part0098

“Affirmative, Zero-One. The locator in his watch has him about halfway down the number two side of the main building. Remember, we still don’t have any clue about the layout inside until we can use the cameras to map what we’re seeing once you get in there and start appearing on them. Kane’s locator beacon suggests they went in the door about five meters, then left for five, then right for twenty and then stopped, over.”

“Copy that. They said put him with the professors. I assume we have them on camera?”

“Affirmative, they’re together on camera, at least for the moment. Don’t forget you’ve got two guards on the door.”

“Copy that, we’re going to have to act fast. I’m guessing that the buyer won’t want to be sticking around too long. Do any of the cameras show the guard posts?”

“No, we’re showing no guard posts on any cameras.”

“Good. Freeze the external cameras.”

“Stand by.” Dawson waited, steadying his excited heartbeat, when Leroux finally replied. “Done. You’re clear to proceed.”

“One-One, you’re clear. Do you have a shot at the sentry on the number-two side?”

Niner’s voice came in over his comm. “I can barely see him because of this privacy screen or whatever the hell you want to call it. I need him to lean out if I’ve got any chance at a shot.”

“Stand by.” Dawson whipped a rock and it hit below the guard post at the center of the wall he was positioned near, hidden behind an outcropping. The sentry leaned out to investigate and Niner fired, his aim true as the body tumbled to the ground.

“Target eliminated.”

Dawson smiled. “Zero-Five, take out the two-three position.”

“Roger that,” replied Spock to Dawson’s left. “Two-Three down.”

“Number two side secure. Control, any evidence they’re aware of anything happening?”

“Negative, Zero-One, no indication from this end they’re aware of your presence.”

“Zero-Seven, take out three-four.”

“Taking the shot,” replied Atlas. “Three-Four down.”

Dawson rose, no longer concerned with being spotted now that all the sentries on his side of the building were down and the cameras were frozen. “Zero-Five, reposition to provide support to Zero-Seven.”

“Roger that,” said Spock as Dawson headed for the base of the wall at Niner’s position, making certain to stay on the corner concealed from the front, as one sentry position was still manned at the far corner.

“Zero-Five in position. I haven’t got a shot, but if he leans out to take a look at that lumbering mass of muscle, I can take him.”

Dawson reached the wall. “Zero-Seven, proceed.”

“Roger that, stand by.” The wait seemed interminable, and Dawson controlled his breathing as he pressed against the wall, knowing his team were pros, and if something went wrong, he’d know instantly.