When the rains may come (Science Fiction)

55. Hope for the best

The wind outside the sector 22 airport was dry. It razed at Luce's jaw and blew out the lapels of his blazer as he stood gazing at it from the parking lot.

"You're sure this is a good idea?" Tracy said, looking at him nervously.

He just nodded. "This is the perfect place to start."

"Um, since Command is already arrested, there's a strong chance the Clandestines have sent a word about you being a wanted man too," Tracy said. "You know that right?"

Luce rolled his eyes. "Yeah I'm a fugitive now. So what?"

Tracy shrugged. "Nothing. I just hope you didn't use up all your fancy talk at Erik Koehlwin's place. The operatives in that airport probably would be happier to shoot you than the Last Hand people. Main reason being there's probably a big bounty on your head by now."

"Don't worry, Tracy," Luce said. "I have enough fancy talk to rile up every operative in there."

"Well, go knock 'em dead, tiger."

"You're coming with me." He grabbed her hand and pulled him after her.

Tracy squealed, "This is the worst idea!"

#

Luce walked through the main gate. The lady at the first security checkpoint was bewildered to see him.

"Y-You?!"

Luce held back a groan. "Yes, it's me. Apparently Clandestines sent a memo, huh?"

Tracy grimaced. "Luce, this won't hel–"

The checkpoint lady smacked the emergency alarm button. The tiled floor rattled as stampeding feet rushed closer. Within the next four seconds, two dozen operatives were aiming their guns at the man and the girl.

Luce raised his hands in surrender. Tracy balked but knowing there was no way out of the situation, she did the same. Soon the chief of airport security arrived wearing an icy cold glare on his face. His piercing gaze examined Luce with disdain. "Everything you did that day when the truck was stolen proved that you were reckless. But after today there's no doubt in the fact that you are also an idiot," he said.

Luce remained quiet. The chief just scoffed and snapped a pair of handcuffs on both of them. "Bring them into the lobby and keep a close eye on them. I'm gonna go make a call to the House of Operations."

Tracy grit her teeth as the operatives escorted them to the lobby. "I told you, it won't help!" she snapped at Luce.

"Shh, this is all going according to plan."

#

They put the man and the girl at the center of the lobby. Still in handcuffs and surrounded by armed operatives. Tracy kept shaking her head, regretting her decision to come along with Luce. While the man barely let his stoic mask slip off his face.

"How are you planning on bullshitting your way out of this one?" Tracy asked.

"I'm gonna speak the truth."

The girl rolled her eyes. She looked at the operatives standing guard around her. "You really think any of these people are gonna appreciate the so-called truth?"

"They will. It's in their best interests after all." Luce nodded.

Tracy bit her lip. She hoped he knew what he was doing.

"Hey, by the way, what was the airport security chief's name again?" Luce asked.

"Ian Harper."

Almost as if summoned by the mention of his name, chief Harper arrived and he wasn't alone. The head of the House of Operations was with him. He wore a navy blue overcoat with the government insignia and his name tag read: Dulvers.