After gathering as much information as possible about the enemy’s hideout through spying on their deals and missions, Carlos called an urgent meeting with Charles and his team to present a meticulous plan to rescue Lando, who was in danger with every passing minute.
Charles wasn't in favor of direct confrontation, so they reached a middle ground ensuring Lando's rescue without significant losses. Charles aimed to return the stolen money and, in return, planned to take some high-value drugs.
The team was divided into three groups: the surveillance team, responsible for monitoring the location to prevent anyone from escaping and stopping any reinforcements; the assault team, which included Carlos and Charles and was responsible for entering the hideout, rescuing Lando, and taking the money and drugs; and the technical support team, responsible for cutting communications and disabling security systems.
The surveillance team began by placing small cameras to monitor movements, while the technical support team prepared jamming and hacking devices to disable the security systems.
At the designated time, the assault team breached the hideout through a secret tunnel, encountering little resistance thanks to the element of surprise.
The assault team then split into two groups: Charles led the group to secure the money and drugs, while Carlos led the rescue team to save Lando. This strategy was designed to complete the mission and accomplish their objectives before meeting at a pre-determined point to maximize their chances of escaping safely.
Carlos’s rescue team headed directly to Lando, who was imprisoned in one of the cells thanks to a confession from one of the men after being threatened. They found Lando shackled in a narrow, dark room, leaning against Oscar, who was not shackled but was stripped of his clothes.
Lando was elated to see Carlos’s loyalty but that quickly faded when he heard Carlos say, “Leave that bastard here; they might get rid of him.” Lando’s expression turned somber. While Carlos was untying him, Lando whispered in a hoarse voice, “Take Oscar first and ensure he gets out. That’s an order.” Carlos felt helpless but they weren’t in a position to argue.
They freed Lando while Oscar was beside him. Time was running out, and they had to move quickly to avoid any reaction from the guards who were regaining their strength and balance.
Carlos reached the meeting point where he found Charles and his men, each burdened with multiple bags. Securing the escape route, they used jamming devices to disable any alarms or requests for reinforcements. Meanwhile, the surveillance team ensured there were no suspicious movements outside the hideout, giving the team additional confidence in their plan.
The team retreated efficiently through the same secret tunnel, avoiding further confrontations. Escape vehicles were waiting for them at the pre-arranged rendezvous point, and they managed to return to Charles’s hideout without any losses.
Upon returning, Charles seemed curious about the other boy, Oscar, whom Carlos hadn't mentioned. “I almost didn't plan on bringing him out, but those were Lando’s orders,” Carlos answered Charles’s questions, glaring at the unconscious Oscar with anger.
Charles calmly responded, “Maybe you should reconsider your reasons for hating him. I think he's the biggest victim here. You can see his weakened state, and I’m sure you’re aware of the kind of torture he endured.”
Lando began to regain consciousness then, and the first thing on his mind was Oscar. Before he could ask, he heard Charles’s last words, reassuring him. He turned his head towards Carlos, making everyone aware that he was awake, and shifting their attention to him.
“I owe you, Carlos,” Lando said, grateful. Carlos, not one to show emotions, simply nodded. Lando appreciated Carlos’s loyalty and dedication. He then noticed Charles, whom he hadn't seen before, and Charles explained the situation, receiving nods of approval from Carlos at every word.
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