The Dark Path : The Start of Darkness, The Beginning of True Struggles

Chapter Eight

- Chapter Eight -

I sat in my seat as Cathy piloted the aircraft, looking out the window.

“I hope you’re not overestimating your men, Nystrom. For all you know, SMART may just be able to overwhelm them,” Miles said to her.

 “Please don’t question my decision. You don’t know these people like I do. Trust me on this one. We have it under control.”

Miles looked like he wanted to press on but decided to drop the topic. “Alright, if you insist but if anything happens, you’ll be the one held responsible.”

“I know, I know. This is a risk we have to take and my men understand that. So try to relax, Vance. It’s not your concern anyway.”

Miles let out a sigh. “Okay then. What about us? Where are we headed?”

“There’s a place I know where the both of you can be safe.”

“Us?”

“If my guess is correct, SMART was after you. It’s rare for SMART to engage in attrition tactics. For all the time we’ve known them, SMART will not attempt any random attacks with purpose. They have a rather strategic way of dealing things. What may seem like a simple attack is really a mission with a larger, hidden purpose. In this case, we suspect that their attack on our base was because they were searching for you. Did they implant any tracking devices into your bodies?”

Miles shook his head. “They never held me captive so I doubt it.”

The both of them turned their attention to me. “I was unconscious for half the time they held me captive.”

“That’s all the time they need.” Cathy said nodding her head. “I suggest that you to relax for now. Who knows what could happen next.”

We arrived in a town by the sea. Cathy had switched the optical camouflage system to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. She slowly landed the aircraft near a couple of warehouses. Most of them looked like they were hardly used.

“This is where you brought us? Not much to see around here.” Miles said as he looked around.

“We’re not here for sight-seeing. Follow me and stay quiet.” Cathy beckoned us to follow.

It was sunset and light was fading fast. I didn’t mind it, though. Darkness was my element and I was starting to feel rejuvenated. I heard voices coming from around one corner. Judging from their accents and slang, I assumed they were Australians.

“Stay low and stay silent. These people are civilians and I’d hate to pacify or neutralise them. We’ll give them some time. Otherwise, we’ll need to find another route.” Cathy whispered to us.

Fortunately for us, the voices began to fade and the sound of an engine disappeared into the distance. The three of us quickly moved forward and arrived at the entrance of one of the warehouses. It looked like it was hardly used. Rusty metal was seen all over the place and obsolete car engines sat quietly on the grass. Cathy immediately pulled out an electronic device and began working on a small door. The door opened and we entered the warehouse.

There was barely anything inside. The only things I could see were a few dusty buggies and some sofa couches in one corner of the warehouse. Cathy slammed the door shut and the entire place was filled with darkness. I could easily see but I doubt the others could see where they were going.

“Nystrom, I don’t know about you but I don’t have the ability to see in the dark.” Miles said aloud.

“Be patient. I’m searching for the lights.”