are also seated. The screen behind Radcliff shows a diagram of the archeology lab, the entrance to the pits, and the corridor that runs parallel to Pits 1 to 4.
We settle into the empty chairs. I choose the one next to Beau. He grins at me.
Radcliff’s gaze scans the room, ensuring we’re all paying attention. “Drs. Carson and Zhang have built a sensor that we need to install in Pit 1.” He pauses as if expecting resistance. When no one speaks, he continues. “Here’s how it’s going down. Officers Keir, Dorey, Rance, and Radcliff will move in step and set floodlights in an arc, creating a perimeter of light around the work area.”
A curved line appears on the diagram. It balloons out from the entrance to the lab and stops just inside Pit 1. It’s egg-shaped. Fancy.
“The floodlights in the lab will be aimed at the corridor between the pit and the lab,” Radcliff says. “Drs. Carson and Zhang will install the sensor and activate it. Once they return to the lab, the officers will back out of the pit in step.” The balloon deflates. “When all personnel are in the lab, the doors will be secured. Officer Morgan and I will be on stand-by in the lab. Junior Officer Lawrence will be our spotter. If she sees a HoLF, those in the pits will retreat A-sap. Any questions?”
“When is the operation, sir?” Bendix asks.
“2522:204 at oh-one-hundred.”
Rance frowns at me because I’m the reason we’re going in an hour after midnight—so no one will see me. I ignore him. The fluttering in my stomach has me quite distracted. Not tonight, but tomorrow night, we’re really going to open the doors to the pits, putting the nine of us in danger. Or more if the shadow-blobs escape into the rest of the base.
“How will we know if the sensor is working?” Beau asks.
“Bertie and I will have a portable with us. As soon as the signal is acquired, we can leave,” Yenay says.
“How long will it take to get the signal?” Rance asks.
“Seconds after it’s turned on.”
“This op should be quick,” Morgan says. “We get in and we get out in less than five minutes.”
“What about the laser weapons? How can we aim at the hostiles if we can’t see them?” Rance asks.
“Lawrence,” Radcliff says.
“If the HoLFs attack, I will mark their locations for you,” I say.
Another frown. Rance is clearly not happy to be part of this mission. Unlike the excursion to Pit 21, Radcliff didn’t ask for volunteers.
“Any more questions?” Radcliff asks.
Nothing but a tense silence, which Beau breaks by asking, “Can we call ourselves the shadow team?”
Groans and sighs.
“Any more legitimate questions?” A beat. “All right, you’re dismissed. Back to work.”
Everyone gets up and we file out. When Beau passes me, I grab his arm, stopping him. “I think the shadow team is a cool name.”
“Thanks, partner.” He gives me a quick one arm sideways hug.
It’s just to annoy Niall, who’s right behind us. My back warms with the glower I’m sure is on Niall’s face.
The last time I wiggled into my form-fitting security jumpsuit, I’d been Jarren’s prisoner. Then I’d tossed my clothes over the garment to conceal it, which ended up saving my life. This time, I’m not as stressed or sweaty. The stretchy black fabric is like a second skin and leaves nothing to the imagination. It resists punctures and cuts, but isn’t impenetrable.
I rub the scar over my left hip and wonder if the material is strong enough to block the shadow-blobs’ sharp appendages. No. It won’t come to that. I finish dressing and secure the belt, sliding my pulse gun into its holster. Its weight on my right hip balances out the more important weapon for this mission—the laser. I also have a flashlight just in case and an extra power pack.
Dimming down the lights in my room, I click the laser on. The thin red beam slices through the darkness. Nice. After lacing on my black boots, I’m ready.
Both Radcliffs are waiting for me in the living area. Also clad in the combat jumpsuits and sporting that confident ready-for-anything demeanor. When Niall turns to follow his father from the unit, I take a moment to appreciate the view. Oh come on, you’d do it too. He has a fine muscular…er…back.
We meet up with Beau and Elese in Radcliff’s office.
“Where are Officers Morgan and Rance?” Elese asks.
“Already in the lab on guard duty,” Radcliff says. “When we leave security, the four of us