Visisonor's blog

Chapter 10

- I’ve screwed up. He got away, - I yelled, venting my anger at myself on the roof access door.

The poor thing yielded instantly: not reinforced in any way, it was no match for my momentum-driven and rage-fueled kick.

- He is not important, - Tess replied calmly. - The priority is getting you out.
Obviously she would not berate me, it would have been counter-productive. But she was right: I needed to escape first, and lament my choices later.

The rising sun filled the roof with warm glow, blinding me temporarily. I slammed the door shut: this difference in brightness would come in handy when my pursuers arrive.

- I’ll get to adjacent roof, - I voiced my nearest future plan, - Then down.
- Got it. On my way to pick you up.
- But it’s pointless if it is a trap, - I added. - The area would be surrounded.
- Does not look so, - she objected. - I estimate no more than five hostiles.
By this time I’ve reached the parapet at full speed.

And leaped over the gap between two buildings.

It felt somewhat appropriate for a pursuit involving an agent to include some roof jumping - though it also crossed my mind that I wasn’t actually a field agent anymore. Nevertheless, I was able to reach the other roof.

I turned around and aimed at the entrance, skidding to a stop.

I did time it right: the guard, or perhaps the first of them, appeared in the frame of the door I’ve broken moments ago. I’ve fired a burst, and at least once bullet hit him. He was armored, but he still staggered backwards.

That gave me a second or two - just enough time to detach collapsible grappling hook off my belt, fix it to the railing and drop the cable down.

The next moment I was descending down the wall, though I had to discard my rifle in the process.

I reached the ground without issue, but checking my surroundings I’ve noticed a barrel with attached suppressor peeking from round the corner.

Perhaps Tess underestimated the number of guards, or some of them acted fast enough to cut this escape route off. I didn’t have much time to think it over, at least I was somewhat lucky due to being close, and unseen for now. So I’ve grabbed the suppressor with my left hand, and, just as the rest of the rifle came into view, reached for its stock with the right, forcing my adversary’s arms to cross without crossing mine, a standard disarming technique.

However, something went wrong: the rifle gave way easily, putting me off balance.

Then, before I knew it, my opponent blocked my right arm with well-placed backhand strike…

and kicked me into the chest, causing me to let go of the rifle - it just dropped since none of us was holding it anymore.

Only now did I cast a glance on whom I was fighting with, and it fell into place. I fell too, rolling over my head to put some distance between us and leaving my cloak on the ground as I did so.

Of course she was able to counter my disarming attempt. It was just second nature for her. And for the same reason she reached for her pistol and was holding me at gunpoint once I was on my feet again.

I, too, have already pulled my handgun out purely reflexively, even though I wasn’t inclined to use it.

- Kate?! - gasped Villa, staring at me in disbelief.
- Vee, - I nodded, lowering my gun.

Even if I wanted to take on Villa in a one on one fight, I knew my chances against her were slim.

- You are alive? - her next question reminded me of myself a few weeks ago.
- What did they tell you about me?
- That you were killed during a raid on headquarters…
- It’s all lies, Vee. I’d be dead if syncons hadn’t rescued me.
The sound of running engine and screeching brakes interrupted our conversation - Tess arrived just in time to perform another rescue.

- Vera is alive too! - I shouted as loud as I could, jumping into the ATV.

It slowed down for a moment, never stopping completely, and stormed off once I’ve got in.

As I looked back, I saw someone else run up to Villa. It was Wolf, and the two of them seemed to argue.

She was still aiming at me, or maybe at Tess, though at this distance it was more like aiming at our transport. And Wolf seemingly forced her arm up to disrupt her aim.

Then I’ve heard a gunshot.

I turned away to look at the road ahead, but it was blurry from tears in my eyes.