Chapter 53 Chapter 53: The Agreement Before Going Deep into the Tiger's Den

Thomas was surprisingly calm. "A few miles from there, you can drop me off and I'll walk in, and I'll pretend to go back and complete the test. From what I've seen, they'll welcome me back with open arms, just tell me what to do. How to implant the device will do." Vince smiled again, genuinely. "I'll let Charlotte tell you." "You can get information and help from our friends, Teresa, Ares and others, and Brenda knows a lot." Thomas made a decision quickly, and firmly, he had accepted This dangerous task, this is their best chance. "Fine, Gary," Vince said. "What's the next step? How do we proceed?"

Thomas' former enemy stood up and looked at him. "I'll go find Charlotte and train you to handle the device. Then we'll take you to our Berg shipyard, drive you near WICKED, and drop you off. Meanwhile, the rest of us prepare to assemble the main strike force. You'd better put on a face there... we'll have to wait a few hours before we take the immune person in, or it'll look suspicious." "I should be fine." Thomas tried hard, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. "Very well, we'll bring Teresa and the others over while you're leaving, and I hope you don't mind taking another short trip around town."

Charlotte is short, quiet, and capable.She briefly explained to Thomas the function and characteristics of the disabling device.It was small enough to fit into the backpack they gave him, which also contained some food, and extra clothes in case he caught cold while walking.Once the device is implanted and activated, it looks for and connects to each weapon's signal, then disrupts the system.After about an hour, WICKED's weapons will be disabled. Very simple, Thomas thought.The difficulty lies in how he can install this thing without any suspicion after entering. Gary decided to have Lawrence take Thomas and the pilot to the abandoned hangar where they kept the Berg, from where they would fly directly to WICKED.It meant retraveling the Denver streets full of demented people in a van, but they would take the most direct route, just under the main highway, and it would be daylight.For some reason, Thomas felt better.

When Brenda showed up, Thomas was busy helping pack emergency supplies for the trip.He nodded to her and smiled slightly. "Will you miss me?" Thomas asked, trying to sound joking, but actually wishing she had said yes. She rolled her eyes. "Don't talk like that, it sounds like you've given up. We'll all be together again soon, and happily reminisce about the old days." "I've only known you for a few weeks." He smiled again. "Never mind him." She stretched out her arm, embraced him, and whispered in his ear. "I know, I was sent to find you in the Scorched Earth, pretending to be your friend. But I want you to know that you are my friend, you..."

He pulled away so that he could look at her face, but he couldn't read her expression. "What's wrong?" "Just... don't get killed." Thomas swallowed, not knowing what to say. "Okay?" she said. "Be careful, too." That's all he could say. Brenda leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said." She gave him another look, but laughed. With her smile, Thomas felt that everything became much clearer. "Make sure they don't screw things up," he said, "and make sure everything makes sense."

"Yes, we will see you in about a day." "OK." "If you won't be killed, neither will I, I promise." Thomas took her in his arms one last time. "It's a deal."