The darkness of night provided the perfect cover for Team Intervention. After much cajoling, Troop was able to join the squad Lawrence had put together to break out the Accidents being held in Kloston Community Church. Team Intervention wasn’t big; it was only comprised of five members: Nick, Travis, Lillia, Ro and Troop.
Nick was in charge of the team. His voice came through the earpiece Troop wore. “Remember, keep this quick, simple and untraceable. Ready to go into the church?”
Everyone nodded. Lillia remained in the van parked a little ways down the street from the church as everyone filed out. The plan wasn’t complicated: break into the church, negate any guards that got in the way, sneak out as many Accidents as they could and make their escape in the van.
“Remember, don’t look at any of the cameras. As long as the cameras don’t catch your face, you’ll be fine,” Nick reminded them. He had pinpointed where all fifteen cameras were on the property. “Alright, let’s hustle. We don’t have all night to do this.”
Troop fell in last in line, walking behind Ro. They weren’t going for secrecy—the cameras and sensors monitoring the property were all in full working order. There hadn’t been enough time to prepare for a stealth mission. Instead, Team Intervention had opted to go for a hit and run. Short and simple does the trick.
Keeping their heads down, the four Revealers approached the closest window. Travis threw a small detonator at the window. There was a bright flash and the sound-seal boarding up the glass window blew apart. The mini explosion was eerily silent; a muffler had been attached to the detonator.
Nick brushed aside some of the splintered glass and hoisted himself inside. Everyone followed likewise. It was pitch black inside the building, so Troop turned on the solar lamp he had brought along and passed it to Nick, who was still in lead.
They were alone in the room. Rotting pews squatted down the two sides of the dank room. Dust coated alters and statues stood forlornly, cobwebs trailing from them. An involuntary shudder ran through Troop. This place reminded him of a crypt.
Nick jerked his head towards the sagging door at the back of the room. The team crept to it, each footfall raising up a cloud of dust from the musty carpet. Nick gave an experimental twist on the doorknob. Locked. Travis stepped forward with a portable laser cutter. He deftly burned an entryway through the soft wood door and they continued on.
Behind the door was a stairwell leading down beneath the church. Due to the curving nature of the stairs, they wouldn’t be able to see anyone coming up the stairs until it was too late. Nick turned off the solar lamp, reducing the chance of giving away their presence.
“Keep one hand on the wall at all times,” he instructed. “Don’t want anyone tripping down the stairs.”
The walls felt cool and damp beneath Troop’s palm. He took baby steps, afraid he might accidently miss a step.
“Careful,” Ro warned him from up front. “You’re about to take the last step.”
Troop nodded her thanks even though she couldn’t see it.
“Is there anyone here?” he whispered.
“I don’t think so,” Nick said. “Hold on a sec—let me turn on the lamp again so we can get our bearings.”
“I’m here,” a soft voice spoke up.
Four heads swiveled towards the source of the sound. The light flickered on, illuminating the small room they stood in.
