Vanishing Point - Marc Cerasini [99]
"There's an experimental weapon installed in that helicopter, Jack. It called Malignant Wave and it's a real bitch. If the Chinese escape with the prototype, it would be worth any sacrifice."
Jack's eyes narrowed into slits. "Then we have to get inside that hangar. Stop that helicopter from taking off."
"That's going to be tough," sighed Tony.
Dr. Reed heard their words and stepped forward. "There's a back door to that hangar..."
"I tried it, doc," Tony said. "It's locked, and it's made of reinforced steel. If we try to break in, they're going to hear us."
"Beverly Chang gave me a copy of the key," she replied. "It's over there, in my locker..."
The airman guarding the door interrupted them. "Someone's coming," he hissed. "Two soldiers with a prisoner."
"Everyone get down," Tony cried, racing for the entrance. Jack was already there. They positioned themselves on either side of the open doorway, waiting to pounce the moment the soldiers entered.
When the commandos reached the narrow door, they shoved Stella through first. Then the first commando stepped over the threshold. Tony seized the man, pummeled him to the ground with the butt of his Glock.
Stella recognized Jack.
"Jaycee!" she cried, stepping between Bauer and the commando he was supposed to take down. Jack thrust the woman aside, but it was too late. The soldier turned and raced across the tarmac, screaming a warning. Jack aimed his Glock with both hands and fired once. The commando's cries abruptly ceased.
Jack stepped away from the door. "They know we're free now," he shouted. "Everyone who isn't armed, take cover!"
Stella Hawk wrapped her arms around Jack Bauer's neck, tight as a boa constrictor. Mascara ran down her cheeks and her face was swollen and bruised. But her lush lips rained kisses on his lips, his cheek, his neck.
"I knew you'd rescue me," she sobbed.
Jack's eyes met Tony's. "Get her off of me," he snarled.
Outside, commandos burst from Hangar Five when they heard the warning cry. Tony picked up the dead soldier's AK-47 and fired on the men as they scurried across the runway. Three commandos dropped, the others turned around and bolted for cover.
Tony heard shouted commands, saw the soldiers begin to regroup outside of Hangar Five.
"Here they come," Tony warned. Legs braced, he stood in the doorway and fired another burst.
* * *
10:52:56 a.m. PDT
The Tank Farm
Groom Lake Air Force Base
Nina rolled the sandrail into a prefabricated storage shed hidden among a sea of aviation fuel tanks. She and Curtis climbed a steel ladder to the top of the tallest tank, to observe the situation at the hangars.
Before they finished their ascent, they heard the sound of gunfire in the distance. Scrambling to the top of the tank, Nina focused her mini-binoculars on the hangars.
"It's a firelight, not a massacre," Nina said, squinting through the lens. "It looks like some people are holed up in one hanger. They're putting up a good fight, but the raiders are rallying for another attack..."
"Another attack?"
"I count four dead men on the tarmac," Nina said, handing Curtis the binoculars. "The Chinese have tried to take that hangar at least once before."
Curtis frowned. "The commandos just drove a tow tractor out of the hangar with the weird aircraft inside. I think the Chinese are planning to use the tractor for cover in an attack on the other hangar."
Nina moved to the ladder. "We've got to get down."
Curtis followed her to the edge. "What's your plan?"
"I haven't got one," Nina replied.
"Look over there," Curtis said, pointing to a small tanker truck parked about a hundred yards away. "I think I have an idea..."
24THE FOLLOWING TAKES PLACE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11 A.M. AND 12 P.M. PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME
11:00:04 a.m. PDT
Hangar Six, Experimental Weapons Testing Range
Groom Lake Air Force Base
Tony peered around the door, only to jump back when bullets splattered against the doorjamb and peppered the wall behind him.
"Get ready, they're coming again," he cautioned.