A survivor/a meeting

by Peter Shillen

<>

> Zenya was right of course. Wandering down here alone just wasn't an option.

> Protecting yourself from a person would be bad enough in the tunnels, but > this was no man or woman. They tracked back towards the sound of the > scream. As they approached, the dog was still barking and didn't want to > let them near.

> "It's OK," Jim said, "I have a way with animals."

> As he approached the dog, Zenya and Leo couldn't hear what he was saying > but it worked. The dog calmed down a little and stopped snarling at the > group, though it was obviously still anxious about it's owner. Jim bent > down for a quick 'field assessment' of the man's condition.

> "He's in severe shock, he's losing blood fast and has multiple lacerations > to the upper body. We need to get him out of here and to a hospital right > now."

> While Jim tended to the man as best he could, Zenya and Leo found some > objects to make a temporary stretcher. They moved him on gently and Jim and

> Leo lifted the man with Zenya taking the lead.

> "I'll keep trying the 'phone," she said. "As soon as I get a signal, I'll > get an ambulance to meet us."

> "Try one of the tunnel 'phones," Leo suggested. "These ones may still > work."

> Thankfully, the 'phones did work and when they exited the tunnels (with > some relief all round), a medical team was waiting. After hearing what > hospital the man was being taken to, the three agents went to get a quick > coffee and report to the Chief.

> ...

> <> Jordan seemed amazed.

> "He is for now," Leo told him. "I don't know - Jim said he was in severe > shock and had lost a lot of blood."

> <>

> "I doubt the doctors would let us even see him, let alone interview him."

> < and Jim might like it.>>

> "Right-O. See you soon." Leo put the 'phone away. "Jordan wants us back at > the hotel. He thinks he has a plan which we'll enjoy, Jim."

> "Does he now?" Jim's excitement was piqued.

> "And what about me?" Zenya asked.

> "Oh, I'm sure you want get off scot-free!" Leo chuckled.

> Back at the hotel, the agents were eating a customarily slobbish meal of > takeout. Jordan recounted their trip to Brookhaven, including the note from > Prof. Kleinberg.

> "Well, she was hiding a *lot*!" Martin said. "That building 7 is not what > she made out at all."

> "I agree," Jordan began, "that's why Leo, Jim and Vanessa are going to > visit Brookhaven tonight. You don't have an invitation, but I'm sure you > can gain admittance."

> All three smiled.

> "Oh, I think we can get in," Leo grinned. "We'll need to go to the FBI > offices here and requisition some equipment. Jim?"

> "Yeah. I've got a couple of things I'll be needing, but I'm sure they have > them here."

> "Are you OK with this Vanessa?" Jordan asked.

> "Yes. I wouldn't mind finding out what's in building 7."

> "That's settled then. Zenya, you're with me. I want your insight when I > meet this guy tonight. I need to know if he's on the level. Martin, you > come too and bring you cynicism."

> "Are you trying to imply I'm cynical?" Martin said with mock surprise.

> "Maybe just a little," Jordan laughed. "Anyway, you guys better get your > equipment and don't let them give you any aggravation - just get what you > need, no questions answered," he smiled.

> Jim, Leo and Vanessa left for the FBI office in New York while Jordan and > the others prepared to go towards Brookhaven. They hoped that no > helicopters were around.

> <>

> "They have not been eliminated?"

> "No," Jessica admitted. "Our bird allowed them to escape into an > underground car park."

> "I am very displeased, Jessica."

> Simple words, yet the chill which ran down her spine knew the malice which > could be behind them.

> "Yes Sir."

> -------------------------

> Prof. Rudy Kleinberg was getting nervous. In a way, he could not understand > why he had arranged to meet with the FBI agents. They would surely condemn > him for his actions and probably arrest him. What did it matter? His life > and nothing. Where he lived out his days mattered little to him. With those > thoughts in mind, Rudy left for the South gate - the least well observed. > This was mainly because those in charge sometimes needed a place to bring > people in; people even others with power were not to know about. The > surveillance looked convincing, but most of the devices were dummies or > deliberately positioned badly. He knew he could leave without being seen, > for a short time at least.

> Going down to the gate, he passed through the usual security checks > untroubled. Everyone had gotten used to him and seemed to regard him as the > least of their worries. He got down to the South gate and left, seeing the > waiting car down the street.

> NRPG:

> This isn't the longest post in the world, I know, but I didn't want to > monopolize everyone's characters for too long! I've tried to set things up > for everyone to run with a little.