Lobo Malo

Chapter 15 - Hail To The Chief

National Bond Bank, Downtown West Sector
0101 EST

"How likely is it that this service passage will collapse?" asked Gregory nervously.

Tarvey grunted softly ahead of him. "Not very. I'm more surprised they let a passage get this close to the vault in the first place. I mean, look at these walls. We're right inside the bones of this bank." He smacked the wall to his left affectionately. "These things won't be falling apart for centuries till after we're gone."

"Keep it down, guys," Ryckmen softly. "Sound carries, you know."

"Roger that," murmured Tarvey.

The team moved down the passageway carefully, the few lights along the walls dim from both age and coats of dust. Coming to the end, they saw a ventilation grate. Tarvey peered through the louvers, seeing a single Hyena standing around. "One sentry," he subvocalized. "Bunny, gimme a boost."

Bundmeister knelt down and cupped her hands as Tarvey slung his MP5 and drew his sidearm. He gently pushed the grate open and rolled over the lip, dropping into a crouch and bringing the pistol to bear on the Hyena. Spent brass tinkled musically on the floor as Tarvey put two rounds through the Hyena's chest and a third through their throat. "Clear," he said quietly. The rest of the team came into the room. The only way out seemed to be an elevator at the far end.

"Guess we go up," said Ryckmen as he went over and pushed the call button.

The team rode up three floors, coming out into what might have been an employee lounge before Black Friday. Ryckmen looked at the others, a grim expression on his face. "For the moment, they don't know we're here. They may think we're still in the vault, but they can't be sure about it. Sentry below was neutralized without any noise, so we've got that much of an edge. I really do not want to be having to hunker down any longer than we need to, so expect we're going to have to burn up the rest of the subsonic fast. We'll keep Ellis out of the line of fire as much as we can, but we're going to be shooting our way out of here. Just keep cool, scan and breathe, and we'll have a beer with the President in a little while."

Nodding, the team quietly opened the doors out of the lounge and crabbed over to the balcony overlooking a well appointed reception area. Tarvey triggered a pulse, illuminating targets and their hostage. Below them, a comedy seemed to be playing out.

"What's the holdup, Roach?" demanded a Hyena as he kept a weapon half-trained on Ellis. "I've got the goddamned Division running around and probably already on their way here to snatch the President. I need backup!"

"Keep cool. Those idiots locked themselves in the vault. They're not going anywhere."

Gregory fought the urge to giggle as he heard Roach over the earpiece. Famous last words, he thought.

"Engage at will," subvocalized Ryckmen.

Three round bursts caught the first set of targets completely unaware. The Hyena covering Ellis began looking around for a moment in confusion. Seizing on the distraction, Ellis snatched the weapon away and brought it to his shoulder, letting loose with a long burst of fire before scuttering away behind cover. Pandemonium erupted briefly as the Hyenas realized their captive now had the means to effect his own escape. It ended almost as quickly, with the Division agents firing again at the remaining hostiles and dropping them ruthlessly.

"Friendlies," called out Ryckmen.

"I kind of gathered," replied Ellis dryly. The team made their way down a set of stairs, letting Ellis see they were there as a rescue team. "Division, huh? Good to know the taxpayers' money wasn't completely wasted."