Chapter 93: Lexa

The following day over breakfast, we went over the plan one last time. Everyone knew what they were supposed to do and the plan if anyone was separated from the group. Once inside, Raven, Reed, and Sofia will find the computer servers and get as much info as possible. Echo, Bellamy, and Morrigan will be team one. Team two will have Lo, Jose, and Jordan. Ash, Viv, and I will make up the last group.

The plan is to wait until we are inside past the primary security before taking out any armed men or women as quietly as possible. We will then split into groups clearing the facility while rounding up the women and kids. Anyone who tries to stop us will be dealt with. The doctors and workers will be locked in a room and left for Pav and his government. We will then meet up at the door, where we will fight our way out.

After breakfast, Clarke and I go for a walk to say our goodbyes. I hate the fact that I have to leave her and that I am the reason she is so upset. But there really isn't another way. So soon, we are all dressed and loaded onto the fishing boat, headed to Kyiv to meet the tour guide that will take us to Chernobyl.

I look to Ash and say, "I really don't have a good feeling about this. It feels like Deja vu from the Azan mission, and we know how that turned out. Promise me that if anything happens to me, you will take care of Clarke and the twins."

She replies, "I have that same feeling, but we have each other's six, so we will be okay. I ask that you promise me no heroic actions if something happens to me. You have Clarke and the twins to think about, and if something does happen to me, I will need you to take care of Callie and Asher."

I laugh, "Would you believe me if I made you that promise?"

"Probably not, but it would make me feel a little better if you did."

"Fine, I promise. As long as you make the same promise. If we get separated, remember the backup plan. We all have trackers, so it shouldn't be a problem to find one another. If we do become separated, we also have the com system to communicate with each other, so we are better off than we were when Omar took you."

Around one, we were loaded into a van for our 'tour' of Chernobyl by our tour guide, Ivan, who spoke with Bellamy before we headed on our way. Ash and I wore oversized hoodies with the hoods up just in case and sat at the back of the van. Hopefully, no one will recognize us. Jose and Reed sat at the front of the bus, and Bellamy came and sat at the back.

Bellamy whispers to me, "He said the plan is to drive the tour route of Chernobyl, making the appropriate stops as if we were just another tour. We'll get out and act the part, and around five, we will enter the village of Ladizhichy, wait for any other tours to leave before we head to the underground facility."

I just nod and act like I'm sleeping. For the next four hours, we ride around looking like any other tour group. Under any other circumstances, I would have enjoyed the tour. The place was fascinating, but it looked like something out of The Walking Dead show to me. Like at any minute, a big herd of zombies would come rushing out at us and try to eat us.

It was about five-thirty before the last tour bus left Ladizhichy village. Once that happened, we headed toward a group of buildings. The van pulls into what looks like a driveway but turns into a dirt road leading off towards the river. We drive for about five minutes before we come to a fenced-off area with guards.

I was still pretending to be asleep as I watch and survey everything that I can see. The gate only had two guards. Once past them, we drove on towards the river. We pass two houses, one on each side of the road, which according to Pav, should have four guards in each one. We continue down the road towards the river, pulling up beside a larger house. From out of the van's window, I could see two smaller houses down by the river, along with the security shack and the dock. I couldn't see the other three buildings on Pav's map for the facility because of the van's location, but I knew they were on the other side of the big house.

We sat in the van and waited for a few minutes before four armed guards came out of the main building and waited for us to unload. Finally, Ivan says to Bellamy, "I will need for you and your two guys to surrender your guns at this time. These guards will check the women for weapons and contraband and then pat you down as well."

Bellamy replies, "That's fine. I can assure you that I have checked the girls thoroughly, and they don't have any weapons."

Once the pat-downs are complete, we are led into the front of the building. Two of the guards are in front, followed by Ivan and Bellamy. Us 'girls' are behind them and followed by Jose, Reed, and the other two armed guards. As we pass through the doorway, there are two more guards stationed in front of an elevator. When the doors open, we are all ushered into it.

Ivan scans his key card and selects level three. If they count the main floor as level one, then that means there are at least two floors underground that we will need to clear. It also means that we need a key card to access the elevator.

Bellamy asks, "So, Ivan, what exactly do you do here?"

Ivan replies, "That isn't any of your concern. All you need to know is that we pay well for American girls between the ages of 15-30."

Bellamy replies, "Fine, I was simply curious as to what you need the girls for. Do you use them as prostitutes or something for parties?"

Ivan laughs, "You could say more like human incubators."

"So, you use them to make babies? For what to sell?"

"You ask too many questions. Ah, here we are. Follow me."

We step off the elevator into a well-lit hallway that looks like your typical hospital. Exam rooms are lining both sides of the hallway for as far as you can see. We follow Ivan to the end of the hallway and hang a left. This hallway looks to be lined with offices. We are taken to the end of the hall and told to line up against the wall and wait. Ivan motions for Bellamy to follow him into the office at the end of the hall.

Bellamy asks, "What's going on?"

Ivan says, "It's time for you to meet the boss for your payment. Have your two men stay with the merchandise. The guards will help watch them while the doctor comes and takes a look at them."

So far, the only guards I have seen are the four that came down with us, plus the two guarding the elevator upstairs. Bellamy looks to me for a sign on what to do. I nod slightly, telling him to follow Ivan. I want to see how much we can find out before we start fighting. Bellamy disappears into the office. At the same time, the doctor walks out of a room across from the office.

The doctor says, "My name is Dr. Arnold Patton, and I am the head doctor of this facility. I will be doing a full exam on each of you, including extensive blood work. After your exam, you will be taken up to the second floor and assigned a room where you will wait until the results of your blood work are received. Then, once you have been cleared medically, we will proceed with the implantation."

I speak up, "What exactly are you going to do to us?"

Dr. Patton chuckles, "We are going to take good care of you here, don't you worry. You will be provided three meals a day and all the medical care you need for you and your babies."

"Um…but we aren't pregnant," Ash says.

Again, he laughs, "Not yet, but soon you will be. Now, you come with me." He points to me.

I follow him. As I pass Ash, I whisper, "Once Bellamy comes out, you know what to do." She just nods. Once I'm inside the room, I can see that it is a lab. There are two other people in here dressed in scrubs matching Dr. Patton's.

Dr. Patton asks, "What is your name?"

"Alexandria," I say. I still have my hood up, and I make sure to look at the floor so that they can't really see my face.

"Okay, Alexandria, this is my head nurse Adriana and one of our midwives, Samiya. Adriana is going to draw some blood and then assist me in my examination. Samiya, go ahead and take Alexandria's temp and blood pressure."

Samiya walks over to me and says with a heavy accent, "Alexandria, I'm going to need for you to take off your sweatshirt so that I can take your vitals."

I remove my hoodie and look at Samiya for the first time. What I see is uncanny. She seems to be in her late thirties, has long wavy brown hair and steel-gray eyes. She could literally be my twin if we were the same age. Yet, when she looks up at me, I can tell she sees it too. She gasps and says in Arabic, "Who are you? Where are you come from?"

I quickly answer in Arabic, "I should ask you the same."

Dr. Patton says, "Sami remember we only speak English here."

She replies, "Sorry, Dr."

Before anyone can say or do anything else, I hear Ash say, "Stryker!" Which is our code word for go. I hear a commotion in the hallway signaling the fighting has begun. I wait a few seconds before reacting to see if any more guards are coming. Two large guys come out of the door opposite the one I was brought in. They rush towards me. I sidestep them and hit the closest one with a left hook, staggering him. The other one attempts to grab me, but I spin away from him and catch him with an elbow to the back of the head, knocking him out. The first guy has regained his balance and rushes me low like he is going to tackle me. Instead, I time a flying knee and send him flying backward unconscious.

As I land the knee, I see movement out of the corner of my eye. I see Dr. Patton is attempting to sneak up behind me with a needle. But, before I can hit him, Samiya uses a metal tray and nails him across the back of his head, knocking him out. The nurse, Adriana, is hiding in the corner. I look at Samiya and say in Arabic, "Why did you help me?"

She replies in Arabic, "Because I am a prisoner here. Are you here to help?"

"Yes! My team and I are here to help. Do you know how many armed guards are down here?"

"Usually, only the ones that accompany new girls. Most of the guards are like those two there." She points to the unconscious guys that attacked me.

"What about the nurse?"

"She works for them."

I nod, "What is back there?" I point to the door the guys came through.

"Another lab. I'm not sure who all is in there right now."

"Stay here while I check."

I pull out my swords and walk through the door. I look around and see that there are only two people in scrubs, and they are hiding behind a desk. I call out to Samiya, "Are there any restraints around here that I can use to tie them up?"

She comes in and hands me some zip ties like the police in America use when handcuffs aren't available. I quickly tie them up and then the four in the other room. As I'm finishing, Ash comes through the doorway. She is followed by the rest of the group.

I say, "You all good?"

She replies, "Yep, the hallway and offices have been cleared. Jose and Reed are guarding the door. How about you?"

"I'm fine." I point to Samiya, and Ash does a double-take. "I know, right! Anyway, this is Samiya, she helped me and is a prisoner here. She has given me some information, and I was about to ask for more. We have taken care of everyone in here. They are all zipped tied. Samiya, do you know where their computer server room is located?"

She says, "There is a large room on the floor above us that stays locked, and we're not allowed in. So I guess that could be what you are looking for, but I'm not sure. I do know that you need a key card to access the elevator and that room."

Ash says, "Got that covered." She holds up a couple of key cards.

I say, "Alright, first let's finish clearing this floor before heading up to the next one. Samiya, how many people are on this floor?"

"It is usually just the office staff and doctors. It's late, so the exam rooms are empty for the night unless there is someone in active labor. If your people have cleared the hallway offices, then the only rooms left are the delivery rooms and the ORs, which should be empty."

"Thanks. Okay, let's head back to the elevators. Grab any weapons you can from the guards and then zip tie them. Bellamy, you and Echo check the other rooms while we secure these guys, and I check the office for any files."

He nods and heads out. Ash, Raven, Sofia, check the other offices while I check this one. Grab any information that looks useful."

A few minutes later, we are all loaded back on the elevator. I look to Samiya, "Is there anything important that we should know?"

She says, "I'm not sure. I don't know too much about what goes on, other than the experiments and deliveries of babies. But, I think that I overheard once that the offices have cameras, and I know that all the dorm rooms have them. So, if anyone is paying attention in the security room, they will have already set off the silent alarm. So, you can expect that the guards will be on the way."

"Do you know how many guards? How many girls? Where do they keep the babies?"

"I don't know how many guards total. Normally it is just security guards to make sure the girls are kept in line. They keep them drugged so that they don't resist. There are probably twenty or so girls/women in varying degrees of pregnancy. They keep the babies and kids on the floor below us. I'm not sure how many. There are at least five guards on that floor, and you shouldn't expect the older kids to leave willingly."

"Why not?"

"I'm not completely sure, but I just know that they usually do what they are told by the doctors without question. I don't know if they are drugged or what. Be prepared. They may fight back if told."

"Alright, we will head up first. Raven, Sofia, Reed, Lo, Jose, and Jordan will get off there. Raven, Sofia, and Reed will hit the server room while Lo, Jose, and Jordan clear security and the kitchen. Once it is clear, start freeing the women and take them up to the main floor. Hold there until the rest of us arrive. Be prepared to fight once on the main level. You should have help from Logan and Lincoln. After that, the rest of us will head down to the floor where the nursery is located. Samiya, you should go with the group on the first floor to help with the pregnant women."

She says, "No, I need to go down to the kids. I know at least one of my kids is down there, if not more. I have to try to convince them to leave with us. Maybe they will listen to me. I don't know; I haven't seen them in years, but…I have to try."

"Fine, do you know how to shoot a gun?"

"N-not really, but I'm willing to try."

"Ash, hand Samiya a handgun and show her the basics."

"Everyone ready? The doors are about to open."

Bellamy, Jose, and Reed took up the position in front of the door with the machine guns taken from the guards, with the rest of us behind them. When the doors opened, the hallway was full of guards. Luckily, it was a narrow hallway and could only hold about three of them shoulder to shoulder. It didn't take long for us to mow them down. There were only about ten, and our armor held up against their shots.

When the shooting stopped, I ask, "Is everyone alright?"

Bellamy replies, "Yep, I took a few rounds, but the armor held, probably have a few bruises, but that's it."

"Ok, team one and two, get off now. Good luck and watch each other's six. See you soon."

Clarke

After we say goodnight to mom and Kane, Lexa and I spend the night cuddled up in bed. As we lay there enjoying each other, Lexa says, "Now that we know we are expecting girls, should we talk about names?"

"I guess we can if you want. Do you have something in mind?"

"I have thought about it some and was thinking maybe we could name one after your mom."

"Really? You would want to name one of our kids Abigail after my mom?"

"Why not? She is a big part of the reason I made it out of that hell hole, but if you disagree…we don't have to. I was also thinking maybe Madelyn and calling her Maddy."

"Wow, you really have been thinking about this, haven't you? I'm sorry, I haven't really thought about it too much yet, but I like the sound of both of your ideas. I'll try to come up with some choices to go along with yours while you are gone. We still have some time, so there isn't a rush."

"I know. I'm just excited. I love you, Clarke."

"I love you too, babe. Now you need to get some sleep, so you don't make any mistakes tomorrow. I need you to come back to me."

"I promise, I'm coming back to you." She leans down, places her head on my baby bump and says, "Hi, girls. I hope everything is going good for you in there. I have to go away for a while, but mommy Clarke will take real good care of you while I'm gone. I want you both to know that I love you very much and can't wait to meet you. So please behave while I'm gone and don't cause mommy to be sick when I'm not around to help, okay."

I can't help the tears that flow down my cheeks while she is conversing with our unborn babies. When she looks up, I smile at her through my tears. She comes and lays beside me so that I can snuggle into her. It doesn't take her long to fall asleep. Unfortunately, I can't sleep. All I can do is think about all the ways the mission can go wrong. After about two hours, I'm driving myself crazy. I quietly get out of bed and go into the kitchen, where I find mom and Kane still sitting up at the table drinking.

Mom looks up and says, "Clarke, what are you doing up?"

"I can't sleep. I can't turn off my brain. I keep thinking of everything that can go wrong. I'm working myself up and…." I start to cry.

Mom comes over and wraps me in a hug, "Honey, it's going to be alright. You just have to trust Lexa and Ash. They know what they are doing and have been through things like this before."

"I do trust them, but what if something happens to Lexa? I can't have and raise these kids without her. I can't do it alone!"

"Clarke, you will never be alone. I will be there for you always. I know that it's not the same, but you won't be alone."

"Thanks, mom. On top of that, while we were lying in bed, Lexa wanted to talk about names for the twins. I haven't even begun to think about them."

"Sweetie, you still have plenty of time to think about names."

"That's not the point, mom. The point is she is already thinking about them, and I'm not. I can't seem to think about them as a reality, or maybe I won't until I know for sure the procedure worked, and they are truly hers and not Finn's. Or what if…what if I can't be a mom to them after all. What if…what if the only reason I am keeping them is that I knew that she wanted them so badly."

"Clarke! I thought you wanted them as well."

"I-I think no, I know that I do want them as long as they are Lexa's. I'm simply scared something is going to happen to her. Do you know what she wants to name the twins? Abigail and Madelyn."

"Really? She wants to name one after me. That's so sweet, but not necessary."

"I know, but she says that she wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."

"Clarke, you need to stop working yourself up about things you can't control. Drink you a glass of milk and go get some rest. We will all get through this together. Those twins are going to be the luckiest kids around having the two of you for mothers."

"Thanks, mom. I'll see you in the morning."