Wasteland Rules: Die Fighting (The World After Book 4) (21 page)

   “That sounds like a good plan.” Rora said
optimistically. “But how do we get there? Aren’t the hotels deep within a
restricted area?”

   “The average person can’t go there, but there is a
reception for the potential buyers tonight at Brightman’s hotel.” Sterling
informed them.

   “How does that help us?” Derek asked in confusion.

   “I have an invite for myself, a bodyguard, and an
escort.” Sterling said smugly.

   “I would ask how that is possible, but you wouldn’t
tell me. So I’ll just go along with it.” Derek said shaking his head. “But we
still need to get there. Aren’t people going to wonder how much money you
really have if we walk up looking like this?”

   “Of course.” Sterling said as he unslung his
backpack. “But I have everything we need right here. Let’s go get a room and
get changed.”

   “Wait a minute!” Rora snapped. “If Derek is the
bodyguard then I’m the escort.”

   “That is correct.” Sterling said slowly with a nod.

   “There’s a skimpy little dress in there, isn’t
there.” Rora asked irately.

   “There might be…” Sterling said uncomfortably after
a small cough.

   “Unbelievable! Why does every plan seem to involve
me half naked?” Rora ranted. “Make Derek wear the skimpy outfit.”

   “Well he wouldn’t fit.” Sterling argued lamely
while Derek just grinned.

   “Why is the woman always the sex object? Huh?” Rora
fumed.

   “What about a ride?” Derek asked, trying to change
the subject.

   “Don’t worry; I’ll take care of that once we are
ready.” Sterling assured him. “Does the plan work for you two?

   “It does, but I think we have a bigger problem.”
Derek said concernedly as he scanned the crowds. “Look around us.”

   "There are thousands of people here shopping,
what’s wrong?” Rora replied as she looked around, still distracted by her anger
over the dress.

   “There are a lot of fit young men and women with
short hair and day old beards wandering around in relatively new clothes.”
Derek told her.

   “So?” She replied, still confused.

   “Look at me.” Derek said as he pulled on his beard.
“How many times have you seen me shave, or have I had time to shave? How dirty
and worn are our clothes after only a couple of days and we got new ones from
NASA? Have you seen any sign for a barber shop? Look at everyone else and
notice how much they really stand out when you look closely.”

   “You may be right.” Sterling agreed nervously.

   “So there are people here better dressed and taken
care of than the others, what does that mean?” Rora probed. “Maybe they came
from the N.R.T. or C.C.A.”

   “No, the only people in the wasteland who maintain
themselves that well and have their hair cut short are soldiers.” Derek
explained. “Red Berets would be my guess, sent here to make sure they get the
core.”

   “Come on, really?” Rora insisted.

   “Really. They will wander about and blend in,
scoping out the security and ambush points.” Derek maintained. “They probably
have weapons stored at a vendor or two that is actually a GIA agent and they
will only strike if they lose the core.”

   “There is another worse possibility.” Sterling said
grimly.

   “What’s that?” Derek asked.

   “They could be planning a coup.” Sterling
explained. “All of the Junk Traders will be here for the auction. It would be
an excellent time to take them all out and then take over.”

   “That would be bad.” Derek granted.

   “So what do we do?” Rora asked.

   “We move forward with our plan.” Sterling said
decisively. “If we can get the core before the auction, we should be able to
escape in the ensuing confusion. If all of the Red Berets are based here, they
won’t be able to intercept us.”

   “You may be right, but what if they have more
forces outside the city?” Rora pointed out.

   “Voice.” Derek murmured. “Check for any anomalous
transmission activity.”

   “Yes, Major. Give me a minute.” The Voice said
calmly.

   “I don’t think it matters.” Sterling argued. “If we
do it right, no one will know it was us.”

   “There are numerous ultra-low frequency
transmissions from the outskirts of town, Major.” The Voice informed Derek.
“That same frequency is often used by the GIA to communicate. Most scanners
cannot pick it up, even if anyone is looking for it.”

   “How many?” Derek asked.

   “A lot. Possibly a dozen separate locations.” The
Voice told him. “And the satellites I can access are being blocked from viewing
this area.”

   “So there is likely a larger force outside the
city, just waiting for a signal.” Derek muttered. “Can you break into their
communications?”

   “No, unfortunately that is beyond my current
capabilities.” The Voice explained.

   “Guys, the Voice has notified me of multiple
communication sources outside the city similar to what the Red Berets use. I
suspect Sterling is correct, the U.S.T.G. is planning some sort of takeover.”
Derek told Rora and Sterling. “The people inside are just the tip of the
iceberg.”

   “I still say we go forward with the plan.” Sterling
insisted.

   “I don’t think we have a choice.” Derek said
resignedly. “Let’s go get a room.”

Downtown Wichita, Kansas

September 15, 2029

   Sterling’s solution to procuring transportation was
startling simple. After they had gone to a motel and rented a room, he had them
change into more formal attire. Then they simply approached one of the militia,
and Sterling in his guise as a rich buyer complained about their driver
abandoning them. The militiamen had panicked, worried they might have upset
such an important guest; and had called for a limo to pick them up.

   The back pack had contained everything they needed,
Sterling had certainly been prepared. A slinky evening dress for Rora appeared,
followed by a monkey suit for Derek, and a very expensive looking suit and
cowboy hat for Sterling. All of it fit perfectly and miraculously came out
unwrinkled. It concerned Derek slightly that Sterling knew his and Rora’s
measurements so perfectly, but the guy always seemed a step ahead somehow. It
was annoying.

   He had also provided fake documents that identified
them as Rand Reál, and his escort and bodyguard. Derek had been forced to leave
all of his weapons and gear in the room. Sterling had assured them the owner
was a friend and could be trusted. He further explained that this mission was
covert and if they were caught it wouldn’t matter where they left their gear.
The goal was to get in and get out without any fighting. Derek didn’t like
being without his weapons and gear but he understood what Sterling was saying.
He went along with it, albeit reluctantly.

   To his surprise, Rora had actually been excited by
the dress and was looking forward to the cocktail party. Sometimes he forgot
that she had been very sheltered, especially for the World After, and was too
young to have experienced life before the Collapse. Any hint of civilization
was enticing to her. Personally he preferred the rough and tumble of the
wasteland, but that wasn’t everyone’s jam.

   The limo took them through the city and into the
downtown. Most of it was dark, but the waterfront area was well lit and
well-dressed people strolled along the Riverwalk. Derek was unsure if this was
for show for the buyers or if this was normal for the elites in Wichita. Either
way, it made the city look like before the Collapse; like nothing had ever
happened. It was very off-putting.

   When they arrived at the entrance to Brightman’s
compound, fancily dressed doormen opened their doors and escorted them into the
lobby. The hotel was formerly the Hyatt Regency and had been the most expensive
hotel in the city. It occupied prime real estate on the Arkansas River and was
very opulently decorated. The only thing that ruined the illusion of
Pre-Collapse decadence were the armed guards.

   Sterling and Rora made quite an entrance. Sterling
was posing as a rich sheep baron from Western Florida and Rora was his newest
girlfriend. The other guests all eyed them jealously, but looked away when
Derek stared at them. Sterling had even provided real jewelry, or at least such
good fakes that Derek couldn’t tell the difference. Rora soaked up the
attention and even strutted slightly. Derek shook his head; it was amazing what
a little attention did for your ego.

   All three of them were taken aside and privately
searched. Derek had worn a Glock 22 in a shoulder holster, which was
confiscated. But they didn’t take his phone; he told them he was going to use
it to play games. Phones were a rarity since they didn’t work as phones
anymore. It had been a while since most people had seen a working phone and the
guards had been curious and forced him to show them the games. Finally
satisfied they had let him keep it.

   They missed the ceramic knife on his forearm and
they also missed the listening devices Sterling had cleverly concealed in the
lining of the jacket. They gave him a voucher for the gun and waved him inside.
After that, Derek was instructed to wait in the downstairs lounge with the
other bodyguards, while Sterling and Rora were escorted to the ballroom.

   This was all part of the plan and Derek strolled
into the bar. He would wait an hour before pulling a disappearing act and heading
to the upper floors. The lounge was still in excellent shape and several
bartenders poured drinks for bored bodyguards. Most of them were in ill-fitting
suits that made them look like hulking gorillas. Many looked like they had been
stuffed into the suits for the first time in their lives. Except for one man.

   “Derek Storm. As I live and breathe!” One of the
bodyguards exclaimed amiably.

   Uh oh. The plan hadn’t considered the possibility
that another bodyguard might actually know him. The man stood out amongst the
other bodyguards. He was well dressed in an expensive suit and he was much
leaner than the others. The Hispanic features, manicured hands, and neatly
trimmed mustachio led Derek to quickly recognize the other bodyguard as
Montoya. That was a surprise; he had figured the man long gone. The bounty
hunter must have gotten hired as a bodyguard on the off chance Derek would be
there.

   He had addressed Derek softly enough that no one
else had heard, and he hadn’t given Derek away yet. So he must still want to
cash in on the bounty. This could get interesting, but Derek had to play it
out. It was Montoya’s move.

   “Montoya.” Derek replied with false joy. “I thought
you would be long gone from here.”

   “And miss out on five million split only one way.”
Montoya said with a big smile. “I think not.”

   “Amazing how that much money helps people find
their courage.” Derek said insultingly.

   Montoya smiled. “You always had me all wrong. I’m
not a coward, I’m just prudent. No unnecessary risks.”

   “I think this might qualify as an unnecessary
risk.” Derek suggested firmly.

   “In this case, the risk is worth the reward.”
Montoya responded with a wink.

   “How do you see this going down?” Derek asked in a
low voice.

   “I suppose you won’t just come quietly, will you?”
Montoya asked jokingly. “No, well I’m sure I can convince you.”

   He made a gesture with his hand and several of the
goons at the bar got up and moved towards them. Apparently Montoya had hired
some additional muscle and paid some serious bribes to let this go down without
the guards intervening. Derek considered making a run for it, but he needed to
complete his mission. Plus he didn’t know if these guys were possibly armed or
how the guards would react to him running.

   So he allowed them to escort him through a back
door into a service hallway. It might actually work out in his favor. It
provided a great explanation for why he wasn’t in the bar anymore. Two of the
goons had a solid grip on his arms and had them bent behind him, while Montoya
and the other two walked behind him. He could tell they weren’t very
experienced in dealing with dangerous “victims” since their technique was
sloppy. They relied on brute force and that had always worked for them. Being
bigger and stronger than everyone else had made them lax.

   Obviously Montoya hadn’t told them anything about
him or they would have been more prepared for what happened next. But since he
didn’t want to share the full bounty he was probably paying these guys a small
amount for what they believed was a milk run. Derek proved them wrong by
suddenly flipping forward. They had been half dragging him, so when he stood up
and flipped, it caught them off guard.

   He landed with his arms now in front of him and
slammed a vicious elbow into the face of the surprised goon on his right
followed by another wicked elbow to the face of the equally surprised goon on
his left. Both men dropped to the ground clutching their shattered noses. The
other two hired thugs rushed him, but Derek lashed out with a front kick that
caught the gorilla on the right in the stomach and folded him like an
accordion.

   The other bounced a fist of Derek’s skull, but he
rolled with the punch and unleashed a counter with all of the weight of his
body behind it. The goon dropped backwards, unconscious and stiff as a board.
Derek didn’t hesitate and he grabbed the head of the man on his knees clutching
his stomach. A swift knee to the face left that goon unconscious as well. The
two with broken noses fled with their tails between their legs, leaving Derek
and Montoya alone in the hallway.

   “I’m not paying you!” Montoya called to backs of
the retreating thugs. “It’s so hard to find good help these days.”

   “I guess it’s just you and me.” Derek said with
glee as he shed his suit jacket.

   “Fortunately for me, I brought an equalizer.”
Montoya snarled as he drew out a hunting knife with brass knuckles for the hilt
and took up a fighting stance.

   “The bribe to get that in must have been
substantial.” Derek taunted. “But this one I got in for free.”

   As Derek pulled the ceramic knife from his wrist
sheath Montoya’s face got a little paler. But he knew it was too late to back
down now so with a look of grim determination on his face he launched himself
at Derek. Derek batted aside the first attack, but it was a feint and Montoya’s
knee caught him in the side. He had forgotten how good the suave bounty hunter
was with a knife.

   They squared off and circled each other, slashing
and probing with their knives, trying to find an opening. Each darted in and
scored minor cuts but it was becoming a battle of attrition and Derek didn’t
have the time. The longer it lasted the more confident Montoya became. He was
holding his own with the legendary Derek Storm, when most hadn’t lasted more
than a minute.

   They continued to trade blows, Montoya often
getting the better of the exchange. This was his forte, close in knife work and
he was very good at it. He sliced and slashed and buffeted Derek with knees and
kicks if Derek got too close, then dancing away. The bounty hunter never stayed
too long in one spot and made it very hard for Derek to hit him.

   Aware of his time constraints, Derek finally got
frustrated and deliberately left himself open to attack. Montoya took the bait
and stabbed him deep in the stomach. Derek twisted to prevent any vital organs
from being hit and then grabbed Montoya’s wrist. The bounty hunter grimaced in
pain as Derek squeezed, but didn’t let go. He launched a forearm at Derek’s
face, but Derek blocked it and responded with an forearm of his own. Montoya
was staggered but he still didn’t let go of the knife. In response the bounty
hunter twisted the knife, but Derek ignored the pain.

   “How are you not dead?” Montoya grunted; his face
contorted in pain.

   “I’m just special I guess.” Derek said, right
before he grabbed the back of the bounty hunters head and head butted him.

   Montoya collapsed to the ground unconscious and
Derek slowly pulled the knife out. He dropped it to the floor before searching
Montoya’s body. Not finding anything interesting, he snapped the man’s neck
before moving on. There was no time to move the bodies, but a few quick stab
wounds later and it looked like the goons and Montoya had killed each other.
Hopefully that would buy time once they were discovered.

   Derek stripped off his bloodied dress shirt and
grabbed his jacket off of the ground. Under the dress shirt and suit he had on
a black bodysuit with a pull up hood and face mask. But that would attract
attention if he was accosted on the way up, so he threw the bloody shirt in the
trash and pulled on the suit jacket. Carefully he made his way to the service
elevator, avoiding any guards. The Voice was emitting a jamming signal for the
cameras so he didn’t have to worry about them.

   An alert guard might notice that the cameras were
fuzzing out for a few seconds in sequence, but Derek doubted the guys Brightman
employed were that smart. They were apparently fairly corrupt if they allowed a
guest’s bodyguard to be kidnapped and for a stranger to bring a weapon inside
the hotel. He entered the elevator and popped the control panel loose. Normally
it required a key card to go up, but he plugged the Voice in and the elevator
started to rise.

   He was only going to the 10
^th
floor, even
though the target was the penthouse Brightman had built on the roof. Sterling
had identified a gap in the security. If Derek could get onto the roof, he could
enter the penthouse through a side door. The roof was guarded but only for
attack from above. They were prepared for airborne attacks but not someone
climbing the hotel. Not that they hadn’t planned for that, their plans were
just inadequate. There was a ledge someone could climb onto around the
sixteenth floor but it was covered in razor wire. However, the ledge didn’t run
along the far tower which enclosed the stairwell, leaving a break that someone
could exploit.

   That was really a backup since all the windows were
sealed shut. Another ring of barbed wire encircled the building between the first
and second floor and guards with dogs constantly patrolled at ground level.
Fortunately Sterling had identified a way to get outside the building above
that round of barbed wire. The elevator rose to the ninth floor and stopped,
but the doors didn’t open. Instead, Derek climbed up through the elevator’s
roof hatch and on top of the stopped elevator.

   Once up top he stripped off the suit jacket and
pants and placed them neatly on the roof of the elevator. Pulling the hood and
mask over his face he then jumped across a small gap to the service ladder and
climbed up to a ventilation shaft. Derek deftly removed the cover and squirmed
inside. It was a tight fit but he could manage. Since the shaft led to the
outside it had no sensors or any kind of security on it. He was able to reach
the outside cover and remove it too.