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Sixteen - Secrets

"Breached?" Hector cut in. "Is this some kind of a practical joke? The most secured building in New York City, breached? Protected by the vicious people of the organization. How believable!"

Eric ignored the sarcasm. The rest of the team moved to the monitors. Checking the main entrance of the floor which is only accessible through the elevator. One of the monitoring team held his earpiece firmly. Listening to the reports from below. New York Police Department was already informed about the intrusion and establishing a perimeter around Imperium. Another bad news came.

"They sealed the main entrance, sir. The rest of the team is holding the elevator," Eric looked at Viktor with fear. "If they overcome that resistance, they will have access to this floor. We are having trouble disabling the elevator remotely. They have gained access to our mainframe."

"Good God!" Viktor surrendered himself to the nearest couch. "What about the NYPD? They need to retake this building by force!"

"Yes, before they reached this far!" Hector agreed.

"We can not do that, sir. They have taken most of the employees as hostages," Eric glanced to Hector. "Including your security details, sir."

Hector's momentum was dropped. He was half expecting that their assailants were on his side. He sat on the couch. Disappointed.

"We identified the intruders!" One of the personnel behind the computers spoken. He reluctantly eyed Hector. Afraid of what he might say. Quietly, he said, "It's the Drax elite squad, sir."

Everyone scrambled to move away from Hector. Eric hastily pulled Viktor to his back. All men held their guns to Hector. The tension grew. Hector remained seated. Head held high.

"Apprehend him. For safety precautions." Viktor ordered calmly.

Hector drew his hands out willingly. Trying to manifest the fact that he had no involvement in this attack. He was moved to a bolted chair. Tied from his hands down to his ankles. Viktor was kind enough not to muffle him with duct tape.

The biggest monitor flickered. Someone from the headquarters was trying to make contact. Eric nodded to the operator. Renard's face appeared. He was worried about his uncle and their position in the organization. If Viktor falls, the Samira stronghold will crumble. Devonne joined the video call.

"Grandpa! We are sending the chopper now to evacuate you there!"

"Sir! We lost hold of the main floor! They have taken the elevator!" One of the monitoring team shouted in panic.

"Tell Captain Stevens to retake the building! Now!" Renard angrily blasted.

"The NYPD refuses to do such actions, my lord. They won't risk the civilian hostages." Eric answered.

"This is madness! Have we gain back control of our security system?" Viktor asked.

"Not yet, sir. They blocked us from the mainframe."

"Bloody Hell!" Renard looked at his son. "How long is that bloody chopper until it arrives?"

"Twenty minutes. They need to hold that room for twenty minutes."

***

Seven well-trained men. Patiently waiting to reach the top floor. Heavily armed, no supply of conscience and no possible remorse. They are all protected with body Kevlar, some with reinforced helmets and high-powered guns. Bullets ricocheted when the Imperium security on the top floor emptied their barrels when the elevator opened. They hold their position very well. But the enemy team came prepared. One of them was wounded but not terminally hit. The enemy advancement reached the hallway. The frustrated resistance fired everything they've got. Holding Viktor's main office. One after the other, the resistance was losing its numbers. The enemy made another advancement. All five men were hiding in each pillar of the hallway.

The elegant hallway became a war zone. The renaissance inspired statues and the glass windows turned to pieces as the bullets exchanged from one side to the other. The crystal chandelier dramatically fell in the middle of discord. Shattered to the ground, witness of the inhumane assault. Viktor's majestic portrait was covered in holes. Losing its power over the disintegrated hallway.

Three remaining oppositions continue holding their ground. Viktor's assistant hid behind his table as he was forgotten to bring alongside his master. The enemy pressed their attacks accessing the entire hallway. They will finally reach the door. Neil, the assistant, dashed inside the office, cowering for his life. The three others followed. They secured the main office. Reinforced the door with tables, chairs, cabinets, and even with themselves.

The head of the offense team motioned everyone to take a position. They tried to push through the door, but it was blocked from the inside. They withdrew a bit far. Installed explosives on the door. If this stronghold will not be taken, they will lose their biggest leverage to the ongoing hostage stunt they created.

"I can't hear anything. Maybe they pulled back." Neil whispered to the other man beside him.

"Oh my God! They're putting some explosives! Take cover!" The person near the door shouted and hid behind the bolted couch.

The door and its braces blasted away. Smoke crawled inside the room together with its incoherent shouting and ominous bullets raining everywhere. Hostiles took the first offense as the resistance was separated. The room was decimated. Gunshots roaring everywhere. Neil became the first casualty of the opposition. As his fear took precedence, he tried to run away from the horror but was tragically caught by the rain of bullets. The enemy started sweeping the office. Through the thick smoke, they checked every corner. Another one of the opposition was shot dead. Until the last one bravely held his ground, heroic enough to maintain their position. The last of the resistance fell.

***

"Stand your men down!"

The offense team stopped. Hesitation on their faces. Hector is one of their superiors but their orders were clear. Viktor Samira must be held hostage. They need him alive to strike a bargain to the High Order.

"Pardon, señor Hector. We came for Lord Viktor." The leader of the elite team responded.

"Well, sorry to disappoint you people but his chopper just arrived and took him out of this bloody building!" Hector exclaimed. "Now, order your men to stand down. Whose stupid idea is this, by the way? Attacking on broad daylight? On Imperium? Qué horrór!"

The team looked at each other. Deciding their next steps. If they dare to execute the next mission, dethroning Don Hector Exconde. Dwight nodded to his second in command. Von swallowed hard but slowly stepped forward. Hector immediately slapped Von's arms away. Horrified to the attempt and slowly realizing what's happening. Two more apprehended Hector. The look of utter shock and contempt was shot to Dwight. For the second time today, Hector was deliberately held hostage beyond his consent.

"What is the meaning of this, commander? Am I not the master of the house?" Hector angrily snapped his arms back. "I said unhand me, tontó!"

"I'm very sorry, Don Hector. We are ordered to relieve you of power on House Drax." Dwight calmly said.

"On whose authority?"

"Don Luthor Drax, sir." Dwight silently said and motioned his men to drag Hector to the elevator.

"You took an order from an amateur?" This time, Hector was released from apprehension but willingly walked to the elevator. "And what madness that made my beloved nephew start this nonsense coup? I came here to bargain with Lord Viktor and he is ruining every chance we had."

Hector was not provided with an explanation and was led to the main lobby of the building. Joining the rest of the helpless hostages. Praying for every bit of salvation left for them. With one last glare, Hector sat beside the gorgeous receptionist sitting on the floor.

"So what's the next plan? Now, that Viktor Samira is no longer here as leverage to your, miscalculated oppression! Might as well surrender yourselves to the authorities!" Hector couldn't help but comment from the corner.

"What do you mean, sir?" One of the hostage-takers asked mockingly. "We still have you to bargain."

The rest of the oppressors laughed. They moved away from Hector's loud mouth and checked outside. The police officers are growing in numbers. The SWAT team is on standby. Another hour hits, and their chances of escape grow thinner.