Chapter 23

From their hiding spot they could watch the comings and goings on the base. A high-perimeter wall just beyond the sheds and parking bays looked pretty impenetrable from where they were.

“It looks like the only access from this side are those big well-guarded double gates,” said Dante.

“How are we meant to get past all those guards?” asked Tinsley.

“I don’t think we do. There must be another way in. We’ll have to scout around the area when we get closer.”

“There must be a gate for workers to get through. Look, the big gate only allows vehicles,” Tinsley pointed. “People are walking around behind those buildings, so there must be another entrance there somewhere.”

“I hope you’re right,” Dante replied. “Are you ready for this?”

“Yup.”

They watched until the radar turned ninety degrees away from them and made a dash across the gap to the edge of the rocky outcrop. They only just made it, pinning themselves to the rock face as the radar swept back around.

They worked out that they had just under a minute to move to the next hiding space before the radar swept back around again. Then they had to freeze motionless, barely daring to breathe.

They took turns watching the radar while the other moved to avoid getting caught. The going was slow and arduous. At one point, Dante got caught out in the open between one huge rock and the next. He must have been completely visible, but all he could do was keep completely still and hope no one looked directly at him until the radar had swept past.

When he made it to the rock, Tinsley drew him into an embrace. “I was so scared,” she said. “I was just waiting for the shot to come. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Me, too,” Dante said, holding her tightly.

From then on, they were even more careful. The rocks only gave them limited cover, and the going was made more difficult by the constant sweep of the radar that brought with it the threat of oblivion.

The cover got more and more scant the closer they got. They had to look out, not only for the snipers on the radar tower but the workers who were going about their business on the base, too.

They crawled on their stomachs to the last rocky outcrop.

“Look, markers around the perimeter,” Dante pointed out. “That must be the point the radar sweeps to. They wouldn’t want people accidentally setting it off all the time. Once we’re across that, all we have to do is find cover down one of those alleyways.”

“There’s a lot of land between us and that marker.” Tinsley was dubious. “We’ll be super exposed. Do you think we should make a bolt for it and risk being seen by someone on the base? Or army-crawl and risk being picked up by the snipers?”

“I don’t know.” Dante risked a peek around the rock he hid behind. “It’s going to be touch and go either way.”

They both leaned against the rock that was their last refuge. Tinsley took a quick drink of water from her flask. This place parches you quickly, she thought.

“Look, it’ll be dark soon. Let’s hang out here until then. It’ll be easier to run across that gap without being seen in the dark,” Tinsley said.

“You haven’t noticed the spotlights. Have you? As soon as the sun goes down, this place will be completely lit up, and we won’t be able to see the tower to know where the radar’s pointed.”

“Damn, it’ll have to be sooner rather than later then,” she said.

“I vote we army-crawl,” said Dante. “If we stay low in the tall grasses, we should be pretty invisible to anyone on the ground.”

“We should take turns crawling and watching,” Tinsley said. “We’ll need to stay close, though. We don’t want to be overheard.”

“Okay, good plan. You go first. I’ll watch.”

On the next turn of the radar, they both got into position.

“Ready?” asked Dante when they were both flat on the ground.

Tinsley nodded her assent.

“Okay, go!”

She wriggled forward, fighting down the fear. It seemed like she was crawling for ages, and she felt completely exposed. She became convinced that she had missed his signal to stop. Panic almost overwhelmed her. What should she do? She didn’t dare look up.

“Stop,” hissed Dante behind her.

She lay with the grass tickling her nose, waiting for the shot to come. She was convinced they would see her, as she was completely exposed. How could they not?

Again, it seemed like way too long before Dante gave the signal. Relief washed over her. They hadn’t spotted her. She wriggled around until she could see the tower with the despicable radar on top. It was her turn to watch for Dante.

She could hear him shuffling up beside her. “Stop,” she whispered when he was parallel with her.

She wanted to turn to him. She wanted to be in his arms. She was so scared she could weep, but all she could do was keep utterly still with her eyes pinned to the turning tower.

Eventually, the radar sweep was off them. She looked over, and their eyes locked. But she couldn’t linger. Every moment they were out here, they were in danger. So she crawled on, feeling slightly nauseated until she heard his signal.

Again, they waited in terror, consumed by the feeling of being totally exposed and ready for the bullet to hit. How did I get myself into this mess? she wondered.

After what seemed like forever, they came to the line of rocks that marked the boundary. It was only a few paces to the nearest building, but several Jorvlens were unloading crates from one of the big trucks nearby.

“What now?” Tinsley asked in a hushed voice.

“We wait. Looks like they’re almost finished.”

The last of the crates were unloaded, and the vehicle drove away.

“I wonder what’s in those crates,” said Tinsley.

“Nothing good, I would imagine,” Dante replied grimly. “Okay, the next time the radar turns away, we’re going to stand up and walk to that alleyway.”

“Why walk? Why not run?” Tinsley asked. “I think I’d rather get there as quickly as possible.”

“Running draws attention. Hopefully if we walk, we’ll just look like a couple of workers at a quick glance.”

“Okay then. Get ready. Go,” Tinsley ordered.

They walked casually over to the building and into the alley. Some old broken crates and other garbage were strewn around, and they used it all for cover.

Tinsley leaned back against the wall of the building. Her heart was pumping in her chest like it wanted to get out.

“Are you okay?” Dante asked, concern written all over his face.

Tinsley managed to drag what she hoped was a reassuring smile from somewhere. “Yes, I’m fine,” she lied. I know how to get myself into a mess. That’s for sure.