Bounty Part XI
“Your droid is faithful. That’s hard to find. Have you had him a long time?” Hal asked.
“We have traveled together for nine years. I saved him from being scrap, and then I reprogrammed him so he had less security protocols. It works pretty nice now. He has no objection to killing someone if it means protecting me.”
“Wow that is loyal.” Hal raised an eyebrow. “I want to help you destroy the main facility. What we need to do is get off this road. We’ll hide the taxi and sneak along the rocky terrain until we get to the plant. Do you have any objections?”
“Just one, close your eyes while I put on more respectable clothes.” Ax was reaching into her purse. It held her simple outfit along with a folding chrome helmet.
“I’ll pull off up ahead and I’ll get out so you can change.” Hal replied. He wheeled the cab off the main highway and the car hovered over the rocky pathway until it came to a stop. “The Eco cleansers facility is the only one just over the ridge. I’ll find some brush to cover the car.” Hal stepped out and started walking toward the bramble.
Ax found herself staring at his physique. She shook her head and quickly removed the dress. She pulled out the armored shirt and plated pants. Quickly and efficiently she pulled on her new clothes. Ax twirled her hair until it was up in a bun. She then unfolded the helmet and fit it over her head. It felt much better having her identity hidden once again. Hal knew her identity, but he was coming off planet with her. Ax stepped out of the car just as Hal came back with several large branches and bushes clutched in his arms.
“You look different now. I would never guess there was a beautiful woman under that guise.” Hal started shuffling toward the car.
“Let me help you.” Ax pulled some of the branches from Hal’s arms. The two worked to cover the cab quickly so they could get going. Hal led Ax away from the taxi and they climbed a short hill. At the crest of the hill both could see the large black building among the green forest surrounding it.
“Now there is an eye sore. I think I have the right tool for the right job. I think even the Eco Cleansers would appreciate my singularity bombs.” Ax spoke through the chrome helmet.
“Singularity bombs? Where did you acquire that?” Hal asked.
“The same place I acquired two sets of my engines. Where do we enter the building?” Ax kept her focus on the mission at hand. Small talk could be saved for later.
“There is a short white door to the north of the main entrance of the facility. It is usually locked but I’m sure we can get in. Once inside we need to immediately turn left and go down the stairs. There will be a vast network of hallways and doors. We’ll ignore those and keep going straight down the hallway to the factory floor. Before entering the door, there are two large panels that lead to air ducts taking us into the factory.” Hal explained.
“I’ll follow while you lead.” Ax answered. The two started down the hill through the thick foliage. Maneuvering through the trees seemed to take forever. When they left, B4 better be waiting for them. Ax kept her eye on Hal’s orange skin. It contrasted well with the dark green jungle.
Soon they arrived at the short white door; it stuck out from the glossy colored black building. Why was it so clear? Was it meant to be that obvious? Why didn’t they conceal it like the rest of the building? Maybe they were concerned they couldn’t find a side entrance and they could be wandering for hours.
Hal tried the door and as he feared, it was locked. Ax smiled from inside her helmet. “Let me handle this.” She pulled out a short green capsule and she placed it next to the lock mechanism. The lock began to smoke and soon the door cracked open. The two entered the building quietly. Hal led the way down the stairs; the lighting was dim which cast many shadows on the walls. It gave Ax the creeps to be walking down a staircase not knowing where it went. Hal soon stopped just before hitting the ground floor. To Be Continued...
Tomorrow is September 1st. Only 24 days until my wife and I have our 6th anniversary. Yay!
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