The Decay

Chapter 12 - An Old Friend

12

Every muscle in his body tensed. Mike heard a loud bang, followed by a thud. He opened his eyes, not sure why he was still breathing. Footsteps nearby made him turn his head. A figure stood over him, hand reaching down to him. "I told you that I would see you again," said Anita, a sheepish smile on her face. Mike grabbed her hand and pulled himself up. He couldn't believe his eyes. "I... thanks Anita," he managed. "You will have time to thank me later. I believe this is what you're looking for," she said, pulling out a small jar. "Rubber cement," she added, her sheepish smile widening into a grin as she saw the expression on Mikes face. "How did you know what I was looking for?" he asked. "I've come to know a lot of things. Let's get out of here, I'll explain everything on the way back to Stonegate."

Mike and Anita made their way back up the ladder into the open.

"So," said Mike. "Let's start from what just happened. How did you know what both them and I were looking for?" "Simple," said Anita. "The same way I got to know everything else. Torturing those Epsilon dogs." "I found out about the rubber cement and got there first. Grabbed it and went into hiding, waiting for them to show up," she said. "Why didn't you just leave?" asked Mike. "I was going to. Then I heard someone else coming down. That was you, so I waited to see what you'd do," she said. "I guess that explains it," said Mike, nodding and biting his lip.

"So what more have you found out?" he asked. "A lot," replied Anita, her facial expression darkening. "John wants to build a nuclear weapon. The cement is a component for it. All he needs is this, an electronic guidance chip and a special detonator." "So what are you going to do?" asked Mike. "What are WE going to do," said Anita. "And I know what. We infiltrate their headquarters, the Hanscom Airforce Base. Find out where the last components are and get to them first." Mike looked at puzzled. "How do you plan on doing that exactly?" "We'll need a distraction. I'll come up with something," she said. Mike smiled, "I think I've got an idea. Let's get back to town and we'll talk about it with the others." Anita nodded and they picked up their pace.

Some time later, Mike broke the silence again. "Where have you been all this time?" Anita carried on walking. As Mike was about to ask if she'd heard him, she answered. "Roaming around from place to place. I've been trying to get more information about John and his plans. Haven't done much else," she said. "I see," said Mike, sensing an uncertainty in her voice. He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. Her eyes were watering, a sad expression on her face. "What's wrong, Anita?" he asked, worried. "Nothing, I'm fine," she said, turning her face away to hide her tears. She picked up the pace towards the town. Mike followed suit, remaining a few steps behind her.

Shortly after, they arrived at the main gate. Daniel was standing just outside, waiting. "Ah, there you are, Mike," he said. "Who's the lady?" "Her name's Anita. She's a good friend of mine." Mike pulled out the jar Anita had given him. "Found it. Rubber cement," Mike said, smiling. "Great job," said Daniel. "Let's speak to the others."

After explaining everything that had happened, except for Anita saving his life in the last second, Daniel and the council remained in silence. "And what is your plan?" asked the old man. "Two options," said Mike. "One is that Daniel, Ellie, Marcus, Anita and myself infiltrate the base using stealth, gain access to the main office and locate the intel on the last two components." "The second," he continued, "is that Daniel, Ellie and Marcus mount a frontal assault at the base, acting as a distraction. Anita and I then sneak in and locate the intel." The council remained in silence. "The stealth could work, but we're five. It would be easier if fewer went in. But then again, 3 soldiers launching a frontal assault is likely to get us all killed," said Daniel, interrupting the silence. "Then this is what we'll do," said Mike...

Anita approached Mike. "Are you sure about this, Mike?" He looked at her, mouth curling. "I'm sure. It's the only way to do it. I don't mind taking the risk." "Very well," said Anita. "We will go prepare. You should leave as soon as you're ready. Good luck, Mike."

Mike changed his clothes and put all his weapons in the weapon stand, except for his knife and spare pistol. He grabbed a pen from the desk and placed it in his right sock before leaving. As Mike left Stonegate Town, he began heading West towards the Hanscom Airforce Base. It shouldn't be long before he'd encounter mercenaries.

Half an hour passed before he saw two figures in the distance. Mike prayed that they weren't going to shoot him on sight. He walked up to them, hands raised. "Don't shoot," he said. The mercenaries recognized him and raised their weapons, aiming at him. "Give us one good reason why not," said one of the mercs. "I'm worth more to you alive than dead. I'm tired of running and all the killing." One of the mercs lowered his weapon. The second kept it raised. "Like I care what you're worth. You killed my friends so I'm going to kill you," he said, sourly. The first mercenary raised a hand. "Stop, Damien. Remember what our boss said. Arrest him. Then we'll see what he knows." Damien waited another few seconds before finally lowering his weapon. "If something goes wrong, I'm holding you responsible." Damien proceeded to handcuff Mike before heading back to the base.