The Decay

Chapter 23 - Gear up

23

“If you really think sealing off the entrance and using some fancy toxin is going to work, then you're stupid,” grunted Darius. “A nuke would barely seal off the entrance.” He opened the door to the armory. Christy and Alexander both gasped, their eyes wide as they saw the multitude of weapons located within. Walls were covered with a wide assortment of assault rifles, shotguns and rifles. Pistols and submachine guns were fitted on shelves on both sides of the armory, along with Epsilon uniforms. Crates and cases were stocked to the brim with ammunition. There were even a couple of laser pistols inside a display case at the far end, together with a table with a minigun on it. “I... I've never seen anything like this,” managed Christy. “Less gawking, more getting ready. Grab whatever you can use. The minigun is mine.” Darius threw his pistol on the floor, the worn weapon obsolete compared to the equipment in front of him. He grabbed 2 handguns from a top shelf on the right, strapped a shotgun to his back and took the minigun in his hands. He then took as much ammo as he could carry.

“Take that!” shouted Sam. Anita stood in the junction of a corridor, a pistol in each hand pointing to her right and left directions. At the end of the pistols lay two mercenaries dead on the ground. “You're amazing with guns kid.” Anita looked and him, half-smiling. “I know.” Sam was carrying his old, sturdy rifle but had not used it yet. It was Anita who had taken care of the 3 mercenaries encountered, the last 2 laying dead before them. “Most of this section seems clear. I hope Darius and the others are ready soon,” said Anita. Sam nodded in agreement. “This corridor leads to the exit,” she said, pointing down the corridor on her right. “Left it is,” said Sam. They hurried down the corridor, listening for any movement.

Mike heard footsteps in the distance. He quickly took cover and reloaded his pistol. Crouching, he moved towards the footsteps. They were close. He had heard 2 gunshots not too long ago. He hoped Anita was okay. Turning a corner, he sneaked down the next corridor, this one full of offices on both sides. They all looked empty. The last door on the left was open however, light flooding into the corridor. Mike raised his gun and entered the room. Empty. The footsteps were getting closer. He turned off the light and waited in the doorway to surprise the enemy. The footsteps got louder. It was more than one person. His heart beat fast as the footsteps got even louder. Any second now. At the right moment, Mike jumped out. For a split second, Anita was pressing on the trigger. She then recognized Mike and stopped herself. Mike collided with her, pushing them both to the ground. He recognized the familiar face instantly and helped her up. “I'm sorry,” he said, chuckling. “Yeah, sure you are,” replied Anita sarcastically before hugging him. “Glad you're okay,” he said, brushing her hair from her forehead. “Yeah I'm fine too kid, thanks for asking,” said Sam. Mike laughed and went over to him. “Of course I'm happy that you're okay too, old man,” replied Mike. “Oi, watch who you call old man, kid.” Sam smiled and patted Mike on the back. “Everything seems clear. Now we just wait for Darius and the others.”

“Set the charges,” commanded Darius. Alexander began to stick packages of C4 to the giant metal door. “Are you sure this is going to make the entrance collapse?” asked Christy, skeptically. Darius looked at her, annoyed. “The explosion isn't to seal the doors. It's to get us inside.” Christy raised her eyebrows, sure she had misheard. “Did you just say, 'get us inside'?” she asked. “Why else do you think we got these weapons?” Christy looked shocked. “I... you're going to get us killed,” she said, hesitantly. “If you want to live, shut up and stay behind me.” Christy didn't say anything but looked at Alexander, whose facial expression told her that he was just as unhappy as she was. She had taken a large handgun together with an assault rifle and several grenades from the armory. Naturally, Alexander had taken mostly grenades and a grenade launcher, but he also took a bulky shotgun with him, just in case things got up-close and personal. “Does Mike know about this?” asked Christy. “We planned this,” replied Darius, annoyed.

“Get to cover,” said Darius. Christy and Alexander stayed behind Darius, back from the metal door. “Do it.” Alexander pressed the red button on the detonator. A small light turned green, followed by an extremely loud explosion.