Alex glanced down at Petrov's body, his vision steadying as he tried to focus on the task at hand. The sight of the body triggered another wave of nausea, but he shoved it down. He couldn't afford to think about what he had done, not now. He had to push it aside, lock it away in some dark corner of his mind, and keep moving.
"You can do this. You have to do this", Alex muttered to himself with shaky breath, forcing himself to move. His muscles were aching, he felt exhausted but the adrenaline and desperate need to get the others to safety kept him going. His hands were shaking as he began the morbid task of searching the dead man's pockets to find the keys to open the other cells.
Going through the pockets one by one Alex found a half-full pack of cigarettes, a small lighter, and a radio. He pocketed them all and finally his fingers brushed against something metallic, a small keyring. He pulled it out, clutching the keys tightly to steady his trembling hand. He saw the gun Petrov had in the holster and grabbed it, tucking it on the waistband behind his back.
With a deep breath, Alex slowly stood up, careful not to put too much weight on his injured foot. He turned to the cells, where the others watched him in oppressive silence. They stood by the bars, their faces pale and filled with a mix of fear and shock. An unspoken, heavy emotion hung in the air between them.
Alex turned to look at Sam who remained huddled on the floor, his eyes still tightly shut. Alex hesitated before slowly limping up to him, the keys clutched in his hand.
"Sam," he said gently, crouching down and reaching out to touch Sam's shoulder. "It's over. You can open your eyes now."
Sam flinched at the contact, his body tense and trembling. "I… I don't think… I don't think I can look," he whispered, his voice choked with tears.
Seeing Sam so shaken up and knowing that the other boy would at least partially blame himself for what had happened made Alex's stomach twist with guilt. "Just focus on me, okay? Don't look around."
Slowly, Sam opened his eyes, his gaze locking to Alex. His face was pale, his eyes red-rimmed from crying.
"Good", Alex reassured. He could see Sam's eyes starting to drift over where Petrov's body was laying on the ground.
"Sam, look at me." Alex urged as he saw tears swell up again in his eyes. "Just look at me and breathe."
They stayed like that for a moment. Alex knew they would need to move quickly now but he also wanted to help Sam get past the initial shock. After a while when he saw Sam's breathing even out, Alex showed the keys in his hand.
"Could you help me and go open the locks on the other cells? We need to get the others out" Alex asked. He hoped that it would help Sam to get something to do, something else to focus on. Plus, he still needed to check if there would be anything useful in Quinn's pockets and it would be better to get Sam further away from the body laying behind him.
Sam swallowed visibly, then took the keys from Alex with a slow, deliberate movement. He looked at Alex and nodded slowly. "Sure, I can do that."
As Sam got to his feet, Alex turned his attention to Quinn. He searched her quickly, she also had a gun in the holster and a knife and a radio strapped to her belt. Alex left them there for now. His hands trembled as he grabbed another set of keys from one of the pockets. Then his eyes drifted on the knife embedded in the woman's chest and the sight of it triggered a visceral reaction.
Alex's stomach churned violently, and he felt the world tilt around him. The nausea that had been lurking at the edges of his mind surged forward, finally overtaking him. Alex doubled over, his body wracked with dry heaves, the movement causing his battered body ache with pain. He could feel the bile rising in his throat, but his stomach was empty and nothing came up, leaving him gagging and gasping for air.
He tried to force the nausea back down, but the images of what he had done, of the knife lodged in Quinn's chest, the pool of blood, refused to leave his mind. His body shook uncontrollably, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he fought to regain control.
Suddenly, Alex felt someone's presence next to him. Alex glanced up through tear-blurred eyes, still hunched over, to see Snake standing beside him. Snake's expression was calm, though his eyes held a glint of concern. It seemed that Sam had managed to let the other out of their cells.
Without a word, Snake crouched down and placed a steadying hand on Alex's shoulder. The silent support helped to pull Alex back from the brink of losing it entirely. Snake didn't say anything, but the firm grip on his shoulder communicated more than words could. Snake waited for a moment, letting Alex catch his breath and steady himself. Alex managed to get few deep breaths and started to regain his composure again.
When the dry heaves finally subsided, Snake carefully helped Alex to his feet. Alex was still shaky, his legs felt unsteady, but Snake's strong grip kept him upright. Alex leaned heavily on the soldier as they began to move, his injured foot throbbing with each step.
Snake led him away from the bodies, steering him toward the others who were gathered in the middle of the room. Jaguar and Raven stood beside the group looking rattled. They had seen death before but watching a teenager kill two Scorpia operatives in a matter of seconds still managed to shake them up.
Henry looked like he was struggling to find any words, his mouth opening and closing without a sound. Will, Ellie and Liam all stood there, still looking shocked and disbelieving. Alex felt his chest tighten as he saw how they all looked at him warily. Sam was hugging Will tightly, his shoulders visibly shaking.
Henry finally found his voice, though it was quieter than usual, almost hesitant. "Alex… what happened? Are you okay?"
Alex's mind instantly flashed back to the moment Petrov's neck had snapped in his hands. He had known the theory, known the technique but nothing could've prepared him for the feel of it. He felt the bile rise in his throat again, but he swallowed it down and took a shaky breath.
"I… I didn't have a choice," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
He had tried to think of every possible scenario, calculating every possible outcome and each one had seemed worse than the last. Fighting the guards head-on would've been suicide in his current state. He had no illusions about that. A gunshot would have been more impersonal, but it would've instantly alarmed everyone that something was wrong. He had thought about rendering the guards unconscious but from the position he was in, he wouldn't have been able to get enough force behind the strike and failure would have led to a fight he would've certainly lost.
But now, after the deed was done and there was no going back, Alex found he was second-guessing himself. Would it have been possible to reach a pressure point to cause unconsciousness? Or to distract the guards after all? Did he really have to kill? And with such methods? He tried to push the doubts out of his mind. There would come a time to fall into that pit of despair, but not now.
Alex let his gaze fall to the ground. "I had to…I didn't have a choice…"
Snake, still standing beside Alex supporting him, squeezed his shoulder softly. "You did what you had to Cub. It was us or them at this point."
Will glanced around the group, still holding Sam tightly. Sam had clung to him the moment he had freed them from the cell, starting to sob into his shoulder. The shock of what Alex had done was just beginning to wear off Will; it had happened so suddenly, so unexpectedly, that it left them all reeling. He looked over at Alex, who was leaning against one of the SAS soldiers, bruised and still without a shirt, having a haunted look in his eyes. When their eyes met, Will swallowed hard. "So, what's the plan?"
Will kept his gaze locked on Alex, seeing the focus and determination gradually returning to his eyes after hearing the question.
"We need you to get out of the area as fast as possible," Alex said, his voice still shaky but growing steadier as he spoke. He forced himself to meet the eyes of his classmates, to project some semblance of confidence even though he felt anything but. "But we have to be careful. No one can know we've gotten out, at least not yet. If they find out, they might start to destroy any evidence they have here."
Alex glanced at the SAS soldiers "Most of the operatives are off the premises right now," he continued, "but that won't last. We need to destroy those beetles and find any information we can about the operation before they get back or Hawthorne realizes we've escaped."
Viper nodded in agreement, his eyes drifting to the two bodies lying on the floor. "We'll need to blend in if we're going to move around unnoticed," he said. "I guess Raven and I could use the guards' clothes. We are closest to their size. It's not perfect, but it might give us enough time to move without raising suspicion."
Viper shrugged off his jacket and handed it to Alex. "Here, you can take this."
Alex accepted the jacket with a nod, slipping it on. The sturdy fabric was harsh against his skin but offered warmth and some semblance of comfort.
Viper and Raven moved to Quinn and Petrov's bodies, quickly and efficiently stripping them of their uniforms. There was a grim efficiency in their movements, neither of them lingering on the gruesome task longer than necessary.
Snake, who had been standing by Alex's side, spoke up. "Cub, I need to take a look at that foot," he said with a tone that left no room for argument.
Alex hesitated, knowing they didn't have much time, but the pain in his foot was becoming harder to ignore. He nodded reluctantly and allowed Snake to guide him to the ground. Alex gritted his teeth as Snake examined his foot, the pain flaring up with each touch. Snake's hands were quick and efficient as he felt along the bones, his expression giving nothing away.
"It's not a clean break," Snake muttered, more to himself than to Alex. "But it's definitely fractured. I'll see what I can do to stabilize it for now."
As Snake was inspecting Alex's foot, Viper and Raven returned dressed in the guards' clothes. Viper still had his own boots, apparently Quinn's shoes were too small for any of them to wear, and Alex noticed that the jacket on Raven seemed quite tight. But it was best they could do now, so it had to be enough. Raven was carrying the clothes he had worn before and offered them to Snake. "You can use these to bind his foot", he stated, and Snake nodded with gratitude starting to rip the T-shirt in strips.
"Good, once that's taken care of let's move quickly," Viper said, zipping up the jacket he had taken from Petrov. "We've got to be in and out before anyone catches on."
Alex nodded, still gritting his teeth as Snake worked on his foot. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "If anyone does notice something's wrong," he said through his breaths, "we need to block their radio communication. We can't let them alert the operatives who are off-site. If they call for backup, we're done."
Raven approached with the radio he'd taken from Quinn. "We could use this to block the frequency they're using," he suggested.
Alex shook his head. "They'll have backup channels. If we jam one frequency, they'll just switch to another. We need to find a way to disrupt all communication in the area."
Raven frowned thoughtfully. "How are we going to do that?"
Before Alex had time to reply, Snake finished wrapping Alex's foot with the torn pieces of fabric. "That should hold for now," he said. "But you should still try to stay off it as much as possible."
"Thanks," Alex murmured, pulling himself to his feet with Snake's help. He noticed that the bindings helped a bit and started to limp over to the old cash register he had noticed earlier. The ancient machine was coated in dust, a relic from another era.
"I might have an idea," Alex said, his voice more confident now. He quickly wiped the dust off the register with his sleeve and began to inspect it, his fingers tracing the contours of the buttons and dials. The machine was old, but that could work in their favor. Older electronics could often be easier to manipulate for purposes other than what they were designed for. Ian had thought him basics of radio communication and disrupting the signals disguised as a game, a bit of fun. He hadn't found it as exciting as pickpocketing or lock picking but the basics were quite simple after all and Alex had learned fast.
He looked up to see the others watching him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and doubt. Viper raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Seriously?" he asked.
Alex shrugged, focusing on the task at hand. "Older machines like this one usually operate on basic principles," he explained. "Their circuits are simple to manipulate, and they don't usually have protections against tampering like some modern devices do. If I can rewire this correctly, we should be able to create electric interference on all the frequencies Scorpia might use."
Viper shook his head with a faint smile. "Spies…"
He turned to the others. "Okay, while Cub handles that, we should inspect this building and see if we can find anything else useful. Snake and Raven, you start from the top floor. Jaguar and I will start from here, and we'll meet in the middle."
Will looked at Viper, determination in his eyes. He was sick of feeling so helpless and useless. "What can we do?"
Alex chimed in before Viper could answer. "You can help me with this. I would need something that I can use to open these screws and maybe more wire if you can find some."
Viper nodded approvingly. "That sounds good. Okay, let's move."
The group dispersed, each taking on their assigned tasks. Henry and Alex's classmates began searching through the room for anything that might help Alex with the cash register. They all were careful not to look at the bodies lying in one of the cells and none of them wanted to inspect that part of the room. Will found a rusty screwdriver in a drawer, and Ellie discovered some old wires tangled up in the corner.
As they brought their findings to Alex, he got to work. He unscrewed the back of the cash register and began rewiring the circuits inside. The internal components were old but surprisingly intact. He knew that with the right modifications, he could turn the device's electrical signals into a broad-spectrum jamming signal.
He found the power source—a dusty, corroded battery pack—and examined the wiring. The circuits were simple enough, which was exactly what he needed. Alex's fingers moved quickly as he began to splice wires together, rerouting power and modifying the internal connections.
As he worked, Alex realized he would need a way to amplify the signal. The cash register alone wouldn't have enough power to jam communications across the entire area. He needed something that could act as an antenna to boost the range. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a length of metal piping, part of an old broken chair lying in the corner. "Liam, can you bring me that piece of pipe over there?"
Liam quickly retrieved the pipe and handed it to Alex, who began to fashion it into a makeshift antenna. He carefully connected it to the circuit board inside the register, using wires and small components Ellie had found. The antenna would allow them to broadcast the jamming signal over a much larger area, effectively blocking all communications that were using radio frequencies.
Alex finished securing the makeshift antenna to the cash register and took a step back, inspecting his work. The machine now looked like a bizarre hybrid of old and new, wires sticking out at odd angles and the metal pipe protruding from its side.
As Alex finished up, the soldiers returned from their search. Snake came to his side and examined the makeshift radio jammer. "I have no idea what that is but looks good."
"It should work," Alex said, his voice firm despite the lingering exhaustion. "But I can't test it yet. When it's activated, it should block most, if not all, of the communication channels in the area. But I think we have to wait until we're spotted to activate it. Jamming the radios now could raise suspicions."
Snake nodded, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "You really are full of surprises, Cub."
"Thanks, I guess", Alex turned to look at him. "Did you find anything else in the building?"
Snake shook his head. "Only three floors are accessible. The top floors can't be reached without a huge risk. Raven and I weren't able to find anything."
Disappointment flooded Alex; he had hoped they would find something more helpful. Then he noticed Jaguar's smile.
"I think we hit the jackpot with Viper," Jaguar said. "There's a storage space behind that door with a few containers of gas and some bottles of liquid fuel. They looked old but seemed to be full, most likely they were meant for camping and cooking and left behind here, but they could be useful for us now."
Alex also felt a smile coming onto his face. It seemed that their luck was starting to turn after all.
"Alright", Viper said. "I think we're ready to start with gathering the information. Raven and I will go to the main building first. We'll take one of the guns and radios. If we're spotted, we'll let you know and you can start jamming the communications. Snake and Jaguar, you'll be backup. Cub, are you able to handle the beetles here?"
Alex looked at Viper and nodded. He understood he wouldn't be much of an asset when the fighting started with his busted foot. Plus, he already knew how he would get rid of the bugs, but it would certainly draw attention. He would need to wait as long as possible before making his move.
As Viper went over the plan, Raven peeked through the cracked door and spotted the black car still parked outside. "The car's still here," he whispered.
Alex's mind raced. The car was their best chance to get Henry and the others out safely. With Scorpia's teams scattered throughout the forest, using the car would give them the best shot at escaping without running into anyone.
"Henry, take the car," Alex said hastily. "It's the fastest way to get you all as far away as possible. I'll come and start it for you. Snake, Jaguar, carry the gas containers and fuel into this room. I'm going to need them to get rid of the bugs."
Henry hesitated, concern etched on his face. "Sure, we'll take the car. But, Alex, I really think you should come with us."
"No," Alex said firmly. "I'll stay here."
"Cub," Snake interjected, stepping forward. "We can handle this without you. You're already injured. Maybe Henry's right—you should go with them."
Alex looked at Snake, his expression resolute. "I'm staying. If Viper and Raven get spotted, they're going to need all the help they can get and someone has to stay here to handle the radios and the beetles and that could be me."
"Alex," Sam's quiet voice cut through the tension. "Please, come with us."
Alex turned to his teacher and classmates, seeing their eyes filled with desperation. He knew he was asking a lot by insisting they leave him behind, but he couldn't leave now. He had to see this through.
He met Henry's gaze, his voice serious. "You promised." Then he turned back to Snake, who looked ready to argue further. "And I hate to pull rank, but I am higher up than you. If I say I'm staying, then I'm staying. This isn't up for discussion."
Snake clenched his jaw, frustration flashing in his eyes, but he knew better than to push the issue. "Fine…" he sighed, relenting. "Fine."
"Good," Alex said, looking around if anyone would still try to contradict him. "Alright, now that that's settled, let's move. We need to hurry this up before we are caught."
With the plan decided, Viper and Raven began their cautious journey to the main building. Alex left the radio he had taken from Petrov to Snake and Jaguar, and they got to work, starting to haul the gas containers and liquid fuels from the storage to the room that held the beetles. Alex, despite the pain in his foot, limped toward the door, determined to get the car started for his classmates. He still had the other gun with him and hoped dearly that he wouldn't have to use it. As they moved out, Alex's thoughts turned to what lay ahead. They still had to destroy the beetles and find the information they needed, their plan was full of holes, but despite it all he felt like they could have a fighting chance. And for now, that was enough.
Henry followed closely behind Alex as they made their way cautiously through the yard. The night air was cool and still and Henry took deep breaths of the fresh air, briefly revelling in the moment. Alex moved slowly, his steps deliberate and calculated. His eyes scanned the area, searching for any signs of movement, any hint of danger lurking in the shadows. The others followed suit, their hearts pounding in their chests, their nerves on edge. They knew that if they were spotted now, their escape would be over before it even began.
Every crunch of gravel beneath their feet seemed deafening in the tense silence. The yard was eerily quiet, the stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Henry's heart pounded in his chest, the fear of being discovered gnawing at his nerves. But as they moved, it became clear that most of the operatives were elsewhere. They didn't encounter anyone.
Alex's pace was slower than usual, his injured foot making each step a struggle. At one point, he paused to pick up a sturdy branch from the ground, using it as a makeshift cane to support himself as they continued forward. Henry could see the strain on the boy's face, the way he winced with each step, but Alex pressed on, determined to get them to safety.
As they neared the car, Alex's pace slowed even more, his sharp eyes still sweeping the area. They approached it cautiously, still on high alert. When they reached the vehicle, Alex carefully circled around it, checking for any signs of tampering or traps. Satisfied that it was clear, he motioned for the others to stay back as he leaned down to inspect the lock.
Alex took a piece of wire from his pocket and with practiced precision, began to work on the lock, his hands moving quickly and confidently despite the pain and exhaustion he was feeling. Within moments, there was a soft click as the door unlocked. Alex opened the driver's door and slid inside, immediately reaching over to make sure the headlights were off. He then bent down under the steering column, his fingers deftly working to expose the wires he needed to access.
Henry and the others watched in tense silence as Alex worked. The car's interior lights remained off, keeping them concealed in the darkness. After a few moments, there was a brief spark, and the engine came to life. Alex sat back, a look of relief washing over his face as the car rumbled quietly in the still night air.
"Get in," Alex instructed, his voice low but steady. He opened the back door for the others, his eyes darting nervously around the yard.
Liam, Ellie, and Sam climbed into the spacious backseat of the car, their faces still pale with fear. They moved silently, trying not to draw any unnecessary attention. Will came to sit on the passenger seat next to Alex while Henry remained standing outside to keep guard. Alex turned his attention to the glove compartment in front of Will, prying it open. Inside, among some maps and papers, was – just as Alex had hoped - a gun.
"Yes", Alex breathed, pulled it out and checked the magazine. It was full. Alex slid it back and cocked the gun. Will stared at him and the pistol in his hands with wide eyes but remained silent. Alex turned to Henry who was standing outside the car beside him.
"Here," Alex said, offering the weapon. "Just in case."
Henry hesitated, looking at the gun with a mix of uncertainty and dread. He had never held a firearm in his life, and the weight of it felt foreign in his hands. "I don't know how to use this," he admitted quietly.
Alex nodded, seemingly expecting it. "It's simple. Safety's here," he pointed to a small lever on the side of the gun, "It's on right now, which means the gun won't fire. To take the safety off, just push this lever down like this."
He demonstrated, then continued, "When you're ready to aim, look through these three little sights on top. Make sure they line up in a straight line, with the middle one pointing at whatever you're aiming at. Keep your focus on the scope, not on the target and align it accordingly."
Alex paused, making sure Henry was following. "When you're ready to fire, squeeze the trigger slowly and steadily, don't yank it. Keep your wrists tight, it will kick so make sure to have a firm grip with both of your hands. And whatever you do, don't fire unless you have to. The sound will bring them down on you in seconds. It will be a loud sound, so be prepared for that since you aren't wearing any hearing protection. "
Alex looked Henry in the eyes, seeing the anxiousness in his teacher's eyes but decided to continue. "You can aim at the chest, it's the biggest area and you're most likely to hit that way. Plus I'm sure they are wearing some kind of body armour, so it won't kill, but will hopefully slow them down enough for you to get away."
Henry's hands were shaking as he took the gun, the responsibility of it pressing heavily on his conscience. He looked at Alex, seeing the boy who had been in his classes not long ago, hardened by things no child should ever have to face.
"Thank you," Henry said, though the words felt inadequate for everything Alex had done for them.
Alex gave him a tight nod. "You'll be fine. Just keep calm, and don't hesitate if you need to use it."
Alex raised from the car seat, took the branch he had laid on the ground and stepped away from the car. Henry noticed Alex's grip on the branch tightening as he tried to ease the pressure off his injured foot. "Now, get going. Keep the lights off and drive as quietly as you can," he instructed. "Stick to the path and head straight out of here. Don't stop for anything, and don't look back. Just get as far away as you can."
Henry hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching Alex's face. "Are you sure about this, Alex? You don't have to stay behind."
Alex gave a small, determined nod. "I'll be fine. Just get them out of here and keep them safe."
Henry nodded and looked at the other students sitting in the car, all of whom were watching him with wide eyes. He could see the trust and fear in their faces, and it steeled his resolve. He would get them out of this, no matter what.
He climbed into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel. He looked at Alex one last time, hoping and praying that this wouldn't be the last time they saw each other.
"Take care, Alex and stay safe," Henry said, his voice thick with emotion.
"You too, sir," Alex replied quietly and shut the car door.
Henry took the hint and put the car in gear. He glanced back at his students, giving them a reassuring nod, and then, focusing on the task ahead, he drove out of the yard, leaving Alex behind in the darkness.
Alex watched them go, his heart heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. He took a deep breath, steadying himself against the branch in his hand. There was still work to be done but if Henry and his classmates made it out of here alive, in Alex's mind, he had already won.
Viper and Raven moved cautiously through the shadows as they approached the main building of the area. The night air was heavy with tension, every sound amplified in the stillness. They stuck close together, their senses on high alert. With only one radio and one gun between them, they knew they couldn't afford to make a single mistake.
The building loomed ahead, its dark silhouette cutting against the night sky. The structure was large, with multiple entry points. Viper signaled for Raven to follow him around the side, avoiding the front entrance where they might be easily spotted. They crept along the perimeter, their movements silent and deliberate. Viper's heart pounded in his chest, every nerve on high alert as they approached a side door.
Viper carefully tested the door, finding it unlocked. He exchanged a glance with Raven, who gave a small nod. They slipped inside, the door closing behind them with barely a sound.
Once inside, they moved silently through the corridors. The building was eerily quiet, with only a few scattered operatives present, most of them likely out in the field as Alex had said. They passed few operatives, but they kept their distance and the clothes stolen from the dead guards meant that nobody looked at them twice. But the danger was still very real. If any of those operatives became suspicious, they would be in a world of trouble.
Viper led the way, his steps calculated and careful. He held the gun tightly, his finger resting in the near proximity of the trigger, ready to react at a moment's notice. But firing the gun would have to be the last resort. The sound of a gunshot would alert everyone instantly. Raven followed closely, clutching the radio in his hand, his eyes darting around for any signs of trouble. They communicated with gestures and brief whispers, their training evident in the way they moved seamlessly as a team. They looked into every room that they passed but nothing had caught their eye yet. Most of the rooms were empty, filled with nothing more than old broken furniture and dust. It was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made Viper's skin prickle with unease.
As they reached a corridor that led deeper into the building, Viper motioned for Raven to stop. He heard faint voices coming from around the corner. He held up his hand, signaling for silence, and they both pressed themselves against the wall, listening intently.
Two operatives were approaching them in steady speed, their footsteps echoing lightly off the walls. Viper and Raven exchanged a quick glance. It would be a huge risk to face these men this close, they might see that something wasn't right, but they also couldn't turn back. They would have to take them out and do it quietly.
Viper signaled to Raven to stay back, and then, with the experience of a professional soldier he moved forward, hugging the wall until he was just a few steps away from the unsuspecting guards. He waited until the last possible second, and then, in one swift motion, he sprang into action.
The first operative barely had time to react before Viper had him in a chokehold, his arm wrapped around the man's throat, cutting off his air supply.
The second operative grabbed his radio about to alert the others of the intruders, but Raven was faster. He lunged forward, grabbing the operative's wrist and twisting it sharply, forcing the man to drop the radio before he could call for backup. Raven followed by delivering a swift, silent strike to the man's throat that left him gasping for air and then knocked him out with a precise blow to the temple. The man slumped to the floor.
The struggle was brief but intense. The operative in Viper's hold went limp and he lowered the man to the ground.
Viper knelt down, his breath coming in controlled, even gasps as he checked the operatives for any signs of life. Both men were out cold, but they were alive. It had been a close call—too close.
Raven picked up the radio dropped by the guard, shaking his head in frustration. "That was too close," he whispered, his voice tense. "We almost had a disaster on our hands."
Viper nodded grimly. "We got lucky. If they'd managed to call for backup, we'd be in deep trouble."
Raven looked at Viper tapping the radio on his hand with one finger. "I think it's time we jam the communications. We can't afford to take any more chances."
"Agreed," Viper said while searching the unconscious operatives, grabbing everything that might be useful.
Raven quickly adjusted the frequency on the radio and contacted Snake and Jaguar on the channel they had agreed to use, keeping his voice low. "We've been spotted. Had to take out two guards, but it was way too close. They almost got a call out. We think you need to start jamming the communications now, just in case."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Snake's voice came through, steady and composed. "Understood. Keep moving and find whatever you can. We'll follow you soon. They might start to suspect something when the radios stop working anyway."
"Copy that," Raven responded, before cutting the transmission. Viper handed him a gun he had took from one of the operatives and motioned for Raven to follow him as they resumed their cautious advance through the building. Every step was now even more calculated, every corner checked twice. They couldn't afford any slip-ups.
Alex hobbled back into the building he had left just a moment ago, the branch he had found as a makeshift cane in his hand barely helping to support his weight. The pain in his foot had intensified, each step sending sharp jolts through his leg, but he forced himself to keep moving. When he entered the room, he found Snake and Jaguar busy carrying the gas containers and bottles of liquid fuel into the room.
Snake looked up as Alex entered, a frown of concern crossing his face. "You shouldn't be walking around on that foot, Cub," he said, his voice edged with worry.
"I'm fine," Alex replied, though his voice was strained.
Jaguar set down the bottles of fuel he was carrying. "We've got all of these moved here. How did it go with the car?"
"They're on their way," Alex said, his tone clipped as he tried to push through the pain.
They all froze as the radio they had crackled to life, and Raven's voice came through, low and tense. " We've been spotted. Had to take out two guards, but it was way too close. They almost got a call out. We think you need to start jamming the communications now, just in case."
Alex's jaw tightened at the news. They were running out of time. He moved toward the makeshift radio jammer he had created from the cash register. The wires and components looked like a mess, but it should do the job.
"Once this is on, it'll block most of their communication frequencies," Alex said, his voice grim. "But the downside is, the jamming signal will be noticeable. They'll know something's wrong and then we need to move fast."
Snake and Jaguar exchanged a glance before Snake nodded. "I'll let them know and then you can do it, Cub."
Snake responded to Raven with short message and once the transmit was over Alex carefully connected the machine to the outlet, the register humming to life and the makeshift jammer began its work. The radio in the room immediately emitted a low, static-filled noise, a sign that the frequencies were being jammed. Alex let out a small breath of relief, it worked.
Snake turned to Alex. "We're heading out to back up Viper and Raven. I'm afraid we need to take the other gun with us. You can stay here and destroy those bugs. Try to keep the jammer running as long as you can."
Alex nodded, trying to mask his apprehension. He took the gun from his waistband and offered it to Snake. In exchange Jaguar handed Alex the knife they had taken from Quinn's belt earlier. "Just in case," he said, his voice low.
Alex accepted the knife, feeling the weight of it in his hand. He supposed that it made sense. He had already proved himself quite capable with knives. He stared at it for a moment, the blade glinting dully in the dim light. He forced himself to push the thought out of his mind. Don't think about it now.
Alex lifted his gaze from the knife and watched as Snake and Jaguar moved toward the door, ready to join Viper and Raven in the main building. The soldiers were still wearing only the T-shirts and sweatpants provided for them and neither had shoes on their feet. Alex felt bad for them for having to infiltrate enemy building in such a gear but then he thought about himself, wearing only one sock, too large jacket and leaning on a branch he had picked from the ground. Oh well, it seemed that they should just be grateful to not be half-naked. Anymore his mind added helpfully.
Snake stopped to glance back at Alex. "Stay safe, Cub. We'll be back as soon as we can." Then he and Jaguar stepped outside and were on their way.
Alex stood in the quiet room feeling suddenly very alone. He took a couple of deep breaths and forced himself to focus on the task at hand. He shifted his gaze to the terrariums lining the room, each filled with the beetles that were meant to wreak havoc if released. The sight of the crawling insects made his skin crawl, but he also felt a pang of pity for them. They were just creatures caught in a situation beyond their control to be used as tools for destruction. Much like he had been, he realized with a bitter twist of his thoughts.
Shaking his head, Alex limped over to the containers of liquid fuel and gas. His foot throbbed with every step, but he pushed through the pain, knowing that he had a job to do. He grabbed the nearest bottle and pried off the cork, the acrid smell filling the air. One by one, he opened the containers, the sharp scent of fuel growing stronger and more overpowering with each one.
As he started to pour the fuel into the terrariums, Alex's movements were deliberate but careful. He watched the liquid seep into the dirt, coating the beetles and their habitat in a thick, toxic layer. The beetles scurried around in confusion.
After he had emptied the last of the fuel into the terrariums, he lifted some of the gas containers at the top and positioned the rest next to the terrariums. The room reeked of chemicals, the air thick and stifling. The beetles were still moving, though sluggishly now, their movements erratic and desperate. Alex took a step back and swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in his stomach. Alex almost felt bad for the bugs but there was no other choice. They had to be destroyed.
With the fuel soaking the terrariums and the gas containers in position, all that was left was to set the fire. Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out the lighter he had taken from Petrov's pocket earlier. It felt small and insignificant in his hand, but he knew the destruction it could unleash.
But he couldn't start the fire just yet. He needed to wait for the right moment. If he acted too soon, they would lose the advantage of the radio jammer, which was still operational. The longer he could keep it running, the better their chances of avoiding all Scorpia operatives storming back to the base.
He limped over to the door and set the branch he had used as a support on the ground. Alex leaned against the frame, the lighter in one hand and the knife in the other. He glanced out into the yard, scanning for any signs of movement. He could feel the tension building inside him, the anticipation of what was to come. He tightened his grip on the knife, listened to the steady static sound coming from the radio, a sign that the jammer was still working. Alex took a deep breath and then let it out.
Walker crouched low to the ground, his fingers digging into the earth as he planted yet another of the damn flowers. The task was tedious and Walker's mood got worse with every passing minute. He was muttering the ugliest curses he knew under his breath when suddenly, a static noise erupted from all their radios, shattering the quiet of the forest.
Walker froze, his head snapping up in surprise. The sharp crackle of interference cut through the air, followed by a hissing static that drowned out any attempts at communication. He reached for the radio, his heart pounding, and tried to switch channels, his fingers moving quickly over the dial. But every frequency he tried was met with the same relentless static.
"What the hell?" Issaiah muttered, fiddling with his own radio, but with the same result. The entire team stopped what they were doing, confusion and concern etched on their faces.
Walker's mind immediately jumped to the worst possible conclusion. "Shit! I knew it," he cursed with venom. Rider had to be behind this. There was no other explanation.
He stood up quickly, his jaw clenched as he barked out orders. "Pack it up. We're heading back to the base now!"
All four men around him moved with practiced efficiency, abandoning the planting as they began to gather their gear. Walker's mind raced as he tried to piece together what could have happened. The brat must have escaped and cook up some way to disrupt their communication. It could fool some as just faulty equipment but Walker knew better. Something like this had Rider's fingerprints all over it.
"We need to move fast," Walker commanded, his voice tight with urgency. "Stay sharp. If the radios are jammed, that means something's gone wrong at the base. We're not taking any chances. Keep your weapons ready."
The team nodded, their faces set in grim determination as they began their hasty trek back to the base. The static continued to hiss in their ears. Walker's thoughts churned with anger and frustration. He had known Alex could mean trouble tonight, but he hadn't expected the boy to act so quickly.
As they pushed through the dense undergrowth, Walker's grip tightened on his weapon. He would deal with the brat personally when they got back. This time he wouldn't let Rider escape from Scorpia alive.
The members of K-Unit and Ben had just finished searching another potential area, and again, they had found nothing. The frustration was evident, filling the air and etched in everyone's face as they gathered by their vehicle. The day had been long and fruitless, and the weariness was starting to set in as the day had turned into night.
Eagle ran a hand through his hair, letting out a deep sigh. "This feels like the hundredth place we've checked today, and still nothing. We can't keep this up forever."
"We need to rest at some point," Wolf said, his voice laced with exhaustion. "We're going to risk missing something crucial if we're barely able to stand on our feet."
Ben nodded in agreement leaning against the car and folding his arms. "You're right. We can't just keep running ourselves into the ground."
Suddenly, their radios crackled to life, but instead of the usual chatter, all they heard was static. Wolf frowned and adjusted the settings, but the static persisted. The same thing happened with Eagle's and Coyote's radios. They exchanged puzzled glances.
"What the hell is going on?" Coyote's muttered, tapping his radio, trying to get a clear signal.
"Wait," Ben said, holding up a hand. "Don't mess with the settings. Let's see where the signal cuts out."
The team spread out slightly, moving in different directions, trying to determine where the static was strongest and where it faded. Sure enough, as they moved to certain spots, the radios would momentarily pick up some clear signal, only to be drowned out by static again when they moved in other directions.
Ben turned to look at others with a wide smile. "This could be it," he said, a hint of hope creeping into his voice. "I told you Alex would leave us some sign. I'm ready to bet anything that this has something to do with him."
Ben's mind raced. If it truly was Alex who was jamming the signals, it meant the kid was alive and fighting. But it also meant they were running out of time. Scorpia would soon realize something was wrong, and they would be all over the area like a swarm of hornets.
Wolf frowned but caught on quickly. "You think he is trying to disrupt their communications?"
"Exactly," Ben confirmed. He pulled out the map, laying it flat on the hood of the car. "If we assume the signal jammer is somewhere near where the radios are cutting out, we can narrow down the possible locations where they might be held."
Eagle, looking over Ben's shoulder, pointed to a section of the map. "This area here has a few buildings that could serve as hideouts or places to hold captives. We don't know how wide area is covered by this jammer, but we can assume we are at the edge of it. So we should head that way. These could also be possible places." Eagle kept pointing the map and looking possible locations.
Ben nodded studying the map. "We could start to drive along this road and see if the static on the radios continues. If it cuts off some point we're probably heading to the wrong direction."
"Alright, we need to radio this in," Wolf said, his tone decisive. He picked up his radio and managed to find a spot where the signal worked. He switched to the secure frequency they had set up with Colonel Sanders. "Colonel, this is Wolf. We've encountered radio interference, Fox suspects it could be from a signal jammer and lead us to the missing people. We're narrowing down possible locations now."
Sanders' voice crackled through, clear and firm. "Understood Wolf. Give me your coordinates and I'll redirect additional units towards your location. You can go ahead and search the area, we need to move quickly."
"Roger that," Wolf responded, told their current coordinates and turned back to the group. "Alright, let's move."
The team packed up quickly. Ben folded the map and stowed it away as they climbed on their car and began their journey, heading towards the area where the radios struggled the most. As they drove deeper into the area, the static in their radios became nearly constant, a sure sign that they were heading in the right direction. Ben felt hope surge inside him, and he wished, from the bottom of his heart, that he was right about this, and they would find Alex and the others before it was too late.
