CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Tanner, Hiro, and Abe made their way around the city to the remote location where the plane was being held. As they reached the fence line, they could see the jet in the distance. Completely covered in their stealth netting, the men waited, observing the actions around the jet.

"They're loading her with weapons," frowned Abe. "We have to destroy that jet."

Hiro looked up at the twenty-foot fence, razor wire curled at the top. It was electrified, cameras everywhere, including inside the fence. Even if they got over the fence, they would be trapped on the inside.

"Suggestions?" asked Tanner.

"I think we put the explosives on our drones, place the drones in stealth mode, and have them land on the jet. If we put one on each wing, one at the back near the propulsion device, and one on the top of the jet, it should be enough to leave nothing except fragments."

"We need to do it fast," said Abe. "I think they're going to parade that thing out."

Taking off his pack, Hiro pulled out the small drones, connecting the detonators to the explosive devices. If the plane had bombs on it as well, this was going to leave a very big hole. He initiated the stealth coverage for the drones and, in a uniform pattern, let them take flight.

Hiro had to sit as close to the fence as he could, not only using the coordinates on the GPS but also his own visual. When the two drones on the wings were secure and safe, he breathed a small sigh of relief. When the one at the rear landed, he knew they would be alright.

The cockpit glass was raised, and the pilot looked inside, grabbing something from the seat, then came back down and ran toward the hangar. With the cockpit open, it was the perfect opportunity to land the drone inside the jet, not outside.

"We're set," he whispered. "Move back."

He and Tanner moved backward toward the tree line, ready to move when they triggered the bombs.

"Conor, we're set here," said Tanner.

"Blow it."

"Ready in five, four, three, two, and one."

The deafening noise surprised even Hiro and Tanner as pieces of the jet flew into the air, concrete, metal, and vehicles exploding with it.

"Holy shit, what did you guys do?" asked Conor. "We can see it from here."

"We didn't do anything. I think they had something big on that jet. Something they were going to use today or demonstrate. We've got a crater the size of a ship in the runway."

"The good news is that they won't be able to recover anything from that," said Hiro. "Let's go. We're going to meet Cho's son in the underground tunnels. When you do your magic, get there fast, and we'll be ready."

"Roger that," said Conor. "Be safe."

Tanner and Hiro smirked at one another, watching as thousands of soldiers swarmed the airfield.

"Be safe he says. We've just bombed their version of our jet and are outnumbered two to ten thousand. Be safe, my ass."

Tanner, Abe, and Hiro were surprised at how quickly they were able to make their way out of the mess at the airstrip. It was ten miles into the city and another seven to the underground tunnels. Using their stealth capabilities, they hopped a ride on the back of a grocery truck, cutting their time in half.

The tomb was a magnificent building of ancient Asian structure with the actual tomb on the outside. It was a protected site, so guards were posted everywhere. They both wondered how their help could possibly get through.

Still hiding beneath their suits, they found the entrance as described, pushing until it gave way and allowed them access. Quickly, they closed the tomb and stared at one another in the darkness.

"What now?" whispered Hiro.

"We walk until we find him or hit water," said Abe. A SEAL like his father had been, Abe was also an all-state swimmer in high school. He'd broken all of Luke's records, then watched as Conor broke his.

The three men walked down the long staircase until they hit the concrete tunnel, going only in one direction. Quietly, they made their way, checking the miles as they walked. It was at least fifteen miles to the sea.

"We're about halfway there," said Tanner. Hiro nudged his shoulder, nodding up ahead at a light. Abe pulled back.

The men pressed themselves against the walls of the tunnel, waiting to see who would appear.

"Tanner Sung? Tanner Sung, are you here?" called the voice.

"I am here," he said, stepping out to see his rescuer's son.

"You made it very far," said the man. "I came in from the entrance at the sea. Your devices that you gave me are waiting there beneath the blanket you gave me. It's a strange blanket. Able to hide things."

"Yes, my friend. It is a strange blanket," smirked Tanner.

"Are you responsible for the explosion?" asked the young man. None of the men said a word, simply staring at him. "Thank you. I am with the people's army. We are small, hiding mostly in the south, but we wish to stop what's happening here. We knew that they had built a new jet with amazing capabilities. We feared that he would use it against those we think are our allies."

"We believe that was his intent," said Tanner. "No need to worry about that any longer."

"You should probably leave the city," said Hiro. "It won't be safe for you here."

"It's not safe for you either," said the man.

"We're kind of used to not being safe," smirked Abe. "Your help has been invaluable, and we will never forget it. Go home to your father so that no suspicion falls on you today."

Reluctant at first, they convinced him to leave. Following him the complete length of the tunnel, the men found the underwater propulsion devices exactly as he'd left them.

"How will you get home?" asked Tanner.

"Swim," he smiled. He pulled out his own diving tank and then pointed to a boat far offshore. "I can make it to the boat and then head home. Be safe."

"You too," said Tanner.

They watched the younger man swim away, hoping that his swimming skills were strong. He would need to get to the boat before his oxygen ran out, or he'd be caught above water, completely exposed.

"Conor? We're at the mouth of the tunnel near the sea. Everything is ready."

"Roger that. Nice job on the jet. People are going crazy here."

"Let's hope everyone else comes through for us."