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Chapter 21

A steady amount of requests came through. The schedule was quite full so only Matz and I were left at the base. The others were either transporting supplies as per request or bringing them back. The telegram steadily printed out orders and the typical questions of reassurance that the orders were received well. It was a little silent in my office…too silent. The telegram quietened for an unnerving period of time. I got up to tap the telegram in case the radio receiver or sender was busted. As I was about to smack the telegram, a message printed.

Boom.

I tilted my head at the cryptic message in confusion. Just outside of base, an explosion rang out. I left my office and stalked to where the explosion sound was coming from. Another one was set off, this time just outside the door. The force was strong enough to blow a hole in the wall, creating a sheen filter of stirred dust and sand. I didn’t wait for the intruders to enter, having dashed away to the captain’s office. 

I huffed at the door and Hongjoong looked up at my terror-stricken face. A second explosion and he lept up, pushing me out of the office and urged me down the hallway to hide.

I scrambled to the first room in mind and hid. That was when I realised I foolishly picked a spot that was quite open, in my office behind one of the numerous cabinets. There was no time to move as the sounds of gunfire wiped my mind clean of any rational thought. I huddled closer into myself, concealing myself in the shadows as much as possible. The round of gunfire stopped. I stilled and strained my ears. 

“Find the girl.” 

The voice was just outside the room. I gathered my knees to my chest, trying to control my laboured breaths. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and feel it deep in my stomach. Luck wasn’t on my side. I heard slow footsteps approach in mocking leisure which stopped a few paces away from me. Yep I’m going to be found out. 

“Boss, we’ve cleared the other rooms, no sign.”

“Then search harder!” There was an air of impatience. 

The footsteps receded. The blood was pumping crazy and didn’t slow down. I stayed frozen even when the room descended into stiff silence. Shifting slightly, I looked up and nearly let out a scream. Peering round the cabinet was a twisted smile etched into a face that had seen and spoken of horrors. 

“Found you.” He licked his lips. 

Hiding behind the cabinet meant I had also created a dead-end for myself. The man hauled me up by the collar and practically dragged me down the hallway where everybody had crowded. He shoved me towards another man who lightly caught my arm and stabilised me. I made out three other foreign faces, all drawn into a wide grin.

To my horror, the captain was staggering, holding a bloody nose and Seonghwa was knocked out in a corner. The opponent facing Hongjoong wielded a knife that flashed and I tried to break from my captor's grip only to flail around. Two claps sounded from the assumed ringleader of the assailants and Hongjoong's attacker paused before resuming a position as a right hand man. 

"Hand it over or the girl gets it."
My captor's grip tightened around me and I felt a cold pressure press against my temple. I turned fearfully towards the captain, shaking my head a little. Whatever the deal was, even with my life on the line, I was adamant in giving it up. Spite is almighty and powerful.

The captain was wavering and I felt the person's grip relax. Wrong move buddy. I twisted the arm holding the gun away and heard the gun clatter to the ground. The man was caught off guard. I pulled on his shoulder and stuck my foot out so that he would trip and hit the floor. My small victory was cut short when I heard the safety of a gun click, barrel aimed at me.