Fragments of a Broken Timeline [Book 3]

Ch.23 Jurassic Thievery

"Alright, the time has come to deal with Grizz!" Bentley said as he got the presentation started. "This guy is a menace to the time continuum, not to mention the arts, and it's time to shut him and his counterfeit cave production paintings down! It appears he's already beefed up security, so he's probably expecting us. But, thanks to Rae and Carmelita, we have complete schematics of his mountain base. So once we get inside, I'll be able to target the egg vats and make sure they're scrambled! Just a little...egg humor." Bentley paused for a moment before clearing his throat, trying to bypass the sudden awkward atmosphere he had just created. "Ahem... Next, Bob and Sam will need to climb the main generator tower and pry the pressure valves open to completely disrupt power. That should start a fatal chain reaction in the system. Murray, at this point, you'll have to get to the master control panel and make sure no one can reset the system before the damage is done. Of course, you'll need to use your pugalistic skills on any guards that might get in your way. After this, the system will be completely disabled and we can do a little bear hunting. From there, Sly, Rae, it'll be your job to take down Grizz when we find him." Bentley explained. "Well, that's the plan, and we should all be clear on what needs to be done, so let's get out there and put this bear on ice!"

With the mission briefing over, everyone got up and head out to complete the mission, but as they were heading off, Rae couldn't help but wander in her own thoughts as she walked. Work together with Sly to...take down Grizz? Am I really ready for that though? I... Rae closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling sharply before letting out a long exhale. No, I can't think about that right now. I need to just focus on taking Grizz down and not dwelling in my own doubts and feelings... I can worry about that later. For now, I've got a job to do.

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When everyone had made it to Grizz's base of operation, they all approached the nest-shaped gondolas they would need to use in order to get inside of the fortress. "Okay, so this is gonna be our ticket inside, everyone." Bentley said. "Carmelita, you'll be riding with Rae, Sam, and Murray. And Sly, you'll be with Bob and myself."

After everyone climbed into their designated gondola, Sly glanced over to Rae and the others. "Hey, Rae, are you...gonna be alright?" Sly asked gently.

Rae averted her gaze from Sly's. "I'll be fine..." She replied simply. "Why are you asking all of a sudden?"

"You just seem...distant, is all."

"And why shouldn't she be, especially with what you've put her through, hm?" Carmelita suddenly jumped in.

"I-I was just, um..." Sly nervously fumbled over his words, running the back of his neck anxiously.

"Carmelita, it's okay..." Rae hushed the officer. "I'll be alright..."

Carmelita glanced back at Rae, evident concern shining in her golden eyes. "Are...are you sure?"

Rae gave a sheepish nod. "I just wanna get this job over with, that's all..." She said anxiously.

The officer stared at Rae for a moment before exhaling through her nose. "Alright, I understand... I'll stay out of this one..." She replied, remaining silent for the remainder of the ride.

When everyone was inside the base, Bentley was the first to hop out of the gondola. "Well, this is my stop. I need to destroy those egg vats and then make my way to the rendezvous point. Keep your communication channels open and I'll see you all later." Bentley said before wheeling himself off.

"Okay, Bentley, just watch your step." Sly encouraged.

"Always, Sly, always." He nodded.

Once Bentley was on his own, he easily used his booster pack to carry him over to the lower platform, and after putting the guard on watch to sleep, he noticed his path seemed to obstructed. "Hm... If I blow open those piston valves, they should function as lifts!" He commented.