Chapter 31 The Military Hangar

"You ready?"
"I've been waiting for two weeks, Jayson. I am so ready for this." I answered him. All four of us were in the glass elevator, up towards the surface of the bunker.
Timothy had already given us the signal to come up to the surface after I changed my clothes and packed up all I needed. All of us couldn't talk while we looked down the transparent lift, having mixed emotions as we thought of the idea that we were going to leave this safe haven and face another deadly adventure again. I have asked them several times while I was packing my things if they were serious about going with me to Zone twenty-eight. They kept on saying yes but I still kept on asking to convince myself more. I stopped when Li shouted at me and threw me a bottle of sunscreen lotion.
The metal hinges creaked when the elevator stopped at the upper facility. I was expecting to see the place where the gigantic and heavy Vault Door was but instead, we stopped at the floor where a narrow, dark, and old train station surprised us. It was the extension of the subway, but far from the entrance that leads to the Creeper-infested City of Basil.
All of us walked at the small platform, all puzzled at the new place the elevator dispatched us. It was so dark that we couldn't see the right and left destinations of the railroads. It was so still and quiet and the air smelled rust and molds that grew on the old concrete of the structures of the subway. The only lights were there was the small three sconce on the wall of the station where graffiti was visible that says All Hail to New Arcania". I wonder if the person who wrote it was being sarcastic about it.
I stopped Mona when I saw her take a flashlight from her bag. I shook my head to let her know it was too dangerous because it might attract attention to anything hostile that was staying there in this part of the subway.
"I don't understand. I'm sure I pushed the right button to the vault door." Jayson whispered as if he was scared that if he'd talk a little more audibly, a horde of Creeper might appear from the train tracks.
"They must have controlled the elevator through here." Li assumed, his face was worried and frightened. "Do you think they betrayed us? Send us here because Harriet killed Cdr. Leo?"
"That's ridiculous Li. Timothy won't let that happen." Jayson disagreed with him and walked closely at the edge of the platform, sensing anything in the darkness. "Hey! Hey! Hide! I hear something!" he hissed to us.
My heartbeat went fast by his sudden warning and pushed the three of us behind a metal barricade, wide enough to conceal us from anything that was coming towards this station. Li squeezed himself too tight against us, pushing Jayson on the edge of the barricade. He was too afraid that if any inch of him would get visible behind the cover, we would get caught in an instant.
But who would travel in this area when there is technically a hidden entrance here down the bunker? It doesn't make any sense!
As the four of us huddled behind the barricade, a loud, screeching noise of metal against metal filled our ears. Jayson gave me an alert gaze, his face appeared that we must ready ourselves from the anticipating enemy inside that mysterious transport. I wish I had anything in my hand that I could use to protect us but I only had my heavy rucksack.
Readying ourselves to attack the newcomers, all the three of us screamed at the top of our lungs and hoisted our bags to bash the enemies but we were all surprised to see Timothy's frightened face as he covered it with his arm, startled by our war cries.
"Good Heavens! What's wrong with you?!" Timothy screamed at us, appalled and confused about what was happening. I almost banged him with my rucksack! Thankfully I had stopped myself the moment I heard his scream or else, he would have blown backward and might have fallen from the edge of the platform down the four-feet deep railroad.
"Ohh... It's you! Good grief!" Li exhaled in relief, he was sweating badly. "We thought you're a rebel or something!"
"What?! How could a rebel get in here? It is still within the territory of the bunker." Timothy replied incredulously, his brows were in a deep frown. "We're here to bring you to the hangar, silly!"
I gazed at his back and a couple of soldiers were there, waiting on a railroad vehicle that looked like a speeder but a little wider for ten people to fit inside. It was an old version but it seemed they modified it into an electric-type engine, yet, the wheels were so rusty and old that it still creates a screeching sound when they make a stop.
"I'm sorry, we just got scared." I reasoned out and Timothy's angry expression suddenly changed as he closed his eyes and exhaled out the panic he felt. His face went serious again as he straightened his coat. "Okay, I understand. But rest assured that the military will guide us on our way to Zone twenty-eight. All of us are too important for the Ambassador because we're the new face of hope of Arcania.
"I don't think that's a compliment for me if the rebels would recognize us the moment they see us." Li sarcastically answered him as he helped Mona stand up from behind the barricade. She pats the dirt off her jeans and beamed a sweet smile as she saw Timothy in front of us.
I don't know but I have a hunch that Mona likes Timothy. A small smile stretched on my lips when I saw how happy she was now that he was here.
"On our way? You'll go with us?" I frowned at him.
"What? I don't want to miss the fun." He joked and I was about to complain to him when he suddenly spoke again, not letting me say any word. "Come on! The helicopter is waiting for us!"
One by one, we got to the speeder and let them take us to the Hangar at the far end of this tunnel. I wanted to talk to Timothy and tell him not to come because it will be more dangerous this time, but then I thought he already knew it, and still wanted to join us. I am confused if I'll feel delighted or worried but it's their decision. What may come, I'll just have to make sure I can protect them until we come back here, alive and whole with my family.
The Speeder rose to life as the two soldiers started the engine using a key. I wonder how old this railcar is knowing that this thing had already existed centuries ago. All the vehicles that were manually operated by a key are now rare vintage cars in these times and seeing this speeder made it look so amazing.
I felt the vibration of the engine shudder down to my bone. The engine was too noisy and the tremor it was causing was really uncomfortable. It shakes the brain inside my head, making me feel nauseous.
The soldiers led us deeper into the long tunnel. It was pitched back out here and the scent of the molds was getting stronger as we heard the sound of splashing water under the wheels of the speeder. It made me nervous about what was waiting for us out there but I have faith in the military force of Zone four that they'll keep all of us safe. I have to rely on them since Dr. Peterson had warned me gravely about not using any weapon, especially a gun. My right hand and arm are not fully healed yet.
The light from somewhere exploded before us and because my eyes got used to the pitch darkness, I had to squint as the light blinded me, making it hard to focus my vision at the sight of the hangar.
"Ohh, man! This place is amazing!"
"Welcome to the Military Base of Zone four." Timothy introduced as if he owns the place.
As my eyes adjusted to the light, I was astonished to see the grandeur of the closed place, filled with military types of equipment; armored cars, flying vessels, and helicopters. The walls were made of thick metals, poles, and frames, supporting the vastness of the facility. I couldn't believe how powerful Zone four looked. I should not be surprised though because it is one of the wealthiest cities in Arcania but still... all of these are bewildering!"
A tall tanned man approached us. He saluted Timothy and his attention went straight to mine. He looked down at me and gave me a friendly smile that made me a little bit awkward.
"I'm Col. Morgan. Thank you for standing up against that brutal monster, Ms. Fontaine. I am one of your fans. You're an impressive girl for your height." He reached his hand to me and I shook it briefly, a little sheepish.
"I don't know if I'll take that as a compliment or an insult," I replied smiling and he laughed at me gently.
"Let's go and save your family."