Operation M.I.A: Missing in Action (IN NEED OF REVISING)

Chapter XXV

Then a TV monitor that's hanging from a corner of the ceiling turns on. The footage is just a black office chair resting against a grey wall. The only sound that can be heard is that of a man laughing.

"This was so predictable," I mutter to myself.

Then the man starts talking. "Well, well. I was hoping I'd get to meet you kids sooner or later. Just didn't expect it to happen like this. That was certainly easier than I expected."

"Can you not talk like one of those stupid cartoon villains? That just pisses me off," I sigh.

The man groans. "Guards, lead our guests to the jet outside. Take them to our holding place nearby HQ. I'll be there to meet them personally as soon as I can."

There's absolutely no point in fighting. None of us even make the attempt. We just let the guards take us through a back door and into a fighter jet.

---

Music: Elephant Gear from Gradius V

In the Black Shadow's office, he's busy taking pride for the feat he has just accomplished: Getting ahold of those kids he keeps hearing about from his various colleagues and the media. After ending his video feedback, he gets back in his chair and starts swirling around, grinning.

"Man, nothing says success like taking down your own bounty hunters," he smirks, taking a sip of his wine glass.

Rupert and Lance walk into his office. The Black Shadow, disturbed by their sudden interruptance, growls at them, "Don't you two know how to knock?"

"Sorry, boss. We just noticed that you looked rather happy, so we wanted to check on you," Rupert replies, talking quickly due to his nerves.

The Black Shadow's smile returns. "Well, boys, you two will be pleased to know that I've managed to get ahold of that meddlesome group of kids we've been told about. I'm scheduled to have a meeting with them in a few minutes from now once we get them to the holding place."

"Wonderful," Rupert nods.

"What do you think you're going to do with them?" Lance asks.

The Black Shadow contemplates his answer for a moment. "I don't have an answer to that yet. I'll think about it on the way there." Saying nothing else, he brushes past his two servants and begins the trek down to his truck, keeping the satisfied grin on his face the whole time.

SHANNA

I'll say this much: They don't call these guys sophisticated for nothing. Literally, the only reason they're taking us by jet in the first place is so that people driving by don't notice a van filled with screaming children. Or, at least, that's what I think the reason is. I mean, it makes sense.

As for where they end up taking us, it's not really that impressive. Just a lonesome storage shed less than five minutes away from where we just were. It's not exactly the worst place to keep us, if you think about it. The walls are some form of metal, so nothing we have will be useful. No windows, and chances are they'll keep the doors locked.

In front of the storage shed doors sit four guards, two on each side, sitting much like soldiers would when asked to stand guard. At least a dozen men follow us out of the jet, with two men leading us onward.

I'll admit, I'm a little bit terrified right now. Granted, we have been in a similar situation several times at this point, but never with the risks so high as they are now. If we don't find a way out of this, the lives of not only us, but probably countless girls will be put on the line here. I feel someone grab my hand, and turn to realize that the hand actually came from none other than Sean.