Strike Force

“You're the specialists we've been waiting for?” The commander asked, as two people approached.

“Yeah” Agent Jackson said. He was an imposing figure, very muscular and standing over 6 feet tall in tactical gear, with a 9mm pistol on his hip and a silenced assault rifle slung over his shoulder. He had slicked back brown hair and brown eyes that were focused on the building behind the commander.

“Thought there'd be more of you?”

“We were told you only needed two” Agent Shirazi said. She had the same equipment but looked less threatening, standing at 5 feet 8, with a slender build. She was olive skinned, with black hair tied back and green eyes that could pierce anyone's soul.

“Well, I hope you guys live up to your reputation.” The commander said.

“So what's going on?” Shirazi asked.

“Members of the Cyber Liberty Party have taken over the building. We believe the majority of the terrorists are holed up in the penthouse”

“Penthouse. Who owns it?” She continued. Jackson seemed less talkative.

“A Thomas Walthers, CEO of Aether Shipping, my guess is they're trying to get into the secure server there”

“Members. Is their leader in there, Russo?”

“Doesn't look like it, he hasn't made a statement yet, so we don't know how many guys are in there, could be a smash and grab gone wrong, could be an invasion. Hell it could be a splinter group”

“Why's that?”

“Russo doesn't take hostages, he believes he is fighting for the people”

“How many hostages?”

“Not sure, about 15, maybe. The doorman got out before they sealed the front door.”

“Alright, we'll take it from here” Jackson finally spoke, walking away from the sergeant.

“Any ideas?” Shirazi asked.

“Not sure, I wonder what his plan is..” Jackson mumbled.

“We aren't politicians, it is not our place to think about that kind of stuff. We need to get in, get the hostages and get out”

“Okay” he said, turning to the building and putting in an earpiece. “Cooper, are you there?”

“I'm right here, Jackson” A voice cut in. “I'm looking at a 3D model of the apartment building”

“Entrances”

“Well, the front door is out of the question and I don't think you can make it to the roof anytime soon.”

“Any good news?”

“Not far from your position is an AC unit. If you dismantle it, you might be able to enter the ventilation system.”

Jackson let go of his earpiece and looked up at the night sky, sighing.

“What's up?” Shirazi asked. He looked at her expectantly. “The shaft?”

“The shaft” He said, resigned.

“C'mon, it's not that bad. You and me, in a hot metal tube together. What more do you want?”

“I don't know, maybe a few less terrorists walking around us, maybe a little less pressure, maybe a bottle of wine”

“I'll remember that for the future” Shirazi said, smiling. She then turned and walked away, swaying her waist. Jackson tilted his head and bit his lip.

Once they were deep in the jungle of vents, Shirazi looked back at Jackson.

“How's the view?” She asked, grinning.

“It's good, but I don't think this is the time or place” He stopped. “Cooper, where are we?”

“I've got you above the third floor hallway” Cooper said over the radio. “Take the next left and you will get into the elevator shaft. From there you can climb up to the penthouse”

“Where are the hostages?”

“They've been moved to the 7^th floor.”

“Okay, standby” Jackson said as he began to crawl again. Ahead of him, Shirazi had reached the elevator shaft. Jackson caught up and they stood on top of the immobilised elevator.

“So what's the plan, J?”

“Something's not right” He said, looking down.

“What do you mean?”

“This isn't their MO. They're usually in and out in minutes. We catch them as they deep-six the place.”

“Alright, so this time they're doing something different. I bet that penthouse has some sensitive material lying around. Maybe they're taking their time.”

“No, they're smarter than that. They don't back themselves into a corner”

“So maybe they're sending a message” Shirazi looked confused for a second. “What is it that Russo is always saying?”

“The rich and powerful will kneel before the destruction that liberty spreads” They said in unison.

“It's a bomb” Jackson said.

“We need to save the hostages”

“Okay, we save the hostages or disarm the bomb”

“We can't risk one or the other. We have to do both”

“Cooper, how many terrorists are between the hostages and the front door?”

“I see one by the front door and one patrolling the 7^th floor hallway. But, Jackson, I haven't got a clear view of the conference room the hostages are in. I count a few heat signatures moving around a large cluster in the centre of the room. I would say three or four, but I can't be certain.”

“C'mon J. I know you have a plan. Spit it out” Shirazi said, leaning in towards Jackson.

“You know, sometimes I don't like making the plan”

“Are you kidding? I've seen you, in your bunk, back at HQ, reading The Art of War. I know you've studied military history and you've always had a plan.”

“Fine.” Jackson sighed. “You're lucky that I like you.” He grinned.

“Alright, alright, save the flattery for tonight. What's the plan?”

“We climb to the 7^th floor, take out the guard on patrol, then we secure the hostages. You go downstairs and take out the one by the door, clearing a path for the hostages, then we get up to the penthouse, then you get the elevator up to the 13^th floor and together we sneak into the penthouse, take out the remaining terrorists and disarm the bomb.”

“You're going to disarm it? But you've failed the test every time.”

“That's why you're doing it. You hold the record for the quickest time”

“Alright, let's do this.” Shirazi said, climbing the ladder up the elevator shaft. 

   The corridors of the apartment complex were portentous, reflecting the opulence of the residents. With exotic plants lining the halls and fanciful architecture, Jackson and Shirazi were afforded with plenty of alcoves to take cover in. From the entrance to the 7^th floor, the vent system snaked along the hallway. Shirazi climbed out first, peeking around the exit of the vent. A guard was walking away from them. Carefully stepping across the corridor, she hugged the opposite wall and waited for Jackson, who was less graceful but sufficiently quiet. They both took cover in alcoves, drawing their pistols. Jackson pointed at himself, then towards the guard. Shirazi shook her head. Jackson mouthed; 'You did it last time, this is my turn'. Shirazi rolled her eyes, then gestured for him to do it.

   When the guard began approaching them, Jackson held his pistol in front of his face. As the guard passed by them, he swung his arm out, hitting the guard in the forehead with the butt of his gun. The guard was knocked unconscious and began swaying. Jackson used his other hand and grabbed his shirt, pulling him to the wall. Shirazi then stepped out, aiming her pistol down the corridor towards the room with the hostages, and crossed it, to stand behind the guard. While Jackson held the guard upright, Shirazi tied his hands behind his back with a zip tie and then slapped duct tape over his mouth. Together, they carefully lowered him to the floor. Shirazi pulled her goggles to cover her eyes, setting them to infra-red vision. She looked at Jackson and grinned, before slowly walking towards the room with the hostages. Jackson followed, putting his goggles on too. They could see a mass of heat from the centre of the room, the hostages. Jackson took off his goggles and tapped Shirazi on the shoulder and crept away. She followed him, confused. Once they were out of earshot, Jackson spoke.

“How many did you count?”

“4” Shirazi answered. “You?”

“Same”

“How do you want to do this?”

“We could go outside, fasten ropes to the floor above, then shoot through the windows.”

“That might work, but we would risk the hostages getting caught in the crossfire.”

“Then what do you suggest, Caesar?”

“I pretend to be this guy”He said, pointing at the unconscious guard. “And get one of them to come out. Then you knock him out and I go in and take the others out.”

“You know that the two of you do not look alike.”

“I don't know, maybe on a good day, with bad lighting and the guy looking at us has blurry vision.”

“No. You're handsome. He's...”

“You think I'm handsome.”

“You know I think you're handsome.” She said, slightly frowning. Jackson beamed.

“Okay, well, now that we've stroked my ego, shall we get back to work?”

“Yeah, what is your plan for when they look through the peephole, see that you are not one of them and then shoot you in your handsome face?” Shirazi asked, placing a hand on her hip. Jackson grinned.

“Have you ever seen 'Heat'?” He said, undressing the unconscious guard. He paused and looked up at her, hope in his eyes. “Please tell me you have seen 'Heat', the greatest movie of all time?”

“Let's just say I've forgotten this key moment from it.” She said, sheepishly. Jackson looked down for a few seconds, sighing, then continued changing.

“So, De Niro's character has to get into a room with a guy he has to kill and the door has a peephole. De Niro knocks on the door, then stands with his back to the door and the guy opens it and he turns around and De Niro pushes the door into the guy's face and then shoots him.” He said as he finished changing. Shirazi nodded as he explained. “So, how do I look?” He asked, outstretching his arms.

“The most handsome terrorist I've ever seen.” Shirazi grinned, then turned to walk away. Jackson grabbed her hand.

“Hold on” he said, gravely. “Tonight. You, me, Heat.”

“Yeah, we always are on fire, baby.” She nudged him, curling her lip.

“I mean the film”

“Oh” She said, a little disappointed. “Sure, I'll bring the wine.” She winked, walking away. Jackson rolled his eyes and followed her, picking up the guard's assault rifle.

   Shirazi leant against the wall, aiming her own assault rifle in front of the door. Jackson hit the door with the butt of his gun and turned away from the door, readying his gun. They could hear footsteps, then some faint whispering. Jackson waved his hand, beckoning someone to come out. The door swung open, a terrorist stepping out.

“What's going...” He began, as Shirazi grabbed him and pulled him to the side and swung her gun at him as he fell towards her, the butt of her rifle cracking across his jaw. Contemporaneously, Jackson turned and stepped into the room, aiming his gun at the nearest terrorist. The three inside all turned to him in shock, fumbling with their weapons. Jackson quickly dispatched them with carefully fired headshots. He then exhaled and relaxed, lowering his rifle. The hostages, all affluent and now sweaty, bloodied and terrified, trembled before Jackson. Shirazi now entered the room, holstering her weapon.

“Relax, we're with the police, we're here to get you out of here” She said, raising her hands and walking around to stand beside Jackson.

The hostages, noting her demeanour, uniform and badge, calmed slightly. Shirazi turned to Jackson.

“Get changed.” she whispered, pushing him.

Jackson walked down the corridor, taking off the guard's clothing and re-equipping his own weaponry and gear. He wiped off the sweat that had formed on his brow and sighed, looking up at the ceiling. Shirazi was talking to the hostages. She was always better than him at this kind of thing. Looking down at the body, he remembered the other guard, the one between the hostages and their escape. He began to walk to the room when Shirazi poked her head out. Upon making eye contact, she smiled at him, widening her eyes. Jackson knew this to mean; 'are you good?'. He shook his head and Shirazi closed the door and approached him.

“We've still got one guy by the exit.” He whispered.

“And?”

“We can't leave these people alone.”

“Alright, I'll stay here, you go and take care of it.”

“No, you should do it.” Jackson said, trying to sound authoritative

“You sure?” Shirazi looked at him with a mix of doubt and concern.

“Yeah, I'll be fine with them.”

“You? You aren't really a people person.”

“C'mon, I can be Prince Charming.” Jackson said, grinning.

“Fine” Shirazi said, trying to hide a smile. “But you owe me.” She nudged him as she walked away.

   He took another deep breath and entered the room where the hostages were still kept. A few of them were now talking to one another and seemed more relaxed.

“Okay folks, we'll have you out in a few minutes.” He said, smiling. All their eyes were focused on him, piercing into his soul. He could sense their fear, but could they sense his? Some seemed to, judging by their worried expressions. He looked around, no one was buying it. 'What the hell was I thinking? I'm no good at this' he thought to himself. “Just, err, just sit tight” He quickly said, before jumping back out of the room. Closing the door, he walked down the corridor, dejected, lamenting his hubris.

   About halfway along, he noticed a flashing light at the other end of the corridor. The elevator. It was going up. Shirazi was not done yet. She was fast, efficient, but not superhuman. Someone upstairs was calling it. Jackson sprinted for the button. After hitting it, he noted that he had a few more seconds before it arrived. He looked around. An armchair stood not too far away from him. He pulled it up to the door and waited, drawing his pistol.

   It was empty. He relaxed, sighing. Then he pushed the chair into the doorway. As he did so, Shirazi's voice cut through.

“Exit is clear.” She said, as he briskly walked back to the hostages.”Send them down. I'll take the elevator up.”

“Negative, they called it. I managed to jam it here. Wait for everyone to get out.” He said, before entering the room. “Alright everyone. Time to go.” The hostages slowly began moving. “Okay, nice and quickly, take the stairs. Stay by the wall as you climb down the stairs. My partner is waiting for you at the bottom of the stairwell” They all began to follow him as he approached the stairwell. He looked up. No-one. He exhaled, then looked down. Shirazi was looking up at him. Giving her a thumbs up, he climbed up a few stairs and looked up again, aiming his gun at the twisting staircase. The hostages quickly shuffled down as Jackson waved them down. He steadied his aim and slowed his breathing. 'What a foolish risk this was' he thought, 'one grenade could kill them all!'. The seconds dragged on until Shirazi called him on his earpiece.

“They're all out now. I'm coming up now.”

Jackson looked down at Shirazi. He could see her green eyes glistening up at him.

“I'll take the elevator. I'll meet you up there.” He said, walking to the elevator on his floor.

“We should go together.” Shirazi tried to say as he turned his earpiece off.

   Jackson climbed over the chair into the elevator and pushed it out with his foot, checking his rifle as the doors closed. What was up there waiting for him didn't scare him at all as he nonchalantly prepared his weapon. Aiming it at the door, he waited a few more moments for the doors to open. Once they did, Jackson could see four terrorists, all pointing guns at him. They did not expect him, giving a few seconds to act. He fired a spray of bullets from left to right, hitting them all in the forehead, killing them instantly. They slumped to the floor. Jackson waited, aiming his gun down the corridor. Only silence met him. He crept along the corridor, eyes darting from door to door, until he reached the end. Jackson pulled down his goggles and activated infra-red again. Beyond the double doors before him, four glowing red figures milled around the penthouse. He took the goggles off and crept back to the elevator, sitting in a chair nearby. He relaxed his breathing, but kept his gun trained on the penthouse.

   A few seconds passed before he heard footsteps approaching from the stairwell. They moved lightly, yet somehow quickly. A door creaked open, then Shirazi slowly rounded the corner. She looked at the corpses with worry, aiming her gun at them. She then swung her rifle towards Jackson. After realising that it was him, she lowered her gun slightly.

“What were you thinking?” She whispered angrily, moving towards him carefully.

“I knew I could get them all quickly and cleanly.” He said, looking up to her. “Sorry” Jackson stood up and slung his rifle over his back. Shirazi looked at him expectantly for a second, then relaxed and grinned.

“Prince Charming struck out then?” She nudged him.

“We can't all be perfect like you.” He said, with a tinge of melancholy.

“Don't beat yourself up, we'll work on your people skills” She said, rubbing his arm. Her touch began to melt him “Now, what's the situation?”

“Four of them, walking around, not a care in the world.” He smiled.

“You got a plan, Napoleon?”

“Yeah” Jackson grinned.

“Well...” Shirazi said. “What is it?”

“Guess” He said, no longer smiling. She looked at him quizzically. Then she understood.

“Really?” She raised her eyebrows. “The shaft?”

“The shaft” He nodded. “It's a smoking room, so we can get into the bedroom through the vent over there, then we'll take them out, nice and easy”.

“Lead the way, Prince Charming.” She gestured.

   The vent was smaller than the others, they had to lie down and use their arms to pull themselves forward. Reaching the bedroom, Jackson carefully opened the hatch and pulled himself out. He then turned and helped pull Shirazi out. While Shirazi dusted herself off, Jackson crept to the door, checking his infra-red. He waited for them all to move away and slowly opened the door. They were grouped up in pairs, 'one for each of them', he thought. He turned back to Shirazi and expressed this through hand gestures. She nodded. Beyond the door stood a large kitchen counter which they promptly took cover behind. Wasting no time, Jackson leapt over the cover, punching the first terrorist in the face. He then smashed his head onto the counter, knocking him out. As he turned to the next, he noticed Shirazi was already taking out her second person. The one before him drew a pistol and aimed it at Shirazi. Jackson was slower than usual, reaching for the gun as the terrorist pulled the trigger. He pushed the gun as it fired. Jackson turned in horror to follow the bullet. It narrowly grazed her shoulder. Angry at himself more than anyone else, he elbowed the gunman in the face, then punched him in the stomach, before throwing him into the counter, breaking some of the granite worktop. Out of breath, he looked at Shirazi, hand outstretched so as to say 'are you okay?'. She nodded, then walked towards the window. A beeping noise began to fill the room. The bomb. Jackson scanned the room for it. It was coming from underneath the two terrorists he had knocked out. He cautiously moved the bodies away to see the countdown. A few minutes. Picking it up, he turned to Shirazi.

“We have a problem.” He said, as a bullet pierced through the window, smashing a glass on the counter.

“Sniper!”Shirazi shouted, ducking for cover. Jackson instinctively leapt over the counter as another bullet cut through the granite. Looking at the bomb, he knew he couldn't disarm it alone.

“J? Are you hit?”

“No, you?”

“I'm good, you're gonna have to disarm the bomb, while I deal with the sniper.”

“Oh, great” He muttered to himself. “Cooper? He called on his earpiece.

“Jackson, what's going on?”

“We got the hostages out and cleared the building.”

“Good.”

“But, we're pinned down by a sniper across the street and there's a bomb.” He said, quickly

“A bomb?”

“Yeah, they were making a bomb and it's been activated.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly, and Shirazi's dealing with the sniper and I have to disarm the bomb, or more accurately, you need to help me disarm it.”

“Okay, okay. Describe the bomb to me.”

“I, I don't know. It's in a case, like the one at training.”

“Just do what you did in training.”

“I blew up in training.”

“Of course.” Cooper said, unsurprised. “Hang on a sec, I'll bring up the solution for it.” Jackson frowned.

“Yeah, take your time, this timer is real slow it seems.”

“Sarcasm won't help. Open up the panelling.”

Using his multi-tool, Jackson unscrewed the panelling on the bomb, revealing a mesh of wires.

“Dammit.”

“What?”

“There's gotta be dozens of wires here.”

“You're not going to be able to fully disarm it until bomb disposal arrives.”

“Have you...?”

“They're on their way” Cooper said as Shirazi exchanged fire with the sniper. “In the meantime, you can stop the timer”

“Alright, how do I do that?”

“Find the wires coming from the timer.”

“Okay, there are three attached, red, white and blue.”

“Alright, now you have to...” Static filled Jackson's ear.

“Cooper? Come in? Cooper?” Nothing. “Dammit.” The sniper is probably jamming comms. He looked at the three wires, and tried to follow them. Red went to a circuit board, white went straight to the explosives and blue went to box that connected to some more wires. Beads of sweat dripped onto the casing. Which to pull? 'Why did I not pay more attention in training?', he lamented. The circuit board might recognise the missing timer and trigger the detonation. Disconnecting the timer from the explosives seemed too easy to be true. He cut the blue wire. The beeping stopped. The timer froze with ten seconds remaining. He exhaled loudly and removed his headband. wiping the sweat off his brow. For the next few seconds he stayed still, breathing deeply. The gunfire had stopped.

“J, I think the sniper's gone. Are you okay?” Shirazi called out.

“Yeah” He said, out of breath. “I'm... the bomb is disarmed.” Jackson sighed.

   He racked his brains over the events of the day. How could he be so careless, so arrogant? How could he be so overconfident in his abilities? Worst of all; how could he nearly lose her? He was getting slower. Sooner or later, he would be too slow to do his job, too slow to save her.