Shady knocked on the hotel door. Lee peered through the peephole, recognizing Powell. He cracked the door, letting her enter. They exchanged glances. Christmas nodded, grabbed his bag and left the two women alone.
"What's the plan?" Briana asked, standing up as Shady came farther into the room.
She grabbed her bag and started laying out clothes. "Change into these. Don't want to be able to tell the difference between me and you."
Fuller looked up, "Why?"
"Because that's the plan," she smiled. "That's always been the plan. To make the rebels have to look twice and, if necessary, I take your place."
Bri had been in the process of stripping her shirt when she froze in mid-motion. Her face blanched, "No. I can't." She hesitated, "You can't do that."
"But, I can, Briana. And, what's more, I will if I need to. This is the mission and we do whatever it takes to complete a job. "
"You won't know the language…the terminology," she reasoned. "Shady, it's suicide."
Powell cocked her head, "Why is this a problem, Bri?" The scientist hesitated, searching for words but shook her head. When she didn't say anything else, Shady finished for her, "Because it hits too close to home? Because it's what you did to get Briana Fuller out of the facility to begin with? Because you're really Wren Anthony?"
That propelled Fuller into action, "I don't know what would make you think that." She pulled on the long sleeved black shirt and then ferociously changed her pants. "I just think you're an idiot for even agreeing to such a stupid ass plan."
Shady smiled knowingly, "Yeah. That, too," and she began changing as well.
The team had gathered in the pool house. They would use the same path Shady had used to get access to the hangar and landing strip. The desk clerk was only too willing to reveal that he had, in fact, been paid very well to reveal that there were two women with a large group of men. He was supposed to make arrangements for the rebels to take the group during dinner that night. In the meantime, the hotel had been under surveillance. Time was now of the essence.
"Alright, Fuller, follow Powell as close as possible and try to do everything she does. I need the two of you to be indistinguishable," Ross instructed.
Bri looked at Shady then back to Ross, "If we're supposed to be identical, then I need a gun."
Doc chuckled as Ross responded, "You know how to use one?"
"My bodyguard taught me a few things," she answered simply.
Barney considered the request then looked at Shady, "Your call, Boots."
She nodded, "Give it to her."
Ross pulled a spare weapon from the back of his pants and handed it over with a warning, "Try not to shoot Powell in the back."
Bri smirked as she took the gun, making sure there was a round in the chamber. She looked to Powell and nodded. The guys then pulled Fuller aside to share the rest of the plan as Shady and Lee exchanged quick farewells.
"Watch your back, darlin'," he whispered, pulling her close.
"You, too," she answered back, with a quick kiss. Then Powell and Fuller left the hotel.
Shady, with Bri close at her heels, slipped inside the hangar. To this point, they hadn't encountered any opposition. Boots knew they would here. Suddenly, gunshots rang out. The women had been allowed to enter the building. The first wave of the team was coming under fire. Shady recognized the sound of sniper fire and knew Galgo was now providing support.
As they got closer to the plane, Powell heard footsteps. She also glimpsed shadows. Behind her, Fuller whispered, "How many?"
Shady put her hand behind her back and held up three fingers. Bri tapped her shoulder in understanding. The two got closer to their transport but still hadn't been fired upon. Shady opened the door to the hold, motioning the other woman inside. Before she could follow, the gunman appeared, firing several shots across her back. Powell fell forward on a groan.
Above her, Bri ordered, "Give me an opening." She was pretty sure Boots agreed.
Powell knew the rebels would have to get close enough to determine which girl was which. She remained still until she felt the gunman kick her over. As soon as he did, Shady came up with two blades – one she stabbed into his leg. As he dropped to his knees, she rammed the other one in his throat.
The second rebel aimed his gun at Shady only to have Bri appear from the door and fire two headshots of her own. It gave Powell time to pull her backup and fire behind as the third rebel attempted to sneak up from the rear. Boots then struggled into the plane. She grabbed one of the automatic rifles from the nearby gun rack and shoved it at Fuller, "You'll need to give the guys cover fire."
Bri nodded, "And who's going to fly…of course." Shady smiled as she headed towards the cockpit, hearing the scientist add, "Whatever it takes to complete the mission."
As she began to fire up the engines, Fuller continued to question, "And the guys?"
"That's why they'll need you," Shady spoke as she did a quick systems-check. "They'll board as we're rolling but if they don't make it, the guys know to take cover and wait. We'll make a return flight as soon as you're home safe." Bri nodded again. Powell put on the headset and changed the frequency, giving the Expendables their signal, "Alright, gentlemen, start your engines."
From the back of the hangar, Lee and Barney started making their way towards the exit. They had already dispatched another three rebels before they came across the bodies that the two women had killed. The men exchanged knowing looks and continued their sweep.
The doors eased open as the plane rolled forward. Shady could just make out Doc and Hale as they pushed them apart. The Spaniard would be joining the two larger men. Their transport began to taxi down the runway. From farther down the airstrip, gunfire continued to echo. It was Gunnar and Toll continuing to give support to the team.
As soon as Hale boarded, he took the weapon from Briana. He began to lay down additional weapons support while the other men joined one by one. Shady continued to roll the plane faster and faster. She spoke again, "Guys, I'm running out of real estate here."
"Then take off," Barney growled from the cockpit door.
She jerked around, surprised at the proximity of the voice. "All aboard?"
He smiled, "All present and accounted for."
"Everyone hold on," she shouted and accelerated into the take off. Almost a week after they had arrived, they were finally returning home.