Page 33 of Generation Lost

“I have always been funny. Much like my friend Trak, I do not feel the need to advertise it.” That had Zeke rolling with laughter and the others joining in.

“Alright, children. Settle down,” said Nine. “We’ve got about fifteen minutes before that ship comes into view. Put your stealth suits on. Get ready to have wet underwear.”

“Yes, Da-ad.” The sound echoed on the boat, and Nine almost laughed, loving the sound of it.

“Fuck, you guys are annoying. But even annoying, stay alive.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

With two hours until dawn, the men had the advantage in more ways than just technology and skill. This was the time of the morning when others would feel exhausted and complacent. Quiet nights would lead those on board to believe that all is well and that they can relax.

With the additional men, they left Trevor and Gibbie on their own boat to ensure they were able to get away. Climbing her rusted sides, they rolled over the edge of the ship. Nine, Ghost, and Gaspar headed to the helm. The others dispersed to do their jobs.

Miller, Max, Eli, and Titus began setting charges all over the ship. Twice, men passed directly by them without ever seeing their faces.

Wilson, Cruz, Trak, Zeke, Noah, and Skull headed below deck to locate the women on the ship. Seeing two men guarding a door, they knew it must be what they were after. In silence, Zeke and Trak moved forward, taking both men out with knives before they could make a sound. As their bodies slid to the floor, Noah and Skull moved them into another small room, locking the door.

“We have a problem,” said Trak, looking inside the door. “This is not the women. It’s a warhead.”

“Fuck me,” groaned Cruz. “You guys take care of this. We’ll find the women.”

Cruz, Wilson, Trak, and Zeke continued their search for the women, while Noah and Skull waited for Miller to arrive.

“We have to blow other parts of the ship first so this blows beneath the water,” he said, staring at it. “This is going to create one helluva wave.”

The men on board the ship were nothing more than hired guns. It was clear by the way they kept the ship that they weren’t experienced sailors other than perhaps the captain and first mate. It was also easy to end their lives. Of course, the empty bottles of liquor in the galley told them they expected no problems whatsoever.

“We’ve got the women,” said Cruz. “We’re gonna need some help at the cargo door.”

“Great,” muttered Nine. “Stop the ship and drop the anchor.” Ian nodded, knowing exactly what to do. When the entire team arrived at the cargo hold, they were not surprised to find more than twenty women drugged, barely clothed, dirty, and completely unconscious.

“Get them out of here,” said Gaspar. “In some ways, this makes it easier. They won’t see us, and if we’re lucky, they won’t wake up until we get home.”

“Charges are ready,” said Miller, stepping into the room. “Damn. Just in time, I see.”

“Let’s go. Get them on the boat.”

They opened the back cargo hold, water sloshing in as their own boat docked at the opening. One by one, the women were carried to their boat carefully, unsure of what their injuries might be.

“How far do we need to be away from that thing when you blow it?” asked Ian, looking at Miller.

“A mile is good. Two is better.”

“Hey, fellas? You might not have that much time. Bolivarian military is moving toward the ship, suspicious of why it stopped. You gotta move and do it now.”

“You heard the man,” said Miller. “Fly.”

Only a mile from the ship, Miller stood on the deck with his multiple triggers. One by one, he flipped the switches. At first, you didn’t hear or see anything. Then, it was as if you were at a 4thof July fireworks show.

“Boom, boom,” he smirked. Gaspar shook his head at his brother.

“You’re fucking crazy. When does the big one—”

His voice was drowned out by the deafening sounds of steel crunching and bending, engines blowing, and a roar beneath the water that had them all a bit worried.

“We gotta move,” said Miller. “Now!”

They didn’t slow the ship until they were certain they were out of the way of the potential tsunami-like wave. Fortunately, the force of the warhead took the water up, then sucked it all beneath the sea.

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