GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 22: Catch Me If You Can!

Hyatt Centric Hotel Basement, Tokyo

April 2, 2028, 14:02

The dimly lit basement parking lot pulsed with the steady hum of fluorescent lights. Streaks of oil and soot clung to the concrete walls, the air thick with the acrid tang of gasoline and exhaust.

Maya exhaled sharply, arms crossed as she leaned against a support pillar. "Alright," she muttered. "Now we just have to wait for Alex to bring the SUV. Let's hope he's not slow."

Sawyer raised an eyebrow. "Curious—what's your definition of fast?"

"Faster than you think," Maya shot back before shifting her focus. "Oh, right. Bro, you armed?"

Adam gave a curt nod. "Yeah."

"Joshie?"

Caldwell tapped his jacket. "Yup."

Maya glanced around at the rest of the group. "And the others?"

Itami sighed. "Unfortunately, no. Well—except for Rory over there."

Rory smirked, resting a hand on the shaft of her massive wrapped halberd. "My weapon and I are inseparable."

Maya shook her head. "No worries. You won't be unarmed for long."

Headlights swept across the garage as an SUV rolled up, its engine purring. The window lowered, revealing Alex behind the wheel.

"Took you long enough," Maya called. "Pop the trunk."

Alex sighed. "Hang on..."

The lock clicked, and the trunk swung open. Two rifle cases and three duffle bags were inside, but Maya paid no mind to them. Instead, she ran her hands along the trunk's roof, searching.

"Where the hell is it..." she muttered. Then her fingers found a hidden latch. "Got it."

With a tug, a concealed rack slid down, revealing an array of neatly secured handguns.

Adam let out an impressed whistle. "Okay, that's actually pretty cool, sis."

Maya grinned. "Dad taught me. If we ever find the time, I could install one in your car."

Adam snorted. "The world will end before that happens."

A murmur of curiosity rose behind them. Pina and Bozes exchanged glances, while Tuka leaned in for a closer look. Lelei studied the weapons intently.

"Strange," Lelei remarked. "They're much smaller than the rifles you carry. Are they meant for something else?"

Rory folded her arms. "They don't look as powerful."

Caldwell chuckled, stepping forward. "That's because they aren't. These are handguns—smaller, less powerful than rifles."

Bozes was skeptical. "Then why use them at all?"

Caldwell smirked. "Because we're in the middle of Tokyo. Walking around with rifles would be... Quite impolite."

Maya clapped her hands together, cutting off the impromptu lesson. "Alright, enough explanations. My JSDF friends—take your pick."

Kuribayashi stepped forward first, barely glancing at the selection before grabbing a Glock with a satisfied nod. "This'll do."

Yanagida followed, taking his time before settling on another Glock.

Tomita reached in last, pulling out a SIG Sauer.

When Itami moved to make his choice, Maya beat him to it. She plucked a Heckler & Koch VP9 from the rack and held it out to him.