Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“I’ve got a meeting with your boss, Silvija Sablinova!”</span> you shouted over the hum of the energy gate. <span class="mu-r">“She invited me here to talk business!”</span>
The two guards shared a glance and muttered something under their breath. It sounded like it had been in a different language.
When they returned their attention to you, you couldn’t help but notice that the others were watching you closely as well.
<span class="mu-b">“You must be the one that stole our quarry.”</span> he said, a bit of spite creeping into his tone.
You winced internally. <span class="mu-r">“Were you one of the ones I talked to on that mission?”</span> you asked.
The one in the back shook his head. <span class="mu-b">“We weren’t, but we know some of the guys that were. The field commander of that op threw a shit-fit for an entire week after you pulled that. It was funny at first, and then it got really annoying.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“From a professional perspective, we might’ve been inclined to hunt you down for that little stunt.”</span> said the guy in front. <span class="mu-b">“What with you being a criminal and all.”</span>
You fought against the wave of panic that surged through your body in that moment, hoping that none of it showed in your body language. You were becoming painfully aware of the position you were in. Evading the sniper probably wouldn’t be too hard, but if they mobilized those APC’s and that helicopter, you might be hard-pressed to make a quick getaway without taking some major losses. Like another wrecked suit…
Before your imagination could get away from you completely, the man in front shrugged and signaled towards someone out of view. With a low whine, a section of the barrier deactivated to allow you entry.
<span class="mu-b">“But,”</span> he continued. <span class="mu-b">“If the boss wants to see you, then I suppose I can entertain the idea for a little while longer.”</span>
You let him escort you inside, where you were soon flanked by yet more soldiers on your way into the two-story gray building. Two had shields, and another wielded what appeared to be an electrified baton. Unlike the others, this one wore crimson armor. But she didn’t particularly behave as if she was better than her fellow soldiers.
<span class="mu-b">“Just remember to be on your best behavior.”</span>
—-------
You weren’t sure what you were expecting to see once you got inside, but it certainly wasn’t a compact version of what you’d gotten used to seeing on the Helicarrier. Virtual displays for compact, handheld super-computers. Live, three-dimensional tactical maps. These guys were surprisingly advanced, and judging by the lack of a massive traffic pile-up, despite the buzz of activity, they were also very organized.
(Cont.)