Chapter 82: Night Raid - Part 1
It was a rainy night in Northern France, south of Lille. Hunter-3-2, operator of Omega-5 "The Jewelers," sat fully equipped in the back of an unmarked van. He was surrounded by seven other Omega-5 operators. Hunter-3-1 held a map and began to speak: "Listen up, we've had multiple briefings already, but I prefer to give one last rundown just in case. Based on the intel, SAPPHIRE is preparing terrorist attacks across France to target the religious celebration of Eid al-Adha. We were specifically created to handle these SAPPHIRE bastards, and there's no way we're letting them succeed in their mission."
He continued, "For this mission, we're reinforced by MTF Xi-13 'Sequeres Nos.' After several well-conducted investigations by field agents, we discovered that the Arios Laboratories serve as SAPPHIRE strongholds in Northern France. Xi-13 will handle the first lab located in the eastern outskirts of Lille near Hellemmes station."
"For the second lab, which is also the largest, we'll be handling it ourselves. We're divided into teams 1 through 4, and we're designated as Team 3.
Team 1, lead by our commander, will enter from the north of the complex through the truck loading area and secure the Alpha zone.
Team 2 will enter from the west via a garbage disposal area; they will sweep and eliminate any threats in the Beta zone.
Our team will directly penetrate the complex from the main entrance on the south side. We'll secure the Charlie buildings and then move on to the Delta zone to support Team 4.
Finally, Team 4 will also enter from the north, but they'll come in through a secondary parking area and secure the Delta zone."
Hunter-3-1 continued: "According to our intel, there are over a hundred armed guards inside this complex. Our rules of engagement are clear, eliminate all armed personnel discreetly. We only take the researchers as prisoners." Hunter-3-2 and the rest nodded in agreement. Suddenly, the driver's voice came through: "We're nearing the target. Three minutes before drop-off."
The operators remained silent, lowering and activating their night-vision goggles. Hunter-3-2 glanced down at his Gilboa Snake rifle, a rare assault rifle with double magazines and barrels, allowing it to fire twice the rounds of a standard rifle. He examined the attachments on his barrels, while his teammate on the right, Hunter-3-6, commented: "Exclusive Foundation sound suppressor made by ours nerds of the Scientific Department accompanied with subsonic rounds. You'll only hear a soft 'plop' thanks to these two components, though the damage is slightly reduced compared to standard rounds."
Hunter-3-2 noticed Hunter-3-7 gripping a cross in his hand, praying quietly.
Suddenly, the van came to a stop, and the driver called out, "Go." Hunter-3-1 slid the right door open and jumped out, followed quickly by the rest of the squad. Hunter-3-2 took a quick look around, realizing they were in a field. With a hand signal from 3-1, they all dropped to the ground in unison, lying low to avoid detection.
Hunter-3-1 whispered into his radio, "Target at 10 o'clock. We move in quietly. Go."
The team veered off the road, slipping into the field under the cover of night. They moved efficiently through the tall, rain-soaked grass, their footsteps blending with the sounds of the storm. Within minutes, they arrived at the perimeter fence. Without a word, they scaled it, one by one, landing softly on the other side.
A voice crackled in the radio, "Guard post in sight, three confirmed hostiles. Two unidentified figures in the parking lot."
Hunter-3-1 responded in a low tone, "Two, Seven, Eight, you're on the guard post. Neutralize them. The rest of us will bypass and move toward Building Charlie."
Turning to Hunter-3-2, he added, "You're in charge. Take Seven and Eight, circle around Charlie, and breach from the other side."
Hunter-3-2 acknowledged, "Copy that, on it." He glanced at his teammates, and they gave a firm nod in return.
With that, the three operators broke off from the main group, advancing toward the guard post under the dim light of the overcast sky, their rifles poised for silent engagement.
The three operators advanced toward the guard post, their movements fluid and synchronized, the sound of their footsteps masked by the rain. Hunter-3-2 led them, his back pressed against the cold concrete wall of the post, signaling the others with a raised fist to stop. He took a quick glance around the corner, spotting the first guard who was lingering just outside the post, fumbling in his pocket for a cigarette.
Hunter-3-2 motioned with two fingers to the others, Hunter-3-7 and Hunter-3-8, to follow his lead. They positioned themselves silently, each taking their places around the post. The rain pattered against their gear, further masking their approach.
The guard finally lit his cigarette, the brief flare of the lighter's flame revealing a tired face under his hood. He took a drag, oblivious to the shadow that loomed closer behind him. Hunter-3-2 made his move. With swift, practiced precision, he lunged forward, one arm wrapping around the guard's throat while the other drove his knife into the base of the guard's skull. The body jerked once, the cigarette falling to the wet ground, before crumpling silently into Hunter-3-2's arms.
They dragged the body away into the shadows, carefully laying it down to avoid detection. The second target was inside, sitting at the small desk, distracted by a radio. Hunter-3-7 and Hunter-3-8 exchanged a glance. Hunter-3-7 made a quiet hand signal, a countdown. Three, two, one. He breached the door, the knife already in hand, and within a heartbeat, he was behind the second guard. One quick, fluid motion, a hand over the guard's mouth, a blade slicing across the throat, ended the threat. The guard gasped for air, but no sound escaped as Hunter-3-7 gently lowered him to the floor, blood pooling around the chair legs.
The third guard was at the far end of the room, leaning lazily against a wall. His back was to them. Hunter-3-8 moved swiftly but with care, closing the distance in just a few quiet strides. He raised his blade and drove it into the guard's side, puncturing his lung before pulling him back into the shadows. The man struggled, but his attempts to cry out were muffled by Hunter-3-8's grip. Moments later, he was motionless.
All three guards were neutralized. Not a sound, not a single alarm had been triggered. The operators exchanged nods, their work quick and efficient. Hunter-3-2 whispered into the radio, "Post secure. No alert given."
The team regrouped outside, ready to continue their infiltration deeper into the complex.
The team, still crouched low, began their trot toward the white building. Hunter-3-2 led the way, moving quickly along the wall's edge, careful to stay in the shadows. When they neared an open window, the faint glow of an interior light spilled onto the wet grass. The three operators froze, positioning themselves under the window. Muffled voices drifted through the open gap.
"How are the chemical weapons tests on those lesser apes going?" one guard's voice asked with cruel amusement.
Another replied with grim efficiency, "They've already started the tests on a few of them. Tonight, they'll begin on the children of those lower, lesser minds."
A third voice, cold and methodical, added, "Poor children, poisoned from birth by those false beliefs. But we'll end their suffering soon, and their sacrifice will help build a better world."
Hunter-3-2 felt a wave of disgust but stayed focused. He exchanged silent, tense glances with his comrades, Hunter-3-7 and Hunter-3-8. Without a word, they moved away from the window, keeping their steps light and deliberate, their mission growing darker with the new revelations.
Once they were clear, Hunter-3-2 activated his radio, keeping his voice low but urgent. "All Hunters, this is Hunter-3-2. I've confirmed the presence of chemical weapons and hostages, including children."
A brief silence, then Hunter-1-1's voice crackled through the line, "Hunter-3-2, confirm your message."
Hunter-3-2 repeated, "Confirmed. I overheard guards discussing both weapons and children hostages."
There was a tense pause before the radio burst with new instructions. "All Hunters, proceed with the assumption of chemical weapons and children present. Accelerate the infiltration. Equip gas masks immediately."
A series of acknowledgments followed, crisp and professional. Hunter-3-2 nodded to his teammates. In perfect synchrony, they pulled out their gas masks and secured them over their faces, knowing the stakes had just escalated.
The team double-checked their gas masks, ensuring every seal was airtight, pressing the edges to make sure there were no air leaks. Each operator glanced at one another, their eyes reflecting determination through the narrow eye slots. Satisfied that the masks were secure, Hunter-3-2 received nods of confirmation from Hunter-3-7 and Hunter-3-8. It was time to proceed.
They continued their cautious advance, moving soundlessly along the side of the building. The rain still poured down, masking their footsteps against the wet earth. Finally, they reached the opposite side of the structure, arriving at a set of glass doors. The faint glow from the interior spilled through, casting shadows across their positions.
Hunter-3-7, without a word, reached into his tactical vest and pulled out a small, square device. He attached it to the door's scanner. The device hummed softly as it began to work, and Hunter-3-7 pulled out his secure phone, connecting it to the device with a quick, practiced motion. His fingers flew over the screen, inputting commands, bypassing security protocols with ease.
After several tense seconds, the scanner emitted a faint beep. Hunter-3-7 glanced up, a smirk barely visible under his mask. "Sesame, open," he whispered, and with a barely audible click, the door unlocked.
The three operators exchanged looks, weapons drawn, ready to breach. The next phase of their mission awaited beyond those glass doors.
Hunter-3-2 pressed his radio and whispered, "Hunter-3-2 to Hunter-3-1. We're going in." The response came almost immediately, crisp and controlled: "Copy that."
They opened the door slowly, slipping inside a sterile, dimly lit reception area. The rain tapping against the windows outside provided a soft, ambient noise that merged with the hum of machinery and the faint ticking of an overhead clock. The three operators moved as shadows, gliding past the unattended reception desk where a detailed floor plan of the building was posted.
Hunter-3-2 scanned the plan quickly, noting key points, then signaled for his team to move left. Passing through the doorway into a narrow corridor, they immediately spotted two guards ahead, their backs turned as they patrolled the hallway. Hunter-3-2 quickly assessed the situation, then pointed toward Hunter-3-8, signaling the guard on the left. Hunter-3-8 gave a quick, affirmative hand signal, lifting his suppressed weapon into position.
There was a moment of stillness. Then—Plop, plop—the sound of subsonic rounds breaking the silence, muted yet deadly. Two neat shots, two bodies slumping silently to the floor. The guards never had a chance to react. Clean, efficient, and quiet.
As the door directly in front of them suddenly opened, a guard stepped out, locking eyes with the team for a split second. His expression quickly shifted from confusion to alarm, but before he could react, a blade appeared behind him, slicing across his throat. A gloved hand covered his mouth to silence any possible cry. The operator who executed him carefully lowered the body to the ground, blood pooling silently around it. Hunter-3-2 nodded in acknowledgment to the silent assassin.
The operator raised his arm, signaling the remaining three members of the team to move forward. They cautiously approached the door, light spilling out from underneath. The rest of Team 3 had already positioned themselves around the entrance, ready for a breach. One of them, without hesitation, kicked the door with precision, striking the lock. The door burst open instantly.
In a fluid motion, the operators stormed the room. Inside, six guards were caught off guard, relaxing alongside a few researchers. The guards barely had time to reach for their weapons before the operators fired, Plop plop plop. In seconds, the guards were down, executed with the same ruthless efficiency as before.
With the situation under control, the team quickly tackled the researchers to the floor, securing their wrists with zip-tie handcuffs. They dragged the restrained prisoners to one corner of the room, ensuring there would be no further resistance before proceeding with the rest of their mission. The air was thick with tension, but the silence of the operation remained unbroken.
Hunter-3-1 approached the terrified researchers, his cold, calculated gaze sending chills down their spines. His voice came out with icy detachment as he said, "We're going to play a little game. I'll ask the questions, and you'll give me answers. The rules are simple, understood?"
The researchers, tears streaming down their faces, nodded in frantic agreement. One of them, attempting to maintain composure, stammered, "It's… it's just a biological research center. Nothing more."
Hunter-3-1 sighed, seemingly disappointed, and without hesitation, raised his pistol. A soft plop echoed as he shot the researcher in the head. The body slumped to the floor, lifeless, in front of the remaining scientists who shrank back in horror, shaking violently.
"Ah, see," Hunter-3-1 remarked with chilling nonchalance. "He didn't follow the rules. Anyone else want to share his fate, or are you ready to cooperate?"
One of the surviving researchers, trembling uncontrollably, quickly spoke up, "Alright, alright! I'll talk! Please… just don't kill me." He swallowed hard and continued, "Arios Labs is just a front. The real base is in an underground facility where we conduct our real research… where we… test the weapons."
The researcher's voice faltered, and it seemed as though he was holding something back. Hunter-3-1 narrowed his eyes, walking toward him before swinging the butt of his pistol into the man's face. Blood spattered on the ground as the researcher groaned in pain, lifting his head shakily.
"You were about to say something else. Now, either you finish, or you die." Hunter-3-1's voice was flat, leaving no room for hesitation.
The wounded researcher, now covered in blood, coughed, spitting red onto the floor. With a defeated look in his eyes, he said, "We… we also keep our test subjects there, including Subject-003."
Hunter-3-1 leaned closer to the terrified researcher, his voice low and demanding, "Subject-003? What is that?"
The researcher, visibly shaking, stammered in response, "I… I don't know much due to my clearance level. The only person on-site with access is Dr. Raymont."
Hunter-3-1 pressed on, "And where can I find this Dr. Raymont?"
With a gulp, the researcher answered, "Third floor of the main building, in the executive sector."
Hunter-3-1 pulled out a satellite photo of the lab complex and laid it flat before the researcher, tapping the map. "Point me to where this executive sector is."
The researcher pointed shakily towards the western part of the main building, indicating the executive offices.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Hunter-3-1 said, his tone icy. He then addressed his team, "Hunters, let them take a little nap."
Without hesitation, the operatives delivered swift blows with their rifle butts, knocking the remaining researchers unconscious.
Hunter-3-1 raised his radio, speaking quietly but clearly. "Hunter-3-1 to Hunter-1-1, we've captured several researchers. They confirmed that the real facility is an underground complex where they produce their weapons. We believe they are also holding all hostages there, including something called Subject-003. Likely an anomaly."
A response crackled over the radio, "Hunter-1-1 to Hunter-3-1. Do you know the entrance to this underground complex?"
"Negative," Hunter-3-1 replied, "but we believe Dr. Raymont has access. He's currently in the executive sector on the third floor of the Beta Zone."
"Understood," came the reply. Then, addressing another team, "Hunter-1-1 to Hunter-2-1, you've heard the update. You have your orders."
A new voice acknowledged, "Copy that."
Hunter-1-1 continued, "Team 3, split into two groups. One will head to Beta Zone to support Team 2. The other will stay on standby and proceed to Delta Zone once the building is secure."
"Roger," Hunter-3-1 confirmed, signaling his team to prepare for the next phase of the operation.
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For those interested in their sign language used, I'll put a picture of what I used for write this chapter in the paragraph comment 👉