“People seem squirrely, like they’re waiting for something.”Carson didn’t know the added team members well enough to recognize voices yet.
“Think we’re compromised?”someone asked over the radio.
“Everyonehold your positions,” Luke instructed, taking control of the situation.“The plan doesn’t change.Duncan and Bruce, do you see weapons on board?”
“Everyone is carrying.A mixture of AKs and rifles.Some aren’t even on the market yet.The military is still testing them.This isn’t good.We are pulling up cargo containers now, but they’re sealed up, and my guess is more could be inside the containers.Want me to get a closer look?”
“Negative.Just bring up the cargo as planned.Nobodymove until Yurgio has been confirmed on the ship.He’s what we’re after.Once we get him, we can inform the authorities, and they can deal with the weapons.The Colonel is not going to be happy that this guy has military weapons on board.”
“Someone is coming out of the captain’s office,” Daniel reported.
“Can you confirm identity?”Luke asked.
“It’s Yurgio.”
“I confirm as well,” Rob seconded.He was closest to the front of the ship and had a good vantage point.
“Everyone, move in.Daniel, Jack, and Greg, hold your positions.Duncan and Bruce, wait until the others are in position before moving.”
“Copy that.”
Carson felt his adrenaline pumping as he eased down from the container and made his way onto the ship using the shadows to keep him unnoticed.He saw Barry making his way to him.Barry’s contacts appeared out of the shadows like ghosts, and they made their way up the loading dock undetected.
They spread out, each taking a corner.“Ready,” Carson said when he was in position.He double-checked his gun to make sure the magazine was loaded and good to go if needed.
“Ready,” they all responded back.
“Greenlight,” Luke said, signaling they could begin.
Sticking to the shadows and using the crates as cover, Carson and the team grabbed people and knocked them out before securing their hands and feet.They moved quickly and quietly until only those working the crates were left.
The team surrounded everyone and aimed their guns at them.“Everyone, down on the ground, hands behind your head!”
Most of the crew did as they were told, except for those with guns.Carson and the team ducked behind containers as a spray of bullets came at them.Duncan and Bruce attacked those closest to them and knocked them out before taking their guns.
One of the bad guys shot at Duncan.Duncan returned fire and hit him high in the shoulder.Bruce shot another.
Carson looked out from his hideout to see one of the men coming at him.Carson slung his gun back on his shoulder and retrieved his knife.As the man came around the corner, Carson flipped him over his back and squatted down, stabbing him in the shoulder and twisting.He reached into his back pocket for cable zip-ties when he felt something press into his back between his shoulder blades.Before he could fully process that he was about to die, the man holding the gun grunted in pain and then collapsed.Carson looked down to see a blooming red spot on his chest.
“I got your back,” Andrew stated over the radio.He was another one of Kane’s friends that had come down from Washington.
“Thanks, man.”
Carson stepped out from behind the container with his rifle at the ready.The fight was winding down.Most people had surrendered with little bloodshed.
“Where is he?Does anyone have eyes on Yurgio?”Carson inquired, looking around the deck.Those on the ship were helping escort people up onto their feet and taking themoff of the ship to await the call from Luke to the authorities.Carson looked at all of their faces but didn’t see one.The main one they were after.
“Negative.”
“Well, check again.Hehas to be here.”
“No one came through the water,” Greg said over the comms.
“No one came through the front gate, so he’s got to be there.You saw him.He was confirmed there,” Luke said.
“Well, he’s not,” Carson growled in frustration.“I’m going to do another sweep.”
“Carson, wait for backup.”
