Seekers

Chapter 9

The sound of the helicopter was deafening.  They were soaring over Europe now, on their way to Turkey. Inside, everyone looked the same- dark camouflage suits, backpacks down by their feet, and bulky helmets that were the only way they could hear each other.

“We’re almost there,” Sargeant Burke’s voice ehoed in his ears. Thomas looked out the window across froom him. It was dark, but he could see the lights of a city down below. He wondered where Kate was.

“We’re appraoaching the landing site. Buckle up, and brace for landing.” Thomas checked to make sure his seatbelt was secure. Going through the motions was the oly thing keeping him from thinking. When he thought, his stomach erupted in butterflies and he thought he might throw up.

He felt the helicopter slow way down, before they then began too decend. This is it, he thought. He looked around at everyone else’s faces, but none of them mirrored his own. Of course not, Tom thought. These were seasoned professionals. Why would they be nervous? The thought only reminded him ow new he was to this world.

The helicopter touched down, and they all hopped out of seats and lined up, single file. The doors flew open and Srgeant Burke ordered them ot.

“All right,” he said. “We are heading over to those trucks,” he pointed to six trucks parked about 30 yards away. “And then we will head to our baase. Let’s go.” They followed him, and got in the trucks.

The ride to the base was bumpy and uncomfortable. Thomas touched the gun around his hip, wondering how many times he would have to use it.

The base was a small ooutpost building, a fortress of concrete. It was small, only the one room, but it was spacious Thomas was grateful for that. He hadn’t had a lot of personal space since they left.

They set their backpacks against the wall, and Thomas looked around. There was a giant table in the middle of the room, where five different men were pouring over a map, Thomas thought. There were was only one window, by the door. Off to one side was a kitchenette, which housed a small gas stove and a fridge, to Thomas’s surprise. Computers lined the rest of the walls. Big, high- tech ones, in front of which sat another four men, typing away while listening too something from their headsets.

“Alright,” Sargeant Burke turned away from the table t face his squad. “We are going to start by fanning oout through the city. Cadmen and Louis, you’re taking Section One. Onedale and Jones, you’re taking Section Two. Johnson and Broke, you’re taking Section Three.” He continued too list all the agent’s names, pairing them up in teams of two and giving them their Section of the city. “Albright,” Sargeant Burke turned to Thomas. “Yoou’re with me. We’re taking the last section, Section Six.

Now, here’s what’s going to happen: you’re job if to find that prison. Obvioously, it’s hidden around here somewhere. Talk to the locals, blend in, and investigate. Don’t let them know you’re agents, especially that you’re Seekers. We need to find out aas much about these guys as we can.” Sargeant Burke glanced at his watch. “We meet back here at one, and everyone will report on what they found oout. Got it?” A chorus of “Yes, sir!” followed.

“Good,” said Sargeant Burke. “Now get oout oof here.”

Thomas went to grab his backpack, but Burke stopped him. “You won’t be needing that,” he said.

“Sir?”

“I’ve got it covered. Besides, Section Six is mostly deserted, notmany buildings out there. While the rest of them are on foot, we’ll take the truck.”

“Yes, sir.”

They went out front and hopped in. While they were driving out of town they passed some of the other agents. Thomas hoped noo one else would.