Chapter 34 - Siege in the Desert
The first concussion grenade hit the exterior surface of the missile silo just as the transmission bar flashed a brilliant green: TRANSMISSION COMPLETE.
“Data is secured and mirrored to three independent offshore drop-boxes,” Ethan shouted over the roar of helicopter rotor blades thrashing the desert air directly above our subterranean entrance. “They’re too late! The world knows everything!”
“Now we just have to make sure we live long enough to see the fallout,” I replied, unholstering my Sig Sauer and taking up a tactical defensive position behind a reinforced concrete pillar facing the primary elevator shaft.
Heavy hydraulic grinding echoed down the deep vertical shaft as the emergency override mechanism was engaged from above. The old missile silo’s primary lift began descending, carrying an assault team of heavily armed, black-clad mercenaries directly into our subterranean sanctuary.
“Hold your fire until the cage clears the lower threshold,” I instructed, my breathing steady and controlled, every muscle in my body coiled for engagement.
The metal cage of the freight elevator slammed to a halt with a heavy metallic clang. Before the doors could even slide fully open, a blinding flash-bang grenade was tossed into the room.
“Down!” I yelled, spinning away and covering my ears as the deafening blast shook dust and loose concrete chips from the ceiling.
Through the white smoke, three operatives rushed out of the lift, their carbines raised and scanning the room for targets.
Ethan moved first, firing two precise rounds from his suppressed rifle into the synthetic body armor of the lead mercenary, dropping him instantly to the floor. The second operative swung his weapon toward Ethan, but I stepped out from behind the pillar, firing a clean, disabling shot into the shoulder joint of his weapon arm. His rifle clattered uselessly onto the concrete, and he collapsed in agony.
May you like
The third operative raised his hands immediately, dropping his weapon as he realized the tactical advantage had completely evaporated.
“Drop your helmet comms and step away from the lift,” I ordered, keeping my weapon steady.
