Chapter 11 - The Perimeter Trap
The red laser dots burned steadily against the fabric of their uniforms, a silent testament to the lethal precision of the automated defense grid currently trained upon them. Loasing’s finger rested lightly on the trigger, her breathing measured and calm despite the overwhelming tactical disadvantage. She knew that if she fired, she would never clear the rooftop before the automated turrets retaliated.
“You’re trading your commission for a federal treason charge, Colonel,” Loasing said, her voice cutting through the wind with absolute clarity. “Do you really think the defense contractors will protect you once the Senate subcommittee gets hold of these voice logs?”
Henderson’s smug expression faltered for a fraction of a second, the reality of his precarious position breaking through his corporate confidence. Before he could issue a command to his unseen snipers, the rhythmic thrum of heavy helicopter rotor blades suddenly roared overhead, cutting through the night sky from the south.
A massive military transport chopper descended rapidly through the clouds, its searchlight blindingly bright as it swept across the rooftop, washing out the red laser dots in an instant flood of white illumination. The side door of the aircraft slid open, revealing a heavily armed tactical recovery team wearing unbadged tactical gear.
“Drop your weapons! Federal counter-intelligence!” a voice bellowed through the chopper’s exterior loudspeaker system.
Henderson’s eyes widened in sudden panic as the spotlight pinned him against the gravel parapet. He dropped the secure tablet onto the roof, raising his hands in instinctive surrender as the tactical team rappelled down onto the tarmac.
“Secure the prisoner!” the lead tactical operator commanded, moving swiftly to tackle Henderson to the ground and snap heavy flex-cuffs around his wrists.
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The General exhaled a long, shaky breath, lowering his shoulders as the danger momentarily receded. But Loasing kept her weapon raised, her tactical instincts screaming that something was fundamentally wrong with the rescue team’s insignias.
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