Unexpected 1: Trojan Horse

Chapter 10: Obstacles

Everyone was ready. It was time to put the plan into action. There was no doubt, Hauser was the most nervous one out of all. They instructed city police to turn off all the breakers in the building. Lights out!

While in the top step, he placed his arm out, and clicked the button of the talkie. "Tune 1, NOW!" With the fingers in his lifted arm he counted the seconds. One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Mississippi.

He closed his hand into a fist, and called "STOP!" All three sirens stopped, and everyone took a collective breath. The members that had the listening devices placed the controller as close to the walls as possible, without actually touching them.

Three whole minutes passed. "Nothing" "Negative" "No sound" as all three ladder units reported.

Strike one.

While all this was happening, Commander Hicks listened intently, as one of the officers in the base had his talkie very close to where the leader was standing. He signaled to the other SWAT officers by shaking his head slowly.

Hondo, Luca, Tan and Deacon all looked at each other worried. They all sighed!

Deacon bowed his head and softly mumbled some words. He quickly put his head up and replied softly "Amen". The other members of 20 Squad collectively said "Amen" and bowed their heads. They may not be Catholics, but right now, they needed all the divine intervention they could get!

"Let's get ready for the second tune!" called Hauser

This is it. The plan only called for two tries. If nothing happened and they didn't spot the officers, they would evacuate and remove the ladders. Hicks would call on the Medical Examiner (ME) and Crime Scene Unit when the area was secured by all pertinent agencies, including the LAFD. Both officers would be declared diseased.

A full minute passed, and the crew in the ladders started wondering what was the hold up. Hauser had pivot, and now was requesting a pry bar to remove the wooden plank from the window cover. This would give them a better look inside, but it was a dangerous move because it would allow oxygen to rush in. If the officers were still alive, the rush of air could ignite the flames in the middle of the floor exposing them to more heat and exhaust. To counteract this, the men brought up portable extinguishers, thus cooling the ambient. They were also unsure how the environment was in that part of the building.

Hauser placed his hand, carefully and slowly on the wood and noticed it was not hot at all. It was somewhat warm, but it seemed at normal temperature. He was surprised, but in a good way, because it probably meant that flames were nowhere near this entry and he and two others could enter the flat through there.

"We are redirecting our plan. Somebody get me in contact with Commissioner Hicks or Sergeant Hondo. ASAP!" the officer that was close to Hicks didn't have to move. Hicks immediately landed right next to the talkie. Hondo did the same.

"Yes, Captain? I'm here!" Hicks called

"Ok. Here's the new plan. The second tune will happen at my command. We will tear the wood panel first, and see if we can access the front of the flat. Then, we will have a clear passage to the officers. When they hear the siren, we will be closer and hopefully be able to hear and spot them faster. The ceiling is caving in, as the third crew reported just now, so we have to move fast. It's now or never, Hicks!"

"Ok, Hauser. We will be waiting here."

"Alright. All units stand by. Will be knocking off the wood and a quick search of the close perimeter of this exit. Two minutes. Be ready for the second tune. Copy."

Hauser took the pry bar and stuck it in the base of the panel. After three tries the thing had only moved slightly. A second officer came up, and with a precise move was able to knock it lose. One more pull and the panel fell lifeless to the ground. The Captain was right, the rush of air released too much pressure and invited a strong wind. Repercussion were felt immediately, as the two moved sideways to let out a gushing wind of hot air.