Page 43 of Crocodile Tears
“Assuming we survive the current situation, I’d like to take you on dates that don’t involve international criminal organizations.”
I sigh.“That sounds disappointingly normal.”
Before Cal can respond to my unexpected preference for dangerous dating scenarios, an alarm begins wailing throughout the facility.The sound is loud enough to wake the dead and probably audible from several kilometers away.
Cal moves toward me with obvious urgency.“That’s our cue to leave.”
I grab a handful of specific chemical vials from the laboratory bench.“Just another minute.I need to make sure the genetic sequencing data is completely corrupted.”
“We don’t have another minute.”
The sound of running footsteps and shouted commands in the hallway confirms his assessment.I finish the data corruption process and join him at the door.
“Now we leave,” I say, pocketing the chemical vials.
He checks the hallway before motioning me forward.Guards flood the corridor just as we emerge from the laboratory.He immediately moves to create a barrier between me and the approaching threats, drawing their fire while pushing me toward the exit route.
He returns fire with his sidearm while maneuvering to maintain cover.“Run!”
Instead of following his entirely reasonable instructions, I spot a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall and experience what can only be described as tactical inspiration.I trigger a partial shift, allowing my crocodile strength to activate while maintaining human dexterity.
The fire extinguisher comes off the wall with enough force to dent the mounting bracket.I activate the discharge mechanism and create a thick cloud of foam that obscures visibility and creates general confusion among the guards.
Cal’s voice carries equal parts admiration and exasperation.“Becci, I said run.”
I create another cloud of foam while working my way back toward his position.“I said I was helping.This is calculated tactical assistance.”
“This is you ignoring extraction protocols!”
I duck behind a foam-covered structural pillar.“Your extraction protocols don’t account for crocodile physiology or chemical engineering expertise.”
We move through the foam-filled corridor together, using the reduced visibility to avoid direct confrontation with guards who are struggling to navigate the chemical haze I’ve created.
He guides me through the confusion while maintaining defensive positioning.“The exit is this way.”
I pause to assess our tactical situation.“Are you sure?Because I think the motor pool is in the opposite direction, and we’re going to need transportation.”
He’s gnashing his teeth now.“The extraction plan doesn’t involve stealing vehicles.”
“The extraction plan is about to involve stealing vehicles because your original exit route is currently full of armed guards.”
He considers this logic while returning fire at muzzle flashes visible through the foam.He nods reluctantly after a moment of tactical calculation.“Motor pool it is.”
Our route through the facility becomes significantly more complex as we avoid guard patrols and navigate toward the vehicle area.I apply scientific principles to our movement, calculating trajectory angles for thrown objects and using chemical reactions from my pilfered vials to create diversions.
When we encounter a locked gate blocking access to the motor pool, I experience another moment of tactical inspiration.
“Stand back.”I trigger a fuller shift, allowing my jaw strength to increase while maintaining enough human dexterity to be useful.
Cal stares at me with obvious curiosity.“What are you—”
I bite through the metal locking mechanism with the kind of precise force that comes from understanding materials science and crocodilian jaw mechanics.The lock separates cleanly, allowing us access to the vehicle area.“Crocodilian bite force can exceed three thousand seven hundred pounds per square inch,” I say while returning to fully human form.“Combined with the strategic application of pressure to structural weak points, most conventional locking mechanisms become surprisingly vulnerable.”
Cal watches me with obvious fascination.“That was simultaneously educational and terrifying.”
I grin while wiping metal fragments from my mouth.“Those are my two favorite qualities in any activity.”
The motor pool contains several vehicles, including a military-style Jeep that Cal determines is our best option for off-road escape.I climb into the passenger seat while he conducts a rapid assessment of the vehicle’s operational status.
