Rebellion, page 15
part #3 of Bug Out! California Series
The door opened.
“Oh, crap, what now,” Morgan whispered. “It’s not the top of the hour.”
The UN Peacekeeper was back, followed by a small man in an eclectic suit.
“That’s Mr. Eurotrash,” Katie whispered.
“Attention, please,” the UN Peacekeeper said in a German accent. “Line up in front of the cell, please. Stand up straight, shoulders back.”
A few of the women and girls slowly got up, others still sitting.
“Schnell!” he shouted. The rest of them stood and slowly walked to the bars.
“I said stand up straight, shoulders back,” he barked.
“This is good enough,” the small man said. He walked down the line, looking at each with scary intensity.
“How old are these two?” he asked the UN Peacekeeper, nodding at two girls standing next to each other.
“Fifteen,” the UN Peacekeeper said. “Is this a problem?”
“No,” the man said, as he continued down the line. “I’m finished.”
“Yes, sir,” the UN Peacekeeper said. They both left the room, shutting the steel door.
“What the hell was that about?” one of the women asked.
“That creep looked at us like meat in a butcher shop,” another one said.
Katie and Morgan glanced at each other, then went back to their spot on the wall and sat.
***
“What time is it?” Ted asked.
“Don’t you have a cell phone?” Sparky asked.
“I never bring them on gigs,” he said. “Forgot to shut off the ringer once. Almost got me tagged.”
Tex chuckled. “Yeah, there is that.”
“It’s almost seven,” Robbie said. “We ought to be hearing from Jules pretty soon, right?”
“Yeah,” Sparky said.
“What if we don’t?” Jordan asked.
“Good question,” Tex said. “Don’t worry, we’ll hear from him.”
Just at that moment the radio blipped.
“Sparky?”
“Yeah, Jules. You guys outside?”
“We back on lot. Walk from across street. Which door?”
“Go to that side door I was talking about,” Robbie said. “It’s less visible than the front.”
“You sure old woman gone?”
“She should have left two hours ago,” Ted said.
“You can’t see?”
“Not from inside,” Robbie said. “We don’t want to be out by the lobby. It’s too visible.”
“Okay, we go. Around back. By Japanese garden, right?”
“Yep,” Robbie said. “I’ll head back there now.”
“Who’s with you, partner?” Tex asked.
“Cody, Bryan, and two assassins that Ivan send,” Jules said. “They handle auditorium. We handle tunnels. Original team handle City Hall and outside of theater and police station.”
“Excellent,” Sparky said.
“I’m going, guys,” Robbie said. “Anybody want to come?”
“Let’s carry the box downstairs and take it into the shop,” Jordan said. “Even if we don’t load the stuff in the tunnel right away, it looks like something that belongs there.”
“Good idea,” Ted said. “Robbie, you go ahead. We’ll catch up.”
“Okay, just take that door across from the restrooms,” Robbie said, heading down the stairs. “You can’t miss it.” He went to the door and tried it. It opened, and he rushed down the long hallway, making a right turn where the side door was. Jules and the others were there when he opened it, and flooded in with several cases and a couple bags of food.
“Hello, kid,” Jules said. “Where others?”
“Coming down the hall in a few seconds with the box of weapons and explosives.”
“We’re right here,” Sparky said, pulling the wagon along by its handle. “Where’s the shop, kid?”
“Go past the green room and turn left. Then go down the long hallway to the double doors on your right.”
Sparky kept going, the others coming down the hallway.
“We follow,” Jules said. “See where trap door to tunnel is.”
“Yeah, partner, I think that’s a good idea,” Tex said. “Hey, Cody.”
“Tex,” Cody said, falling into line with him as they walked down the hall.
“This is a heavy door,” Sparky said, looking at it. “Same doors on the other side of the hall.”
“That’s how we move sets from the shop to the stage,” Jordan said. “Stand aside. I know how to open these.” Sparky moved out of the way and Jordan undid the strange-looking latches and pushed the doors. They opened with a creak.
“Smells like sawdust and paint,” Ted said.
“Yep,” Jordan said. “Spent a lot of hours in here. Surprised I never saw the trap door. Where is it?”
“Should be about eight feet to the left of the loading dock door,” Tex said.
They walked towards that spot. Jordan cracked up.
“What?” Jules asked.
“Ready to work up a sweat, gentlemen?”
Tex laughed. “Dammit. It’s under all those old sets leaned against the wall. Those look heavy.”
“Good thing we have lots of nice strong men,” Jules said. “Go ahead. I supervise.”
Tex cracked up. “Gee, I’m shocked.”
“I’m not afraid of a little work,” Ted said.
“Me neither,” Jordan said. “Looks like there’s just enough room to move this stuff a little closer to the loading dock. We don’t want to block the door. The UN might move more stuff through there tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” Tex said.
The men pitched in, moving the slabs of painted wood over to once side.
“There it is,” Ted said. “It’s got a padlock.”
“Probably hasn’t been opened for years,” Jordan said.
“Yeah, probably not,” Tex said. “We were kinda counting on that.”
They finished moving the scenery out of the way.
“Doesn’t look that much different with the sets moved over,” Jordan said. “Good. We might want to cover the trap door with something easy to move when we’re done.”
“We need a hammer to break the lock?” Robbie asked.
“NO,” Jordan said. “Too much noise.”
“Yeah, it could carry through the tunnels,” Tex said. “The police station isn’t that far.”
“Out of way,” Jules said. “Got my start picking locks. Let’s see.”
Tex chuckled. “Figures,” he said as he moved back. Jules got down close and looked.
“Cheap Master Lock. Piece of cake. Where toolbox?”
“Work bench, over on the opposite wall,” Jordan said. He walked over to it, Jules following. “That Kennedy toolbox has some small stuff. Try the drawers on the top half.”
Jules looked through them. “This do,” he said, coming out with a small strip of metal. He took it to the lock. After about thirty seconds there was a click. “Done.”
“Nice job, boss,” Tex said.
Jules pulled the door back on its hinges, sawdust running from its surface down onto the floor.
Ted pulled out a flashlight and shined it inside. “Stairs? I expected a ladder.”
“This was built for emergencies,” Tex said. “A lot easier to run down stairs than to climb down ladders, especially if you’ve got a lot of people queued up.”
“Oh,” Ted said. “I can see that, I guess.”
“Shall we?” Tex asked.
“Yeah, let’s check it out,” Sparky said. “See if we can stash stuff down there. Be quiet!”
Tex went down the stairs, followed by the others.
The tunnel was concrete, with conduit running along the upper wall on the left, and light bulbs under cages in the ceiling. The lights were on, but the bulbs close to the theater door were burned out.
“They obviously don’t use this anymore,” Tex whispered. “Glad these bulbs are out.”
“That helps,” Ted said. “See that intersection up there? Lights look like they’re recent. I see a compact fluorescent.”
“That should be the stretch from the Police station to the City Hall and the Human Resources building,” Tex said. “That dark opening about half way down, to the right, is probably the Library.”
“I’m gonna sneak down there and have a peek,” Sparky said.
“Be careful,” Tex said. “We might have traffic. Robbie, go kill the lights in the shop, okay? It’s lighting this end up too much.”
Robbie nodded and went up the stairs, rushing for the light switch. The tunnel went completely dark, except for the glow at the intersection. Sparky crept down the hall with Ted at his side. They peeked around the corner to the left.
“That’s the police station,” Tex whispered.
“Somebody was just in here. I smell cigarette smoke.”
“Yeah,” Tex whispered. “This stretch gets used a lot.”
Sparky turned and looked back towards the theater trap door. “Good, can’t see anything back there. Perfect.”
“Let’s go get the guns loaded down here,” Tex said. “We need to leave the lights off in that shop, though, and listen carefully.”
Sparky nodded in agreement, and they snuck back to the stairs and climbed into the shop.
The others were standing by the trap door in the darkness.
“Well?” Jules asked.
“It’s perfect,” Tex said. “You can’t see this end of the tunnel from the intersection with the lights off. We can hide our stuff no problem, but we need to keep the lights off in here.”
“What are we bringing down there?” Robbie asked.
“The M60s, the shot guns, a few grenades, and the plastic explosives. Ammo. Maybe a claymore mine or two.”
“Good,” Jules said.
“How about guns for the control room?”
“Mister White and Mister Black brought their own guns,” Cody said.
“They don’t say much, do they?” Tex asked.
“Professionals,” Jules said. “How many grenades? Maybe we take some into control room too.” He glanced at the two men, looking like they walked out of a European spy movie. One of them nodded yes.
“We’ve got more claymore mines than we need,” Jordan said. “We should find good hiding places so we can set them off when people start to flee.
Mister Black’s lip curled up, and he shook his head yes.
Chapter 13 – Romanian DJ
“Meeting, five minute,” Ji-Ho said to his group as they finished setting up their tents.
“Where?” Trevor asked.
“Middle of camp, around fire pit,” he said.
“Wish we had some shade,” Kaylee said. “Hot out here.”
“Wonder when we’re going to attack?” Seth asked.
“Tonight, I’ll bet,” Angel said.
Zac walked over with Tyler. “You guys just about done?”
“Yeah,” Seth said. “How come nobody is using the house?”
“The elders say it’s an evil place,” Tyler said.
“You guys buy that?” Seth asked.
Zac shrugged. “I don’t. I snuck in there once.”
“What?” Tyler asked.
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch,” Zac whispered, “and don’t tell everybody.”
“I won’t,” Tyler said.
“What was in there?” Angel asked.
“Rotted couches and a nasty looking bed. Dried blood on the floor in the living room and kitchen, and nasty blood splatters on the walls in the living room,” Tyler said. “Bullet holes everywhere. Big bullet holes. I don’t believe the evil spirits stuff, but it’s nasty. You’d have to gut the inside to make it livable again, and then you’re going to remember what it was like. Doubt I could live there.”
“I’d like to check it out,” Trevor said. “I read all about that ambush and the people involved. Fascinating stuff.”
“Don’t go in there,” Kaylee said softly. “It scares me.”
He looked at her, eyes softening. “Okay.”
Seth and Angel laughed.
“Damn, dude, she’s got you good,” Angel said.
Trevor returned a sheepish grin, and Kaylee rolled her eyes.
“It’s starting,” Tyler said.
“Let’s go,” Trevor said. The group walked to the center, where many people were already gathered. One Eye was standing in the middle, Sam, Connie, and Ji-Ho next to him. Sid and Yvonne sat near the front, on the dirt. Jason, Hank, Clem, John, and Sarah sat nearby.
“Hello,” One Eye said. “Let’s talk about the attack. We leave at dusk. Lights can be used until we get to the last set of ridges, right before La Quinta.”
“Where is the depot, exactly?” Sid asked.
“You know where the Fish Traps Archeological Site is?” One Eye asked.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact,” Sid said. “That’s a waste land.”
“They’re in a box canyon surrounded by ridges,” One Eye said. “There’s nearly two hundred enemy fighters in there.”
“UN or Islamist?” Seth asked.
“Mostly Islamist,” One Eye said. “We’ve seen UN vans deliver supplies, though.”
“Why would they put a depot there?” John asked.
“There’s a good road to Highway 86, that runs through farm land,” One Eye said. “Highway 86 merges into I-10.”
“Oh, crap,” Yvonne said. “A back door into the LA area, and to the Arizona border as well.”
“Yes,” One Eye said.
Clem chuckled. “Geez. They’re probably moving more Islamist fighters into California from Arizona. Since the state government is in on this, there’s nobody to stop them at the border.”
“Yes, from either side,” One Eye said. “The government of Arizona has been out of power for over a month now.”
“How big of a problem is this going to be for the enemy if we take it out?” Sarah asked. “Won’t they just rebuild it right away?”
“They’ll try,” One Eye said. “This place is somewhat unique, because it’s remote enough to hide their numbers and their activities, but it’s also an easy drive to the biggest road of the Southwest.”
“How did you guys find out about this?” Clem asked.
“Ivan gave us a hint,” One Eye said.
“You really trust that guy?” John asked.
“Yeah, we trust him,” One Eye said.
“How did he know about this?” Sid asked.
“I can’t talk about that,” One Eye said.
“He’s got somebody inside,” Trevor whispered.
“Barona Tribe, you’ve already been briefed about the operation, and have your weapons loaded in your off-roaders. Our new friends need to do the same. Queue up your vehicles on the road in front of the house, loaded with the weapons you will use. Dusk is only a couple hours away.”
“We’ll be lucky if we have enough fuel to make it there and back,” Sam said.
“We’re bringing a lot of Jerry cans full of gas,” One Eye said. “We might have to leave some vehicles behind on the way home. Don’t worry if we do. We’ll fetch them later. The Jeeps should make it there and back with no problem.”
“Maybe we ought to tow some of the off-roaders part way there,” Sid said.
“That’s not a bad idea,” One Eye said. “We should do that where we can, at least until the bad part of the road.”
“How far away is the bad part of the road?” John asked.
“About two hours in,” One Eye said.
“Okay,” Ji-Ho said. “What else?”
“Those of you who are good with bows, come up here,” One Eye said. “The rest of you are free to go.”
The crowd started to disperse. Trevor got up and headed for the center.
“Where are you going?” Kaylee asked.
“I’m good with a bow,” he said. “From when I was a kid.”
“That’s going to put you right up front,” Kaylee said.
“I know. They need me.”
She sighed, pulling him close. “I don’t like this one bit.”
“Neither do I,” he said. “But I’m not going to hide it.”
He walked up to the remaining group.
“Crossbow, thanks,” One Eye said, “and Sid. You too, Sam?”
“I’ve got experience, but I’m a little rusty,” Sam said. “John, you know how.”
“I know, but I’m not so good at climbing around anymore,” John said. “Just here to listen.”
“Yeah, I don’t want you up on the ridges,” Sarah said.
“You’re Trevor, aren’t you?” One Eye asked.
“Yeah,” Trevor said. “I used to be pretty good with a bow. Maybe I should practice a little, though.”
“You valuable with rifle,” Ji-Ho said. “I see. We should hold you for that.”
“Let’s see how it goes,” One Eye said. “We might have enough bows. All we want to do is take out sentries on the ridges before we attack.”
The group talked for a few minutes, and then Kaylee and Trevor walked back to their tent.
“I’m going to join you guys in the battle, you know,” Kaylee said.
“I know. It scares me, but I think it’s good.”
“Glad we understand each other,” she said. “We’d better move the vehicles in line.”
“Yeah,” Trevor said. “Where’s the others?”
“Probably moving vehicles already,” she said. “We gonna tow?”
“I think we should,” Trevor said. “Look, there they are.”
He pointed at Seth and Angel, pulling an off-roader up behind one of the Jeeps in the line. Trevor and Kaylee rushed over.
“Hey, guys,” Trevor said.
“Hey,” Angel said. “You really joining the bow and arrow squad?”
“Only if they need me,” Trevor said. “Ji-Ho told them I was more valuable with my rifle.”
“You taking the lever gun?” Seth asked.
“Yeah, but I think we need to have all the M60s in play,” Trevor said.
“Yes, he right,” Ji-Ho said. “Winchesters for backup only. M-16s better for rushing around.”
“I’ll go get the next Jeep,” Seth said. He rushed back to the parking spot. As he opened the door, he heard somebody walk up behind him.
“Hey there,” Kaitlyn said. He turned and saw her, frozen in time, taking in her curves, her beautiful face, and her shiny black hair.
