all and preventing an uprising that is long overdue? Who are you to help hide the truth?"
Anthony tried to lift the rifle, but Atkins placed his foot on his hand, crushing the grip away. A swift flick of his foot sent the rifle sliding up to the wall.
"Truth?" Anthony cursed, "when were you ever interested in the truth? I think you've mistaken truth for power Atkins."
Atkins laughed.
"I fear this is neither the time, nor place, for a philosophical debate my good man," and with a sneer he pulled out a pistol from it's holster. "Shame, I was looking forward to breaking you, but I can tell you would only be a liability if left alive."
The pistol was aimed at Anthony's forehead.
A deep guttural throbbing from deep within the Earth gave him pause. His trigger finger lingered ominously. Anthony knew he would have no time to roll out of the way. It was practically point blank range and the bullet would have exited the back of his skull before he'd even had the thought to move.
The deep bass throbbing mysteriously from far below stopped as suddenly as it had begun, and in that split second Anthony knew his time was up.
"What the?" Atkins exclaimed, waving his arms wildly, sending a stray bullet ricocheting past Anthony's ear, close enough to draw blood.
Anthony watched in dazed bemusement as Atkins began to lift off the basement floor gently, before he also began to drift upwards gently. Loose rocks and debris began to follow them in their ascent.
Atkins flailed his arms, still grasping the gun tightly, trying to steady himself as he floated close and closer to the ceiling.
Anthony quickly found that despite his legs still being dead, if he made swimming motions with his arms, he could move forwards through the air. Whatever was happening was besides the point for a moment. The fears of the unknown had to wait until his life was safe. This was probably the one chance he had and he wasn't going to waste it.
Using a breast stroke manoeuvre Anthony thrust himself directly at Atkins, who spotted him drifting towards him at the last second. Despite being clearly disturbed by his new found weightlessness Atkins swept his gun upwards and fired just as Anthony crashed into him and pushed him up into the ceiling.
The two men tussled. The gun fired a second time before being knocked free and floating off to the opposite side of the basement. Bubbles of blood floated away gracefully from the battling men and splashed against the wall. A well placed punch to Anthony's gut split the pair apart. Atkins was holding his left arm, bubbles of blood seeping out.
The pair eyed the gun, bouncing against the far wall. With a war cry Atkins pushed against the opposite wall with his legs and floated towards the gun. Anthony, unable to do the same looked around the room frantically. Atkins grasped the gun with glee, turned and fired without pause.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Chapter 8 - Part 2
Ebbe stared, aghast, at Chum's limp body. She swore her heart had skipped a beat, out of shock, as she'd seen him tumble down the uneven stone steps like a sack of potatoes. It also sounded like something had cracked as he landed, suggesting to her that, even if he had been alive when first thrown, he wasn't upon landing. Before she had time to make any further observations she heard voices, clearly in voracious disagreement with each other; one she recognised to be Anthony.
"You've just condemned you and your pals. You know that right?" Said an unfamiliar voice. It was deep and rasping, probably the result of a heavy smoking habit.
"If you wanted us dead you'd have blown us to kingdom come, not knocked on the door and played peeka-fucking-boo," came Anthony's defiant reply.
"Get down there," the other voice demanded.
Ebbe glanced over to James, to see how he was holding up. She was surprised to see he had refused to be distracted by the commotion on the stairs, and was keeping his sights trained steadfastly on Shakes. Shakes was, on the other hand, utterly unperturbed by the threat posed by James' weapon and was focused fully on Anthony as he emerged at the top of the stairs, and made his way, somewhat nonchalantly, down to the basement floor.
Ebbe returned her attention to Anthony, who caught her eye as soon as he was level with her. Much to her surprise he gave her a cheeky wink, presumably suggesting things were actually going to plan, despite appearances to the contrary. Ebbe's mind raced, replaying the hideous image of Chum's bulky body tumbling down over the thick stone slabs and slamming with dead weight to the dirt floor. Nothing she could see suggested that was a carefully orchestrated fall, part of some great bluff. What was Anthony playing at? All she could presume was he had reached a similar conclusion to her; they had all been played and now he was playing right back.
Attempting to reassure herself that things were in their favour, Ebbe tore her eyes away from Anthony and sized up his captor. He was a tall, slender man, with a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in standard army fatigues. He was holding a pistol in his right hand and a grenade in the other. The latter gave Ebbe great cause for concern in this contained space, with nothing suitable to take cover behind. The man, with his thin pale face and dark pitted eyes, reminded Ebbe of a shark. As he reached the base of the stairs, several armed men also began to emerge through the hole and began trotting down the steps with quiet efficiency. Five men reached the bottom and pointed their automatic weapons at Ebbe, Anthony and James.
Shark man gestured with his gun to James with a quizzical look.
"Seems we have a turncoat," Shakes said by way of explanation, before standing, clearly confident James was no longer in a position to fire.
"Interesting," Shark man rasped in a voice that Ebbe found irritating. "Check him," he gestured to Chum. Shakes duly made his way to the body and knelt down. He quickly stood and shook his head.
"Dead," he said bluntly.
"What a pity," Shark man responded, clearing his throat a little, "seems we underestimated you Bishop."
"I tried to tell you," Anthony replied.
"Because of you I've failed my mission," Shark man began, waving his pistol as he spoke, "what do you suggest I do now Bishop?"
"Go home, have a cup of tea and a scone," Anthony replied, his voice heavily laced with sarcasm.
Shark man laughed briefly, but stopped so abruptly Ebbe doubted it was genuine.
"He one of yours?" Shark man asked, gesticulating the gun towards James.
Anthony turned and looked James up and down briefly.
"Never seen him before in my life," Anthony replied.
Shark man soaked up this reply before turning to Ebbe. He strode up to her and lifted the grenade up to her face, rubbing it's smooth curved surface against her left cheek. She shuddered as the cold metal brushed against her soft flesh, but tried to remain steadfast, attempting not to be intimidated by his actions.
"But you have. Haven't you?" Shark man said to Ebbe, more declarative than questioning.
Ebbe opted not to answer, but knew that her face had given away the truth.
"It seems there are factors in this operation all of us are in the dark about," he mused, finally moving away from Ebbe.
"Aren't there always?" Anthony interjected coolly.
Shark man turned and gave a wry smile.
"Quite right, quite right," he agreed, suddenly seeming to Ebbe quite genial and unconcerned about their presence. "I suppose I ought to make a report," he continued, now speaking to himself rather than anyone in particular. "How tiresome," he began, now clearly addressing Anthony, "that we must gather instruction from above even on the matter of killing you and your friends. We are just monkeys in the zoo, are we not?" And with that he nodded to his men, who all turned silently and marched obediently back up the stairs.
"Disarm the child and follow me," Shark man said to Shakes, who gave a short nod.
Shakes turned and with remarkable stealth made his way across the room to James. Without saying a word he snatched the weapon from James' limp grasp, turned and was about to walk away when he changed his mind. Instead Shakes turned back to face James and with a sneer gave him a brutal shove in the chest, using a flat palm. James tumbled to the ground in an instant, and, before he turned, Shakes kicked the loose earth at a cowering James. Finally he turned, the look of pleasure on his face giving Ebbe the creeps.
"Pathetic," Shakes spat as he passed Ebbe and strode up the stairs.
Shark man didn't seem to give them a second thought, opting to stride up the stairs. He reached the top and then bent down and gave a toothy grin.
"On second thoughts," he said, before tossing the grenade into the basement. Ebbe felt the muscles in her body loosen as she watched the small device bounce on the steps, almost in slow motion. Wanting to run, dive or simply fall to the ground and curl up in a ball, Ebbe instead found herself rooted to the spot. Her legs felt like jelly, yet she was unable to move.
Anthony on the other hand was already sprinting towards the grenade, genuine fear clearly visible in his eyes for the first time since Ebbe had met him. As the hatch above closed, shutting off the natural light that had been filtering through, Anthony dove onto the grenade. Ebbe held her breath and waited for him to split open, wanting to scrunch her eyes closed, but finding she was too scared to do anything but watch, agog, knowing at best he could prevent everyone else from dying, and admiring his bravery.
But it seemed that the device ought to have exploded by now. Instead Anthony was fumbling with something under his chest and was remaining defiantly unexploded. He let out a sudden shout of relief before standing, two objects clutched in one hand each. Anthony nodded to Ebbe, his face caked with dirt and sweat, his eyes wide, his chest rising and falling fast. She managed a small nod back, but her body was still refusing to move, when what she really wanted to do was run up to him and jump into his arms.
If Anthony wanted any such thing, Ebbe couldn't tell.
"How you doing James?" Anthony asked, making his way across the room. Strange, Ebbe thought, had anyone mentioned his name since Anthony had arrived in the room. She thought not.
"Not too bad sir," James replied, dusting himself off and standing.
"Good job son," Anthony said before thrusting a hand in James' direction, "hold this will you?" Anthony was about to hand whatever it was over, but paused, "you do know how to hold this?" he quizzed seriously.
Ebbe, feeling curious, finally found herself relaxing enough to move, shifted to the side a bit and craned her neck to see what Anthony was grasping. She quickly regretted having done so. Anthony was holding a grenade in each hand. He was attempting to pass one to James. Ebbe felt her head start to swim; the constant threat of death was starting to take its toll and she found her legs buckle and give way. She tumbled to the floor, only just managing to thrust out an arm and catch herself enough to not fall too hard.
"You need one finger at the base, and these three fingers clasped over the lever, and the thumb here," she could hear Anthony instructing in the corner. She half expected to hear an explosion moments later and found herself scrunching her eyes tightly closed. But as before the explosion didn't arrive. Instead she gasped when an arm gripped hers and pulled her to her feet firmly. Her eyes burst open to find Anthony now by her side.
"Part of the plan?" She managed to mutter to him. He looked at the remaining grenade in his left hand and shook his head.
"We don't have much time, these things could go off any second, and if they don't he'll soon wonder why," he said by way of response.
"Much time to do what?" Ebbe quizzed curiously.
"I'll show you," a new voice boomed from the other side of the room. Ebbe turned with a start. Much to her great surprise she saw Chum propping himself up against the stairway, a big grin plastered across his face.
"You've just condemned you and your pals. You know that right?" Said an unfamiliar voice. It was deep and rasping, probably the result of a heavy smoking habit.
"If you wanted us dead you'd have blown us to kingdom come, not knocked on the door and played peeka-fucking-boo," came Anthony's defiant reply.
"Get down there," the other voice demanded.
Ebbe glanced over to James, to see how he was holding up. She was surprised to see he had refused to be distracted by the commotion on the stairs, and was keeping his sights trained steadfastly on Shakes. Shakes was, on the other hand, utterly unperturbed by the threat posed by James' weapon and was focused fully on Anthony as he emerged at the top of the stairs, and made his way, somewhat nonchalantly, down to the basement floor.
Ebbe returned her attention to Anthony, who caught her eye as soon as he was level with her. Much to her surprise he gave her a cheeky wink, presumably suggesting things were actually going to plan, despite appearances to the contrary. Ebbe's mind raced, replaying the hideous image of Chum's bulky body tumbling down over the thick stone slabs and slamming with dead weight to the dirt floor. Nothing she could see suggested that was a carefully orchestrated fall, part of some great bluff. What was Anthony playing at? All she could presume was he had reached a similar conclusion to her; they had all been played and now he was playing right back.
Attempting to reassure herself that things were in their favour, Ebbe tore her eyes away from Anthony and sized up his captor. He was a tall, slender man, with a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in standard army fatigues. He was holding a pistol in his right hand and a grenade in the other. The latter gave Ebbe great cause for concern in this contained space, with nothing suitable to take cover behind. The man, with his thin pale face and dark pitted eyes, reminded Ebbe of a shark. As he reached the base of the stairs, several armed men also began to emerge through the hole and began trotting down the steps with quiet efficiency. Five men reached the bottom and pointed their automatic weapons at Ebbe, Anthony and James.
Shark man gestured with his gun to James with a quizzical look.
"Seems we have a turncoat," Shakes said by way of explanation, before standing, clearly confident James was no longer in a position to fire.
"Interesting," Shark man rasped in a voice that Ebbe found irritating. "Check him," he gestured to Chum. Shakes duly made his way to the body and knelt down. He quickly stood and shook his head.
"Dead," he said bluntly.
"What a pity," Shark man responded, clearing his throat a little, "seems we underestimated you Bishop."
"I tried to tell you," Anthony replied.
"Because of you I've failed my mission," Shark man began, waving his pistol as he spoke, "what do you suggest I do now Bishop?"
"Go home, have a cup of tea and a scone," Anthony replied, his voice heavily laced with sarcasm.
Shark man laughed briefly, but stopped so abruptly Ebbe doubted it was genuine.
"He one of yours?" Shark man asked, gesticulating the gun towards James.
Anthony turned and looked James up and down briefly.
"Never seen him before in my life," Anthony replied.
Shark man soaked up this reply before turning to Ebbe. He strode up to her and lifted the grenade up to her face, rubbing it's smooth curved surface against her left cheek. She shuddered as the cold metal brushed against her soft flesh, but tried to remain steadfast, attempting not to be intimidated by his actions.
"But you have. Haven't you?" Shark man said to Ebbe, more declarative than questioning.
Ebbe opted not to answer, but knew that her face had given away the truth.
"It seems there are factors in this operation all of us are in the dark about," he mused, finally moving away from Ebbe.
"Aren't there always?" Anthony interjected coolly.
Shark man turned and gave a wry smile.
"Quite right, quite right," he agreed, suddenly seeming to Ebbe quite genial and unconcerned about their presence. "I suppose I ought to make a report," he continued, now speaking to himself rather than anyone in particular. "How tiresome," he began, now clearly addressing Anthony, "that we must gather instruction from above even on the matter of killing you and your friends. We are just monkeys in the zoo, are we not?" And with that he nodded to his men, who all turned silently and marched obediently back up the stairs.
"Disarm the child and follow me," Shark man said to Shakes, who gave a short nod.
Shakes turned and with remarkable stealth made his way across the room to James. Without saying a word he snatched the weapon from James' limp grasp, turned and was about to walk away when he changed his mind. Instead Shakes turned back to face James and with a sneer gave him a brutal shove in the chest, using a flat palm. James tumbled to the ground in an instant, and, before he turned, Shakes kicked the loose earth at a cowering James. Finally he turned, the look of pleasure on his face giving Ebbe the creeps.
"Pathetic," Shakes spat as he passed Ebbe and strode up the stairs.
Shark man didn't seem to give them a second thought, opting to stride up the stairs. He reached the top and then bent down and gave a toothy grin.
"On second thoughts," he said, before tossing the grenade into the basement. Ebbe felt the muscles in her body loosen as she watched the small device bounce on the steps, almost in slow motion. Wanting to run, dive or simply fall to the ground and curl up in a ball, Ebbe instead found herself rooted to the spot. Her legs felt like jelly, yet she was unable to move.
Anthony on the other hand was already sprinting towards the grenade, genuine fear clearly visible in his eyes for the first time since Ebbe had met him. As the hatch above closed, shutting off the natural light that had been filtering through, Anthony dove onto the grenade. Ebbe held her breath and waited for him to split open, wanting to scrunch her eyes closed, but finding she was too scared to do anything but watch, agog, knowing at best he could prevent everyone else from dying, and admiring his bravery.
But it seemed that the device ought to have exploded by now. Instead Anthony was fumbling with something under his chest and was remaining defiantly unexploded. He let out a sudden shout of relief before standing, two objects clutched in one hand each. Anthony nodded to Ebbe, his face caked with dirt and sweat, his eyes wide, his chest rising and falling fast. She managed a small nod back, but her body was still refusing to move, when what she really wanted to do was run up to him and jump into his arms.
If Anthony wanted any such thing, Ebbe couldn't tell.
"How you doing James?" Anthony asked, making his way across the room. Strange, Ebbe thought, had anyone mentioned his name since Anthony had arrived in the room. She thought not.
"Not too bad sir," James replied, dusting himself off and standing.
"Good job son," Anthony said before thrusting a hand in James' direction, "hold this will you?" Anthony was about to hand whatever it was over, but paused, "you do know how to hold this?" he quizzed seriously.
Ebbe, feeling curious, finally found herself relaxing enough to move, shifted to the side a bit and craned her neck to see what Anthony was grasping. She quickly regretted having done so. Anthony was holding a grenade in each hand. He was attempting to pass one to James. Ebbe felt her head start to swim; the constant threat of death was starting to take its toll and she found her legs buckle and give way. She tumbled to the floor, only just managing to thrust out an arm and catch herself enough to not fall too hard.
"You need one finger at the base, and these three fingers clasped over the lever, and the thumb here," she could hear Anthony instructing in the corner. She half expected to hear an explosion moments later and found herself scrunching her eyes tightly closed. But as before the explosion didn't arrive. Instead she gasped when an arm gripped hers and pulled her to her feet firmly. Her eyes burst open to find Anthony now by her side.
"Part of the plan?" She managed to mutter to him. He looked at the remaining grenade in his left hand and shook his head.
"We don't have much time, these things could go off any second, and if they don't he'll soon wonder why," he said by way of response.
"Much time to do what?" Ebbe quizzed curiously.
"I'll show you," a new voice boomed from the other side of the room. Ebbe turned with a start. Much to her great surprise she saw Chum propping himself up against the stairway, a big grin plastered across his face.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Chapter 7 - Part 2
A note from the author:
I'm very sorry for the delay in writing further instalments of As Bright as The Fading Ark. This is because I have been very busy working on the launch of my debut novel Clara Bow and the Seal of Solomon. I have now got this launch off the ground, with copies available from Lulu, on Kindle and from Smashwords, full details can be found at the official Clara Bow website and on the Clara Bow Facebook page. My aim will be to write a couple of catch up entries here by the 5th of June, so be sure to check back soon!
Several strip lights flashed and flickered, making a low humming noise as they struggled to commit to their task. Despite the sudden switch from dark to light, Ebbe did her best not to blink or flinch as the room around her was revealed.
The stairs she had almost tumbled down were to the left. They were much as you would expect in an ageing farmhouse; uneven stone slabs with no hand rail, leading to a dirt floor. At the base of the steps, Grim Reaper was out cold and Shakes was sitting on the second but last stone slab, his head down. Moon Face was still strapped to the stretcher and was lying, seemingly unharmed to the side of the steps. Immediately Ebbe knew Shakes was not who he had led everyone to believe he was. He had fooled, her, no mean feat, he had even fooled Anthony.
Pushing aside these concerns for a moment, Ebbe allowed herself a quick sweep of the remaining space. The basement walls were simple brickwork, brown with age and disintegrating in various places. The dirt floor had once been covered with carpet, but this had long rotted away, leaving only tatty remnants so muddied that it was impossible to discern a pattern. The young man who had presumably been her captor was standing to the right of the room, dressed in dark combat fatigues, a standard issue Light Support Weapon slung across his shoulder. His head was shaved bald, but Ebbe could see this had been done a few days ago now, because fresh stubble was starting to emerge. His dark brown eyes were viewing her with intense curiosity. Before she could speak Shakes lifted his head and directed a question to the young man.
"Why did you do that, you moron?" He spat venomously, sounding nothing like the scared and skittish young man from earlier. "Jesus, all you had to do was knock her out. One little lady too much for you?"
The young man seemed transfixed by Ebbe and didn't acknowledge Shakes.
"Sergeant, I'm talking to you," Shakes spat, standing and, much to Ebbe's horror, striding her way, rather than the young soldier. His face was not scowling, nor angry. It was the picture of calm and serenity and that scared the living daylights out of Ebbe. That was the face of a sociopath. She pondered making a move, but instinctively knew there was nowhere to go and even if there was she would not be quick enough. After all, he had clearly subdued Grim Reaper silently, and she assumed that was no mean feat. Her only calming thought was that he clearly didn't intend to kill her, else he would have done so already. In a split second he was across the room and his rough hand was gripping the soft flesh of her throat and quickly she felt her senses fading. "You can't rely on anyone these days," she vaguely heard Shakes say before the crushing sensation became overwhelming and she sensed she was about to pass out.
Thwack!
The pressure vanished and with a gasp Ebbe stumbled backwards and fell to the floor, taking in deep breaths. Small white dots floated in her vision and she squeezed her eyelids tightly shut and shook her head, as if trying to toss the queasy sensation she was feeling aside. She was partially aware that the young soldier had somehow knocked Shakes to the floor and was now pointing his gun at him. Shakes was calmly nursing a bruised jaw.
Forcing herself up Ebbe felt a little disoriented, probably from a brief lack of oxygen. With all her effort she made her way back to the pair slowly, hoping the fuzz in her mind would clear before she got to them. She ran through the whole scenario in her mind, trying to clear up the inconsistencies. Chum had shoved them down here in expectation they would be safe. It was Anthony who had suggested they split up and Chum could have contrived some way to capture us that was easier than staging an apparent attack. It was more logical to assume the plan had been for Shakes to infiltrate whatever was down here. But what of James, for the young soldier was certainly James, his actions now proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. If James was with Shakes, why the need for Shakes to infiltrate? Clearly they already have an inside man, maybe more. What could he bring that others couldn't? Her? Anthony? Something didn't add up. Everything that had happened since the attack at her own house was starting to seem a little contrived.
Ebbe looked down at Shakes, still feeling nervous, sure that if he really wanted to he could disarm James and kill them both before either knew what had happened. James was not a soldier, not like Anthony, Grim or Shakes anyway. He was too wet behind the ears. That's right! Of course, Ebbe realised, James was assigned because he's obviously harmless. Chum would have seen right through a long term infiltration by a trained professional.Just as Anthony would have seen through Shakes given enough time. But James, he's too harmless to be a threat. He was just the guy left here to let the others in, to prop the door open when the time was needed. But that still didn't answer why all the subterfuge, did they need her at all, or was she just a cog in a greater machine? An excuse to initiate an operation?
"James," she started, not letting her eyes of Shakes for a second, "take two paces back and aim the gun at his chest." James glanced at her from the corner of his eyes before nodding and stepping back and lowering his sights a little. Now there was less chance of Shakes disarming James.
"Interesting," Shakes said, a little glimmer of excitement in his eyes, "why the chest and not the head, may I ask?"
"He's more likely to hit something. And at that range that'll be plenty to stop you in your tracks," Ebbe replied.
Shakes smiled at this reply.
"Maybe so," he smirked, "you are a wily one Ebbe."
"You shot Moon, er, Art, on purpose didn't you?" Ebbe asked, hoping Shakes was in the mood to brag.
"You already know the answer to that," came the reply. True enough, Ebbe had already deduced that Shakes had shot Art, knowing Anthony would bring him to Krank.
"So Krank was the actual target all along?" She pressed.
Shakes just shrugged at this and instead turned his attention to James.
"Blah, blah. You think you're so smart don't you Ebbe? But you are just as scared as the rest of them aren't you?" As he spoke he was staring unnervingly at James.
"I know what happened four months ago," Ebbe replied defensively.
This seemed to get his attention away from James, who was clearly buckling under the pressure. Ebbe knew she was on a knife edge; James was on her side, for now. But he was going to be torn between her and what he believes are to be his orders. One must always follow ones orders in the army. James wasn't good at a lot of things, but following orders he could do. She had to keep him calm and keep him on her side.
"Do you now?" he said with arched eyebrows.
"I do, and I know that Krank is the only one who can access whatever is hidden beneath this house. I know that you shot Art to get to Krank. The plan was to give him no choice but to access this place. And when he did, you were going to kill him." Ebbe didn't really know any of that. It was pure supposition. But she had learned that when guilty parties were presented with guesses as fact, they either unwittingly confirmed it, or gave away the actual truth. It was usually down to their ego.
"That sounds like a fascinating tale. When's the film coming out?" Shakes replied sarcastically. Sarcasm usually meant it was true.
"But it won't work," Ebbe persisted.
"What a pity," Shakes continued in his sarcastic tone.
"And I'll tell you why."
"If you must," Shakes huffed, sounding genuinely fed up with the conversation now.
"Because Anthony is no fool," Ebbe finished with a hint of a smile in the corner of her mouth.
"Oh really?" Shakes spat back, "fool enough to believe I was just a dumb rookie. Fool enough to get his best friend shot in the head. Fool enough to lead me straight to this place. Fool enough to be caught unawares by this attack. No fool you say? Ha!"
At last, his ego had got the better of him! That confirmed it. The whole damn thing had been a set up from the word go. Ebbe was never the target, maybe her disappearance would be an added bonus, but the real prize was Krank and whatever it was that he was protecting. The terrible events of four months ago had led to this point and it all pointed to Chum, to Krank, he was the key to the whole mystery.
As that very thought was forming in her mind, the sound of stone scraping against stone made Ebbe look to the stairs. She turned, only to see the limp body of Chum being tossed down the steps unceremoniously. His heavy body landed with a horrendous thud on the dirt flooring and didn't move.
I'm very sorry for the delay in writing further instalments of As Bright as The Fading Ark. This is because I have been very busy working on the launch of my debut novel Clara Bow and the Seal of Solomon. I have now got this launch off the ground, with copies available from Lulu, on Kindle and from Smashwords, full details can be found at the official Clara Bow website and on the Clara Bow Facebook page. My aim will be to write a couple of catch up entries here by the 5th of June, so be sure to check back soon!
Chapter 7 - Part 2
Several strip lights flashed and flickered, making a low humming noise as they struggled to commit to their task. Despite the sudden switch from dark to light, Ebbe did her best not to blink or flinch as the room around her was revealed.
The stairs she had almost tumbled down were to the left. They were much as you would expect in an ageing farmhouse; uneven stone slabs with no hand rail, leading to a dirt floor. At the base of the steps, Grim Reaper was out cold and Shakes was sitting on the second but last stone slab, his head down. Moon Face was still strapped to the stretcher and was lying, seemingly unharmed to the side of the steps. Immediately Ebbe knew Shakes was not who he had led everyone to believe he was. He had fooled, her, no mean feat, he had even fooled Anthony.
Pushing aside these concerns for a moment, Ebbe allowed herself a quick sweep of the remaining space. The basement walls were simple brickwork, brown with age and disintegrating in various places. The dirt floor had once been covered with carpet, but this had long rotted away, leaving only tatty remnants so muddied that it was impossible to discern a pattern. The young man who had presumably been her captor was standing to the right of the room, dressed in dark combat fatigues, a standard issue Light Support Weapon slung across his shoulder. His head was shaved bald, but Ebbe could see this had been done a few days ago now, because fresh stubble was starting to emerge. His dark brown eyes were viewing her with intense curiosity. Before she could speak Shakes lifted his head and directed a question to the young man.
"Why did you do that, you moron?" He spat venomously, sounding nothing like the scared and skittish young man from earlier. "Jesus, all you had to do was knock her out. One little lady too much for you?"
The young man seemed transfixed by Ebbe and didn't acknowledge Shakes.
"Sergeant, I'm talking to you," Shakes spat, standing and, much to Ebbe's horror, striding her way, rather than the young soldier. His face was not scowling, nor angry. It was the picture of calm and serenity and that scared the living daylights out of Ebbe. That was the face of a sociopath. She pondered making a move, but instinctively knew there was nowhere to go and even if there was she would not be quick enough. After all, he had clearly subdued Grim Reaper silently, and she assumed that was no mean feat. Her only calming thought was that he clearly didn't intend to kill her, else he would have done so already. In a split second he was across the room and his rough hand was gripping the soft flesh of her throat and quickly she felt her senses fading. "You can't rely on anyone these days," she vaguely heard Shakes say before the crushing sensation became overwhelming and she sensed she was about to pass out.
Thwack!
The pressure vanished and with a gasp Ebbe stumbled backwards and fell to the floor, taking in deep breaths. Small white dots floated in her vision and she squeezed her eyelids tightly shut and shook her head, as if trying to toss the queasy sensation she was feeling aside. She was partially aware that the young soldier had somehow knocked Shakes to the floor and was now pointing his gun at him. Shakes was calmly nursing a bruised jaw.
Forcing herself up Ebbe felt a little disoriented, probably from a brief lack of oxygen. With all her effort she made her way back to the pair slowly, hoping the fuzz in her mind would clear before she got to them. She ran through the whole scenario in her mind, trying to clear up the inconsistencies. Chum had shoved them down here in expectation they would be safe. It was Anthony who had suggested they split up and Chum could have contrived some way to capture us that was easier than staging an apparent attack. It was more logical to assume the plan had been for Shakes to infiltrate whatever was down here. But what of James, for the young soldier was certainly James, his actions now proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. If James was with Shakes, why the need for Shakes to infiltrate? Clearly they already have an inside man, maybe more. What could he bring that others couldn't? Her? Anthony? Something didn't add up. Everything that had happened since the attack at her own house was starting to seem a little contrived.
Ebbe looked down at Shakes, still feeling nervous, sure that if he really wanted to he could disarm James and kill them both before either knew what had happened. James was not a soldier, not like Anthony, Grim or Shakes anyway. He was too wet behind the ears. That's right! Of course, Ebbe realised, James was assigned because he's obviously harmless. Chum would have seen right through a long term infiltration by a trained professional.Just as Anthony would have seen through Shakes given enough time. But James, he's too harmless to be a threat. He was just the guy left here to let the others in, to prop the door open when the time was needed. But that still didn't answer why all the subterfuge, did they need her at all, or was she just a cog in a greater machine? An excuse to initiate an operation?
"James," she started, not letting her eyes of Shakes for a second, "take two paces back and aim the gun at his chest." James glanced at her from the corner of his eyes before nodding and stepping back and lowering his sights a little. Now there was less chance of Shakes disarming James.
"Interesting," Shakes said, a little glimmer of excitement in his eyes, "why the chest and not the head, may I ask?"
"He's more likely to hit something. And at that range that'll be plenty to stop you in your tracks," Ebbe replied.
Shakes smiled at this reply.
"Maybe so," he smirked, "you are a wily one Ebbe."
"You shot Moon, er, Art, on purpose didn't you?" Ebbe asked, hoping Shakes was in the mood to brag.
"You already know the answer to that," came the reply. True enough, Ebbe had already deduced that Shakes had shot Art, knowing Anthony would bring him to Krank.
"So Krank was the actual target all along?" She pressed.
Shakes just shrugged at this and instead turned his attention to James.
"Blah, blah. You think you're so smart don't you Ebbe? But you are just as scared as the rest of them aren't you?" As he spoke he was staring unnervingly at James.
"I know what happened four months ago," Ebbe replied defensively.
This seemed to get his attention away from James, who was clearly buckling under the pressure. Ebbe knew she was on a knife edge; James was on her side, for now. But he was going to be torn between her and what he believes are to be his orders. One must always follow ones orders in the army. James wasn't good at a lot of things, but following orders he could do. She had to keep him calm and keep him on her side.
"Do you now?" he said with arched eyebrows.
"I do, and I know that Krank is the only one who can access whatever is hidden beneath this house. I know that you shot Art to get to Krank. The plan was to give him no choice but to access this place. And when he did, you were going to kill him." Ebbe didn't really know any of that. It was pure supposition. But she had learned that when guilty parties were presented with guesses as fact, they either unwittingly confirmed it, or gave away the actual truth. It was usually down to their ego.
"That sounds like a fascinating tale. When's the film coming out?" Shakes replied sarcastically. Sarcasm usually meant it was true.
"But it won't work," Ebbe persisted.
"What a pity," Shakes continued in his sarcastic tone.
"And I'll tell you why."
"If you must," Shakes huffed, sounding genuinely fed up with the conversation now.
"Because Anthony is no fool," Ebbe finished with a hint of a smile in the corner of her mouth.
"Oh really?" Shakes spat back, "fool enough to believe I was just a dumb rookie. Fool enough to get his best friend shot in the head. Fool enough to lead me straight to this place. Fool enough to be caught unawares by this attack. No fool you say? Ha!"
At last, his ego had got the better of him! That confirmed it. The whole damn thing had been a set up from the word go. Ebbe was never the target, maybe her disappearance would be an added bonus, but the real prize was Krank and whatever it was that he was protecting. The terrible events of four months ago had led to this point and it all pointed to Chum, to Krank, he was the key to the whole mystery.
As that very thought was forming in her mind, the sound of stone scraping against stone made Ebbe look to the stairs. She turned, only to see the limp body of Chum being tossed down the steps unceremoniously. His heavy body landed with a horrendous thud on the dirt flooring and didn't move.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Chapter 2 - Part 2
Ebbe liked Moon Face as soon as she set eyes upon him. She could tell he was an honest man who would make the right choice. Shakes, on the other hand, was clearly unable to make a decision on his own, he barely looked old enough to buy a carving knife, let alone wield that big gun. Fearless Leader, was just the type she'd hoped for. The fact that she was tied up, rather than dead, spoke volumes for a start, but his face also told her he'd had his fair share of disagreements over orders. His dark green eyes were bright and inquisitive, rather than dead and soulless. Unlike the Grim Reaper skulking in the corner. That one was in the job for the fun of it and could cause troubles.
She watched Fearless Leader poring over her high res moon photo. You have no idea what this is all about do you? And you're puzzled and that annoys you doesn't it! Oh yes, you hate loose ends and this is the mother of loose ends isn't it!
"Mare fecundatatis," the man suddenly read one of the lunar seas out loud.
"Sea of fertility," Ebbe couldn't resist translating. The puzzled tone of the man was too enticing. It was a bad habit and she knew it, but what fun it was when one had the answers to someones puzzle. Of course, Ebbe concluded, it is most commonly I who has the answer and rarely the other way round.
I have his attention now, Ebbe told herself, and he looks surprised. I suppose he was expecting a blubbing little lady to confess all so he could get home to his dinner. But I must be strong and show resolve or I shall find myself on the losing end of a bullet. Ebbe quickly resolved to show that she had been expecting such a visit. That would surely wrong-foot fearless leader and pique his curiosity regarding her further. The more curious he was, the safer she should be.
"I'm surprised it took them so long," she said, her voice sounding as strong as she hoped, despite her pulse starting to race a little. His face was a picture, thought Ebbe, I must have hit a nerve, best hit him with another zinger before he has a chance to think too much. "Is this not against protocol?"
His face remained remarkably resolute, but his eyes betrayed him. It was a subtle flash but Ebbe caught it and knew the word protocol had really lit a firecracker in his brain. Thank you geeks, she praised internally, still wary of Grim Reaper in the corner, who had yet to flinch during her brief conversation.
"When did you work for the agency?" Came his considered reply. This drew a blank for Ebbe, it was too vague for Internet chit chat. The agency could mean all manner of government or private factions and she could neither confirm or deny her involvement without further questioning. She could hardly deny she was intruigued by such a juicy, conspiratorial sounding group. But that would take up too much time and be off subject. No better to kill this line of questioning dead and hope to move on.
"The agency?" Ebbe therefore retorted, hoping her genuine ignorance of the subject was enough to convince Fearless Leader that pursuing the matter further would be fruitless.
"Don't bullshit me lady. You know something," he spat back immediately, the first outward sign of his growing frustration. Ebbe sensed she was losing him and needed something utterly unrelated to blindside him with. It had to be quick, off subject and unexpected.
"I'll ask you to mind your language sir," she heard herself say with a straight face. Fearless Leader stopped dead in his tracks. Brilliant Ebbe, brilliant, you are now the politest captive in the world, demanding that your captor interrogate without swearing. That thought triggered another idea in her head, how undignified it was for a lady to be tied legs apart.
"And if you are not planning to kill me at present I would much prefer you retied my legs together rather than apart," Ebbe requested of Fearless Leader. If he allows this then I'm certain I can get him on my side. Much to her delight Moon Face was waved over and with remarkable speed and skill retied her feet together, instantly making her feel more at ease.
"Perhaps now you are comfortable," Fearless Leader began, "you would be so kind as to explain why the fu," Ebbe was amused to note he caught himself about to swear and instead swallowed it. That was it, she had a grip on him and she only had to keep pushing little by little to get him with her. "Why the government want you, your family and anyone who has associated with you in the last 3 months wiped from the face of the Earth?"
And there it was, the validation of the fabled V6, once considered a mythological order and now not only confirmed as real but right here in Ebbe's living room. Not only that, but now Fearless Leader was finally on track, asking the right questions and giving Ebbe the opportunity to hook him. She knew she couldn't just blurt everything out here and now, tied to this chair with Grim Reaper still caressing his gun with intent.
"Interesting choice of words, er..." Ebbe paused, hoping Fearless Leader was feeling open to offering a name, or at least a pseudonym. When he was clearly reluctant to do so she continued regardless, it had at least been worth a try, "It is a truth, or more accurately a mystery about the Earth that has led you to me."
"Jesus lady, what the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Fearless Leader raged back at her, clearly infuriated by her vagueness in the face of likely death. But Ebbe was going to have to stick to her plan if she wanted him on her side. But now that meant taking the ultimate gamble, the absolute test of his resolve, because to reveal all now would most likely get her that bullet in the head. No she needed him to break his orders first.
"I won't talk to someone who is unable to converse politely," Ebbe replied stubbornly, using the ruse of the offended prisoner to further disconcert Fearless Leader. "I feel it is probably for the best if you simply follow your orders," she found herself saying. Dear God, I am really pushing my luck, she thought as the words escaped her mouth. But the statement appeared to have the desired affect. Fearless Leader turned away from her in evident disgust at her apparent disregard for not only her own life, but that of her family. Jorge would be disgusted too, she thought, her mind suddenly wandering back to the day he finally got fed up of her and left.
It had been a Sunday, as she recalled, and he had waited until three in the morning for her to return home from work. It wasn't that he'd cooked a special meal, or planned any great surprise. It was, as he'd said, not wanting to lay in bed alone for more nights than not for the rest of his life. She'd said 'fair enough'. He'd said 'fine then'. And he left that night. He'd packed a small bag at twelve and resolved to wait until two and if she still wasn't home he was leaving. One hour too late and he walked out of her life forever.
It was this distant memory that caused her to see Jorge's bearded face upon Fearless Leader's body when he uttered his next words.
"You understand that by undertaking my orders, you, your family and friends will all die?" He said with deathly seriousness.
In the blink of an eye Jorge was gone, replaced by the clean shaven Fearless Leader and his intelligent green eyes.
"I do," she replied knowing this was going to be the defining moment for them both. Either she dies and that was that, or he releases her and she would have her very own commando unit. "It isn't that I don't care sir," she started deciding honesty was the only option left now, "it is only that I have long been resigned to the fact that neither I, nor they shall likely live much longer."
She watched her words sink in. For a surreal moment Ebbe found herself pondering whether Fearless Leader was handsome or not in the midst of this life or death event. A quick blink of her eyes shook such nonsense from her head. You're not picking the father of your next child you fool, she scolded, you're trying to save your current one.
Fearless Leader muttered something under his breath before turning to Shakes.
"Cody, untie Miss Nystrom," he ordered decisively.
Thank God, Ebbe almost cheered out loud. But Shakes dithered, why had Fearless Leader picked him over reliable Moon Face, she wondered. It was only as everyone started shouting over each other that it became clear to Ebbe what he was doing. He also didn't trust Grim Reaper and he was relying on Shakes to fall in line with his order and for Moon Face to back him up against Grim Reaper. As the men roared at each other Ebbe began to fear the testosterone overload was going to cause someones trigger finger to itch and then all hell would break loose. Come on Shakes you little weasel, she cursed, get a backbone and untie me before Grim Reaper decides to complete the V6 on behalf of Fearless Leader.
Ebbe had stopped listening to what they were yelling, all she knew was she needed Shakes to undo the damn knots and for Moon Face to step up.
At last she heard Moon Face bark something at Grim Reaper. It didn't matter what it was because it was clearly all the vindication Shakes needed to free her hands. But Ebbe saw there was still serious friction and with a pounding heart took one final gamble. Fighting her every instinct to dive for cover she instead stood, putting herself right in front of Fearless Leader's gun barrel to her front and even worse, Grim Reaper to her rear.
"Ah, that's much better. Thank you young man," she said, swallowing her fears, grasping Shake's hand tightly and shaking it with vigour before turning to Fearless Leader. "Now, Mr Team Leader," she began "are you all going to shoot each other, or help me save the world?"
Her brown eyes met with his and for a moment the pair were locked in a curious staring competition. She was determined that this macho posturing between Fearless and Grim Reaper would end right now because time was short and if she could get this team on her side it could give her the literal firepower she had previously lacked. Finally I'll be able to kick some doors down, she figured hopefully.
Fearless Leader broke off his piercing gaze and with a swift sidestep had his gun trained back on Grim Reaper. From the corner of her eye Ebbe could see Moon Face also holding his position, gun sight clearly aimed at Grim Reaper's head.
"Jake," Fearless Leader addressed Grim Reaper, "lower your weapon."
Ebbe backed away, knowing she had intervened as much as she could now. Maybe that brief pause had been enough even for someone as institutionalised as Grim Reaper to think. Surely, she hoped, sense would prevail.
"We'll lower ours first," offered Fearless Leader, clearly having the same hope as she, though Ebbe started to sense it was a false hope, seeing no sign of activity in Grim Reaper's cold eyes. As Fearless Leader nodded to both Moon Face and Shakes, Ebbe began to take minute steps backwards, her heels effectively shuffling across the dirty red carpet. "Jake, think about it," Fearless Leader continued, his gun near the floor now.
"I don't need to," growled Jake.
Ebbe reached her destination and thrust her arm backwards, slapping the light switch off and plunging the room into unexpected darkness. At the exact same moment a gun blazed in her direction. She dived to the floor before she had a chance to see who was where in the room as the muzzle flash lit up the room for a split second.
Ebbe heard a thud that could be someone else diving to the floor, or perhaps the body of an injured or dead man. The gun flashed and the crack, crack noise of the shots echoed through the hollow house like devilish castanets. For a second all Ebbe could hear was her own heavy breathing and the high pitched ringing in her ears. This was broken by several muffled shouts and another loud thud.
Ebbe didn't dare move. As much as she wanted to switch the lights back on, she feared the first thing she would see was the three dead bodies and the leering face of Grim Reaper, smoking gun in hand, pointed right at her. The last thing she would hear would be that infernal crack, crack, crack as the gun fired and then it would be all over.
Better, she concluded to wait it out here. Either whoever survived will find the light switch or her eyes will adjust to the dark and the scene will be laid bare.
Yes, better to wait.
She watched Fearless Leader poring over her high res moon photo. You have no idea what this is all about do you? And you're puzzled and that annoys you doesn't it! Oh yes, you hate loose ends and this is the mother of loose ends isn't it!
"Mare fecundatatis," the man suddenly read one of the lunar seas out loud.
"Sea of fertility," Ebbe couldn't resist translating. The puzzled tone of the man was too enticing. It was a bad habit and she knew it, but what fun it was when one had the answers to someones puzzle. Of course, Ebbe concluded, it is most commonly I who has the answer and rarely the other way round.
I have his attention now, Ebbe told herself, and he looks surprised. I suppose he was expecting a blubbing little lady to confess all so he could get home to his dinner. But I must be strong and show resolve or I shall find myself on the losing end of a bullet. Ebbe quickly resolved to show that she had been expecting such a visit. That would surely wrong-foot fearless leader and pique his curiosity regarding her further. The more curious he was, the safer she should be.
"I'm surprised it took them so long," she said, her voice sounding as strong as she hoped, despite her pulse starting to race a little. His face was a picture, thought Ebbe, I must have hit a nerve, best hit him with another zinger before he has a chance to think too much. "Is this not against protocol?"
His face remained remarkably resolute, but his eyes betrayed him. It was a subtle flash but Ebbe caught it and knew the word protocol had really lit a firecracker in his brain. Thank you geeks, she praised internally, still wary of Grim Reaper in the corner, who had yet to flinch during her brief conversation.
"When did you work for the agency?" Came his considered reply. This drew a blank for Ebbe, it was too vague for Internet chit chat. The agency could mean all manner of government or private factions and she could neither confirm or deny her involvement without further questioning. She could hardly deny she was intruigued by such a juicy, conspiratorial sounding group. But that would take up too much time and be off subject. No better to kill this line of questioning dead and hope to move on.
"The agency?" Ebbe therefore retorted, hoping her genuine ignorance of the subject was enough to convince Fearless Leader that pursuing the matter further would be fruitless.
"Don't bullshit me lady. You know something," he spat back immediately, the first outward sign of his growing frustration. Ebbe sensed she was losing him and needed something utterly unrelated to blindside him with. It had to be quick, off subject and unexpected.
"I'll ask you to mind your language sir," she heard herself say with a straight face. Fearless Leader stopped dead in his tracks. Brilliant Ebbe, brilliant, you are now the politest captive in the world, demanding that your captor interrogate without swearing. That thought triggered another idea in her head, how undignified it was for a lady to be tied legs apart.
"And if you are not planning to kill me at present I would much prefer you retied my legs together rather than apart," Ebbe requested of Fearless Leader. If he allows this then I'm certain I can get him on my side. Much to her delight Moon Face was waved over and with remarkable speed and skill retied her feet together, instantly making her feel more at ease.
"Perhaps now you are comfortable," Fearless Leader began, "you would be so kind as to explain why the fu," Ebbe was amused to note he caught himself about to swear and instead swallowed it. That was it, she had a grip on him and she only had to keep pushing little by little to get him with her. "Why the government want you, your family and anyone who has associated with you in the last 3 months wiped from the face of the Earth?"
And there it was, the validation of the fabled V6, once considered a mythological order and now not only confirmed as real but right here in Ebbe's living room. Not only that, but now Fearless Leader was finally on track, asking the right questions and giving Ebbe the opportunity to hook him. She knew she couldn't just blurt everything out here and now, tied to this chair with Grim Reaper still caressing his gun with intent.
"Interesting choice of words, er..." Ebbe paused, hoping Fearless Leader was feeling open to offering a name, or at least a pseudonym. When he was clearly reluctant to do so she continued regardless, it had at least been worth a try, "It is a truth, or more accurately a mystery about the Earth that has led you to me."
"Jesus lady, what the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Fearless Leader raged back at her, clearly infuriated by her vagueness in the face of likely death. But Ebbe was going to have to stick to her plan if she wanted him on her side. But now that meant taking the ultimate gamble, the absolute test of his resolve, because to reveal all now would most likely get her that bullet in the head. No she needed him to break his orders first.
"I won't talk to someone who is unable to converse politely," Ebbe replied stubbornly, using the ruse of the offended prisoner to further disconcert Fearless Leader. "I feel it is probably for the best if you simply follow your orders," she found herself saying. Dear God, I am really pushing my luck, she thought as the words escaped her mouth. But the statement appeared to have the desired affect. Fearless Leader turned away from her in evident disgust at her apparent disregard for not only her own life, but that of her family. Jorge would be disgusted too, she thought, her mind suddenly wandering back to the day he finally got fed up of her and left.
It had been a Sunday, as she recalled, and he had waited until three in the morning for her to return home from work. It wasn't that he'd cooked a special meal, or planned any great surprise. It was, as he'd said, not wanting to lay in bed alone for more nights than not for the rest of his life. She'd said 'fair enough'. He'd said 'fine then'. And he left that night. He'd packed a small bag at twelve and resolved to wait until two and if she still wasn't home he was leaving. One hour too late and he walked out of her life forever.
It was this distant memory that caused her to see Jorge's bearded face upon Fearless Leader's body when he uttered his next words.
"You understand that by undertaking my orders, you, your family and friends will all die?" He said with deathly seriousness.
In the blink of an eye Jorge was gone, replaced by the clean shaven Fearless Leader and his intelligent green eyes.
"I do," she replied knowing this was going to be the defining moment for them both. Either she dies and that was that, or he releases her and she would have her very own commando unit. "It isn't that I don't care sir," she started deciding honesty was the only option left now, "it is only that I have long been resigned to the fact that neither I, nor they shall likely live much longer."
She watched her words sink in. For a surreal moment Ebbe found herself pondering whether Fearless Leader was handsome or not in the midst of this life or death event. A quick blink of her eyes shook such nonsense from her head. You're not picking the father of your next child you fool, she scolded, you're trying to save your current one.
Fearless Leader muttered something under his breath before turning to Shakes.
"Cody, untie Miss Nystrom," he ordered decisively.
Thank God, Ebbe almost cheered out loud. But Shakes dithered, why had Fearless Leader picked him over reliable Moon Face, she wondered. It was only as everyone started shouting over each other that it became clear to Ebbe what he was doing. He also didn't trust Grim Reaper and he was relying on Shakes to fall in line with his order and for Moon Face to back him up against Grim Reaper. As the men roared at each other Ebbe began to fear the testosterone overload was going to cause someones trigger finger to itch and then all hell would break loose. Come on Shakes you little weasel, she cursed, get a backbone and untie me before Grim Reaper decides to complete the V6 on behalf of Fearless Leader.
Ebbe had stopped listening to what they were yelling, all she knew was she needed Shakes to undo the damn knots and for Moon Face to step up.
At last she heard Moon Face bark something at Grim Reaper. It didn't matter what it was because it was clearly all the vindication Shakes needed to free her hands. But Ebbe saw there was still serious friction and with a pounding heart took one final gamble. Fighting her every instinct to dive for cover she instead stood, putting herself right in front of Fearless Leader's gun barrel to her front and even worse, Grim Reaper to her rear.
"Ah, that's much better. Thank you young man," she said, swallowing her fears, grasping Shake's hand tightly and shaking it with vigour before turning to Fearless Leader. "Now, Mr Team Leader," she began "are you all going to shoot each other, or help me save the world?"
Her brown eyes met with his and for a moment the pair were locked in a curious staring competition. She was determined that this macho posturing between Fearless and Grim Reaper would end right now because time was short and if she could get this team on her side it could give her the literal firepower she had previously lacked. Finally I'll be able to kick some doors down, she figured hopefully.
Fearless Leader broke off his piercing gaze and with a swift sidestep had his gun trained back on Grim Reaper. From the corner of her eye Ebbe could see Moon Face also holding his position, gun sight clearly aimed at Grim Reaper's head.
"Jake," Fearless Leader addressed Grim Reaper, "lower your weapon."
Ebbe backed away, knowing she had intervened as much as she could now. Maybe that brief pause had been enough even for someone as institutionalised as Grim Reaper to think. Surely, she hoped, sense would prevail.
"We'll lower ours first," offered Fearless Leader, clearly having the same hope as she, though Ebbe started to sense it was a false hope, seeing no sign of activity in Grim Reaper's cold eyes. As Fearless Leader nodded to both Moon Face and Shakes, Ebbe began to take minute steps backwards, her heels effectively shuffling across the dirty red carpet. "Jake, think about it," Fearless Leader continued, his gun near the floor now.
"I don't need to," growled Jake.
Ebbe reached her destination and thrust her arm backwards, slapping the light switch off and plunging the room into unexpected darkness. At the exact same moment a gun blazed in her direction. She dived to the floor before she had a chance to see who was where in the room as the muzzle flash lit up the room for a split second.
Ebbe heard a thud that could be someone else diving to the floor, or perhaps the body of an injured or dead man. The gun flashed and the crack, crack noise of the shots echoed through the hollow house like devilish castanets. For a second all Ebbe could hear was her own heavy breathing and the high pitched ringing in her ears. This was broken by several muffled shouts and another loud thud.
Ebbe didn't dare move. As much as she wanted to switch the lights back on, she feared the first thing she would see was the three dead bodies and the leering face of Grim Reaper, smoking gun in hand, pointed right at her. The last thing she would hear would be that infernal crack, crack, crack as the gun fired and then it would be all over.
Better, she concluded to wait it out here. Either whoever survived will find the light switch or her eyes will adjust to the dark and the scene will be laid bare.
Yes, better to wait.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Chapter 1 - Part 2
Chapter 1
"Tie her up," Anthony barked angrily.
"I thought..." started Cody before catching Anthony's glare and restraining himself. "Uh, the chair?" he said instead. Anthony nodded impatiently, turning back to the image of the moon. Stepping forward for a closer view he could see clippings cut from magazines and papers pinned to the wall. 'Moon landing a fraud', read one, 'Telemetry tape travesty!' announced another, 'Rock samples proved to be fake', 'Lunar lunacy', and many more, all articles or letters by or about conspiracy theorists disputing the moon landing ever happened.
Since when does Her Majesty give a damn about crazies who think the yanks faked the moon landing? Anthony asked himself as he perused the high resolution photo of the moon, the key landing sites pinned and identified; Capernicus, Mare Nubium, Mare Tranqillitatis, Oceanus Procellarum, Mare Fecundatatis.
"Mare fecundatatis," Anthony unconsciously said out loud as he read it, as if trying the word out to see how it rolled off the tongue.
"Sea of fertility," a woman's voice interrupted his train of thought and he turned to see his target, the V6, sitting upright on an expensive looking wooden chair, her arms tied behind her back, her feet tied separately to their respective chair legs. Anthony thought she ought to look frail, petite as she was, but somehow her sharp, fine bone structure, pale, serious face and stiff composure made her appear more defiant, like a wild cat caught in a trap, biding it's time, knowing full well it will either die, or escape and live and resigned to either fate.
Anthony was disconcerted by this. Normally people act the way you expect and that makes things a lot easier to deal with. If you burst into the home of even the most hardened criminal, shoot them and tie them to a chair, you'd expect some level of fear to be evident. In fact the more guilty a person, the more they have to lose, the more fear they often display. At least that gives you something to work with, a bargaining chip. But this chick was cool as a cucumber and as a V6 the brass had confirmed she was nothing more than a ordinary citizen who had done, or seen, something they shouldn't have. So why is she so damn calm? She doesn't even seem angry or surprised.
"I'm surprised it took them so long," she said, almost in answer to his thoughts. Her voice was unnervingly calm with a hint of an accent, not Swedish as her name suggested either, something she had tried long and hard to cover up. "Is this not against protocol?" She asked, gesturing to the rope around her ankles.
Anthony frowned. What did she know of protocol? What an odd thing to say. It would be perfectly normal under many operational circumstances to tie up the person you have been charged with neutralising. But not with a V6, that was strictly a terminate upon identification order. But a V6 was also a theoretical situation, or at least until today. Anthony's mind was working overtime, pulling memory files from the archives, grasping at names, faces and events that had led to he and his team standing in front of this peculiar woman. Nothing added up and he was concerned. In turn he knew his actions, out of character as they were, would also be unnerving his team, who were all waiting silently for his next order. The woman, Ebbe, was right, the next order, the overdue order, was a kill shot, three bullets to the brain, one to the heart, no margin for error.
"When did you work for the agency?" he asked instead, making a small hand gesture to his team requesting they lower their weapons.
"The agency?" Ebbe replied with apparently authentic ignorance.
"Don't bullshit me lady. You know something," Anthony spat back, feeling a little impatience with this whole farcical operation spill out with his words.
"I'll ask you to mind your language sir," Ebbe replied calmly.
Anthony recoiled, unable to restrain his surprise at her concern for his use of words.
"And if you are not planning to kill me at present I would much prefer you retied my legs together rather than apart." Ebbe continued, taking advantage of the continuing silence.
Anthony glanced down at her jeans clad legs and without realising found himself nodding in agreement. A deft flick of his wrist advised Art that he wished him to do as the lady wished. From the corner of his eye he could see Cody sigh with disappointment that Anthony had not trusted him to do it. Tough shit kid, if this is some kind of trick, which I actually doubt, I don't want her breaking your damn neck and stealing your gun.
In less than a minute Art had untied her legs and retied them so her knees were clamped together and her feet were turned to one side neatly. Ebbe did not flinch or say a word and Art duly returned back to the doorway after a brief glance to Anthony to confirm he had checked that she was unarmed.
"Better?" Anthony asked, allowing a hint of sarcasm to purposely seep out.
Ebbe gave a small nod.
"Perhaps now you are comfortable," Anthony began, "you would be so kind as to explain why the fu," Anthony caught himself about to swear and much to his and the team's surprise managed to swallow it back before it arrived, "why the government want you, your family and anyone who has associated with you in the last 3 months wiped from the face of the Earth?"
Ebbe smiled, her thin lips curling slightly, her eyes sparkling with bright intelligence.
"Interesting choice of words, er..." Ebbe paused, presumably hoping to elicit a name by way of response. When none was forthcoming she continued regardless. "It is a truth, or more accurately a mystery about the Earth that has led you to me."
Anthony rolled his eyes impatiently.
"Jesus lady, what the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Anthony replied angrily, finding her calm nature more and more unnerving, as if he were being tested by her.
"I won't talk to someone who is unable to converse politely," Ebbe replied stubbornly, her voice remaining steady and unaffected. "I feel it is probably for the best if you simply follow your orders."
This woman is certifiable Anthony thought to himself. Here I am offering her a chance to explain what this shit storm is all about but instead she would rather die because I said fuck. He turned back to the walls, not wanting to look at her for a second. As well as the moon there were numerous star charts, more news clippings about satellites that had been launched, probes sent into space and that satellite that had fallen to Earth not so long ago. He stared at it all for a good five minutes, trying to make sense of the scenario. He turned back to Ebbe, none the wiser.
"You understand that by undertaking my orders, you, your family and friends will all die?" He asked, wanting her to be absolutely clear on the seriousness of the situation.
"I do," she replied. He studied her face and there appeared to be no emotional undercurrent, not even a hint of carefully repressed feelings such as those apparent in well trained field agents. "It isn't that I don't care sir," she started, again showing her spooky ability to apparently read his thoughts, "it is only that I have long been resigned to the fact that neither I, nor they shall likely live much longer."
Anthony sensed that those words had not only sent a shudder through his spine, but those of his team as well, all of whom seemed to shift uncomfortably. They were too well trained for this to have been spotted by a layman, but to Anthony it was clear that he was losing control of this situation. It was obvious to him that the brass had wanted a swift resolution for this very reason. Everything, absolutely everything, was wrong about this operation, from start to finish.
"Aww shit," Anthony cursed under his breath. "Cody untie Miss Nystrom."
Cody paused, uncertain if he had heard right.
"Cody, dammit.You gone deaf son? Untie her!" Anthony hissed.
"Sir?" Cody was still unconvinced. Anthony expected this and it was why he had asked Cody, the others were too seasoned, too deep into the system to break. Cody was a sap and could be broken with a little pressure.
"Goddamn," Anthony bellowed, lifting his gun and pointing it at Cody, "release this woman immediately. We've made a mistake, this is not the person we were meant to eliminate."
"Sir?" Jake's voice boomed out. Here we go, Anthony told himself, swinging his gun in Jake's direction. Let's see how Art copes with this now.
"Kid, do what I said," Anthony urged, his sights now fixed upon Jake. Jake in turn had raised his semi and he was trained upon his boss.
"Sir, you are disobeying a direct order. I cannot allow this to happen," Jake barked.
From the corner of his eye Anthony tried to see what Art was going to do. He had known both men for over twenty years and although the job doesn't allow for friendship, he always felt Art and he had a similar thought process. Jake on the other hand was strictly an orders man. He did what he did for the money and the consequences never seemed to occur to him. Cody also seemed to be looking to Art for verification. The balance of power now lay not with Anthony but with what choice Art would make.
Anthony could see Cody's hands shaking. Ebbe, however, still seemed unnaturally calm amidst the intruders pointing guns at each other in her house.
"Cody, I am ordering you to release the lady as your superior officer," Anthony pressed again before turning his attention back to Jake. "Jake, you know the rules. In the field, under radio silence, the final decision rests with the mission leader and I have concluded that a mistake has been made."
"Sir, the woman has been identified as the target, sir. The only mistake sir, has been yours. A V6 is terminate with extreme prejudice sir." Jake barked back like he was still training with the drill Sergeant.
He really isn't human, Anthony concluded, wondering briefly whether to risk a wound or go for a kill. The second option was the sensible one because Jake was a tough son of a bitch and could cause a lot of trouble with even a major wound. But Anthony had no intention of dispatching a team member, he had actually hoped they would all be on board, but hadn't wanted to give them time to think about the possible consequences of breaking a V6.
"Jake, lower your weapon. Your mission leader has made his decision and you are not authorised to challenge it," came the gruff voice of Art, finally choosing his side. "Cody, do as he says, release the woman immediately."
Cody nervously nodded, giving a sideways glance to Jake, who didn't yet flinch, his gun still trained steadily on Anthony. The knots pulled apart easily, something all agents were taught early on, tie strong knots that cannot be wriggled out from, but that can be undone in seconds, with the right method, when needed.
Ebbe immediately stood, blocking the path of fire between Jake and Anthony. She gave a large stretch and then turned to Cody.
"Ah, that's much better. Thank you young man," she said, thrusting out her slender hand, grasping his and shaking it with surprising vigour. "Now, Mr Team leader," she began returning her attention to a bemused Anthony, "are you all going to shoot each other, or help me save the world?"
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