The Johnson Run

by Kai O'Connal

  Keandra was impressed. Hopefully she wouldn’t need to use it, but better to be prepared. “Not bad. You picked this up today?”

  “I found a guy, convinced him to part with some of his rare stock. Also got enough fireworks to bring the mountain down on the place if we don’t wanna take the quiet route. I think you know my vote.”

  E-jekt sighed, and Keandra got the impression they’d had this argument already. “I told you. That steel covering is designed to withstand an excessive amount of explosive force, far more than you could bring.”

  “I know. I meant once we’re inside. There’s more than one way to disable a console. I took the construction place offline, didn’t I?”

  E-jekt raised a hand, conceding the point.

  Keandra stepped in, hoping to appease both her teammates. “We’ll take some of them, but not all. We’re supposed to be auditors, not a military strike force. I’m pretty sure we can pass you and Lance off as a security detail. After all, we have left Sacramento and gone into the wilderness, and clearly E-jekt and I aren’t meant for the dangers of the road. But, I think they’ll pick up on something amiss if you walk in carrying an arsenal.”

  Paz grumbled and began sorting the explosives, dividing them into two separate piles. Keandra looked over at Lance; he offered a nod and a smirk, enough to let her know he was ready. The advantage of his specialty was that he traveled light, and was almost always prepared to jump into the fray.

  “If we have what we need, then I don’t see any reason why we should wait any longer. Every minute we sit here just gives Mr. Johnson more time to catch up with us. Let’s roll out tonight after sunset. That still gives you two a couple hours to finish your prep. Then we can drive out to the facility and start our ‘audit.’”

  Paz looked up from her sorting. “Just one question, boss. How’re we gonna get close? That SUV doesn’t exactly look the part.”

  E-jekt answered the question. “I didn’t mention? Our SUV is now registered as a government vehicle.”

  “How the frag did you manage that?”

  “I work magic—you should know that by now.”

  Keandra knew she could count on E-jekt to get the job done. He continued to exceed her high expectations. “Since we have that covered, will we be good to set out in a couple of hours?”

  When the others gave their assent, Keandra stretched out on the open bed, intending to review information about the permits associated with the facility. If she was going to pass herself off as an auditor, she needed to be knowledgeable. Something told her that the guards they were about to face would be more difficult to intimidate than the overnight shift working at a manufacturing facility in the middle of the Tir Tairngire wilderness. At least she now knew the name of the company that owned the facility: Crystal Techtronix.

  After about an hour, her head ached from digging through volumes of legalese. Copes of Tyler’s forms covered the latest policies and regulations, but it was like reading a different language. She pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to clear her mind.

  Lance handed her a cup of soykaf, the aroma helping to rejuvenate her. She took it and went back to her research, sipping as she learned about the exact depths that were acceptable for a foundation and the surveys required to be on file to guarantee the safety of any underground water supplies.

  When E-jekt and Paz had both finished their work and packed up, it was time to leave. Keandra closed her research, intending to continue it on the drive over. She’d have a couple more hours to prepare while Paz got them to the facility entrance. Keandra did one last inspection in the mirror, making sure she looked every bit the government professional.

  As they drove, Keandra kept reading. The final piece she was reviewing proved to be the most useful. E-jekt wrote a script to find a list of differences in the building codes over the last twenty years. While the original paperwork for the facility was acceptable, they would not pass modern requirements for a host of reasons. In most cases, buildings were grandfathered in until they decided to update their paperwork or needed to start additional construction projects. It would be a stretch, but it might give Keandra a plausible enough reason to demand an inspection tour of the structure.

  By the time they reached the facility, she finished a brief review of the materials. She was far from an expert, but she hoped she knew enough to pass herself as one. On the plus side, she could use her commlink as a notepad in this role without raising suspicion. She made sure the audio and video capabilities of her commlink were engaged.

  “Freyr, you reviewed all the materials for construction audits in this region?”

 

  “That’s fine. We’re in it now and it’s time to take the leap.”

  Keandra twisted around to check on her other companions. E-jekt looked determined, but he couldn’t stop fiddling with one of the small electronic boxes he’d been tinkering with back in the hotel room. His fingers trembled as he did so, but he showed no other signs of nervousness. Lance was the picture of calm stillness, only the corner of his mouth rising into a hint of a smile. As she turned back around, Keandra fiddled with her concealed holsters, looking in the mirror to make sure both her weapons couldn’t be seen without a thorough search.

  “Drive straight up to the gate,” Keandra ordered. “I want them to see us coming.”

  29

  The entrance to the facility looked unassuming. The landscape around the small, single-story building wasn’t marked or marred in any way. It seemed like nothing more than vast, empty scrubland leading up to the base of the mountains. No fence or markers indicated they trespassed on private property, and nothing gave any hint that anything was more than it seemed.

  The building itself was no bigger than a shack, and the walls looked hastily constructed. A small metal tower was attached to the back of the building with a couple of antennae flashing in the darkness. A narrow road barely wide enough for the SUV led up a slow incline to the front door. A single Jeep sat parked next to the side wall, closer to the mountain. At best, it looked like a getaway for one person to escape the hubbub of city life.

  Paz drove up the road, her taillights creating a red cloud behind them as the dry dust reflected the glow. When they stopped, small rocks crunched under their vehicle, pushing the cloud ahead of them. Keandra stepped out of the SUV, tasting the dust in the back of her throat. She covered her mouth and nose with her hand, but it was a futile effort.

  They walked up to the shack’s door, Keandra in the lead, with E-jekt close behind her. Paz and Lance brought up the rear, their weapons visible but holstered or sheathed. She opened the door and saw an ork woman behind a desk, sitting with her elbows propped on the table and staring at the door. A console sat behind her, the screen currently turned off.

  The ork looked at the newcomers with her eyebrows scrunched together. Keandra noticed how she looked them over completely, taking particular note of their weaponry. It was obvious she was trained, even though she was dressed to look disarming.

  “Who the fuck are you?”

  Keandra stepped forward and took a deep breath, pulling out her commlink and using it to display the credentials for their shell company. She also displayed AR versions of the forms she’d researched.

  “My name is Keandra Tiernay, and I and my associates represent the city of Sacramento. We are here to formally request a tour of your underground facility, to ensure that you are compliant with the necessary changes in permits 605-C and 4390.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What underground stuff? This is just a weather observatory. I’m just an intern.”

  “I’m sure you’re paid to say such things and to lend credence to
the illusion. However, I’m fully aware that this building houses the entrance to a facility currently owned by Crystal Techtronix. You can verify my credentials. You’ll find they are all in order. We will wait, but keep in mind that until the audit is complete, your organization may be found to be in noncompliance, which would result in a significant daily fine.”

  The ork looked at her, trying to read her physical cues. Keandra deliberately sighed, trying to look unimpressed and unconcerned with the scrutiny. As the woman continued staring at her, Keandra flipped through a document, ignoring the analysis.

  The ork reviewed the credentials Keandra had offered. After a minute, she twisted around to press a button on the console behind her. “There’s a local government rep up here. I think you should come talk to her.” She turned back to the group and offered a forced smile. “Someone will be up momentarily.”

  A loud alarm sounded in the room, blaring out twice before going blessedly silent. The sudden noise made the runners jump, but the ork seemed used to it. The ground rumbled under their feet, and Keandra had to steady herself as the floor beneath her shifted. An entire section of the floor shifted back with a heavy grinding sound, revealing a stairway descending into the darkness. The end of the tunnel lit up in a burst of white light as someone opened a door and began climbing the steps.

  The new arrival was an elf dressed in slacks and a collared shirt, his sleeves rolled back to his elbows. His stride was surprisingly heavy considering his light frame, and when he shook Keandra’s hand, the strength of his grip surprised her. He shook everyone’s hand in turn, a welcoming smile on his face the entire time.

  “Good evening, good evening. A pleasure to see you. My name is Dr. Goodman, and I’m the director of operations here. Is there something I can help you with?”

  Keandra nodded at him. “Thank you, Dr. Goodsman. It was a very long drive out here, and I appreciate being met with proper hospitality. I don’t suppose you have an office where we could sit and discuss things? There are some problems with some of your paperwork on record.”

  The elf’s brow furrowed. “That’s odd. I thought all our paperwork on file was up to date. You know we haven’t undergone any new construction in five years, yes?”

  “We’re aware of that. However, some policies have changed, and our company is responsible for running the backlogged audits. As such, we need to verify some older work orders, and make sure everything is up to the new codes and standards.”

  The doctor nodded noncommittally as Keandra spoke. After a moment, he shrugged and gestured for them to follow him back down the stairs. They had just passed through the doorway into the underground structure when the steel door rumbled closed overhead.

  The hallway on the other side of the door was as modern and clinical as the shack was old-fashioned and pedestrian. The stark white hallway was a little blinding after the darkness above. Bright lights ran in tracks along the edges where the walls met the ceiling. The tiled floor was so highly polished that it reflected the light above and seemed to glow. Keandra was painfully aware of her group tracking dirt and grime onto the clean surface.

  The doctor led them through a side door into a large office. The opposite wall had a panorama scene of a beach at sunset, and the room was filled with the sound of the dark waves lapping at the sand. A bird screeched, sounding as if it came from far over the ocean. The air here was cooler, and managed to carry a faint odor of salt. Keandra thought it might even have a bit of dampness to it. She sat down in front of his desk, while E-Jekt, Lance, and Paz took unobtrusive positions near the door.

  The doctor took his seat behind the desk. “Now, shall we get down to business?”

  Keandra nodded and pulled up the forms she had on easy recall. She pointed out sections as she spoke. “As you can see, we have two permits that have changed recently. If you aren’t familiar with these forms—and I don’t expect you to be—please feel free to review them now.”

  The doctor studied the AR forms, carefully reviewing them one page at a time. When he finished, he leaned back and laced his fingers behind his head. “I was under the impression that our connections would allow us a little bit of leniency in terms of being grandfathered in. Is that not the case anymore?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t comment on any prior arrangements you might’ve had.”

  “Perhaps a new arrangement can be reached.”

  “You’d need to discuss that with my superiors. I’m not authorized for that, and I’m afraid I can’t leave without conducting my survey.”

  “I see. You don’t seem to have left me with a choice.”

  He leaned forward and pressed a button on his desk, all the while displaying a smile so saccharine that it made Keandra’s skin crawl. Some part of her brain screamed to burst into action, but she tamped the impulse down. She’d played her hand well, and was convinced he believed her. It was clear he viewed her as a nuisance, but hopefully a necessary one.

  After a few tense moments, a dwarf opened the office door and walked into the room. Her boots clicked against the floor as she entered, disrupting the beach illusion despite the other environmental factors.

  “You wanted to see me, sir?”

  “Yes, Mel, thank you. Let me introduce you to Keandra Tiernay, our own personal auditor. You’re to give her a tour of the facility and provide her with anything she needs to complete a thorough report for her office.”

  “Everything?”

  Keandra noticed the surprised tone in the dwarf’s voice and her slightly raised eyebrows when she asked the question. Then again, being asked to divulge any level of corporate secrets would probably be surprising to a wage slave.

  “Yes.” Dr. Goodsman stood up and extended his hand to Keandra. She rose and shook it. He held onto her hand with a tight grip, tighter than she felt necessary for politeness.

  “It truly was a pleasure. I trust you’ll understand if I am too preoccupied to accompany you on your tour. Please feel free to ask Mel any questions you might have. While you compile your report, I’ll make sure to review your paperwork thoroughly.”

  “I appreciate your consideration.” It took all of Keandra’s willpower not to walk out of the office as fast as she could. She kept her pace steady as she followed Mel out and down the hall in the direction they’d come from.

  “So, what do you want to look at first?” the dwarf asked.

  “Before we start the tour, do you mind if I use the facilities? It was a long drive out here, and it’s becoming rather uncomfortable.”

  “Of course! Right this way.”

  Mel led them down a couple of turns until she brought them to the bathrooms. Keandra thanked her and went inside, checking to make sure it was completely empty. Once she was sure she had the room to herself, she entered a stall and closed the door. She pulled out her commlink and accessed their private network.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ’s up, boss. She’s coming in.>

  Keandra closed her commlink and shoved it in her pocket just as the door swung open. She left the stall and went to the sink to wash her hands as Mel poked her head into the room.

  “Just making sure everything’s okay. We’re right outside when you’re ready.”

  Mel stepped back out, and Keandra joined her, not wanting to make their escort any more suspicious than she already was. She was confident the doctor hadn’t picked Mel because of her helpful attitude.

  “I don’t know what area you want to look at first, but normally we start each tour with a walk around the cafeteria. The main cafeteria is on this floor, and it sees the most business by far.”

  Keandra stopped walking, remaining where she was until their dwarf escort was forced to turn around and look at her.

  “We’re not a group of interns here to be given a friendly tour. We’re sanctioned auditors, here to do our jobs. So if we can skip the pleasantries and the gloss you put on everything, that would be preferred. I don’t want to waste your time, and I certainly cannot afford to waste my own. I’m sure you understand.”

  “Right. Sorry about that. You just get into the groove of things and start rattling on about how things go. Kind of like following a script. Hopefully you won’t hold it against me.”

  The woman was stalling, and Keandra knew it. This was going to be an uphill battle to get what they needed on any reasonable timeline, and she didn’t have the luxury of being delicate or manipulating the situation to suit her needs. She needed a more direct approach.

  “To save time, I think we should split up. If you can lead us to an access tunnel, Paz here can inspect your fluid system while the rest of us check the rest of the facility.”

  “Uh, I’m not sure…I mean—” Mel hesitated and shifted her gaze.

  Keandra pressed, since she now had the woman off guard. “Unless, of course, there is a problem with efficiency. I am more than willing to bill the extra hours to Crystal Techtronix.”