HERMAPHRODITE

▪️▪️▪️CH. 48▪️▪️▪️

Yoongi brought the SUV to a smooth halt and cut the engine. The agents sat there for a moment and looked around. The place was deserted. Hopping out, they gave one final check over the com units, double checked their equipment and then entered the basement. The noise inside after the eerie silence outside came as a shock to both of them. The air conditioning unit throbbed and hummed as it processed the cool air around the fifteen storeys of the Glasshouse.

"Pity we can't turn it off," shouted Yoongi above the noise.

Taehyung nodded in agreement. It certainly would have made life a lot easier if they could shut the machine down, but to do so would alert the terrorists to something going on and the last thing they needed was to arouse suspicion. No, the unit had to remain on. Taehyung consoled himself with the thought that at least they wouldn't overheat while in the ducts. Yoongi's mind must have been working on the same wavelength as his next comment brought a smile to Tae's face.

"At least we won't fry."

"You got that right. We will probably be a pair of snowmen by the time we reach the target point," replied Taehyung.

Yoongi gave something that sounded like a chuckle before he removed his screwdriver and began to unscrew the panel on the large tube that led from the unit into the ducting system and fed the building with cool air.

"Agent Kim to Commander Sejin. You copy?"

"Sejin. Status?"

"In the basement and preparing to enter the duct."

"Good."

"Any further contact with the target?"

"Not as yet. Negotiator is with me now and we will be setting up base outside the Glasshouse in five. New information may be coming to hand very shortly."

"New information?" Taehyung asked.

"Negotiator suggested contacting the television company. They may be able to give us an ID on one of the terrorists."

Tae gave a low whistle. "Good idea."

"I have the team back at HQ working on it now. Once I have further information I will contact you."

"Roger that."

"Commander, out."

"Agent Kim, out." Tae turned to where Yoongi was removing the last screw from the panel. "You get that, hyung?"

"Yes. If we can get a name then the intelligence guys might be able to pick something up on this group. It would help a lot to know what we're dealing with." Yoongi shifted and grasped the panel. With a bit of resistance he managed to pull it free and set it to the side. "Ready?"

"All systems go," replied Tae. As they both slipped on their magnetic gloves and soles, Taehyung couldn't help but think of his husband. His heart ached with longing and he hoped that Jungkook was all right. He knew Jin would do everything in his power to look after him, but nature was a funny thing and Tae couldn't help the cold feeling of dread that seemed determined to lodge itself in his gut.

"Let's get this show on the road," muttered Yoongi. "You have a birth to attend." Yoongi gave his partner's shoulder a squeeze.

Taehyung offered a small smile in return. "Thanks." Turning back to the open duct, Tae placed his hands on either side and hauled himself up and inside, Yoongi right behind him. He turned his flashlight on and began the task of crawling through the ducts as quickly and silently as he could, the blueprints clear in his head; along with a pair of bambi eyes.