TotallySpies Porn Story: Shooting Star – Chapter 6

(Author’s Note – Hey, look! It’s the chapter that almost killed yours truly! Dear Lord this one was hard to write. Oh, and I’ve got five or six more to go! WOOOO! rides into the sunset)

Chapter Six

As soon as the sun peeked above the clouds, the girls got up and told Jacob they were staying with the mission.

Glad to hear it! Take your time with breakfast this morning. Weve got an assignment for later tonight. Briefing is at 1000 hours.

One thousand hours? asked a perplexed Alex.

Thats ten in the morning.

Oh yeah, I knew that!

The girls were feeling like their old selves again. For now they didnt concern themselves with the vicious Stephen or the danger their home was in. For once they felt like normal teenagers instead of world-class spies. Even with Jacob and dozens of WOOHP staff around them eating breakfast in the cafeteria, they didnt feel the weight of the operation. Their cheery disposition lifted everyone elses spirits, and they saw a few more smiles on the staffs faces. Even if it was for just a little while, Alex was her old clumsy yet cheerful self, Clover was the beautiful drama queen, and Sam was the intelligent moderate again.

It was still mostly overcast outside, but the sun still shone through in places, casting brilliant shafts of light down to the city. The sunlight cast a warm glow into the cafeteria, and everyone was feeling so refreshed that when someone went to close the blinds, the entire cafeteria yelled at him to leave them open.

The girls talked and laughed about boys, school, shopping and what they wanted to do this summer. Jacob got into a heated argument with a couple of other WOOHP staff at his table over religion and politics which nearly ended in a fistfight when they realized how silly they were acting and laughed about it.

Eventually, the staff began filtering out of the cafeteria and returned to their jobs or went home for the day. The clouds thickened and choked off the sunlight, becoming a gray canopy over the city again. Eventually the cafeteria was almost empty. The girls conversation continued more quietly, and Jacob soon joined them.

He pulled up a chair. Did you all sleep well?

Yeah, great! they answered.

Good, you wont get much tonight. From what Ive heard its a late night mission.

Just like the last one? asked Clover.

As far as it being an infiltration mission, yes. But I can tell this ones going to be different.

Sam sipped at her juice. Hows that?

Im not positive on anything, so dont treat this as fact, but Ive heard Stephens hired a mean bunch of mercenaries to help him.

Is that so?

Like I said, Im not positive on much of anything yet.

Clover thought for a moment. Mercenaries, huh? Weve dealt with them before. Im sure its nothing we cant handle.

Glad to hear it. A confident spy is more useful than a nervous one. Jacob checked his watch and stood up. Well, Ive got some things I need to take care of. Im not sure how much freedom Jerrys giving us today, but enjoy the downtime. See you later.

Bye! they waved as he left.

After he was gone, they all started talking in hushed voices.

You know, hes pretty cute!

Hes really nice once you get to know him!

Did you hear that argument? He knows his stuff!

I wonder if he has a girlfriend?

What kind of sports does he like?

I wonder who his favorite writer is?

They each had something they were starting to admire about Jacob. Their memories of his rude behavior at the outset of the operation and his sudden moodiness at the train wreck seemed like distant echoes in their minds. But always Stephens words plagued Sams mind. Killer Instinct. The man with no life. And just what is their connection?

Alex noticed Sams blank expression.Sam?.

Hmm? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking.

About what?

The mission. Stephen. Jacob.

What about them? asked Clover.

I keep thinking theres some major thread here we dont know about.

I say we dont worry about it. The sooner we nail this guy the sooner we can get back to being normal WOOHP spies.
Yeah, no kidding. Said Alex. I cant help it, but I just dont feel quite right when were working with Jacob.

I think its those sneak suits of his. Clover said matter-of-factly. Theyre stiff as a board and so dont look good.

Well, were in it for the long haul now! said Sam. Guess well just have to get used to them until this thing is over with! She smiled to make light of it.

Heh, yeah, whatever! Lets just not repeat that train accident, shall we?

Sounds like a plan to me! chimed Alex.

Sam checked her watch. 8:30. She stood up and said, I guess we should start getting ready.

Yeah, I guess so. Said Alex. They got up and started back to their room. I wonder what theyve got in store for us tonight?

Jerrys Office 10:00 am

Good morning, girls, gentlemen.

Morning, Jerr! said the girls.

MacDonalds image was on the screen. Good morning, Jerry.

Jacob said nothing.

Whats up tonight, Jerry? asked Sam.

Weve located the weapons processing facility the terrorists used to process the bomb.

Why would they need that? asked Clover.

Though it may seem odd, missile-born and ground-based nuclear weapons are almost entirely different. In order to detonate a warhead on the ground, you need to re-engineer the material. Thus, you need a facility of some sort to begin with.

And where would that facility be? asked Jacob.

Weve found a low-rent hotel outside the city which, oddly enough, has no power going to it, and almost no traffic or phone lines. We believe that the hotel is a faade hiding the facility.

MacDonald took up the presentation as an image of the building appeared. Recon has discovered that the hotel sits atop a multi-level basement. Its possible that the hotel was already there, and our suspect made some modifications. Jerry highlighted a large area beneath the hotel. Unfortunately, we dont know the layout or extent of the basements since recon wasnt able to get inside.

Your mission, continued Jerry, Is to get inside the facility and record any evidence of nuclear materials processing.

What do we look for? asked Sam.

These. Images of a variety of large machines appeared, as well as heavy-duty storage containers. These machines are used to shape the materials into the proper configurations for use in the bomb. You should also look for containers like these, which are used to handle the material. Also keep an eye out for things like clean rooms and radiation equipment. Jerry gave them a minute to memorize the pictures before continuing. Should you happen to locate the bomb itself, call myself or MacDonald immediately. Well handle it from there.

MacDonald spoke up. Theres something else you should know. Stephens hired a team of mercenaries for security. Theyre calling themselves WOLF.

Jacob started at the name. WOLF? How is that possible? I thought wed dismantled them?

Under new management. Said Jerry.

I see.

MacDonald continued. We cant be sure if this is the same WOLF youre familiar with, Jacob, but treat them as if they were.

Heavily armed and expertly trained, I assume?

Yes.

Jacob smirked. Are you suggesting we re-activate WOLFHOUND, MacDonald?

I dont think that will be necessary.
Aww.

Excuse me, said Clover, But what is WOLF and what is WOLFHOUND?

Why dont you tell them, Jacob? said MacDonald.

WOLF was a huge mercenary network that spanned the globe. They caused a whole lot of trouble working with rebel militias or anyone else with deep enough pockets. WOLFHOUND was something MacDonald cooked up years ago with the former President. It was an international venture dedicated to hunting down WOLF groups and breaking up their network. It was one of my earliest projects when I started with the NSA.

And thanks to his efforts we were able to complete the operation years earlier than we expected.

Dont flatter me. I only did what I could.

So theyre back? asked Clover.

Possibly. This could be the work of a WOLF officer that got away, or some rookie trying to make a name for himself.

At any rate, continued MacDonald, since were so short on reliable information, theres no telling what will happen once youre inside, so be ready for anything.

Alex shifted in her seat. How do we get in?
Jerry pointed to a spot on the layout. A facility like that needs an extensive ventilation system for safety reasons. That will be your best bet. Now, on to your gadgets. A table rose up from the floor with a variety of devices on it. Youll be using the same equipment from your last stealth mission as well as the suits. The girls stifled a groan. Also, youll be carrying these twenty-four exposure camera watches, which also include cutting lasers, and these seismic-inducer bungee belts. Simply attach them to an obstructing wall, press the button, and theyll emit low-level shockwaves, which will weaken the wall enough for you to knock it down with the lightest touch. Also, weve modified your Compowders for hacking into security systems so you can keep an eye on the enemy. Jerry pressed a button on his remote and the table descended into the floor. Now, since we just have to wait until nightfall, why dont you all go out and have a little fun this afternoon? I feel youve earned a short break before you dive back into it. Cheerio!

The floor fell away and the four spies vanished with a yelp and much cursing from Jacob.

Alex stretched her back. It was nice of Jerry to give us the afternoon off.

Yeah, no kidding. Said Clover. I was about to go crazy in this building.

Sam tied her hair back. So where should we go? The mall? The boardwalk?

As long as its not here, Ill even go to a museum.

That sounds like a great idea! Sam grabbed her arm and started pulling her towards the elevator. Theres a great exhibit at the natural history museum Ive been dying to see!

Oh, no. I am not going to waste my afternoon staring at a bunch of rocks!

We could go skating! suggested Alex. Weve got to do something fun today! Weve been cooped up at WOOHP for the past three days!

Id settle for just going home and relaxing for a few hours. Being a spy is fun and all, but give me some time off for crying out loud!

As they approached the garage, they ran into Jacob, who was carrying a helmet in one hand and wearing a jacket.

Hey, girls. Enjoy the afternoon. He started off toward the garage.

Where are you going? asked Alex.

Ive decided to ride my bike around for a few hours. I havent been on a good ride for a while. Have fun at wherever youre going!

Bye! said Alex and Clover. Sam suddenly realized that she needed to corner Jacob and ask him the questions that had been bothering her. If he got away now, she couldnt be sure when shed get another opportunity. She glanced at her friends, and then at Jacob. She kicked herself for what she was about to do, and caught up to Jacob.

Hey, can I come along?

Alex and Clover stared at her in disbelief.

Jacob thought about it for a moment. Sure, why not? Let me get my spare helmet. He returned to the elevator. Alex and Clover grabbed Sam and faced her.

What on earth are you doing? You cant hit on guys on our one afternoon off!

Yeah, if youre interested in him, why didnt you tell us?

I thought you wanted to go with us? What gives?

Sam calmed them down and then told them her plan. Listen, these people are hiding some important things from us. I think Jacob knows what theyre hiding, and this would be a perfect opportunity to corner him and find out what hes hiding.

Alex cautioned her. Alright, but be careful. Dont let on what youre doing.

Get his phone number for me if you can. Said Clover.

Sam and Alex threw her sarcastic looks and muttered their disbelief.

Alright then, well see you tonight, Sam!

Tell us what you found out, okay? Clover and Sam got into a car and drove out of the garage. A couple of minutes later, Jacob returned with a scratched-up helmet. Here you go, he said as he tossed Sam the helmet. She followed him to the other side of the garage, where they found a motorcycle sitting in one of the parking lots. Jacob opened a pouch on the back and removed a small box of tools. He checked the tire pressure, chain, and oil and then put the tools away.

Sam decided to begin with some small talk. What kind of bike is it?

Suzuki Bandit. I like it because its not too expensive, and it does everything well.

Thats cool. Um, do you ride it often?

When I can. Which isnt terribly often, however.

He put on his helmet and a pair of gloves, and started the engine.

Well, lets go.

Sam put her helmet on and climbed on the behind him. He looked back and said, Hold on tight, I dont drive easy! With that he flipped his visor down. He put the kickstand up and pulled out of the garage. They waved to the security guard and started working their way through the city.

Where are we going? Sam asked.

Well head to the outskirts of the city. I can really cut loose out there. Its too crowded around this part of town. They wound their way through the downtown streets and drove onto the highway. Jacob shifted into gear and headed for the edge of town. The wind tore at them and the speed of bike made Sam feel like it was about to throw them any second. However, Jacob easily guided the bike around traffic, accelerating into turns and following the road almost carelessly. As they passed a freight truck, Sam noticed how much closer traffic and everything else seemed on the bike. She looked down and saw the road passing under the bike at blinding speeds just a few inches from her feet. After riding on the highway for several miles, the city thinned out and Jacob got off the highway and onto a smaller road that ran along the mountains overlooking the city. Sam tightened her grip around Jacobs waist as he practically threw the bike around sharp turns and flew down hills.

Are you trying to get us killed? Why are you driving so fast?

Jacob glanced back at her. She couldnt see his face behind the helmet, but was sure he was smiling. Like I said, I can really cut loose out here. I love the way this thing feels on the road. Its like it becomes an extension of myself when Im driving like this.

She heard the engine whine as he sped around another curve and felt the suspension shift with the mass of the bike and riders. Why do you push it so hard? Isnt that bad for the bike?

Sam, if I cant push something to the limits of what it was made to do, then I have no use for it! He opened the throttle and zoomed down a straightaway.

The scenery was a much-needed change of pace for Sam. The city stretched to seeming infinity down below, and the road curved and twisted along the mountains. It took them back away from the city, and trees converged around them. Every so often she could see another multimillion-dollar house through the trees, separated from the rest of the world by iron gates and long driveways. Jacob randomly chose turns here and there, and soon the area leveled out and became less mountainous. Sam realized where they were.

Hey! My house isnt far from here!

Really? You live in this area?

Yeah!

Geez, your parents must be some kinda wealthy to live out here!

I guess so. We dont have the biggest mansion in Beverly Hills.

Mansion!? Jacob almost lost control of the bike. This is why I hate mixing with wealthy people.

Whys that?

They never fail to make me feel inferior to them!

What?

I cant exactly afford massive houses or go off on a luxury vacation at the drop of a hat. Not on my salary, anyway!

How much do you make?

Enough to get by, and not much more!

Sam told herself to remember that. So how do you get by, traveling all over the world?

The government pays for most of my needs, and then I pick up anything they didnt cover.

Like what?

Extra clothes, food, anything not completely necessary but is nice to have.

They rode in silence for a few minutes, Sam enjoying the scenery. Shed been here many times before, but it felt different on a bike, with nothing standing between herself and the road.

Jacob downshifted and made a left turn. So, your parents give you an allowance, or do you have a job?

An allowance. My mom doesnt want me working and interfering with school.

So being a world-class spy isnt a job to you?

Heh, yeah it sort of is!

How the heck do you keep it a secret from her? Youre gone for days sometimes.

Its not easy, but Ive kept the lid on so far.

Good. I dont think your mom would enjoy the idea that her daughter risks her life on a regular basis!

Sam laughed. I dont think so either! Sam decided to try interrogating him again. She knew shed have to be careful. Hes very observant. If Im too forward with my questions, hell see right through them and clam up again. Gotta try, though. Start small; work your way up slowly. So, what do you do in your free time?

I like to read a lot when I can get my hands on something.

What do you mean?

When Im out in the field, its hard to come across anything decent to read. Thus I tend to go on marathon sessions when Im not on duty.

Okay, so hes well read. What kind of stuff do you like?

The classics, mostly. Though I tend to favor more recent authors. Even so, its hard to find time to read when you spend so much time memorizing maps and keeping track of headlines. How about you?

I guess Im more of a math and science person. I think I just like learning in general.

Really? Thats cool. The world will always have a need for people like you.

What do you mean?

Time doesnt stand still, Sam. Eventually Ill outgrow my usefulness and be assigned to some administrative position or retired completely, I dont know which.

Why not? Cant you guess?

People like me live in the here and now. We leave the future to our commanders.

Thats interesting, thought Sam. But not very useful. Gotta probe deeper. Start with his family. Do you have any family around here?

No, back east, in North Carolina.

Is that where your parents live?

Foster parents, yes. My real parents died in a car accident when I was little.

Im sorry.

Dont be. Its way in the past now. No sense worrying about something thats already happened, right?

Yeah, youre right! Ive got a foothold, time to try again. How long have you been working for the NSA?

I started training when I was sixteen, and by seventeen I was a full-fledged agent. So thats a total of four years almost to the day.

How did you get involved with WOLFHOUND?

It had been going for several years before I arrived. After testing my mettle on a few missions, I learned about WOLFHOUND and wanted to get involved.

Why?
Maybe I just wanted to prove myself, or maybe it was something else entirely. All I knew was that I wanted it to be my project. It took some convincing, but they eventually let me in on it. The rest is history.

And what history is that?

I did whatever I could for WOLFHOUND, and we hunted down and broke up WOLF.

They left the expensive houses and headed for a shopping district. The shops sloped with the hills and the roads meandered with no real plan; a sign of hasty planning. When they paused at a stoplight, Sam stretched and put her feet on the ground. Arent you worried about talking about WOLFHOUND out in the open like this?

Why bother? I can barely hear you inside this helmet as it is. Add the wind in when were moving and it would be hard for anyone to hear us.

The light changed and they continued down the mountains back towards the city.

Sam kept up the interrogation. How many missions have you been on?

Lots. Not as many as you, but mine tend to take a lot longer.

How much longer?
I had a particularly complex operation once that took almost six months to complete.

Wow, where was that?

Im afraid only the President and a few others are authorized to know that!

Sam was afraid shed pushed too far, but didnt feel him bottle up, so she assumed she was safe. They rode on in silence for a few miles, and then Sam realized they were heading back to the city. Are we going back?

Yeah, Ive ridden enough for this afternoon. Why dont you call your friends? Ill drop you off wherever they are. He pulled over and stopped the bike. Sam removed her helmet and fished her Compowder out of her purse. She called Clover and her image appeared on the screen after a moment.

Sam! Where are you?

Im with Jacob. Where are you guys? He said hell drop me off.
Were at the boardwalk. Were about to get some snow cones. Then she lowered her voice and leaned closer to the screen. Did you get his number for me?

Clover!

Alright, alright! Sheesh!

Alex bumped Clover aside. Were going to the Snow Bank for some Snow Cones! See you there Sammie!

Alright, hang on. She turned to Jacob. How long would it take to get to the boardwalk?

Jacob gazed off toward the city and gauged the distance. Id say about half an hour from here.

Sam turned back to the Compowder. Ill be there in about half an hour.

Okay, see you then!

Gimme my Compowder back! said Clover from off-screen. Clovers hand grabbed Alexs face and there was a flash of yellow before the screen went blank. Sam closed the Compowder and stuffed it back in her purse. Well, lets go!

Alright, hang on! She barely had her helmet back on when he took off like a rocket back to the city.

Okay Sam, she thought, youve got thirty minutes to find out what you need. Better get started. How long have you known MacDonald?

Since I started. He was around way before me. Since before the NSA was created.

Hes been around a long time!

MacDonalds an old man, Sam.

Did he let you on WOLFHOUND?

Yeah. He says he saw potential in me and started me off with a small part in the operation and I worked my way up from there.

Are you some kind of super-soldier or something?

Jacob laughed. Nah. I just do whatever I can to the best of my abilities, and always push myself to do better.

Sam was trying to think of a way to ask him about Stephen, but couldnt think of a question that would give away her intentions. So she decided to ask him right out. What do you know about Stephen?
I know as much as anyone, Sam. Hes a former Soviet officer with a major grudge against the United States. Hes stolen a nuclear weapon and plans to use it.

You said you had some history with him. What exactly did you mean?

Its not important, Sam. All that matters is that we track him down and bring him to justice.

Youre lying through your teeth, Jacob. I know youre hiding something important and you cant or wont tell us.

They cruised down the mountains and back into the city. After such an exhilarating ride, Jacob taking it easy through town seemed a little dull.

Why are we going so slow?

Just taking it easy. Dont wanna wear you or myself out before tonight.

It took a few passes, but Jacob finally found the Snow Bank. Alex and Clover were waiting for them outside. Sam dismounted and removed her helmet.

What do I do with this?

Just hang it off the bike. He showed Sam a small strap on the back of the seat, which she tied to helmet to the bike with. Alright, see you all later! Have fun! He took off as they waved goodbye. The girls turned back and went into the Snow Bank. Alex and Clover began asking Sam what she learned from Jacob.

Not in line! Lets go outside first!

The bought their snow cones and headed back outside. They found a covered table away from most of the people there, sat down, and then started talking in lowered voices.

Alex spoke first. Well, what did you find out?

Not much. Ive mostly confirmed that hes hiding something from us.

Anything else? asked Clover. Did you find out anything about him?

Whys that important?

Because you would say it might be!

Oh, right. She took a bite from her snow cone. Well, he doesnt seem to have much of a life outside of his work. Apparently he stays really busy.

How busy is that?

He said one of his operations took six months to complete.

Alex choked on her ice. Six months? How can a mission take that long?

Clover looked up from her cup. Was that when we was working on WOLFHOUND?

I dont think so. He was pretty frank with that. He said only a few people had clearance to know about the one he mentioned.

What about his family?

His real parents died in a car accident, and his foster parents live in North Carolina.

Long way from home. Alex commented.

They ate their snow cones in silence. After a minute or two, Alex broke the silence. You know, for a guy from the Carolinas, he doesnt have much of an accent.

Whats that?

Well, I figured hed have some sort of Southern accent if thats where hes from, but he doesnt!

Hmm, that is strange.

What about Stephen, did he say anything about him?

Same as last time. Its not important to the mission.

Need-to-know basis, I guess hed say.

Yeah.

Sam collected her thoughts. If WOLFHOUND was supposed to be a secret, then why was Jacob so open about it? Is there something about WOLF we dont know? Who would know? Of course! Sam slapped the table, startling the others. I know who to ask!

They responded in unison. Who?

MacDonald!

Whaaat?

He told us we always had an open line right to him, right?

Clover remembered. Oh, yeah! Thats right!

Call him! Urged Alex. Maybe he can tell us something!

Sam fished her Compowder from her purse and connected to MacDonalds line. A few seconds later, he showed up on the screen.

Afternoon, ladies. Is there a problem?

Sort of. We need to know more about WOLF and WOLFHOUND.

Are you in a secure area?

Sam looked around. No one was within earshot. Yeah, its okay.

Very well, what do you need to know?

Everything.

Thats a lot of information, Samantha. Youre better off reading the file yourselves.

Okay, not everything. We need to know how Jacob was involved, for starters.

MacDonald leaned back into his chair. Jacob found out about WOLFHOUND in its seventh year of operation. He had already proven himself as a capable field agent on a couple of smaller assignments, and came to me wanting to get in on the project. Im not entirely sure why he wanted to, or why I let him in. He took a moment to remember why. Ah, now I remember. It was his eyes.

His eyes?

I could tell by the look on his face that he wanted to make WOLFHOUND his project. I dont know why, but we needed more good agents on the project. I knew of his combat prowess and skill in espionage, so I let him in on a small part delivering orders to active agents in the project. From there, he worked his way up, excelling in everything he did. He moved up to monitoring WOLF activity within a few months, and soon enough he was a full-blown eradicator.

Whats an eradicator?

That was the codename given to agents who were inserted into the host nations army and sent on raids against WOLF encampments and facilities. After that, he became a hunter. A lone wolf of sorts who actively hunted down important WOLF members, disrupted their communication and supply lines, and exposed them to whatever nation he was working in.

How did he fare there?

That was where he earned his stripes, so to speak. He was digging up WOLF groups like there was no tomorrow. He was even finding them in places other agents were sure there wasnt any WOLF activity.
How did he do it?

I could tell you, but it would take hours. The short version is he used his wits mostly. If he found something suspicious, he never let up until he was absolutely sure the lead was a dead-end. I think thats why he succeeded where other agents had failed; he pushed himself to the absolute limit every time.

Sam remembered what Jacob said on the bike. If I cant push something to the limits of what it was made to do, then I have no use for it.

While she was lost in her thoughts, Alex took the floor. Who was the leader of WOLF?

This guy. An image of a severe-looking old man appeared on their Compowder screens. Nicolas Setzer. An Austrian by birth, he was WOLFs ringleader. It took the combined efforts of Jacob and several other hunters to finally track him down.

Where is he now?

Dead. The hunters tracked him down in Spain and lead the authorities to him. The raid turned into a firefight and Nicolas was killed. We thought that was the end of WOLF and disbanded WOLFHOUND. But it looks like we were wrong.

So whos in charge now?

We can only speculate at the moment. Otherwise we dont know.

So WOLFs back, and theyve got a new leader. Wonderful.

Clover asked the next question, the one that was really on their minds. What sort of history do Jacob and Stephen have?

MacDonald sighed. Clover, you know that there are certain things that many people dont need to know. The only reason weve been so frank with you about WOLF and WOLFHOUND is that those organizations are directly involved with this mission.

So youre not going to tell us anything you dont think we need to know to carry out the mission, is that right?

Thats exactly right. There are things even Jacob doesnt know about because they are unimportant to his work.

How can you do that? burst Sam. How would he feel if

Jacob is fully aware that we are not divulging certain secrets to him. He understands that there are some things he doesnt have to know.

Because he lives in the here and now?

If you put it that way, yes.

Is this standard procedure? asked Alex.

Pretty much, yes. On most of his missions, he is unaware of certain facts. MacDonalds voice became almost threatening. Hes learned to accept this, I suggest you three do so as well.

The girls glared at MacDonald with a new level of distrust. Thanks, MacDonald. Well keep in touch. Sam slammed her Compowder shut with one hand and clenched it in her fist. A brooding silence descended on the table, making the already dreary day appear even worse. There were even more questions with no answers, only now the people with the answers had an excuse for keeping them.

Clover finished off her snow cone and stood up. You know what? They can keep their silly secrets! Im not going to let them stop me from having fun this afternoon!

Sam saw she was right and stood up. You know what, Clover? Youre right!

I am?

Yeah, lets forget about everything for now. Weve still got a few hours before we need to be back. Lets make the most of them!

Alright, Sam! said Alex. Lets go have some fun! Well worry about the mission later!

They put their Compowders away in their purses, and stowed the details of the mission into a compartment in their minds. For now, they were just a group of girls going to hang out at the mall, try some clothes on, talk to boys, and just simply have fun.

Sage Hotel 12:00 am

Jacob and the girls quickly worked their way from one shadow to the next as they approached the back of the hotel. It was a cheap-looking place, the sort college students on long road trips with little money crash at when they can no longer drive. The building was two stories tall and curved into a horseshoe shape. The back of the building was mostly windows and concrete, making their approach easier. The most important feature, however, was a central air conditioning system, which sat behind the building, shrouded in darkness under a burned-out light. The four spies crouched on the opposite side of a hill behind the hotel. Jacob peeked over the top and scanned the area with his infrared goggles, found no one watching, and then motioned all of them to head for the air-conditioning unit. They hurried around the lit side of the hill and then huddled next to the machine. Jacob removed a kit from his belt and waited for the fans to start before removing one of the vent covers. He stuck his head inside and saw that it lead down at an angle before curving to the left about ten feet down.

Alright, everyone in. Once were inside, Jerry will be able to send us a layout of the facility. Stay quiet, stay calm, and stay out of sight!

The nodded to confirm, and then crawled into the vent one by one, Jacob going in last. They inched their way down the slope, and then continued more quickly once they reached the bottom. At first it was almost pitch dark except for faint light coming from up ahead. The light turned into a vent opening, and Jacob paused to look through it. He heard footsteps coming into the room the vent connected to, and soon enough an armed guard walked in. Jacob lowered his goggles and used the zoom function to get a better look at the guard. He spoke almost at a whisper into his communicator.

Be very careful, girls. These guys are carrying the same equipment WOLF used to carry; high-powered assault rifles and grenades. Dont expect any quarter from them if youre spotted.

Gotcha, they all responded.

Well need to get out of these vents if we want to conduct our investigation.

Jerrys voice came on in their ears. Already taken care of. Weve sent you all the plans for the basement. You might be surprised.

The girls reached for their Compowders and Jacob for his PDA. Sure enough, the basements were big, extending well beyond the hotel above. Jacob studied his map for a moment and then said, Keep going. At the next junction, Im going to check out another area and try to find the lab. You three keep going on ahead and check out the warehouse.

Should we try to find the security system as well? asked Sam.

Good idea. If you can disable it, the going will be that much easier. Jacob paused as a small cadre of guards walked down the hallway they were above. Be careful. This place is crawling with guards.

They crawled ahead 20 feet to the next junction, where Jacob went right while the girls continued straight ahead. They kept going for a ways until Clover asked, Wheres the warehouse?

Sam checked her Compowder. Its about fifty more feet ahead. Keep going. When the vent finally dead-ended, Sam checked the room to make sure it was empty and then removed the vent cover. They let themselves down on top of a tall container and looked around. The room was sparse and cold. The walls were made entirely of concrete, and the only color came from the containers and an old jeep parked in front of the cargo door. Sam made a mental note of the jeeps location. She felt it would come in handy later on. She turned to the others. Spread out and start checking the containers.

What do we do if dont find anything? asked Alex. Sam found it a little odd that she could only see her friends eyes with the baklavas on. She remembered Jacobs words about the future. Dont worry about it. If we cant find anything, well deal with it then. Lets go.

They climbed down from the container and opened their electronics kits to begin searching. Almost as soon as they started, they heard the service door open and a pair of guards entered. They didnt need to be reminded to stay out of sight, and kept their senses wary of the guards presence.

Jacob continued down the vent, took a right turn, and then found a darkened, unoccupied room. He pried the vent cover off and let himself down. He walked slowly to the door and listened. He heard guards walk past and down the hall, talking noisily about something he didnt care about. Idiots, he thought. Youre on patrol. Talking like that will make you miss something important, like footsteps or me opening a door. After their voices dwindled to a whisper, he cracked the door open and peeked out. Nothing. He checked for security cameras, and finding none, he crept out of the room and carefully closed the door. He could hear the guards coming back around behind him, so he got moving. He constantly recalled the layout of the basement. The hallway ran around in a circle and then connected with another hall that lead to the labs. As he rounded the corner, he saw a trio of guards standing in front of the passage. The patrolling guards were coming closer, so he let himself into a dimly lit room across from him. Hed have to find another way into the labs.

He looked around the room and saw a door on the other side. He picked up his PDA and checked the layout. The door lead to the barracks and armory area. To make matters worse, a tight security grid covered the whole area. He touched his communicator on and called Sam.

Sam, come in. Where are you?

Im in the warehouse. Were sweeping it for evidence.

Any trouble?

Theres a couple of guards in here, but we can avoid them pretty easily.

Good. Sam, I need you to drop what youre doing and find a way to hack into the security system.

What? Why?

I need to get into the labs, but between the security system and the guards, its too risky.

There was a pause on the line. Okay, Im on my way. Just sit tight.

Sam informed the others of what she was doing, checked the positions of the patrolling guards, and crept to the door. She pressed a button on the wall and it slid open and allowed her through. She found herself in a short hall that opened up on a larger room that spread to the left and right. She listened for the sound of a patrol, heard nothing, and continued down the corridor. A pair of double doors occupied either end of the room, and a smaller door faced the corridor. She was about to dash across to the door, but then she remembered the security system. She flattened herself against the wall and peered around the corner. Sure enough, a camera was panning across the room from atop the right-hand doors. She waited until the camera was pointing away from her, and then hurried along the wall until she was out of the cameras viewing range. She crept along under the camera, hoping nobody would walk through the doors on her. She got to the other wall, waited for the camera to turn away again, and then dashed along the wall to the door. She opened it and stepped inside. She was in another hallway, doors and windows lining both sides. Some of the rooms were occupied, so she had to be careful. Just as she started down the corridor, she heard guards coming from the room she just left. She looked up and down the hall for a place to hide, and noticed the conduits and ventilation on the ceiling. There was just enough room for her to crawl into. She jumped up, grabbed a stout-looking conduit, and pulled herself up. Seconds later the guards entered the hall.

As they passed right underneath, she quickly sized them up. The guards were strong young men, each armed with an assault rifle, grenades, a pistol, and wearing vests over gray fatigues. They all walked with a soldiers swagger and looked into each room as they passed it. Once they left the corridor, Sam let herself down and ducked into one of the unlit rooms. She opened her Compowder and checked the layout again. She pulled up the security plan and saw a meshwork of lines that intersected at a point not far from her. She closed the Compowder and crept down the hall.

The next room contained a freight elevator that went up to the hotel above. The guards she just avoided were already on the ascending elevator and were out of sight when she opened the door. She rounded the elevator and entered the next room. Ahead and to the left was the security control panel. The room was occupied, so she needed another way in. She noticed the ceiling was made of acoustic paneling like in most other buildings, which meant she could remove one and crawl around up there. Once she was up, she followed a mass of wires to the space above the security room, careful not to step on any weak spots. She opened her Compowder and extended a wire with a clamp on one end. She clamped the wire onto an Ethernet line and the Compowder went to work.

Sam touched her earpiece on and called Jacob. Im hacking in nowokay, Im in. She found the system where Jacob was and deactivated it. Okay, the security is down in your area. All you have to worry about is the guards.

Thanks, I owe you one. Stay where you are, youll be a big help to the rest of us.

Alex and Clover met at one end of the warehouse.

Clover put away her electronics kit. Find anything?

Alex shook her head. Nope, not a thing.

So now what do we do?

Ill call Sam. Maybe she knows.

Alex called Sam on her earpiece. Sam, we didnt find anything.

You didnt? Alright. She paused for a minute. Start searching this floor for anything suspicious. I can deactivate security as you go, so you should be able to move pretty freely.

What do you mean this floor? asked Clover.

Jacob just discovered theres a second basement level. Check your maps. Clover and Alex opened their Compowders, and sure enough, the map now showed another level below them. Jacob is going to explore the second level. You guys take this floor.

What about you?

Ill stay here and take care of the security systems. Dont worry about me.

Alex and Clover followed the walls to the door and out of the warehouse. They moved quickly and quietly down the hall and to the right in the large room. The double doors opened into an empty cafeteria. They crossed it and headed through the doors across the room. Another corridor connected the cafeteria to a series of offices patrolled by more guards. They skirted the guards and left the offices. The temperature dropped dramatically in the next room, and they could hear something loud through the walls.

Alex tapped Clovers shoulder. Generator room?

Probably. Lets go in there and get some pictures.

They followed the noise into a large room occupied by four huge generators.

Well, now we know how they get their power! Alex called above the racket.

What? said Clover. She opened her watch and started taking pictures of the generators.

Alex decided to let it go and opened her watch as well. She moved around to see what was on the other side of the room, and as she did so, she tripped on a loose cable. She hit the floor and her seismic inducer popped out of her belt and rolled along the floor on its edge. It finally came to a halt under a generator and Alex breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as she started to reach for it, the hemispherical device opened up and four legs unfolded and attached to the floor. Clover and Alex watched in horror as the unit started vibrating faster and faster until they could feel the vibrations in the floor.

Jacob crouched atop a catwalk overlooking the garage. An assortment of vehicles was parked in the garage, ranging from ordinary sedans to light armored vehicles. He finished taking pictures and began to creep down the catwalk. The guards below him were unaware of his presence. He stopped when he heard a burst of static coming from one of the guards radios. He listened closely, afraid someone had been caught.

Tremors! Its an earthquake! All units report in!

One of the guards answered. This is unit seven in the hangar, we cant feel a damn thing, over.

Unit four, no tremors here, over.

Unit eight, alls well, over.

The other guard spoke up. Where were the tremors felt, over?

Im near the generator room, over.

A new voice came on the radio. Its probably just a bad vibration damper. Well get maintenance in there to check it out. Return to your stations.

The guards resumed their patrols, and Jacob continued towards the stairway at the end of the catwalk.

Alex, Clover, what happened? The whole place just about went on red alert! Sam tried to be careful not to raise her voice. After all, armed men were just a few feet below her.

We, uh, had an accident.

Calamity Jane here dropped her seismic inducer and started a small earthquake.

I am not a klutz!

Listen, guys. Theres a maintenance team headed your way. Better get out of there quick.

Roger that. They responded.

She checked on Jacobs location. He had exited the hangar and was slowly working his way to the labs. A lot of guards patrolled the area, so he was taking his time. Sams watch read 1:30. Have we been here that long already? I thought time only flew when youre having fun? This isnt fun, is it?

Jacob sat perfectly still in the shadows. His right hand was tensed and ready to draw his gun should the guard spot him. Hed let one of his shoes squeak on the polished floor and that got the attention of a guard. The guard looked into every possible hiding spot, pushing things aside with the muzzle of his rifle and moving slowly from one end of the room to the other. Not bad, he thought. At least you know how to properly search a room with a hostile in it. Youd be wise to call in backup.

Jacobs suit helped him melt into the shadow, and he maintained tight control over his breathing, never letting it get too hard. After several tense minutes, the guard had worked his way across the room, and then he decided he must have heard a rat or something. He called his findings in and left the room.

Jacob waited a minute for the guard to put some distance between them and then emerged from his hiding spot behind a metal shelf. The only thing that kept the guard from seeing me was the bad light over here and this suit, he thought. Then he thanked God for making darkness the way it was, and blessed the maker of his suit. When he was sure the guards were out of the way, he exited the room and headed to the end of the corridor, where the lab was. He approached the lab entrance and noticed the high-level security system and called Sam.

Sam, can you unlock this door?

I think so, hang onOkay, its unlocked.

The doors slid aside and let Jacob into the airlock. He closed his eyes against the disinfectant spray and then walked through the inner doors.

The lab was cold and sterile. A row of computer banks lined one wall, and a row of large machines line the opposite wall. Jacob recognized them as the ultra-precise lathes and mills necessary to shape weapons-grade metals. However, these machines were cold and had been unused for some time. Not good. That means it may already be gone. He started to move towards the machines and record them when he the unmistakable feeling that a gun was pointing at his head hit him. Jacob leaped and rolled behind a control bank in the center of the room just as a gun fired. He drew his gun and turned around to face the assailant, and stopped.

Standing in front of another door and pointing his gun at Jacob was Stephen. Well, so we meet at last, Jacob.

Jacob kept his gun leveled at Stephen and his eyes narrowed in malice. He removed his mask with his left hand. Yeah, been a long time you psychotic bastard.

Shall we continue this conversation in English, or would you prefer Russian?

Your call. Consider it a final favor from your executioner.

Stephen laughed and started speaking in Russian. I never expected anything less than mercilessness from you.

Jacob answered in flawless Russian. Im just going by instinct and training, thats all.

Instinct? Im surprised youd use such a word.

Only because theres no other substitute.

Youve become a fine young man, Jacob. Its really impressive that you managed to elude my guards and circumvent my security.

Theyre not much for wolves, Stephen. Theyre really green. Almost pups.

What I do with my pack is none of your concern. Are you ready to fight?

Ive been ready to kill you for a long time.

Sam tried to follow them on her Compowder, but once they started speaking Russian she completely lost the conversation. The security camera showed them facing each other, guns drawn and pointing at one anothers heads. She noticed that Jacob spoke Russian with flawless ease, almost better than English, it seemed. An idea started to formulate in her mind, but stopped when the two started shooting at each other.

Jacob took cover behind one of the machines. When Stephen paused, he leaned out and fired several shots at him, but Stephen took cover behind a computer bank. They exchanged a few volleys of bullets, never hitting each other but coming very close.

Hey! said Jacob, again in Russian. Why are we fighting with guns? Our score demands we settle it with our fists.

That sounds wonderful!

Stephens voice came not from his cover but right next to Jacobs position. He looked up and saw Stephens foot streaking for his face. Jacob crossed his arms in front of him and leaned back. He took the full force of the kick, and then used the energy to roll himself backwards and back onto his feet. He stood there, leaning low with one hand on the floor and the other clenched into a fist. The two men faced each other, their eyes trying to force their way into each others minds. Stephens eyes were cool and malevolent, while Jacobs were fiery and piercing.

Jacob stood up with a deep breath and planted his feet in a fighting position, and Stephen followed suit.

Lets see what youve got.

Jacob lunged at Stephen in a flash and threw a series of lightning fast punches which Stephen blocked and countered. Jacob parried the counterattacks and stepped in close. He drove his elbow into Stephens stomach, and then followed up immediately with a powerful palm strike to his jaw, and then kicked him square in the ribs, sending Stephen flying into one of the machines. Stephen bounced off the machine and went to his knees. He tasted blood and smiled at Jacob as he stood back up. Youre fast, very fast. And strong, too.

Its nothing special, just some stuff I picked up along the way.

Is that so? Stephen readied himself for an attack. You attack well, now lets see what your defense has to offer.

Stephen charged Jacob head-on. Jacob started to counterattack, but Stephen sidestepped and tried to clothesline him with his right arm. Jacob ducked under the arm and Stephen spun around and went for a backhand with his left. Jacob blocked it and tried to kick Stephens foot out from under him. Stephen blocked it with a kick of his own, and then charged with a one-two punch. Jacob parried the first punch and then the second, but Stephen tried to knee him. Jacob blocked the attack, but he was unable to defend against another punch. It struck him in the face, and Stephen followed with a roundhouse kick that slammed Jacob into the wall so hard a safety sign hanging there almost fell off. Stephen backed off and let Jacob get back up.

Whats the matter? He said as he got up. Suddenly develop pity?

Hardly. I was just letting you get back up now that we know each other. Now we can truly fight, eh?

Arent we cocky? Jacob flew at Stephen for a second round.

Sam was so mesmerized by the speed and skill of the two that she barely heard the communicator ringing in her ear. She finally noticed it and answered.

Sam! What are you doing? said Clover.

Jacob and Stephen are fighting!

What? Really? Whos winning?

Neither one right now. Theyre evenly matched. Sam watched them trade blows for a second. Stephen intercepted one of Jacobs kicks and threw him across the room. Geez, theyre fast.

Doesnt Jacob have his gun? asked Alex.

No, neither does Stephen. For some reason they decided to fight hand-to-hand after they shot at each other for a bit.

Whyd they do that?

I dont know. They started speaking in Russian and I cant tell what theyre saying.

Oh, Sam?

Whats up, Alex?

You know how those seismic things weaken walls?

Yeah?
Well, we found out it weakens floors, too.

Sam thought about what Alex just told her. They said her device got turned on the floor in the generator room, didnt they? She checked the layout of the basement. The generator room was right over the lab where Jacob and Stephen were fighting. Oh, no.

She hurriedly contacted Clover. Clover, how much do those generators weigh?

Oh, Id say about 6 tons or more.

Oh, crap.

The lights below her flickered with a sudden power surge, and the whole basement shook.

Jacob ducked another clothesline attack, stepped behind Stephen and delivered a solid punch to his kidney, then kicked him in the middle of his back and sent him sprawling on the floor. He was breathing heavily but not too hard. He was bruised in several places, but he put the pain into a compartment in his mind and focused on his opponent. Stephen stood back up again and stumbled just a little. He too was tired and hurt, but his face didnt show it. In fact, he was still smiling. This only made Jacob angrier. He tensed every muscle in his body to prepare for another attack. He was going to make sure this time Stephen didnt stand back up. Just as he was on the verge of unleashing his full strength on his opponent, the ceiling shook.

He and Stephen suddenly forgot about each other and looked at the ceiling. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at the ceiling and still nothing happened. Then everything started moving in slow motion. The ceiling started to collapse and send a hailstorm of debris down into the room. Jacob and Stephen leaped backwards with all their might. Jacob was in the air as a massive pile of wreckage fell through the ceiling and crashed down where he was just standing half a second ago. More and more wreckage fell through, broken power cables sending showers of sparks over everything. Jacob tucked his head against his chest and threw his feet over his head, causing him to somersault in mid-air. The extra momentum threw him clear of the last of the falling debris, and he landed on his feet with cat-like grace. It took him just a second to assess the situation. Eight tons of debris now cut the room neatly in two, and Stephen was on the other side, unhurt and unreachable.

They found each other through a small gap in the wreckage. Stephen looked around at the mess and whistled. I suppose our showdown has been postponed?

Yeah, I guess so.

Hmf, such an unfortunate coincidence. It doesnt matter. Im finished with this place anyway. Well meet again, Jacob. Then well finish this. He started towards the airlock.

Dont disappoint me. Jacob was so angry he didnt know what to do. Anger wont get me anywhere. I have to stay calm. He put his feelings away and found his gun. He touched his earpiece on and called Sam.

Jacob! Are you okay?

Im fine, but Stephen got away. What the heck just happened?

A generator fell through the floor.

How the heck did thatnever mind, it can wait.

Sam was relieved that she didnt have to tell him about Alexs screw-up just yet. Listen, securitys going haywire. Every single guard is on high alert now, and theres a squad headed to the labs!

Wonderful. Listen, weve got to- Sam heard someone shout, Hey, who are you? Jacob heard it, too. Damn! Sam heard a volley of automatic fire and a lot of yelling before Jacobs comm. link cut off.

Then the alarm went up and a voice came on over the PA system. Intruder alert! Unauthorized personnel have entered the complex! All units are ordered to find them and are authorized to use lethal force! Secure the facility and neutralize the intruders!

Sam took that as her cue to leave. She checked the security room. Only one guard, and his rifle sat in the corner. She disconnected her Compowder and jumped through the ceiling right onto the guards head. He was out cold instantly. She took the chance to glance at the screens. Guards were running everywhere and searching each and every room. She wondered where Alex and Clover were. Her earpiece rang again and she answered it.

Sam! Alex! Clover! It was Jacob.

Jacob! they exclaimed at once.

The jig is up, girls! Its every man for himself! Find your way to the extraction zone and wait for me there!

What are you going to do? said Clover.

Ive still got some things to take care of here! Get to the extraction zone, whatever it takes! There was another burst of automatic fire before his line cut off again.

Sam stepped out of the security room and looked down the hallway. No one there at the moment. She ran down the hall towards the automatic door, but found it locked. She went the other way, and saw a pair of guards step out of the door. They yelled, Hold it right there! before raising their rifles at her. Sam drew her gun and fired a few warning shots to make them keep their heads down and turned down the adjacent hallway. The door at the end opened for her, and when it closed behind her she kicked the control panel in and jammed the door. She could hear gunfire coming from several directions, and ran in the direction where she heard none. She ran down a long corridor and entered a large, low room. A pair of shadows dropped down behind her and she whirled around and found Alex and Clover with their guns leveled at her face.

Sammie! We found you!

We gotta get out of here!

You dont have to tell me twice!

They crossed the room and entered medium-sized room with two more doors and a corridor leading off one way.

Clover looked each way. Which way do we go?

Before anyone could answer, Jacob sprinted around the corner down the corridor. He slid as he made the turn, and cleared it just as an explosion went off just around the turn. He ran towards them yelling, Go right! Dont stop until youre in the extraction zone! He sprinted past and headed back the way they came.

The girls went through the right-hand door, and then through a few more doors. They entered a short corridor, and a squad of guards was at the other end. The guards saw them and immediately fired at the girls. They yelped and turned back as fast as their legs could carry them. They took a left turn and found themselves in a hallway that ended in two rooms on either side.

Were trapped! Exclaimed Clover.

No were not! said Alex.

She removed the seismic inducer and placed it on the floor several feet from the door. Once again, the legs unfolded and the unit shook for a minute and stopped. Alex pulled on the line attached to it and pulled it back to her. They hid in the rooms at the end and waited. Within seconds to door burst open and the guards rushed in with their weapons ready. The moment they were all on the weakened floor, it gave way and they fell through to the lower level.

Lets go! Shouted Sam. They leaped over the hole and went back down the hall. The door was locked.

What now? said Alex.

Sam thought for a second. The watches! They have lasers built into them!

Sam and Clover cut away the hinges while Alex cut the lock apart. They kicked the door down and continued down a darkened corridor. Then the smell hit them. A metallic smell that they knew but couldnt put their fingers on. The lights in the corridor were out, preventing them from seeing down it. Alex was just about to switch her night vision on when a light flickered back to life and they remembered the smell.

Blood.

Dead guards littered the floor all the way down the corridor. The hall itself wasnt in much better shape. Nearly all the lights had been shot away, and the walls were peppered with bullet holes and scarred by explosions. The girls held back the urge to vomit and began picking their way through the dead. Their spirits sank a little more every time they stepped in a puddle of blood, and their horror increased with every lifeless eye that stared up at them.

Sam, what-what-whats going on?

Sam immediately thought of Stephen. Why would he kill his own men? Because hes cruel like that, thats why.

Come on, Alex. Just try not to look atthem.

They bravely picked their way down the hall, and a movement partially obscured by shadow caught Clovers eye in an adjacent hallway.

Sam, look!

They turned and saw a guard sitting against the wall, still alive. They went to him and Sam kneeled in front of him. He was badly wounded and scared out of his mind.

What happened here? Who did this?

The guard didnt respond at first, and then a sentence escaped his trembling lips. He-Hesa monster, and then slumped over, dead.

Sam stood up and tried to figure it all out. Was Stephen really this horrible? What if it wasnt Stephen? It couldnt have been Jacob, could it? They saw him coming from the opposite direction, so she believed it couldnt have been him. An explosion sounded from several rooms back.

Wed better get moving. Were almost to the warehouse. We can use that jeep to get away.

The sooner the better, said a despondent Alex.

They finally left the corridor of death behind them and found their way to the warehouse. No guards were around, and Clover immediately went to open the gate. Sam started the jeep and Alex climbed in. The door opened, revealing a passage that curved to the right.

Im worried about Jacob. She said.

What? the other two exclaimed.

Theres a killer on the loose here and hes still inside! We need to get him out!

But he said-

Sam silenced her with a wave and pulled out her Compowder. She called up the layout of the basement and activated the tracking devices in their suits. Jacobs beacon showed up as moving rapidly down a nearby corridor towards the tunnel. All that stood between the end of the corridor and the tunnel was a thin wall.

Sam put the jeep in gear. Come on! I know how we can save him!

Jacob fled the guards behind him, periodically firing behind him to keep their heads down. He carried a pair of submachine guns and had one grenade left and one high explosive pack. He reached the open door at the end of the hall and closed it, an then kicked the control panel in to jam it. Then he realized a mistake he made earlier. The narrow room he was in now should have lead to another room, but the end was blocked off with fallen debris.

I guess that was a mistake after all, he told himself.

He heard something on the other side of the steel door, and then saw sparks and a white-hot flame emerge from the bottom. They were cutting their way in. Jacob took a deep breath and stood in front of the door with both guns pointed at the door. In his minds eye, he saw one man in front of the door with the cutting torch, and two or three more to the side, at least one priming a grenade. Idiots, he thought. You should have just cut a couple of small holes in the door and stuffed grenades in. Then you would have had me. Youre nothing like the wolves I hunted.

His fingers tightened around the triggers as the flame made its way to the top of the door and started moving across. Then Jacob heard a peculiar sound. A high-pitched whine was coming from behind him, and the wall was starting to shake. It shook harder and harder for a minute, and then stopped. Suddenly the wall crumbled, and the girls were standing on the other side in front of a jeep.

Come on, lets go! called Alex.

Jacob looked back at the door and the flame, which was now working its way down the other side of the door. Sam thought he looked reluctant to break off the fight. He lowered his guns and jumped in the back of the jeep.

Punch it!

Sam floored the accelerator and left a patch of molten rubber behind the jeep. The tunnel wound its way around the basements as in ascended, and finally ended in open air. They were on a gravel road outside the hotel that lead back to the mountains. Sam drove the jeep down the trail until it dipped behind a hill.

Stop! Leave it here! said Jacob.

Sam stopped the jeep and turned it off. She turned around to ask Jacob why but he was gone.

Whered he go?

Clover looked around. I dont know, and I was sitting right next to him!

They got out of the jeep and walked up a tall hill next to them that overlooked the hotel. Despite everything that just happened, the hotel looked calm and ordinary as any other hotel.

The spies werent saying anything at first. Then Alex just said, wow.

Yeah, came the reply.

They stood there watching the building, wondering if anyone was inside the faade and heard what happened if they did. They did notice a lot of lights were out, now.

Well, said an exhausted Sam. I suppose we should call and get someone to pick us up.

Alex was equally exhausted. Yeah, thatd be best.

Youll do no such thing.

They turned around and found three guards pointing their rifles at them. Drop your weapons and put your hands on top of your heads.

They obeyed and removed their guns and watches.

Hey, theyre chicks. Observed one of the guards.

Youre right. Said the first guard. Were going to have some fun with you three for what you did to our comrades.

Ive got a better idea, said an icy voice. Why dont you let my partners go and Ill let yours live?

The guards spun around and the girls looked to see who said that. Just at the edge of the light from the hotel, someone was holding the third guard from behind and pressing a gun against his head. The other two guards leveled their rifles at him. The girls could make out very little of the assailant, but the light faintly reflected off his goggles triple lenses, giving him a demonic appearance.

The two guards slowly circled the newcomer in opposite directions, and he was careful to keep them both in front of him and the hostage between them.

Now now, dont be hasty. Ive done this plenty of times before, and I have no qualms about pulling the trigger.

Bastard! Let him go!

Hey, I know who my father is! Thats not a fair insult.

Let him go or Ill fire!
Right. As soon as hes free Im dead and I dont want to think about what youll do to them. He motioned towards the girls.

One of the guards was holding his rifle very still and aiming down the sites. Sam saw the muscles in his arm tighten and his finger start to squeeze the trigger. Sam was about to call out a warning, but the assailant saw it first. His pistol shot out in a flash and he put a bullet in the guards face. He immediately turned the gun on the other guard and put several shots in his chest. The guns suppressor was on, and all that was heard was the sliding of the bolt and the whip-thump of the bullets. At the same time he jerked the arm wrapped around the hostages neck and snapped it, and let the guard fall to the ground.

He walked farther into the light and asked, Are you okay?

They finally recognized it was Jacob, and were horror-struck at his brutal display. They heard someone moaning behind him. He turned around and found the guard clutching his chest in pain.

We need to get him some help! said Sam.

No can do. Jacob said without pity. His wounds are fatal. No way to save him. He turned on the laser on his gun and pointed it at the guards head. The guard looked at him without fear and with full comprehension of what he was doing. Youre a good soldier. Go in peace. The girls looked away when Jacob pulled the trigger.

He walked over to where the girls were standing and looked them over. Youre not hurt. Thats good.

Suddenly the truth hit Sam. It was you, wasnt it? You killed all those people in the hallway!

Jacob looked at her, his goggles still down and the mask hiding the rest of his face. Yes, that was my doing. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

What?

What you saw was just a skirmish. I sent you three that way because there were even more the other way around.

They were speechless. He was so nice this morning. What happened to the man they knew? This wasnt a man. This was a monster standing before them; a monster under the employment of the US government.

He held out a device in his hand. You might want to get down. He pressed a button and the entire hotel went up in flames.

When Sam could hear again, she screamed at Jacob. How could you do that!

Orders.
What orders? We didnt get any orders to blow the whole place to kingdom come!

You didnt, but I did. My primary directive was to locate evidence of nuclear handling and WOLF activity. My second directive was to destroy it.

The girls backed away from Jacob a couple of steps. The flames from the burning wreckage of the hotel bathed him in a hellish light, giving him the appearance of a three-eyed demon.

The choppers will be here soon. Lets get to the extraction point.

The girls werent sure if they should follow him. Sam watched him fade into the gloom, and looked to her friends. They shared her confused look. Reluctantly, they followed him into the darkness.