Showdown

"Zartan," said Gnawgahyde. "More police are beginning to show up."

"Hold your position for the fireworks," said Zartan. "Zarana, things are getting close. Hurry up!"

"Do you want it done quick?" retorted Zarana, who was trying to break into a vault on the 37th floor. "Or do you want it done right?"

"I want it done right quickly," said Zartan in a nasty tone. "Zandar, take Zanzibar and go watch the front with Road Pig."

"Right, Brother," said Zandar and motioned for Zanzibar to come with him.

"We're almost in now," said Zarana to Zartan over the link as Buzzer activated his chainsaw and began the final step of cutting into the vault.

"It's about time," said Zartan impatiently.

"Father?" said Zanya from where she was on lookout.

"Yes?" asked Zartan. "This better be important."

"When you said things you reserved the right to make things messy," she said. "You may get your wish."

Zartan's chest plate burned white at the news. "Damn it all hell," he seethed. "Brother, start making them think twice."

"Yes, Brother," replied Zandar. Without taking his eyes from the approaching police cars, he quietly loaded an arrow into his gun. Then he took a careful aim. One of the policemen had a bullhorn and looked like he was giving out orders to those around him. A good example, Zandar thought to himself. With controlled effort, he squeezed the trigger and let his arrow fly. It sped towards its target with a very low whistle and connected with the policeman in his side. He gasped for air for an instant before the arrowhead exploded inside of him, showering the other policemen with blood and body parts. Every officer dove for cover after seeing or experiencing that. "They're thinking now, Brother."

"Excellent," said Zartan.

Upstairs, Buzzer finished cutting into the vault and backed away to let Zarana at the contents inside. Carefully she withdrew a small box.

"All dis for only dat?" said a surprised Ripper.

"The chips in this box are worth in excess of 250 million dollars, you cretin," said Zarana.

"Blimey," said Torch. "And Cobra Commander is only paying us three million?"

"Cheap bastard," added Buzzer.

"Silence, fools!" ordered Zarana as she opened her pack. With careful deliberation, she placed the box in her pack and secured it inside to prevent movement so as to protect the chips. "Zartan, we're finished here."

"Perfect," said Zartan. "Okay, everyone, let's get out of here."

To be continued…