Dark Fall

Chapter 48 - Rescue Operation

When the sun dipped behind distant mountains, Neige, Thorne, and Haze sat cross-legged on the rocky ground in a semicircle.

Haze motioned to Will and Terra. "We have a ritual we do before every operation. Join us."

Terra grunted as Will helped lower her to the ground and then sat close beside her. Neige opened a weathered wooden box beside him and pulled out an ancient Cognac bottle. Pouring measures into five shot glasses, he passed them around, with Terra's glass only half full by her request. They raised their glasses.

Neige made the toast, notable in of itself since he usually spoke so little. "Thank you, friends, old and new. It is my honor that you fight at my side. To success!"

Glasses tipped back in unison. The fine liquor that warmed her insides felt like confidence itself. This group was truly a team. The stony focused expressions now on the faces of Neige and his men encouraged her.

The men and Terra gathered their equipment and made their way to assigned positions. She stopped on the rocky ridge that overlooked their truck on one side and the compound on the other. Haze laid six mortar shells at her feet. A set of fighting spikes, liberated from the Enforcers they defeated two days prior, stood ready, stuffed in her boots. Terra's assigned role was to watch the road, warning the team if anyone approached and, if needed, to provide cover in a retreat.

Will carried only a handgun. Neige at first would not even allow that, but relented when Terra assured him that he knew how to handle it and Will promised he would only use it in an emergency.

Drawing Terra into his arms, Will kissed her deeply, inducing a pleasant warmth within her. His last repeat of a lecture about staying out of the action had earned him an irritated look, so he did not mention it again. Instead, he whispered in her ear. "I love you both. Be safe."

Terra smiled and whispered in return, "And we love you."

Before parting, Will put a hand on her belly. "How is our little girl doing?"

"She is quiet. I take that as a good sign."

Will followed the mercenaries down the hill. They wound around large rocks and brush to avoid detection, approached the main entrance, and stopped behind a berm about 50 meters from an iron grid gate. As the light faded, Terra could barely make them out. She did not dare shift to the aura yet because of the detection risk.

Thorne's voice came over the tactical earpiece she wore. "Terra, we are go. Do you copy?"

She replied, "Copy. Everything is good here. Good luck."

As per the plan, everyone shut off their communication devices for a moment. Neige, Thorne, and Will advanced toward the gate. Holding back, Haze triggered a directional electromagnetic pulse device, emitting a sharp twang, intended to disable any electronic monitoring systems they believed to be present in the compound.

Thorne made quick work of wrenching open the gate with a long pry-bar, and the three of them entered silently. Haze waited at the gate to cover them. So far, no guards were encountered.

Per plan, Terra shifted the aura while keeping her presence as faint as she could. Two glowing figures appeared. They flashed brighter, pulsing in the aura, and apparently aware that something was wrong.

She radioed, "Will, now!"

Will's Darkness cast took Terra's breath away, dizzying her. Even far away from Will, her mind swayed, and she staggered. Had she not steadied herself against a nearby tree, she might have collapsed to the ground. Those with Talent inside the compound would surely be disabled.