KC Frantzen - May the K9 Spy 03 - May Leads the Way: Trouble Near Tofino (7 page)

Chapter 15

W
e studied the map at the hotel and practiced going in and out… I mean “ingress and egress.” But no matter how much you practice, it isn’t like being on site.

It’s well-lit overhead, plus traffic lights reflect red, yellow, green on the damp two-way lanes. Being in the crypt with Léonce, my feral cat friend, and later trapped inside that
Cimetière Passy
tomb helped a lot with my fear of the dark… Wait.
Achluophobia. Achluo – darkness, Phobia – fear.
Note to self: continue practicing root words like Ms. Schwind advised.

“Agent Michael, may I lower the window to get acclimated?”

“Let’s see that famous fancy footwork, Mullet.”

I give him a look while purposefully placing my paw on the proper window control. Agent X-Ray stifles a snicker. Suddenly scents, sounds and feelings compete for my attention, along with the sights, in this immense underground city.

Like shortly after a rainfall, it’s all dampness and vehicle exhaust. Few trash odors to speak of, mostly paper with some old coffee from dumpsters scattered about. It’s LOUD with echoes near and far. Engines shifting gears, tires splashing through standing water… chilly too. The thermometer reads 51 degrees. I’m told there’s a refrigerated section, with priceless original films and photographs, but thankfully it’s not our destination. I’d need my winter coat!

As we drive in deeper, I notice landmarks from the map, even as scents from the outside fade. Some entrances have welcoming landscapes, with tall plants in pots, but
sniff
they’re only silk and plastic. We pass many business signs and see humans reporting in for work.

The biggest difference from a regular city is… a ceiling.

Flash memory… Dad and Mom, Hans and April, staring up as Copperhead Sentinel and I escaped the bunker. Wish I knew how they are. When this mission is over, that’s my next one. I’ll go right to–

Agent Michael’s voice interrupts. “Mullet. I said, I saw you looking at the huge limestone columns. Miners left them to support the quarry structure from cave-ins.”

Oh. Thank you.
I shake myself off. Must focus on the situation at paw.

More vehicles, large and small, pass by. Now I understand why they are careful who they let in and why escorts are required. And why there are so many column markers. It’d be easy to get lost, unless you’re a tracker with a good memory.

We turn off the main road along a sweeping curve, then follow markers on a one-way lane towards “B Section.”

A cart buzzes past. Hey, check out those modifications.

Agent Michael says, “The owners of Resolute Mountain make a special effort to hire wounded veterans and alter the transport carts so they’re easier to use.”

I’m glad. The veterans and families I met at the K9 Spy boot camp graduation picnic were wonderful. They’ve sacrificed so much. Like Agent Doherty, trying to stop the EMP.
Sigh.
I hope to do my part for America one day.

One day could be today.

B30… B36… Not much farther.

I glance over at Agent Michael.
Wonder when they’ll strike?

He gives me a look. “Think!”

I’m trying, Sir.

“Breathe easy, Mullet. Rukan and team will be patient. Our sharks will strike
after
we retrieve the classified material.”

Of course. Makes sense.

Once we find the unmarked doors at B42, we park near the entrance. The other drivers back in, ready for a quick exit. This must look good. We don’t know who is monitoring.

It’s like any standard office inside, other than a slight closeness. It’d be hard to know the difference from an office above ground. For humans anyway.

The secretary directs us through secured doors into the storage area. Rows and rows and rows of steel shelving are loaded with boxes and a variety of cases.

The van crew follows with hand-trucks. They’ll remove 27 containers, filled with top secret installation diagrams, charts and maps, nuclear submarine (boomer) information, missile schematics. At least that’s what the Graphics and Authentication Division made them appear to be.

Plans within plans. In case our team fails, which we won’t, and the bogus information is captured, it should assist others in taking the enemy down.

Agent Michael extracts a few memory cards at several locations and places them in my temporary collar. He gives me a friendly pat as he inserts the last one. He whispers, “We’ve let it be known that these are the real treasures and will give Rukan and his handler all they need to extort big money from the US. Or so it will appear. If he gets his hands on them. Which he won’t because we’ll nab him first, before he gets to you.”

Hope you’re right.

In less than ten minutes we’re driving for the exit. Most traffic has been held, but some carts are still operating. Obviously.

One just went by.

We pass several more columns but… something’s not right. I woof, “Excuse me Agent Michael, are we using a different exit?”

“No. Why?”

“We’re moving parallel to the entrance, not towards it.”

Agent X-Ray looks grim in the back seat as Agent Michael grabs the comm unit. “HQ, HQ. Location check. Over.”

HQ says, “Roger. Section H moving south to Section L.”

Agent Michael looks back at Agent X-Ray, then me. “Headquarters confirm. We’re not in M Unit? Over.”

“Negative. Section H.”

“But we’re looking at… Change of plan. The markers are swapped. Stand by.”

“Roger that.”

Agent Michael calls the other vehicles in our convoy. “All alert. Sharks misdirected. Repeat. Rukan has misdirected. Mullet will lead us to the proper exit.”

Gulp.
I lower the window again and hang my head out, fully using my senses. I still have a bad feeling. Probably just nerves knowing Rukan is so near. He’s the shark. I’m the mullet.

Shudder.
Will I endure his abuse again?

HQ cuts in. “Approaching chokepoint. Be on the lookout.”

I shake off the fear. Must focus.

Look! Movement from the left. It’s that same cart again, darting across.
Sniff.
The occupant smells familiar. There was a man at The Country Cooker with this scent, but he wasn’t with the ruffians.

As he veers into the blackness, he fires a weapon. Neon green paint splatters our vehicle.

A large engine echoes, rumbling closer and closer. Another shifts into gear.

Agent Michael yells into the comm unit, “We’ve been burned! They’ve hijacked the comm devices!” As we race between the columns, he yanks the comm device from the dashboard.

Agent X-Ray shoves me down. “Hit the seat!”

I fall flat as Agent Michael flings the comm out of my window. It smashes to pieces against a limestone pillar. I hear echoes from other equipment shattering.

Agent Michael tightens his grip on the steering wheel. “We’re on our own. Which way, Mullet?”

I stand and howl, “Turn right, Sir. It’s not far.”

The lights in our section switch off, flicker, then out.

He yells, “Backup generators are compromised!”

Our headlights shine on a vehicle ahead just as it slams on the brakes. We squeal to a stop. An 18-wheeler appears from nowhere, bashing the van behind us.

Ambushed!

Oh Creator, please help me be strong.

Chapter 16

A
gent Michael barks, “Steady, Mullet. Stay.”

What?! My whole body tenses as my companions grab weaponry and night vision gear and bail out of the truck.

Agent X-Ray pats my head through the window and speaks with an Eastern European accent. “Rukan’s after you and the information. Let him come. We’ll get him.” Then they’re gone.

Ear flick.

Footsteps.
A man’s, definitely. About Dad’s size. This guy’s good. I hardly detect him. Wish I could…
Sniff
. I almost gag. It’s…

Rukan.

The door handle
clicks
.

Steadyyy, steadyyy. Trust your team.

FLASH! RATT-A-TATT-TATT! TATT-TATT!

Gunfire from behind a pillar. Return fire. Echoes of ricochets. Groaning.

Oh NO, Agent Michael, Agent X-Ray!

An image of Sassy bravely leaping from a flying helicopter to save Miss Sandy clutches my mind. No one should get injured or die because of me. I’ll lead the bad guys away, give my team a chance.

On the other paw, if I let Rukan catch me then let myself pass out… Why would he take me if he thought I was dead? He’d just take the collar with the fake information. I like it!

Wish I could communicate this new plan to the team.

I put my paws over the edge of the window and leap into darkness.

I land, roll, and try to run. No traction.

Oh NO! Neon green pawprints follow me, glowing in the dark.

Get it off! I sniff a puddle nearby and splash through – Ear flick.

Freeze!

Shoes creep on concrete, behind or… to the left. Where
is
he?

A dark shape passes by two pillars over. Gives me chills. A red dot traces the far wall. Laser! I jump back, then dash for cover behind another pillar.

Look, electric carts. I leap onto the nearest one and push the pedal. No go. Another, same thing. Here’s a modified cart. I spring into the seat and push the “on” button. With both front paws on the wheel, I chomp on the mouthpiece. After. A. Jerky. Start. I begin. To move. Driving isn’t as easy as it looks.

Okay, must lead him away from my team. This mullet will give a chase to remember.

Sporadic gunfire far behind. No red dot. Listen! Vehicles, and close by, probably tracking me. Better change course.

I nearly lose control, rounding the corner on two wheels, but straighten and make for the entrance.

Uh oh. What if the gates are down?

No problem, I’m small. I’ll ditch the cart and squeeze through.

Suddenly, lights blind me. I swerve and graze some orange traffic cones. They tumble and clatter sending wild echoes everywhere.

Dead end!

I bail out then,
CRASH
.
Could that have been any louder?

Just up ahead, a dumpster looks like promising cover. Is there enough room beneath for a small Schnauzer to disappear? But… what if there are rats?

Shudder.
I can almost smell the slime in the Paris sewers, feel the ooze between my pads… All those beady eyes waiting for me to make a wrong move. Ewww. I’ve had enough rats to last a lifetime and beyond.

Vehicles approach.

Gotta go! I wriggle under the dumpster and hardly breathe. Okay, a tiny sniff.

Good. No rats.

One car roars past, but another stops and two humans get out. “The dog must be close. The Leader insists we find it.”

“It’s a runt of a dog,
da
? Could it be under…”

Uh oh, something bad–

Thwwwack.
A broom handle jabs underneath, then pounds the sides again and again.

RUN!

When I crisscross to the next corridor, something intense burns my nostrils, then everything slows. Losing control…

I begin drooling uncontrollably, and lose my footing. Maybe this’ll work into my plan. Rukan’ll leave me and take the collar with the planted information for sure. Then the K9 Spy Service can catch him
and
his backer. At least I led them away from my teammates who were down.

I lift my head to see the dark walls swirling. Odd.

Sniff.
What’s this?

Rukan’s approaching and… Agent X-Ray?

Chapter 17

L
isten! Muffled voices with dreaded Regnadistan accents. And, a finely-tuned engine. We move upwards, kind of like we’re in a helicopter, but, not exactly. Doesn’t make sense but then I’m still groggy, and
ow
my head hurts.

When I force my eyes open, I’m surrounded by cardboard. I lick my parched lips and try to shake it off. Instead I sway and flop down. My own legs won’t support me. How embarrassing.

Sigh.
Maybe a new agent shouldn’t try to outthink an experienced one. They say I have good instincts but I’m an agent now. Must obey direct orders. I should have stuck with Agent Michael’s plan. He told me to stay and I didn’t.

As Dad says, “If you don’t learn the lesson the first time, you’ll get the fine opportunity to repeat it until you do.”

Drat. I’m stuffed inside a box and
shudder…
Rukan’s near. And Agent X-Ray.

Here I just reminded myself not to try and outthink experienced agents like Miss Sandy and Agent Michael and I’m trying to do it again. I know Miss Sandy is okay, and Edgrr vouched for Agent Michael. Maybe
this
is my opportunity to learn the lesson with Agent X-Ray.

Still, this is not the outcome I was hoping for. Rukan was supposed to leave me. Except… yep! The collar with the bogus files is gone. Good. At least
part
of Agent Michael’s overall plan will kick in. So, now to figure out what’s next.

I’ll have to delay the decision about Agent X-Ray. For now.

A deep man-voice – on a radio? – says, “
Nyet.
The dog is more useful to me alive.”

Gulp.
Alive? What does he want with me? And who IS he? I think “
nyet
” is Eastern European… like Agent X-Ray. Uh oh.

“Sir, the mongrel spoiled your strategy once more.” Rukan sounds irritated. “We possess the classified information, you don’t need the dog.”

“I will decide what, or who, I need.”

Whoa, who would dare address Rukan that way?

The voice goes on. “
You
impaired my strategy. It matters not what you think. Bring the dog to the island and await my orders.”

Island? The way he said that makes me want to run, if only I could.

Rukan seethes, “How do you mean, ‘impaired your strategy’? I set off the weapon, crippling the US economy. Much of the population is in chaos, the economy is faltering… As I reminded you, I have procured the plans and documents for your next exploit. You should make billions.”

“We know not other operatives who might be involved. You were reckless to leave the woman and her dog undetected.”

He’s talking about Miss Sandy and Sassy! I feel woozy again, gagging silently several times.

The man sounds insistent. “This dog is vital to my overall plan. Preparations are made?”

“
Da,
Overlord. The modified microchip is ready.”

“Exercise great caution or it will be the last thing you do.”

Rukan grumbles, “
Da.
”

Wait, microchip? For whom?

My head plops on my paws. Going unconscious…

Sniff
. Soup, beet I think. Smells earthy but good. I smell Rukan’s scent too. Not good.
Shudder
. And… Agent X-Ray. Who
is
this Agent X-Ray?

Well, my sniffer works but something’s not right. In fact, something is quite wrong.

Open, eyes. Barely.

Raise, head. A little.

Move, right leg, move!

After intense concentration and effort, I stand and stretch inside the box. I’m sore, especially on my back, between my shoulders. Probably from all the running at Resolute Mountain.

I shake it off. At least my legs have stabilized.

We’re moving extremely fast, to the northwest. It’s like the Paris plane ride, with different engines. Their hum calls me to sleep again, but I dare not. Must learn all I can. Hopefully my
grr
-ing stomach won’t give me away. I’ve not yet learned upper-level skills to keep it quiet.

Rukan sneers nearby. “The activists make crazy good cover.”

Agent X-Ray joins in. “
Da.
We will arrive with desired documentation for these sectarian nonconformists. This test-run of the NAST cloaking device has been good for our mission.”

“Indeed. Our secret Nano-Absorb Silencer Technology is working as expected, on the ground, and airborne. Your commander will be pleased.”

“Perhaps it needs adjustments. With their equipment out of sync, the American agents and facility security did not notice us leaving, but a young goat did. The dogs might have also, had the drugs not been successful. I must make a report.”

My foe continues. “Noble Leader demands no communication with him until we land. Transmit your report later. Add that I am satisfied with the personnel rigout. Once the exercise began, I was almost invisible.”

Maybe that’s why I could barely sense him. He was testing new technology. Seems this aircraft is using it too.

Papers rustle then Agent X-Ray says, “When we deploy our crew and overpower the foreign transgressors, we will add to our arsenal a powerful weapon.”

Rukan curses. “Rumor. Innuendo. Speak no more of this weapon.”

What weapon? I must find out and alert HQ!

“As you wish… What about the dog, perhaps she is hungry.”

Why does Agent X-Ray care about food for me?

“Who cares? It will not live long, after we use it for our purposes.”

Agent X-Ray is firm. “You heard what Overlord said. You are to bring her to him.”

“I heard.” Rukan’s tone sends fleas hopping down my backbone.

After a pause, my ears perk up when Agent X-Ray says, “She must be hungry. I will give her something to eat.”

“Not our rations.”

“I’ll give her a portion of my own.”

Rukan grumbles. “If you’re going, take the wand.”

Rummaging sounds. What’s Agent X-Ray up to, really? Quick. Better look asleep. I keep an eye slit open under my eyebrows and breathe deeply.

The cardboard box top opens and a bearded face sporting aviator sunglasses looks in. He’s changed out of his uniform too. I still don’t understand… Is he a good guy or not?

He says, “She’s knocked out. Must not be too hungry–”

Quick! I sit up.

Agent X-Ray gives me a thumbs up but keeps his voice cool. “My mistake. She is awake.” He rips apart some pirozhki and offers it.

My sniffer goes wild. Seriously. I could trust him with a nibble. MMM. Dee-licious pastry. Egg and scallions too. Nice combo.

He gently says, “Have more.”

Rukan yells from up front. “Stop talking to it. See if the procedure worked.”

Agent X-Ray gives me a look like he’s sorry as he waves a device over my back.
Bipbipbip.

Gasp!
Microchipped! That’s why I’m sore. How can I be an agent for the K9 Spy Service?

Rukan sounds pleased. “It took. Good. I will NOT lose the blasted dog again. We will land before long. Secure it on board with harness and cable, then stage the boxes to be offloaded. Hurry. You must navigate.”

Agent X-Ray reaches into the box towards me, carefully lifting each front paw, then works to secure a too-small dead-cow-hide harness on me.

Wheeze.
Can hardly breathe. Rukan must remember me as a puppy. That’s good. He’ll underestimate me… I hope.

I listen carefully. Sounds like Agent X-Ray loops the one end of a cable around something then he gives me a solemn look as he attaches the other through my harness. He whispers, “I’ll come back.”

I wag my nub in thanks, but he’s already gone.

When I sit, there’s something beside me, a tiny woven stainless case. My mosquito! He’s trying to help but… where’s the controller tool?

Rukan barks orders from up front. “Activate the alternate radar view. Today we’ll appear as a Cessna 206. Our contact will carry a backpack on the left shoulder and a blue sports cap in the right hand. We will deliver the secret files we took from Resolute Mountain and no one will suspect a thing until we’ve vanished.”

Agent X-Ray says, “Understood. What about the dog?”

Footsteps.
Rukan’s coming! Must hide my mosquito!
Thump thump.

He yanks the lead, pulling me up off my paws, dangling me like bait on a fishing line.

I show my fangs before I can think about consequences.

We hold each other’s gaze for the briefest of moments then he lets go.

I crash to the floor of the box and scramble, covering my mosquito container, just in time.

He looks over the edge and glares. “The harness holds fine.” Then he looks towards the front of the aircraft. “I placed the collar in the titanium container, after removing the files of course. No chance of them tracking until we are ready. Overlord knows of their excessive delight with animals. At his direction, we will release the dog. Their agency will pick it up. Overlord will track it to their shadow organization HQ.”

Now
they’re
treating me as bait!

Rukan uses his sinister chuckle. “If it survives. It might meet with an accident, then what could I do?”

I try to stifle a shudder as I meet his stare, but decide to use it to my advantage, and look away.

“Hmm,” he grunts, before closing me in and making his way forward.

I so want to be afraid, but must breathe. Think. Okay. Sounds like something bad is planned. Somehow I must alert the K9 Spy Service about NAST and the weapon. But if Rukan releases me, I’ll lead him and Overlord to HQ. What should I do?

The aircraft slows then settles down. The engines go still. Switches and keys click and a computer voice says, “Hatch opening.”

The craft shifts left as they disembark.

Sniff.
Salty afternoon air, seabirds calling… Like Washington, DC but wilder. Definitely. And I feel a chill.

Must find a way out while they’re gone. Note to self: Don’t bark while disembarking.

Alright, first things first, exit this box. Despite the constricting harness, I pick a corner to scratch and dig.
Pant, pant.
After quite some effort, all I’ve accomplished is a small hole. At least there’s light. Hmm. Why didn’t I try this before? In spite of the soreness, I leap and hit the side. The box tumps over and I punch my paws through the top. And I’m out!

Hey, the cargo door is open. Maybe Agent X-Ray is helping me escape. It’s like he’s trying, without compromising his cover. Could he be a double agent or am I too hopeful?

Either way I must chew through this cable.
Blech
. Plastic tastes awful–
Crunch.
Ow! Stainless steel center. Guess I’m stuck on board. For now.

How can I be of service if I can’t escape?

Well, I’ll ID these contacts for when I do.

I cautiously step across the shelf and approach one of the small windows.

A van marked “Ground Zero, Kitsap, WA” just arrived. W-A. If I remember correctly, Washington is the northwestern-most state in the United States, except for Alaska.

The small group of humans that exits the van looks grubby. My whiskers are neater than the men’s. They sound like Americans though their accent is slightly different from Dad’s and Mom’s.

I notice Rukan and Agent X-Ray seem dressed to fit in. As a woman approaches them, Agent X-Ray murmurs, “She carries the backpack and fishing hat.”

Rukan replies, “See she gets the boxes loaded and awaits further instruction. I will send an encrypted message to Overlord from the plane, letting him know this segment is complete. He will direct the next phase.”