Unexpected 4: Digital Purge

Chapter 16: The SWAT-Shank redemption

They had just been picked up by the Marshalls and were being directed towards a new room located in the first floor, left wing. As they planned, the first step was for Max to order the officers  be placed in a secure leisurely place for a 'better mental state of affairs'.

They arrived at the room and were amazed that it was so different than the rest in the building. Most of the rooms they had been taken to were bare, and only contained the minimum of furniture. This one, however, resembled the perfect man cave! The room had two big screens, each one in opposite walls. In the wall setup next to them each had a small cube center with DVDS, games, and decorations. One of the screens was connected to a DVD player and the other to a PS5 with a handful of games. Each counted with a sound bar and two video surveillance cameras, plus a comfortable couch and a small center table with a basket of candy and snacks. To the far end there was a pool table, and on the opposite side a Foosball table. As soon as they came in they noticed the majestic windows, showing the clear night sky and the dark mountains. It just seem like a big oil painting but with movement.

Even with all the forms of entertainment surrounding them, no one felt amused at all. The nerves, panic and determination were all emotions going up and down their spine and directing the traffic in their chests. Mouths were dry, stomachs were churning, eyes were darting everywhere...

"Dude, I've never been so scared in my whole life!" Luca admitted, whispering to Tan as he went for the red pins in the Foosball table.

"Yeah, I'ma do my best, but... whatever! At least my family's safe." Tan said with a doubtful tone. His heart was with his wife.

"Hey!" Hondo interrupted. He rushed in and stood between them. "You listen to me now! We didn't go through all of that so we could leave our families hanging. Hell nah!" he paused, an angry frown on his face, "We are getting our families back. End of discussion. Y'all hear me?"

"Yes, boss!" responded both staring at each other and then back at him.

They moved to join Street and Chris, who sat down in one of the couches facing the screen showing the current world news. Street had gathered the remote, clicked on power and let it roll. Chris had turned on the other screen to a video introduction of one of the games.

"I need y'all to focus. I know we haven't eaten much and the stress is mounting, but this right here is what we train for. Survival!" Hondo continued, as the group stood in front of the couple in one side of the room.

"Guys," Deacon called, as all eyes moved towards him, " you heard Whitlock, we need to stay focused. Each one of us has a job to do and it needs to be perfect!"Deacon stressed

Everyone nodded. Hicks and Whitlock were chatting near the door, which was accompanied by a bookshelf with more than two dozen paperbacks and hard covers.

"So? We good?" Hondo asked

They each looked at each other and heads moved up and down to demonstrate their willingness. Their plan was set, and it all started right now. Even though they had the world against them, and all their thoughts were governed by fear, they decided to go ahead and give it their best shot. They had to do. For their families. For the city of LA. For the state of California. If that man reached that chair it would be the end of the system!

"Alright, ready?" Hondo called

"Everybody, up!" Deacon gestured to Hicks and Whitlock, who nodded back

Chris and Tan went for the walls, each stood facing the middle of the room, while running their hands behind the screen, the furniture, around the windows, below the table top, etc. For every bug they found, they knocked to the ground with a slight movement of their hands. Meanwhile, Deacon sat in the couch opposite of Street. They grabbed the remotes and pressed the volume up all the way. Then, hid the controllers somewhere underneath the furniture.