Behind the Open Door

Once the plane stabilized Mac’s grip lessened, leaving imprints in the leather. His mind focused on the next task at hand as he unzipped the bag. In a deep search for anything to make this mission a little more clear he rummaged around inside. With nothing of any important detail found he nearly rips the zipper off closing it again. In pure dissatisfaction he headed for the cockpit. Charlie, hearing him approach, hit the throttle giving the plane a slight burst of speed. Mac stumbled back from the force and fell into one of the seats. “Thanks a lot asshole.” “Oh sit down and cool it. So what was in the suit case?” Charlie asked. “Just some science gear for checking seismic waves. And a badge. I’m now John Malcolm, can you believe it?” Mac placed his new name badge on his chest with a childish smirk. “So what’s this all about?” “I’m not sure all I’ve been told is that we’ve lost communications with one of our laboratories. Some kind of biological engineering center. I’m supposed to meet up with another in town. I’ll be briefed more then.” Mac explained. “Nice, well you know more then I do. All they tell me is show up here and take this person there, not so exciting. Except for that one time in Pakistan, they damn near shot the belly of this plane right out from beneath me, but we haven’t gone down yet have we baby?” Patting the instrument panel Charlie smiled with pride. “You look worried, Mac. Why don’t you get some shut eye in the back. I’ll let you know before get there.” “Cool. Thanks Charlie.” As Mac walked back to his seat Charlie pushed the speed again. Suspecting he’d try that, Mac threw his arms forward to grab the seat in front of him. “Real funny.” Mac settled into his seat closing his eyes, hoping to go to a place of comfort. Somewhere other then there. Never truly reaching sleep he held in the in-between state of consciousness, a translucent state of being. His mind dashed in and out of past moments. People he had killed in the name of a high paying investor. Were they done for the right reasons? This was a question that had plagued him since he joined the organization. His mind then began to drift off into the darkness. “Wake up Mac, we’re at Elko Regional Airport.” Charlie lightly tapped his shoulder knowing not to startle him. “How long was out?” Mac questioned as he stood shaking the cob webs from his mind. “About three hours.” Charlie lead Mac off the plane to the run way. “I’ve already secured you a car and your bags are in it and ready to go.” Outside, Mac paused to take in the cool, pure, air. “Thanks Charlie. I really—” “Don’t worry about it.” He said, cutting Mac off. “I’ll pick you up in a week. Wait till you see this car, it’s unreal.” Mac and Charlie stepped out of the terminal to the street. Waiting there, to Mac’s surprise, was a 1992 Ford Escort. What little silver was left from the rust gleamed off the mid day’s sun. Both of his bags over filling the seat in the back. “See, I told ya you’d love it.” “I can barely fit in this thing,” Mac squeezed his way into the driver’s seat barely fitting behind the wheele. The keys already inside, he started the engine. For being an older car it sounded great. “Well I better get moving, I have to meet my partner.” “See ya in a week.” Charlie stated, walking back inside the terminal. Mac drove down NV. 227 to reach the lodge. Even with the rolling hills and vast green forests to look at nothing could take his mind from the mission. The closer he came to his destination the more his heart sank. His mind tried to focuse on his partner, on how he might be. Pulling into the parking lot he was thankful the lodge was better then the car. Only Mac’s weapons were important to him so he left the science equipment behind. Before going in he decided to ready one of the pistols, he could never be sure what would be waiting for him. “Welcome to the Sky View Lodge, how may I help you sir.” A young woman greeted him from behind the desk, her long blonde hair accenting her pearl white smile. “My name is John Malcolm, I believe you have room for me.” “Oh, yes sir. Room 246, your partner checked in last night. Thank you and have good stay.” Her smile covered half her face as she made sure to be happy and polite. Mac walked towards the elevator, looking back at the girl as he entered. If she only knew what I was carrying her fake smile would become pure terror, he thought to himself. Reaching the second floor he prepared his mind for what could come. In an ever so gentle knock he readied his pistol for anything that could come. “I’ll be right there.” A nervous man’s voice called out. It sounded weak and frail. The door opened swiftly, Mac drew his gun and pointed in his face. “Holy shit! Put that thing away.” He stated as he crumbled to the floor with his heart hammering in his chest. As Mac stood there ready to shoot the door across the hall began to open. An older woman emerged from the room as Mac put his gun away. She glanced over the situation, her eyes in confusion at the sight. A young skinny dark haired man cowering on the floor while a bald bahiemith stood over him. Giving them an odd look she closed the door and walked down the hall. Mac pulled the man from the floor pushing him inside their room. “Are you trying to get yourself shot?” Mac asked in deep calm voice. “They said you were jumpy, but I didn’t—”. “Who are you and what division are you from?” Mac demanded. “My name is Simon Rowle. I’m from the Omega division.” Simons stuttering voice gave away his fear. His eyes never blinking from behind his glasses. “Great, a tech.” Mac put away his gun, he knew he had put enough fear into him. “Can you handle a fire arm?” “Yeah, I was top of my class in marksmanship. I should have no problem if I need to.” Simon explained. “So what do I need to know?” Mac’s curiosity was driving him mad, with any luck Simon held an answer. Simon stood up and walked over to his lap top. After a few key strokes he returned to Mac to show him the particulars. Without a care for computers Mac was unempressed by the detailed mapping system. “The entrance to the facility is located here just north of Mount Gilbert.” Simon explained. “We’ll be traveling up the mountain on this dirt road. From here we will have to walk. There’s a cave right about here.” “A cave, how can that be secret? Anyone could find it.” Mac expessed, doubting the situation. “It’s never been charted or mapped out. Not even the town’s folk know it’s there. Besides, we won’t be able to just walk in, there’s a terminal hidden behind a rock formation that we’ll have to access first.” “What should we expect inside?” Mac questioned. “Well, there were several types of experiments going on simultaneously. I don’t have any specific details yet. See that’s why they’re sending me, I’m supposed to crack into the main data base and copy everything. Why are you here?” “To protect you, I guess. Just do me one favor, do not get in my way.” Mac unpacked his guns on the bed. “When do we leave?” “Not until tomorrow. I’ve already arranged it with the local rangers. Do you have the equipment?” Simon, being a stickler for the details, wanted to be sure everything was in order. “You mean the decoy?” “Yeah.” Simon replied. “I left it in the car. Look I just want to get this over with. Once we’re inside do you know exactly where we need to go?” “I have a partial map in my computer. It’s a direct route to their main system. Maybe five hours tops if the powers off. Then we’ll have to use the stairs of course.” Simon explained. “What are we going to do in the mean time?” “I’m going to go over the layout a few more times and—” “How many times have you gone over it already, a couple of hundred? No. We need to get out, enjoy the night, see what kind of trouble we can get in.” Mac insisted.