Chapter Ten
Inside the massive underground cavern, numerous computers and high tech devices of all shapes and sizes outline most of the rocky walls. The center of this cavern is a 150 foot circular shaped lake connected to the outside ocean surrounding this remote island. Brick, with Chee-Chee on his shoulder, directs a group of uniformed soldiers where to put the stolen cargo containing the Shelto.
A dark menacing voice comes from above, “Over there will be fine." This voice would make most people tremble in fear, but everyone in this location seems to be accustomed to it. Without a hint of change in tone, the voice says, “Good job, Brick, The Imperial Chee-Chee, but what else should I expect from my two best creations?’’
The last part of this statement was not a compliment but a boast of his own personal achievement. Walking down a stairwell that was barely distinguishable from the outer wall, the man continues, “So, how did they take the news that all experiments would be here?”
Chee-Chee answers, “Just like the Imperial Chee-Chee thought they would. Idiots! But I got one of them good, right on the cheek.” Then the monkey DNA shines again as he starts laughing like a chimp. Brick smiles.
The Host, who’s now at the bottom of the stairwell, doesn’t react to the outburst. He says “Pity, they could have been useful. Oh well, fortunately for them, they must all die one day. Imperial Chee-Chee, entertain yourself. It’s time for Brick’s treatment.”
Chee-Chee and Brick both reply, “Yes, master.”
Chee-Chee dismounts and Brick heads toward a 10 foot high cylinder filled with a water like substance. This cylinder is connected to a nearby terminal by a series of wires and cords.
Archan and Cana approach a small remote island off the coast of McLaughlin City. Archan says, “So, this is the place huh?”
“I don’t know. You are the one with the device.”
“Yeah, yeah I know.” He checks the device once they land.
Cana says, “The Shelto is here.”
“How do you know? Let me guess, he told you right?”
“Correct.”
“Then why can’t I hear it?”
“Because you are not listening.”
Getting annoyed of Cana’s ever present attitude as Archan perceives it, “What?! Okay fine, shut up and give me a minute.”
Archan focuses, trying to block out all the noises of nature which sound so lively. He attributes this to the ring. Then he hears it, not a voice exactly, but a being that is very afraid. Before he has a chance to ask Cana, he answers, “That is the Shelto.”
“It sounds really scared.”
“Wouldn’t you be if you were hunted, taken from your home and stuffed inside a dark box being shipped to who knows where for who knows what?” says Cana in a tone Archan hasn’t heard him use before. It was somber, yet filled with emotion, human emotion. Cana notices his change of tone and goes back to his non-emotional tone, “WE need to act.”
“And later WE need to talk,” referring to something Archan can feel Cana is holding back.
“Acceptable. There should be a tunnel leading to the Shelto about 200 feet west behind some rocks and bushes.”
“How do you know that?”
“I asked some of the animals, but I must go now. We will be back shortly.” As Archan starts to ask, “Who? What?” Cana disappears.
“Oh well, that’s just great. Let’s just hope they aren’t expecting guests.”
Archan heads toward that location.
Sitting aboard the lead helicopter of seven total, sits Katsuya Jr. and Baino.
Baino asks, “And exactly why did you mention to him that you had a tracking device in the first place?”
Katsuya explains, “Because I needed to buy time for the pathetic and now replaced personal security team. But it doesn’t matter. This attack was planned, we’re just executing it a little early.”
Baino complains, “This attack was supposed to be led by your father, to ensure its success.”
“He’s away on business.”
“Yes, and would have been back in time to lead this attack, if you hadn’t messed up.”
Katsuya glared at Baino with a look that was trademarked by a Katsuya, it meant “Shut up while you’re ahead” but Baino wasn’t about to be intimidated by his best friend’s arrogant, egotistical son. Luckily, neither needed to flex any more muscle, verbally or physically, as the pilot announced they had arrived.
The island is a vibrant green lush of tropical foliage that was common for this area of the world. There was no sign of the helicopter taken which Katsuya deducted must be at the bottom of the ocean somewhere. After doing a brief sonar search of the surrounding area, it was located. Also, members of the tech team used some imaging devices to find the nearby tunnel leading downward toward a massive cavern. The armada landed as close to each other as possible because of the trees.
Katsuya figures this must be the way to The Host’s lair, but what he couldn’t figure out was why there was no sign of any kind of security. Maybe deeper in the tunnel there might be, but their arrival without a welcoming party of sorts made him uneasy. Jin-Jun instructs the tech team to get the EXO-5 ready.
While he gets fitted into the outfit, he ponders if the stranger from his office has made it here yet. And also this creepy Host guy, “Is he as arrogant as people think I am?” He hopes not because he feels every ounce of his arrogance is backed up, and the amount of “Arrogance” to steal from any mob family and not be worried about the price, worries Katsuya.