The fire fight continued on for several minutes. At one point, Ethan thought he had shot one of their shadowy opponents, but it seemed a few minutes later that, if he had, another gunman had taken his fallen comrade's place.
Jim, we are caught on the roof, Ethan decided to say over the radio. We are pinned by at least one gunman. Please advise.
I will tell Anna, Jim said. She may be able to help.
Thanks Jim, Ethan said.
The fire fight continued, bullets flying somewhat less rapidly now, for several minutes. Ethan had grown accustomed to the sound made by the sporadic flight of a group of uzi bullets. And suddenly, a different firing sound rang out on the roof. Ethan couldn't quite tell what kind it was. Another shot, and then silence.
Ethan asked, trying not to get too hopeful.
Right here, Anna replied, finding Ethan quickly. Now let's go.
Ethan, Jack and Taretchnakov rose from behind the satellite room, then ran with Anna toward their escape route. After quickly finding the fire escape ladder, all four agents climbed onto it. Although they tried to be as silent as possible, the cast iron ladder rattled as they descended upon it.
To make matters worse, the alarm seemed to have been turned off. The faint vibration, both in the metal of the ladder and in the air, created by the alarm seemed to suddenly stop when the foursome reached the third floor. Now every sound they made seemed to pierce loudly through the night as if to say, Here we are guys.' Ethan was very worried that they might be caught yet, but he did not let it show.
At last they reached the end of the ladder, which happened to be a few feet off the ground. After jumping very carefully, the group was grounded. They had descended, just as planned, into a narrow and bleak alley between the KGB HQ and what appeared to be a cheap Russian diner.
This way, Ethan instructed, as he had been most fully briefed on their escape route. Jim, we are on the ground, rolling to transport. Be ready.
Copy Ethan, Jim's voice crackled over the now not secured channel.
They ran down the length of the alley, coming back out on the rear of the building. A small delivery truck was parked at what appeared to be a shipment off load door. It reminded Ethan of the KGB information node's bleak off load area in Kiev. They continued on.
It was once they had passed the truck and were running along the side of a street that led into Red Square that they heard the first gun shot. Anna quickly turned and shot, hitting one of the three pursuing guards. The four dove behind the cover of a compact car parked on the side of the road.
Not again, Vladimir muttered, who was powerless to do anything but sit and wait.
How close are we to the transport? Anna asked after firing a few times.
It is in Red Square, Ethan said, gesturing vaguely down the road.
Nice plan, Anna muttered. Did you come up with that one?
Jim figured they would never think we would go there if they caught me.
Ethan said, we are pinned again. One block from Red Square. Looks like a street that starts with an N. See if you can find us.
How many?
Looks like two, Anna piped in. She fired. Make that one.
I'll see what I can do, Jim replied.
They waited, firing shots here and there, but it was hard to see the other gunman. Within about a minute, a black luxury car pulled up. From it came two gun shots, one of which got the unsuspecting gunmen. The four hiding behind the compact ran fro the car and hopped in.
We have a plane to get back to Kiev, Jim informed from the passenger seat. Claire drove slowly down the street to avoid suspicion.
Job well done, Ethan, Claire said after leaving downtown Moscow.
Hey, don't forget Hacker Harmon, Jack said playfully.
Good job all, Jim said. Now let's just get out of here!
IMF Safe house, Kiev 28 November, 1989 4:47 P.M.
All members of Jim's IMF team were gathered around the same table they had been 11 days earlier. Jack, Anna, Claire, Ethan and Jim sat at their accustomed spots, happy that the Taretchnakov mission was finally over.
I hear from Langley that the information Taretchnakov has given is already being put to use, Jim said. We may be looking at the end of the cold war.
What does that mean for good old IMF? Ethan asked jokingly. No more Russian espionage missions! All present laughed with a mixture of amusement, relief, and a slight bit of concern for their employment.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that, what with all the world's problems, Jim said with a smile. I know, for one, that I have a long future in the Impossible Mission Force. Here's to IMF! A quiet cheer went up, saluting both the CIA division they repeatedly risked their lives in to protect America, as well as their knowledge in a job well done.
