Free The IX by Andrew P Weston Page A

copy?”
    “Bravo-one. Go ahead.”
    “Mark, do you have a sit-rep?”
    “Yes, Sir. We have just completed our preliminary sweep of the primary ring. The weather would appear to be playing to our advantage. It’s atrocious, with swells broaching the heliport pad. I can confirm there are no bogeys outside. Repeat, no bogeys are stationed outside. They have initiated whatever protocols they deemed necessary to their plans, and have retreated indoors.”
    “Good to hear.” Mac then spoke to bravo squad’s own technical expert, Richard “Fonzy” Cunningham. “Fonzy. I know it’s early, but I need your preliminary assessment from what you’ve seen so far.”
    “Boss, I have confirmed nuclear ordnance at the following locations: One has been placed on the high pressure separation manifold. Another is in the reinjection unit. Both are straightforward gun-assembly devices, employing a sophisticated microwave web. Scans show further bombs have been positioned in the battery room, and dining hall.”
    “Copy that. Are these things small enough to be moved?”
    “That’s a yes. Once I’ve determined the extent of the network linking each unit together, I can formulate a solution. A simple interruption of the relay should suffice if we have to go hot. We can disarm them later. If you can get Sam to isolate the frequency of the emitter at your location, I’ll start working on a looped patch.”
    “Excellent work, Fonzy.”
    Mac resumed his conversation with the bravo squad leader. “Mark. What’s the strength and deployment of the hostiles?”
    “Sir, we can confirm at least fifteen, repeat fifteen targets on the upper ring. Three are tucked up nice and cozy with the managers in the operations office. We have a two-man team in the entrance portico to the drill module, and a further pair within the vent chamber itself. Both sets are sheltering from the storm. Other roving patrols have been moved inside the habitat ring. If you haven’t seen them already, you will shortly. Be advised, we also have static sentries guarding the devices themselves. These guys are strategically deployed and armed with AK-48-GMR assault rifles. Confirm?”
    “From Alpha-one, confirmed,” Mac replied. “I have eyes on four, repeat four hostiles. Two appear to be a roving patrol, possibly one of the teams you’ve already mentioned from the command ring. The other pair is positioned outside the main entrance to my primary target. They are likewise armed with AK-48s, and look to be a little more relaxed, with weapons slung over their shoulders. Thermals will be operating shortly —”
    “Boss?” Sam interjected. “Enhanced imaging is online. Relaying to your HUD now.”
    “Everyone wait!” Mac paused to digest the implications of what was now appearing on his screen.
    The interior of the large, forty yard square dining and recreation center had been rearranged. Mac could see that all of the furniture had been pushed to one side in an untidy heap, and the vacated space was now filled with people. All were blindfolded, bound and gagged, and had been positioned in such a way as to surround a large device in the middle of the room. Ten armed sentries were stationed around them. All had their weapons trained on the hostages.
    No wonder their guys outside the door are much more relaxed. Hang on . . .?
    Mac adjusted the controls to his HUD and broadcast the scene to the rest of his unit. “Fonzy? You said the bombs already spotted are portable, confirm?”
    “Yes, Sir. They’re much smaller than what I’m looking at now. The other ones are capable of being carried by two men. That is something entirely different.”
    Mac felt a chill worming its way along his spine. He didn’t know if he was spooked by this latest development or not, but he got the distinct impression something had changed for the worse.
    Then another fact caught his attention.
    The kitchens are cold! The terrorists have been here for hours now, and yet no