No. 139

“Evacuate. Code 40. Evacuate. Code 40. Evacuate,” the synthesized electronic voice repeated.

“Come on, we have to go now!” Sergeant Evan Gamble told the scientists working in the vault.

“No. We stay, Sergeant,” said Colonel Tooms, who arrived at that moment through the heavy doors. “Code 40 is everyone out but special projects. Put on the suit and get to your station.”

“Yes, sir!” Gamble accepted.

“Look at it this way, Sergeant, if this really is a 40 then we’re dead already,” laughed Tooms grimly.

Another muffled explosion shook the complex. A shrill alarm started, adding to the continuing computer announcement and the shouts of the workers.

“That was near the cages,” said Gamble. He looked towards the sound, as if he could see through the solid concrete and steel walls.

The lab was almost empty, now. Only a handful of staff remained. All were wearing head-to-toe protective jumpsuits with masks and air tanks.

The noise cut off suddenly, which Gamble appreciated, but so did the lights. Everyone stood quietly in the eerie yellow flashing of the emergency lamps.

The Colonel studied the special projects team closely. Then he stepped forward and removed his headgear. He waited a moment to make sure that he had everybody’s attention and then he began to speak.

“Now that I have you all to myself, I have a very important proposition for you.”

The others were silent, waiting for him to continue. He smiled in a way none of them had seen before, and then he pulled out a pistol.

“If you’d like to live, you’ll do exactly as I say for the next few hours. You are now my hostages.”