Unexpected 3: Alonso, Gone

Chapter 16: Firecrackers

Black Betty, on route, 9:45am

"Alright guys, I know we are three men down, but we got this! Whitlock gave us the heads up that these guys have taken control of all of the command centers in the plant. That means surveillance, machinery, communication...everything! We have to be extra careful. We gotta move in sync or these guys could press the wrong button and blow up a big chunk of LA. So, follow instructions and be attentive. Fill the gaps and always-"

"Stay liquid!" Deacon and Tan called, out, accompanied by Luca who was listening in through the radio

"Hey Hondo, just texted Street. Said he in on his way to join you. Just sent him the location." called Luca over the radio. As he was acting Commander, he couldn't join the team.

"Roger that, Luca. Tell him to meet us at the south point entry."

"Roger"

As the black tank made it to the southern part of the parking lot, Luca announced that Whitlock was shut down by the DHS, claiming it was a matter of national security. They did not provide any real answers, just grabbed the IT technician and left the building.

"Luca, what is going on?" Tan asked

"I don't know guys, but the DHS and FBI are acting real spooked right now. Maybe Whit was right, this may be something huge... not just these idiots."

They made their way out of Black Betty and got in position. They were joined by Street, who started changing into gear in a whiff! Three patrol cars were already blocking the main exits.

The place was deserted, except some cars in the parking lot. They did notice two drones flying away in the distance as Street finished gearing up and joined the formation.

"We've been spotted. All eyes out, guys!" called Hondo, as Rocker's team completed the formation.

They divided and each small group went to opposite sides. They blew up part of the wall, after using the infrared detector to identifying the proper spots. Once inside the building they moved swiftly towards the command centers.

The officers had just crossed the first floor to the unit's side stairs, when the fire alarm broke out. This caused a water stream to flow from different areas of the ceiling. Just microseconds later, a huge cloud of smoke invaded every part of the building as the side doors to the incinerating area were completely lifted. These doors were crucial to maintaining the recommended temperature in all areas, especially the multiple control rooms of the facility. Each of these computerized areas, exactly four, controlled a different operation and counted with at least two technicians. These people were trapped inside, as the doors were automated and were all under lockdown.

With the smoke, the water and the sudden rise in temperature, now the plant represented a hazard for the city: in any moment it could explode! The officers began to sweat as the air conditioning unit was turned off and the hot temperatures began to infiltrate their gear.

"Guys, this place is gonna blow up!" Rocker called as his team searched the second floor.

"You're safe!" Tan said, as he and Street managed to open the heavy door of one of the control rooms using several tools. They found the two technicians that clocked in that day, as they were hiding under the counter. "Two victims recovered in the top floor."

"Another two in the first floor." called Deacon

"We got the last four already on their way out of the building." called Rocker

A sudden explosion was heard in the back of the building as the combination of elements had contacted one of the main circuit control boxes, which was now under heavy flames.