Octavia watched him leave, his bag of tools in one hand. It felt good to be helping again. She fired up the music system and celebrated getting the word out about the attack by playing her favorite heavy metal tune.
As the song ended, Jude poked his head through the door. “Try firing her up. I’ve rigged up a temporary fix. It should get us back to base. We can make the proper repairs then.”
Octavia hopped up from her seat and slid into the driver’s seat. She pumped the gas and turned the engine. It coughed a few times before dying.
“Give me a minute,” shouted Jude. “There’s something loose rattling around in here.”
“Almost everything is loose in there,” muttered Octavia.
“Okay, try again.”
She turned the key. After a few bone-racking shudders, the engine woke up. Octavia grinned and slapped her hands against the steering wheel. “You got her working!”
“Only just.” Jude opened the door, climbed into the passenger seat, and sat his tools by his feet. “This will get us to base.”
“That’s all we need.”
“I’ll cloak the vehicle again before we move,” said Jude.
“Heads up, people.” It was Lincoln through the open comms link. “I’m at the vaccine plant. I’m sending images. You will want to check this out.”
Octavia glanced at Jude. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“Have you got a port screen in here?”
“Yes. It’s in the back.”
Jude climbed from his seat, grabbed the port screen, and returned. He opened the link Lincoln had sent through. “Holy shit, it’s enormous.”
Octavia’s eyes widened as she saw the vast, slate-gray building. “It looks more like a fortress than a factory.”
“Maybe it used to be,” said Jude. “They’d need a place that is secure, given what they’re doing.”
“We’ll need a hell of a lot of firepower to bring this place down,” said Lincoln. “I’ve just done a sweep over the site in the copter.”
“Arlo will have a stash of bombs,” said Jude.
“Even this place might defeat Arlo and his bombs,” said Lincoln.
Worry gnawed at Octavia’s gut. When she’d sent out that call for help, she hadn’t expected her friends to be facing off against something like this. She hated dragging others into something so dangerous. But without them, they wouldn’t succeed.
“We need someone from our side to coordinate this attack.” Heath came on the comms channel. “Tobias is working with Hive Two, not far from the vaccine plant. He’ll help. This is his speciality.”
A startled yell shot through the comms line, followed by the sound of an explosion.
Octavia stared at Jude. “Who was that?”
“Fuck! I’m under attack,” yelled Lincoln. “The damn copter’s been hit.”
“Where are you?” asked Heath. “Can you land safely?”
“Give me a...” Lincoln’s comm died.
“Dammit, Lincoln!” said Jude. “What’s going on? Report back.”
There was no reply. Lincoln had vanished.
Chapter 18
“Respond! Lincoln, give us an update.” Terror gripped Jude as he tried to reach Lincoln.
“I’m sending in the team from Hive Two.” Heath’s voice was tight with tension. “They’re closest to the zone Lincoln was flying over.”
“I’m with them,” said Tobias. “We’ll be at Lincoln’s last known location in twenty minutes.”
“We need to get there too.” Jude looked at Octavia. “I can’t leave him out there on his own.”
Octavia looked over her shoulder at the comms equipment. “If I leave the van, I won’t be able to check in with my contacts. We won’t know who’s available to help us.”
Jude sucked in a breath. “Fine. We’ll take the van.”
“You said it wouldn’t hold together.”
“It has to. Let me drive.”
Octavia slid from her seat without protest.
Jude gritted his teeth as he felt the engine rumble. He sent a silent prayer to any god who might still be listening, willing Lincoln to be okay. He was always so cocksure, the fly boy who never lost. This couldn’t be how it ended for him.
Octavia’s hand rested on his. “Take the bike. You can get there faster. You’ll be able to use shortcuts that the van won’t be able to squeeze through.”
Jude shook his head as he drove. “I’m not leaving you on your own.”
“I’ll keep the Invis Tech on. No one will find me.” Her grip tightened on his hand. “You need to get to Lincoln.”
Indecision tore at him. A big part of Jude needed to keep her safe, but what about Lincoln? He was in trouble. He needed help.
“Go. Lincoln needs you. I’ll follow right behind you. I’ll keep listening to the comms channels, and will keep a tally of who can offer us help. By the time I get to you, I’ll know who can help. Then Tobias can coordinate everything else.”
Jude hated to leave her, but Octavia was making sense. “Don’t you dare do anything reckless. Don’t push this piece of tin too fast. The engine could blow. Then you’d be stranded.”
“I’ve never pushed this van,” said Octavia. “I know her limits. It’s why she’s been going for so long.”
Jude stopped the van. He grabbed Octavia and kissed her, wanting her taste in his mouth before he left. It would be a reminder of what he needed to come back for.
She kissed him back just as fiercely, her arms wrapping around his neck as they clung to each other. She pulled back, her breathing ragged. “Get out of here before you make me regret letting you go.”
He flashed her a smile. Jude grabbed the bike and rolled it out of the van onto the dark, damp road. He looked back to see Octavia in the doorway, concern in her eyes. “Stay safe, beautiful.” He kicked off and slammed the bike into action, speeding away from Octavia.
The helmet comms link he wore activated. “Jude, what’s your situation?”
“I’m back on the bike,” said Jude. “On my way to Lincoln’s last known location. Octavia is following in the van.”
“Has there been any responses to the message sent out?” asked Heath.
“Not yet.” Octavia came on the comms link. “People will come forward.”
“Is there any news on Lincoln?” asked Jude.
“Not since his last comm,” said Heath.
“We’ll get him,” said Jude. “He will be fine.” He had to be. Jude would not lose a brother. Not ever.
THE HAPPINESS OCTAVIA felt was smashed to pieces. She couldn’t stop replaying the look of horror on Jude’s face when he’d heard that cry from Lincoln, and then the sickening radio silence.
What if they couldn’t stop the State? Jude’s brother could be dead, the population would be poisoned, and the resistance movement shattered. Everything they’d been working so hard for could be gone.
Sitting in the driver’s seat of the van, one eye on the responses to the message she’d sent and an earbud in as she listened to the link to the bunker and everyone in the field, Octavia’s nerves were frayed.
She sucked in deep breaths. This had to work. There was no way in hell they would let the State do this.
She’d plugged her keyboard in next to her, balancing it on the passenger seat, before driving after Jude. Her fingers skimmed over the keys, touch typing a new message.
Don’t let me down, everyone. This mass vaccination has to be stopped.
A message flashed on the screen. She clicked it open. Her heart raced as she read it.
Flame, the militia are on the move. Heading to the location you’re planning to destroy.
She recognized the messenger’s name. It was Mad Dog. He was a regular listener and often sent hints about what the State were doing.
She typed back. How many?
Fifty. Maybe more. All armed.
Can you help?
I’m on my way, hot lips.
Octavia smiled. He always called her tha
t. Stay safe, Mad Dog.
You too. Looking forward to meeting you and kicking butt.
Octavia focused on the road. Several burned-out cars partially blocked the way, forcing her to slow.
Jude would be halfway to Lincoln’s last known location. He must be frantic with worry. She wanted to be with him, but letting him go had been the right thing to do.
“Jude, how’s it going out there?”
“So far so good,” replied Jude, the tension clear in his voice. “The roads are quiet.”
“I’ve had word militia are moving to the vaccine plant,” said Octavia. “Everyone needs to be careful.”
Jude cursed. “Heath, did you get that?”
“Affirmative,” said Heath. “We’re monitoring their movements. They’re a good half hour away.”
“You still want us to do this?” asked Jude.
“We have to,” said Octavia. “We can’t let the State keep this place open.”
“I agree,” said Heath. “Both of you get as close as you can. See what the situation is. Octavia, how’s the recruitment drive going?”
Octavia glanced at the message box. “It’s slow going. People are reluctant to do this. We’re asking them to put their lives on the line.”
“It’s nothing less than we do every day,” said Tobias. “We’re ten minutes from Lincoln’s location. We’ll let you know what we find.”
Octavia nodded, her hands tight on the steering wheel as she left the main road and drew closer to the plant. Despite the fear running through her veins, it felt good to get involved and make a difference, she’d missed that. In her former life, she’d worked in the shadows. Life as an undercover agent meant keeping everything discreet, no matter what she did. Now, Octavia was exposed and vulnerable. She was hiding nothing. She felt alive.
A message pinged in. Octavia smiled as she opened it. It was from Hell Cat.
I’m close by. If you need a hand, I’m happy to help.
Hell Cat was a crazy, balls-to-the-wall kind of woman. She lived on the edge, risked her life most days from all accounts, and then laughed about it while drinking beer and chatting online. They’d never met, but Octavia considered her one of her closest friends.
You’re just the kind of help we need. What ammunition have you got?
I come fully loaded, replied Hell Cat. I’ve got bombs if you need them. I’ve even got a rocket launcher. Only one rocket, though.
Meet me at the coordinates I sent you, replied Octavia. We’ve got someone coordinating the attack. We’re only getting one shot at this.
You sure you don’t want me to take them on my own? The message ended with a smiley face.
Even you might need a little help this time.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Octavia nodded. So was she. Hell Cat had been her constant online companion ever since the State had arrived. She felt strangely nervous at the thought of them meeting. This felt so damn real.
Two more messages pinged in over the next fifteen minutes. More people, all wanting to help.
She sent replies, checking they knew where to meet. Hope trickled through her as she did so. This could just work. With enough people attacking the site at once, they could bring it down. They could beat the State.
“Heath, we’ve got four people willing to help,” said Octavia.
“Excellent work,” said Heath. “What’s your ETA at the site?”
“I’m fifteen minutes away.” Octavia resisted the urge to push the van. If it broke now, she was screwed.
“Jude, how about you?” asked Heath.
“I’m almost there,” said Jude. “I can see a fire. It might be Lincoln’s copter.”
Octavia’s gut clenched. Few people walked away from a copter crash.
“We’re almost there, as well,” said Tobias. “We see the fire. Jude, we’ll meet you there.”
“Will do,” said Jude.
The road Octavia drove along became increasingly bumpy. She slowed the vehicle and drove around the worst of the holes, not wanting to break anything on the already distressed van.
“Come on, baby,” she coaxed. “Not much farther now. You get me there and I’ll give you a full refit. Just keep going. I need you for a little bit longer.”
The last ten minutes of the journey felt like an hour. Octavia’s window was down, and, as she got to within half a mile of the site, she picked up the smell of burning. That must be Lincoln’s copter.
Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel. Jude would be devastated if anything had happened to his brother. She wanted to be with him, offering comfort, letting him know everything would work out.
“What’s going on?” asked Heath.
“He’s here!” said Jude. “We’ve got him.”
“Is he okay?” asked Octavia, almost afraid to ask the question.
“He’s been better.”
“You can bet your ass I’ve been better.” Lincoln’s voice sounded over the comms. “Those damn bastards shot me out of the sky. That was my favorite copter.”
A gasp of relief shot out of Octavia. So long as Lincoln was cursing, she knew he’d be okay.
“Get to a safe location,” ordered Heath. “You’re too exposed out there.”
“We’re on it,” said Jude.
Octavia slowed as she rounded the corner. Up ahead was the looming gray vaccine plant. She inched the van as close as she could before shutting off the engine. Octavia turned to her port screen and began typing. How’s everyone doing out there? Are you still able to join us?
I’ll be with you in two shakes of a kitten’s tail, replied Hell Cat.
We’re not far behind, said the Gray Fairy. I’m with Ozone.
Octavia was glad to have them both along for the ride. Gray Fairy often talked about her time in the military. She’d be a huge asset. Ozone was more reserved, but from the way she talked, she’d served in the Forces.
I’m five minutes out, responded Mad Dog.
It sounds hot out there, said Hell Cat. My kind of fight.
Stay safe, replied Octavia. I’ll see you all soon.
Looking forward to it, gorgeous.
Octavia loaded a music file. That would keep the listeners entertained while she was helping to smash the hell out of this site. She patted the van door as she closed it behind her. “You stay safe as well, old girl. You’ve done me proud.”
She ran through the darkness, getting closer to the building. Octavia could smell the acrid smoke in the air from where the copter had been shot down. She kept to the shadows and away from the flames of the wreckage, skirting the building and keeping a close eye out for any guards or patrols.
She passed through a row of trees, slowing as she heard movement. A smile slid across her lips. She saw Jude. He was with Lincoln and Tobias.
“I’m approaching now,” she said through the comm link.
Jude’s head shot up and he looked around. His gaze locked onto her. She saw his shoulders slide down. She felt the same. She hated not being near him when they were in so much danger. She couldn’t look out for him when they were apart.
He pulled her into a swift embrace before stepping back. “Everything okay?”
“I’m fine. I got as close as I could and then left the van.”
“Good idea.” Jude kneeled next to Lincoln, who was laid out on the ground.
“How you doing?” asked Octavia, noting the soot on his face and blood on his hands.
“Nothing a couple of weeks lying flat on my back and being pampered won’t cure.”
“I’ll see if we can arrange that for you.” She placed a hand on Jude’s shoulder. He must be as worried as hell about Lincoln. You didn’t slam a copter into the ground and walk away without a few serious injuries.
Three guys Octavia had never met before stood close by. They were all tall and muscular, wearing pulse protection vests and carrying pulse lasers.
She caught the eye of the tallest guy, and he nodded at her.
“I
’m Colton. This is Evan and Holden. We run Hive Two.”
Octavia nodded. “Good to meet you all. Thanks for lending a hand.”
“It’s what we do best,” said Colton. “That’s when we’re not covering people’s butts. You lot sure like getting yourselves into some interesting situations.”
“It’s what we do best.” Jude’s attention remained on Lincoln.
Tobias handed him a medical kit. “There are dragon serum syringes in here. Sophia sent them to the hives just last month.”
Jude nodded thanks. He pulled open the bag and pulled out a syringe. “This won’t get you on your feet straightaway, but will get rid of some of the pain.”
“I told you, I’ll be fine.” Lincoln hissed in pain as Jude prodded his side. “But I wouldn’t mind pain relief.”
“This shit is so much better than pain relief,” said Jude.
“No kidding. Give me that, and I’ll be able to take on everyone inside that building single-handed.”
“No chance. You’re staying right here.” Jude injected the serum into Lincoln’s arm. “You won’t be able to go anywhere with a broken arm and concussion.”
“I’m only seeing double half the time,” said Lincoln. “It’s a bonus. I’ll shoot twice and hit the real target. Maybe take a few more down on my way.”
“No fighting and no shooting,” said Jude.
“You want me to stay out of the fight?” Lincoln scowled. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“The fun is that I get to keep my brother alive.” Jude nudged Lincoln’s shoulder. “Stay there. Don’t move.”
“Yes, boss.” Lincoln shook his head. “Is he this bossy with you?” he asked Octavia.
“He has his moments.” She scanned their surroundings. “The others will join us in a few moments.”
“Who’s coming?” asked Jude.
“Mad Dog, Ozone, Hell Cat, and Gray Fairy.”
“I bet they loved their mothers for giving than those names,” said Lincoln.
“Very cute,” said Octavia. “They’re radio handles. I’ve no clue what their real names are.”
“This must be your crew now.” Jude pointed his gun at the shadows.
Octavia watched as a tall, Amazonian-built woman with jet-black hair tied off her face stepped into view. She had a gun by her side as she strode toward them.
Jude (sci-fi romance - The Ember Quest Book 5) Page 18