Shattered Innocence

Infiltrating the Hidden Fortress

"I can't believe this," I groan as I sit by the side of the road, scanning the maps on my laptop. "We've clearly missed it. These roads all look the same out here." Zack lets out a sigh as he peers over my shoulder.

"They've deliberately made it hard to find. Well, at least that's a good sign." I nod and stretch, accepting the water Ivan hands me. Nova is basking on the truck's roof, with Yuri beside her. For a brief moment, my gaze lingers on her. As if she senses it, she lifts her head and gives me a playful wink.

"Have you found it yet, babe?" she asks.

"I think so." I feel my cheeks flush, especially when she gracefully rolls and hops off the truck, landing on her feet before making her way towards me, planting a soft kiss on my lips.

"That's my boy," she purrs, glancing at Zack.

"So, what are we waiting for? Let's get going." Once we're back in the trucks, I keep a watchful eye on the satellite phone while navigating through the winding hills and terrain. Zack was right—they've made sure it's well hidden. Is that a promising sign or a worrisome one?

ZACK

"There's some activity," I murmur, peering through the scope of my sniper rifle. We all have our earpieces in, and Mikhail is back at the trucks, working on hacking into their systems. Nova and Nikolay are on the other side of the hills, concealed among the foliage. Ivan is keeping guard over Mikhail, and Yuri is standing beside me.

The location is right in the heart of the mountains, completely hidden from sight. It took us quite a hike to get here, and I wanted multiple vantage points. Passing the scope to Yuri, I grab my camera and snap as many photos as possible, knowing we'll need them to come up with a plan.

I'm certain Nora is doing the same. But there's definitely some activity. I spot planes on a runway, open bunkers, and buildings with soldiers and scientists bustling in and out. We've finally found their main stronghold. This is our chance.

"Alright, let's regroup at the trucks and strategize. Tonight, we observe, and tomorrow, we strike." I leave Yuri to keep watch as I climb down and meet the others at the trucks. An hour later, Nora emerges, leaving Nikolay in position as a precaution. We all gather around to examine the photos. It's unquestionably a fortress, fortified with electrified fences and guarded gates. Soldiers patrol the perimeter in shifts, and cameras are strategically placed throughout the area... and that's only what we can see. But it doesn't matter.

We need to infiltrate, uncover the truth, destroy their research, and put an end to all of this.

"Alright, we'll switch positions at five. Get some rest. I want every bit of information on that place before we go in."

"Are we going in tomorrow? It might be better under the cover of darkness. We'd have a lower chance of being detected," Nora suggests softly.

"Maybe. Give me a few hours, and I'll come up with a plan."

"Yes, boss." She winks at me. "Then I guess I'll get some sleep." My eyes linger on her as she climbs into the back of the truck before I turn away. I need to stay focused, even though all I want is to hold her close. One thing is certain—we won't come out of there unscathed.