Starfire by B. V. Larson & Thomas Lemay

Author:B. V. Larson & Thomas Lemay [Larson, B. V. & Lemay, Thomas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Amazon: B00PCEHB9W
Goodreads: 23514936
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Published: 2014-11-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 37

Area 51, Main Gates

Day

Sandeep was sweating. The steering wheel under his hands was sticky and he kept shifting them to find a new dry spot.

Brandt sat next to him. The man seemed to be made of stone. He didn’t smile or banter. He didn’t scowl, threaten or rage. Somehow, his total confidence made him more unnerving. His reputation had preceded him, and he knew he was in control of the situation.

“The plan is simple,” Brandt said. “You roll up to the gate. Tell them it’s surprise-inspection time—I know you love to do that.”

Sandeep took a breath then let it out. He wasn’t sure for a moment how to play this. He could keep quiet and go along with Brandt’s scheme, but he strongly doubted it would work. They’d be stopped and details would be expected. There had never been two surprise visits back-to-back. The guards would relay their suspicions, and Clark would lock everything down. Whatever fake ID Brandt had in his possession wouldn’t check out…and then the fireworks would start.

The guards at the government facilities out here in the desert weren’t joking around. They had orders to shoot through the body of a hostage to kill the target. They would not hesitate unless someone in charge told them to, and out at the gates there were only armed troops.

On the other hand, if he refused to go along with Brandt’s flawed plan, that could also result in a dead Sandeep.

Going over it in his mind as the road ran out and the guard post came into sight, other thoughts came to Sandeep. He didn’t like Brandt’s situation. He didn’t like that his daughter was being held and used like a human tool.

“Brandt,” he said, “I’m going to level with you. This won’t work.”

“What do you mean, it won't work?”

“Because I came here yesterday. I already did this. They won’t take the story of two ‘surprise inspections’ in a row.”

Brandt nodded. “I’m glad you told me.”

“What are friends for? What are you going to do now? I would suggest retreating and rethinking the approach—”

“You misunderstand,” Brandt said. “I’m glad you told me about yesterday, but I already knew that. Here’s plan B.”

Sandeep listened, but he didn’t enjoy it.

“Why…why did you get me to tell you something you already knew?” Sandeep asked.

“I wanted to know where you stood. Cheer up, your odds of surviving this have just increased. Now, roll down that window and smile like you mean it.”

Sandeep played the part. He told the guards he’d been contacted by higher authorities and sent back to oversee a critical step in the project. He asked to talk to Clark again. Reluctantly, the guards went into the booth, staring at the two men in the car with obvious suspicion.

“You could have at least given them a smile,” Sandeep said.

“I’m in a bad mood.”

“Sir?” asked the guard, tapping on the roof of the car. “Major Clark would like to talk to you.”

Sandeep took the offered phone. “Clark?”

“Sandeep? What are you doing back here so soon?”

“There’s been a change in the plan.

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