Thursday Midnight by Zachry Wheeler

Author:Zachry Wheeler [Wheeler, Zachry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781999102708
Publisher: Mayhematic Press
Published: 2019-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Cheers roared through the main lobby as Jemison emerged from the briefing room. She responded with smiling waves and cordial nods while retaining focus on the task at hand. The assembled crowd parted as she made her way towards the elevators. Razin and Korovin were waiting in the foyer with the doors held open, as if to escort a famed celebrity to her complimentary penthouse. They stepped inside the car and the doors slid shut.

The elevator began to rise, prompting Jemison to release a grunting sigh. Her body slouched forward like a marathon runner crossing the finish line.

“Ya did good,” Korovin said.

“Good?” Razin chuckled and shook her head. “By those standards, the Gettysburg Address would have been mildly satisfying.”

Jemison smirked. “Still feeling a bit nauseous.”

“When was the last time you fed?” Razin said, assuming a maternal role.

“That’s a good point, actually.”

“I’ll fetch you a quart from stock. Preference?”

“Beef is fine. Thanks, Yulia.”

“Meet us in blackout,” Korovin said.

Razin nodded.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open, revealing yet another spirited crowd in the fifth floor lobby. Korovin led the charge, carving a path through a wave of applause. Jemison followed behind while smiling and nodding at the crowd. Razin disappeared into the mass.

After a short yet troublesome trek, they returned to the blackout room. Korovin pressed his thumb to a scan plate along the wall, unlocking the door. They pushed inside and split around the table. Silence cocooned the chamber as the door latched itself shut. Cheryl was already waiting on the port line, which Korovin unmuted.

“We’re back,” Korovin said.

“Agent Jemison,” Cheryl said.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Let me be the first to congratulate you on a wondrous address. The indie feeds are recanting in favor of solidarity. The talking points have been largely positive and the panic has steadily abated. At first glance, it would seem that your approach has worked.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“And now that we have the undivided attention of the public eye, what is our next step?”

Korovin smiled at Jemison, who returned the smile and yielded the floor with a kind gesture.

“We need to prep for acquisition,” Korovin said. “I want every available Raven manned and ready. Jonas may have departed Seattle, but he had two years to end up wherever he did. When and if he reaches out, we need to obtain him as quickly as possible.”

“What is the latest from the captive?”

“He remains firm on a midnight deadline, giving us just under 24 hours. And if this last event was any indication, I shudder to guess what the next one will entail.”

Cheryl sighed. “Very well. You have full authority. Prep as needed and keep me informed.”

“Will do. Spasibo.”

A hollow ping ended the feed.

The door unlatched soon after, allowing Razin to enter the room with a thermos of bovine blood in hand. A ribbon of steam rose from the mouth, as she had taken the time to warm it. Korovin and Jemison stood at opposite sides of the table with their palms planted to the surface. Razin traded glances between them.

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