[b]'Don't push yourself unless it's absolutely necessary; we can't afford any mishaps this time around.'[/b] Looking at Rachel's condition, he was impressed that she could still function. Duncan didn't even want to [i]think[/i] about his own injuries. What if something had... popped..? [i]Nope, not going there.[/i] He focussed furiously on Rachel's idea, if only to distract himself from that thought. [b]'Go for it. Hopefully we'll be able to do things all stealthy-like, but the best laid plans...'[/b] No-one looked at 100%, as one might expect. If the situation did go south, then they would be at a massive disadvantage... While Duncan himself was comfortable with any firearm he could get his hands on, the others were all specialists. Without their own weapons and equipment, a head-on fight could be disastrous. One of the soldiers cleared her throat nervously and spoke up. [b]'Um... I think I know where they're keeping your stuff. Main armoury, upstairs. Next door to where they're keeping your friend.'[/b] Now [i]that[/i] caught Duncan's attention. She must be referring to another SeeD, or someone else captured in Deling City. That left only three possibilities. [b]'Friend? What do they look like? Male, female? Age?'[/b] The girl faltered and tried to stutter a reply, leaving her squad leader to answer in her stead. [b]'Dunno. We're not allowed past the armoury. But I've seen a girl there, keeps going in with Mako. You hear can some pretty fucked up stuff. We assumed they had your leader up there, but uh...'[/b] His gaze switched awkwardly between Duncan and the others. [b]'... maybe they got the wrong guy?'[/b]

While Duncan was mulling over this disturbing revelation, Jericho came up with a good idea. [b]'Yeah... Yeah, that works. If the only way to shut down the field is upstairs...'.[/b] He shot Fresno a questioning look, got a firm nod. [b]'... then I'll take two with me to try sneaking in. Jericho'll take the others and secure our drives. From there, we'll try to meet up in the control room. Hopefully we'll have it secure by then but... don't count on it.'[/b] His original plan had been to hit the armoury first, maybe steal some weapons, but the layout of the place had put paid to that. He was reasonably confident of their ability to remain unseen, at least for a time, but eventually they would have to take the gloves off. Preferably after the AM field was dropped and everyone armed. [b]'Alright then, decision made. Hector and, uh... you, new girl. Don't know your name. With me.'[/b] Come to think of it, she hadn't said anything much. In that case he would rather have her close at hand, just in case. [b]'Jericho, keep 'em safe. Sergeant, you come with me too, the rest of your lads go with them.'[/b] To his credit, Fresno didn't argue. Most soldiers would baulk at the idea of a civilian ordering them around, but these were unique circumstances. [b]'Right then. [i]Allons-y?[/i]'[/b]

Duncan led the way out of the cell block, his pitiful breadknife at the ready. Dinnerware though it may have been, it was solid enough. He might even be able to kill with it if he got the drop on his opponent. The main concourse of the prison was bizarre, a series of rings connected by stairways. All around the room, he could see other cell blocks arranged like the spokes of a wheel. It chilled him to imagine how many 'political prisoners' the former President had locked up here over the years... and how many the new regime had now. He didn't know what had happened in Galbadia after the assassination, but if the hints were anything to go by, it was nothing good. The four of them crept along, hugging close to the rim of the central pit. Duncan could see grey-uniformed wardens patrolling above, looking bored and annoying well-armed. [i]One of those SMGs will do nicely.[/i] They paused under the first stairwell and he spoke in a controlled whisper. [b]'Right. Looks like at least three levels before we hit the roof. Sound about right?'[/b] Fresno gulped. [b]'Four, including the control room. Most of the guards are near the bottom, 'cuz that's where the real criminals are kept. But the Head Warden likes to keep a few men close by. Bastard.'[/b] They sat in silence for a few moments, watching the shadows of men walking above. [b]'So... new girl. Please give me a name, I can't keep calling you new girl all the time. Also, any ideas would be grand.'[/b]