"I do hope you do not plan on just barging through the front door Miss."

"No Onion, that would be stupid. We are going through the roof."

I have always been good at making plans, but sometimes they sounded better in my head then in practice.

"The roof Miss? How do you expect us to do that?"

"Well, I figured I would just hold onto you and you could float us right up there."

"You know that I couldn't support your weight Miss."

"I'm a lady Onion, and you never tell a lady they weigh too much." I tried to make myself sound regal. I mean, we were heading into a place with the word regal in its name, even though I am sure it is anything but.

"Well Miss, maybe you should try to act like one sometime. I highly doubt throwing yourself into danger is very ladylike."

He was right, I have been winding up in nasty predicaments lately, but usually they came to me. I think this is the first time where I really tried to put myself out there. Most of the stories I read had some kind of knight in shining armor rescuing a helpless damsel in distress. I did not want to be the one in distress, but rather the heroic knight who helps save the defenseless. I think that is why I was so adamant about trying to rescue this old buffalo. I did not even know who he was. For all I know he could be part of some crazy cult that eats raiders and they are out for revenge. I shuddered at the thought. I really hope cannibalism is not a thing out here. That's where I draw the line. Sure predators hunted and ate prey a very long time ago, but haven't we all evolved past that at least?

We were still a block away but I could already see people outside the theater. Just like the other two groups they all were in sets of two, one carrying a javelin and the other one just there doing whatever they do. I could see at least four groups out there. I pulled out my scope to take a closer look. Well fuck, ain't going that way even if I wanted to. Up until now the largest gun I saw was that sniper rifle, but this one takes the cake. It was massive, with six barrels attached in a circular fashion. I could see a belt of very large bullets coming out one side of it, and to make things worse, there were TWO of them. There had to be another way in.

On either side of the building were more buildings, but they were too far apart to try to jump from one of them to the theater's roof. Maybe I read those Jack Savage books a bit too much. He almost always used the roof to invade an enemy base, but from a logical point of view it made sense. With how heavily armed the front entrance looked, they were probably expecting a frontal assault. The rear could be a potential access point, but I did not want to risk sneaking through the alley way just to see more big guns back there. Wait … alleyway? I took a closer look. A fire escape, bingo!

"I have a plan now Onion. Keep quiet and follow me, but keep your sensor's open."

We took our time getting to the alley. Thankfully we were both small enough that the larger cars made for good cover. We almost ran into a few patrols, but managed to keep low until they passed. I am glad they did not have any motion detectors like Onion, or else this rescue would be over before it even started. We finally got to just outside the alleyway completely un detected. I peered down into the darker alley but could not see any movement. So far it seemed clear.

"Anything Onion?"

"No movement detected Miss."

Good. I took the lead. Onion's levitation device produced too small a light to see anything clearly, but enough to have someone spot us in the shadowed alley. We were about twenty feet from the alley, but I already was starting to step softly, watching my step so that I did not step on anything. I was so focused on this that I crashed into Onion as he darted in front of me.

"Onion!" I tried to keep my voice as quiet as possible, but he had startled me.

"Sorry Miss, but I detect explosives directly in front of us."

Explosives? I crouched down and let my eyes focus. Within the shadows I saw a steady red light, and then another, and another. There were four in all, lined up in a row just a few feet into the alley. What are they?

"Miss, my files indicate that these are fragmentation mines. Anti-personnel devices with proximity sensors that when detonated, release not only a concussive blast, but also deadly shrapnel."

Mines? Well fuck.

"How close is their proximity range Onion?"

"Hard to tell Miss. My files show that military grade ones have a detection range of only a few feet, but we do not know if these have been altered in anyway. Once the sensor is tripped, you have three seconds to either disarm them or get caught in their explosion, and due to the distance between them, my calculations show that if one explodes, it will probably trigger the other three."

Great. If I could figure out how to activate B.A.T.S. whenever the hell I wanted, I could disarm these things easily. At this rate I will never have some quiet time to tinker with my Pip-Boar. Ok Olivia, focus on the problem at hand. Let me just assume that these bastards are not smart enough to modify these mines, and that they still have the original detection range on them. If that is the case, then they are far enough apart that I can safely disarm one without triggering another. There is only one problem.

"Onion, does it say how to disarm a mine?"

"Apparently, despite from being a very dangerous weapon, it is relatively easy to disarm one Miss. Next to the red light is a small button. You simply have to push that button and it puts it into safe mode."

"But since that button is probably well within the trigger range, I only have three seconds to find and push it. Sounds real easy."

"We can always find another way, or better yet, not do this at all Miss."

"No Onion, I made up my mind, and this is the best way in from what I can tell. If we spend too much time thinking of a better way, that increases the possibility of us being too late to save him."

"My files tell me of another way to disarm a mine, one that you can do from a safe distance."

"Oh? Why did you not tell me that first?"

"Mines can be remotely detonated by shooting them."

"That is out of the question. One explosion and the whole damn gang will be down our throats."

"That is why I did not say it initially Miss."

"Then why even tell me?"

"Just trying to be helpful Miss."

Helpful my ass, but I should remember that. I doubt this will be my first time with a mine, and I may not have the time to sneak up and disarm them.

"I'm going in, wish me luck."

I looked towards the alley way and swallowed. If I failed, well I just hope it don't hurt too much. Of course my luck it will just blow off a leg or two, leaving me alive and at the mercy of these fuckers. Gah Olivia! Don't dwell on those thoughts, I will make it, and I will save him. Now, take it one step at a time. Just one. Step. At. A time.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Three seconds. Now. I moved into where the mine was and saw that the red light was no longer solid but flashing in tune with a beeping noise. There! Next to the light was a small indented circle, that must be the button! I bent down swiftly and pushed it. The beeping stopped and the light turned a solid green. No explosion, and I was still alive. That was a start. Now to do this three more times. I left the mine alone and continued to the next one.

Mines two and three were met with the same fate. I disarmed them quickly. Now that I knew where the button was, it felt easy, too easy to do. I better not get too overconfident or else I could wind up losing an arm. The last one on the other hand, scared the crap out of me. It started to beep like the other ones and when I went to push the button it kept beeping. I pushed it again, and again, putting more pressure into it as the beeping grew faster. I was dead. I leaped away, crashing on the ground expecting to hear a loud boom. I lay on the ground for a few seconds, but other than the beeping having stopped, there was no explosion, and I was still alive.

"Elevated Heartbeat Detected, Increased Levels of Adrenaline Detected, No Threat Detected, Activate B.A.T.S.?"

"Now you ask. No thank you!"

Slightly irritated at my Pip-Boar's impeccable timing, I went back over to the mine and saw a small stream of smoke coming out of it. It must have been defective. I went back and picked up the other three and placed them in my bag, figuring I could make use of them at some point, but I left the dud alone. I did not want to risk it blowing up while trying to move it.

"Please don't ever do that again Miss, and do you really have to start a collection? Every time you find something that explodes, you just toss it into your bag like you found a new toy."

"Well, would you rather me have them or would you rather these creeps have them?"

"Point taken Miss."

I hoisted my bag over my shoulders. It was starting to feel heavy. Between the mines, grenades, supplies, and everything else I keep picking up, the weight was starting to stack up. If it gets too heavy, maybe I'll make Onion carry something. I did put a small storage compartment in him for a reason. Wonder if he would object to carrying the explosives?

I checked the alleyway for anymore red lights but thankfully there were none. They must have set them up here as a deterrent, not thinking someone would make it passed them unharmed. A few feet ahead of us was our target. Sticking off the side of the building was a large overhanging platform that had a winding staircase that went all the way to the top. However, I could not find any way of getting up to the platform.

"Any suggestions Onion?"

"Turn back?"

Well he was no help. I took a look around me. The alleyway continued down for at least another twenty feet before it met a wall. It must turn towards the back of the theater. I could not see any lights, but that did not mean there wasn't anything, or anyone there. I turned my attention back to the platform. It was much darker this far in, and while I could see the outlines of everything, I could not make out too much detail. I decided to risk it.

I turned on my Pip-Boar's light and turned it to its lower settings. It was very dim, but gave me enough light to let my eyes adjust properly. I saw that underneath the platform was the outline of some kind of door. The hinges were on the outside, suggesting that it opened towards the ground. At the other end of the door I saw a chain hanging down. It was out of my reach but I was a very good jumper. I memorized where it was and turned off my light. I did not want to risk attracting attention.

I backed up and put all my strength into a forward jump. The first attempt failed as I barely got within reach. I tried again. I took two more attempts before I was able to grab a hold of the chain. I guess I wasn't as rested as I thought. When I finally grabbed it, the entire chain slowly lowered me, and the door, down to the ground. Once the door was fully open, a ladder extended downwardly. The ladder was large enough to support someone larger than me, like maybe a wolf or something, but I doubt it could be used for anything like an elephant or rhino. There had to be one for larger mammals somewhere. I slapped my forehead. Stop trying to be a safety inspector Olivia! This is not the time, nor the place. I really got to stop letting my mind wander like that.

I grabbed the ladder and started to ascend. Onion floated slowly up behind me, keeping his power on low to prevent too much ambient noise or light. The building was at least five stories tall, so the climb took a little bit. Every other story I stopped and took a look around me to see if anyone had gone down the alleyway. So far there was no one. I had a feeling that since they assumed the mines were still there, that it would be fine to leave out of their patrols.

Onion's sensors so far had not picked up anything either as we neared the top of the building. There were no windows on this side, so the roof must have some sort of entrance, or else why would this fire escape even be here. I reached the final set of stairs and I am glad I stopped to look around because sitting near the top of the stairs was a small object with a solid red light. They had a mine up here!? I told Onion to sit tight as I slowly crept up to the mine.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I pushed the button and the light went green. Before I could grab the mine I heard something. Or should I say someone.

"Willie! I think I heard something!"

Fuck, they had people on the roof. I bent my ears down and risked taking a look.

"What? I didn't hear anything. I think your paranoia is finally getting to you."

I could not see anyone, but I heard at least two voices. The roof was relatively flat but there were large metal boxes all over it blocking my line of sight to wherever the voices were coming from. I ducked my head down and looked at Onion.

"There are at least two mammals up there. Do you detect any more?"

"No Miss, I actually don't detect any movement at all."

That means they are not actively looking for someone. That's good. I could use that to my advantage. I slowly took off my backpack and dropped it over the ledge onto the roof.

"Onion, there are some large boxes that would provide a good cover. I am going to scout around to see what we are up against. You power down your levitator and wait for my signal."

"Be careful Miss."

I smiled at Onion to give him assurance and then turned towards the roof again. I took another peak to make sure it was still safe and then I quickly leaped over the ledge. I landed right beside my bag and I grabbed, keeping it in my paw as I snuck over to the closest box. I set my bag beside it and noticed that the box had tubes that connected to the roof. Some sort of air system perhaps. I peeked over the side closest to the front of the building. I could see the backside of the large sign, and I saw a white fox sitting on a chair facing the ledge. There were a bunch of empty bottles next to him, and I could see he was drinking something. Next to him was a very large tube like item. I took out my scope and got a better look.

I did not need Onion to tell me what that was. It was a missile launcher. While I wasn't too knowledgeable about weapons, since I never needed to be, many of the ones that I have seen baffled me, but this thing, I have seen it before. In a book, specifically the cover of the third Jack Savage book. Pictured on it was a giant bear firing a missile at Jack as he drove his car off a ledge. The funny thing is that scene was nowhere in the book, but I was able to put two and two together to figure out that that weapon was dangerous. No wonder there was that wreckage in the streets. These guys must have been prepared for an aerial attack.

I tried to see where the other voice came from, but so far I could only see the fox. I had two choices: either wait it out until I could determine where the other one was, provided they were the only two up here, or go after the fox and go from there. The one thing that I did notice was that there was no javelin, so unless it was out of sight, I'll make the assumption that the other one is wielding it. That could complicate things if I am not careful.

I turned on my short wave communicator and pinged Onion.

"I read you Miss."

"Onion, I need you to do me a favor. I know you hate when I ask you to be bait, but … can you be bait?"

I swore I heard a sigh from him, "Yes Miss, what did you want me to do this time?"

"There is a fox directly in front of me, about fifty feet away, give or take. I haven't made tabs on the other one, so I need you to provide a distraction so I can figure out where he is. What I need you to do is hover over to the building behind me. Once I give the signal, go as high above this building as you can and zip across to the building on the opposite side. When you are directly over this building, hit your levitator to max power briefly so that the light and noise can distract them. Once you get to the other building, find a safe place and wait for me."

"Yes Miss, but this better not result in anymore dents."

"Oh, and sync your sensor's with my Pip-Boar so that I can see where movement occurs."

After a few seconds my Pip-Boar's screen had an additional signal on it. I pushed the button on the screen and was now seeing a basic overly of the terrain. There was nothing on it yet, but hopefully that will change. I took out my gun and made sure it was fully loaded. I hope that I would not need the use of B.A.T.S., but it better be available if I do. I peeked around both sides of the metal box. The fox was still sitting in his chair and there was no sight of the other one. It's now or never.

"Now Onion."

I watched the screen as I heard a quiet humming noise drift overhead. The noise increased a few decibels as he floated over my head.

"What the fuck is that thing? Zack! You seeing this?!"

I peeked over, the fox had jumped out of his chair and was staring at the sky. I looked back at the screen and his movement registered on Onion's sensors.

"What now Willie? You see a flying saucer … what the hell? Is that a firebug?"

I could tell that the voice was coming from near the other-side of the roof somewhere. I checked the sensors. Still no movement. Come on fucker, do something.

"Firebug? That ain't no firebug, it's a flying saucer! I told you they were real! Where did I put my tin-foil hat? I knew I brought it for a reason. Zack! Where the hell is my hat?"

"That stupid thing? I told you a hundred times, there ain't no such things as aliens, and if there were, why the hell would they be vising this dump of a world?"

"Zack you fucking better get over here and help me find it!"

"Alright. Alright you ass. I'll help you find it. It's not like those Guardian fuckers are going to try anything again this soon right after you blew their last bird out of the sky."

Finally! The other one appeared on the sensors. Their blips were both moving towards the center of the roof. I peeked back over to where the fox was sitting. Good, he left his launcher. After making sure that the blips were not moving back, I quietly moved towards where the fox was sitting. Now that I had a better view, I saw that there were wooden creates scattered all over the roof. Some of them were stacked two or three high, giving me plenty of cover. My curiosity was starting to get the better of me. I really wanted to know what was inside them, but first I needed to subdue these two. From what I have seen already, I would feel no remorse killing them. I am sure they would feel the same towards me.

I darted from box to box, keeping an eye on my Pip-Boar. Both dots were now moving towards the side of the building where Onion went, still far enough from me, and still out of sight. I reached the area where the chair was and went for the launcher. It was large and bulky, but unlike the sniper, it was meant for someone much smaller, maybe not a rabbit, but small enough. I put my bag down and hefted it up. I did not know how to use it, but they did not know that. I also saw something shining in the light of the setting sun. I bent down and picked it up.

My Pip-Boar beeped as I noticed the dots moving towards my position. Within a few seconds I saw the fox walking back, muttering something to himself under his breath.

"Looking for this?" I held up a small hat made out of tin-foil.

"My hat! Where did you … wait, who the fuck are you!?"

I lowered the launcher towards him as his friend appeared. It was one of the biggest built wolves I have ever seen. His fur was an almost metallic gray and he had muscles that would have made Bo jealous. He had a javelin in his paw, but had it held to his side. He probably wasn't expecting someone up here.

"My paranoid friend asked you a question."

"I'm not paranoid! They do exist!"

"You're getting off track Willie."

"Oh yeah. Like I asked before, who the fuck are you?"

"I'm your worst nightmare, Willie." I was feeling in the zone, like I was Jack Savage himself.

"How did you know my name? She's one of them! I told you Zack, they can read our minds!"

The wolf slapped Willie across the face, "I told you, there are no aliens. She must have over heard us, that's how."

"If you do not put your weapons down and surrender, I will blow you off of this roof. I already took care of your friends Arnie and Tony, I doubt you will put up much of a fight."

"Arnie? Tony? What the fuck are you talking about? They just left like forty minutes ago. Your bluffing."

"Well, they are dead, but whether you believe me or not is pretty moot when I have a fucking missile pointed at your face!" I was feeling really good! Maybe I wouldn't even have to resort to violence. Maybe they will just put down their weapons and surrender peacefully.

"Oh I am shaking in my fur little bunny. You hear that Zack? She's going to shoot us with the fucking empty rocket launcher. Get her!"

Empty? I … but? I pulled the trigger. Nothing. Fuck! Zack lifted the javelin and threw launched it at me. I tried to jump out of the way but he must have been anticipating that. The javelin went right between my legs, just missing my left one and right through the bottom of my trench coat, pinning me it and me to the floor of the roof. I tried to shake off the coat but I saw the fox pulling out a pistol. He had a clear shot to me.

"Imminent Threat Detected. Activate B.A.T.S.?"

"Yes!"

I was getting too used to this. Maybe Onion was right and I was growing too attached to this. I couldn't control it but I always used it when I needed to. I was starting to get better with my gun before I discovered this feature, but now, I am starting to wonder if this will hurt me in the long run? I just wasted two of my six seconds. Concentrate Olivia! I grabbed my gun and fired. I did not even check my Pip-Boar but it did not matter, the fox fell down as the bullet made contact. I turned towards the wolf as I saw him charging me. I could feel the chemicals wearing off. I only had time for one shot. Even in my heightened state, the wolf was quick. Bobbing his head side to side as he ran, I couldn't get a clear shot so I did the next best thing. I pulled the trigger.

I heard him yelp as time seemed to speed up again. He went crashing forward as I saw blood leaking from his leg. His forward momentum was too much for him to stop. He flew past me and right through the brick ledge of the roof. Seconds later I heard a splat come from below. Then I heard the yelling.

"Fuck. It's Zack! Quick, get teams up to the roof!"

"Onion, I think they know we are here. Meet me back on the roof. We need to make this quick."

"Right away Miss."

Now the whole place is alerted. So much for a quiet rescue. I grabbed my bag and started to look for an exit. I found it rather quick, a small bump in the roof with a metal door. I opened the door and before I could enter I heard the sound of animals running up the stairs. I turned around and shut the door. This was going to be much harder than I thought.

"Onion! Were trapped, there is an unknown number of mammals heading up here."

"My sensors are going crazy Miss, I detect at least a dozen, but my sensors do not detect height, so I have no idea where they are in relation to us."

Great, just great. Any minute now they will bust through the door. I was closer to the other side of the roof and could make out the same kind of stairs from before. There must have been another fire escape, but for all I knew it was mined too. Oh yeah, I forgot. I opened my bag and grabbed two of the mines from it. If this disarmed it, then it must arm it as well. I pushed one of the buttons and the light slowly flashed red. I dropped it in front of the door and did the same with the other. Then I ran.

"Onion! Mine! Move!"

I couldn't quite get the words out but he must have understood. He was right behind me as we both rushed behind one of the metal boxes. We waited. Waiting was always the worst part. When your waiting for something, time seems to slow down to a sloth's pace, and not like when I am in B.A.T.S., that at least made you feel quick, but rather everything, even yourself slows. Seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like …

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep."

I doubt they heard the noise, and even if they did, by the time they got the door open it was too late. The explosion was loud. Not as loud as that bag of explosives from the stadium, but loud enough that if not everyone knew I was here, they did now. I expect that the patrols will be coming back soon. I need to find that buffalo before that happens, provided they don't kill him before.

I moved towards the door and saw a giant hole in the roof. There were at least three bodies lying near the edge of the hole. I couldn't tell if they were dead, but they were not moving. I did not hear any more noises coming from the stairs, so I chanced a peak through the hole. The room below us was empty, charred paper scattered everywhere, along with two more bodies. I saw a couple large safes, along with a computer terminal. Since I did not see anyone alive, I decided to jump below rather than use the stairs.

I landed with a small thud as the floor creaked below my feet. I looked around at the room. It was large enough to comfortably fit a bear, but small enough that not too many could fit in here at once. There was a desk and a single door on the other side of where I stood. I checked the two bodies and found no sign of a heartbeat. They were defiantly dead. One of them, weasel of some sort, had a leathery jacket with a giant white skull and crossbones painted across the front. His pants had large pockets in them, and I saw something metallic sticking out of one. I chanced a look. It was grenade. Ten of them to be exact, this little guy was carrying ten grenades in his pants. I am so glad they did not go off. I already was weighed down with some, so I decided against grabbing them.

The other corpse was a javelin carrier. This one was a zebra. He was dressed in similar fashion to the weasel, along with the same skull and crossbones on his jacket. This one, however, did not appear to be carrying any other weapon other than the javelin that lay beside him. I was tempted to grab it, but I knew that I was not physically fit enough to wield one. Maybe if I find a rabbit carrying one.

"Miss, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, these guys, however, are not. I told you those mines would come in handy."

"Unfortunately, they seemed to have alerted everyone to us. I thought you said this was going to be silent?"

"Well, looks like fate has other plans for us Onion."

I went over to the door and checked it. It was locked, but thankfully I was on the right side of the lock. I turned the bolt on the door and slowly opened it. It creaked loudly. I stopped opening it halfway and waited to see if anyone else heard it. After a few seconds I deemed it safe enough and finished opening it enough for both of us to pass. On the other side of the door was a long thin hallway. The office looked like it was designed for a single large mammal, and so did the hallway. While it was a good size for someone of my size, a bear or a rhino would have to go single file if more than one were traversing these halls. The hallway was rather sparse save for two doors. One of them was halfway down the hall, and upon further investigation, it looked more like an arched window than a door. I turned the handle and it opened, much quieter than the other one. I took a peak through it.

This window looked directly over the theater's stage. I could see the stage clearly, despite it being dimly lit. A pair of curtains were drawn back and tied off to the side. Sitting in the middle of the stadium, tied to a chair was a buffalo. I pulled out my scope. He was slumped over with his eyes closed. His fur was a grayish white, showing his age. Both horns were broken, leaving small stubs. He had a long braided beard that was stark white. I could see that he was wearing nothing from the waste up, his bare chest showing that despite his age, he was still fairly muscular. Across his chest however were large gashes, most of them were bleeding.

Next to him stood an elephant, with a large, tightly braided rope held in it's trunk. On either side of the elephant were two tigers, both wielding javelins. I could not see anyone else, but then I heard a loud slam come from opposite the room.

"Bailey! We got intruders! I don't know who it is, but they came from the roof!"

"Is it the Steel Guardians again?" Her voice echoed through the room. She spoke very calmly, despite no one knowing exactly what was going on.

"I don't think so. Patrol has not reported any activity yet, but they did find Arnie and Tony. They're dead."

"Dead!? How can that be? Tony was our strongest thrower!"

She might have seemed calm before, but after hearing the news about my earlier run in, her voice started to break and her tone rose dramatically. Was he really that formidable? Either I am better than I thought, or I was just lucky? I really hope my luck doesn't run out anytime soon. I slowly closed the window. I knew where the buffalo was not, and I can't stay here too long. Eventually someone will find me if I stay in one place.

Down the hall was the only other door. I was not about to go back, so I pushed forward. I moved as quiet as possible. The wooden floor creaked with every other step. I had to stop occasionally to make sure that no one heard me. Onion's sensors were still being broadcasted to my Pip-Boar, but it was not very helpful. I could see at least half a dozen dots moving sporadically, but I could not tell their relation to me. When I reached the door I opened it slightly. It squeaked, but only a little. On the other side of the door was a large staircase that went down at least two floors before making a sharp turn. Just like the floor, every few steps made a small squeak. I saw that I was leaving small paw-prints on the steps. I guess they never made their way up here.

I had to take my time, each squeak risking detection. I finally made it to the bend in the stairs. I took a look down and saw that there was another floor to go. At the bottom of these steps however was a doorway. The door was open and light shone through it. I stopped and listened for any signs of movement, and when I was satisfied, I continued down, taking each step even more careful. By the time I got to the bottom, I was certain that I had made it undetected. Now I just needed to go through who knows how many other enemies, get pass the two dangerous looking tigers and their elephant companion, and free the buffalo and make it out alive. Sounds easy enough.

Unfortunately, I wasn't about to have it easy. On the other side of the door, standing about ten feet away, were six mammals. Three of them had their javelins at the ready, while the other three had some kind of rifle pointed at me. I heard some thumping noised above me, and could tell that the floorboards above me were seeing a lot of action. I couldn't go forward, and I couldn't go backwards. I was trapped. Fuck my life.

I heard some loud stomping coming from behind the six and saw that the elephant was coming up behind them, the whip still in her trunk. The group split down the middle as she passed through and took a look at me. In each hand was a large knife, both dripping with blood. She looked me up and down, taking me in before smiling.

"Well now, it's just a cute little bunny, and here I was expecting something a little more, well, more. I don't know how you got past our defenses, but it was futile."

Her smile grew as she licked off the blood from one of the knives. She lifted it up towards me and spoke very softly.

"Kill her."