Chapter 121: Back to Ferm

Chapter 121: Back to Ferm



The team leader and his soldiers guided Rourke and Sykes out of the cave. The narrow tunnel seemed even tighter now, the oppressive darkness broken only by the harsh beams of their headlamps. The cave's cool, damp air was replaced by the humid warmth of the outside world as they emerged into the twilight.

The mercenaries, their hands bound with plastic zip ties, were flanked by soldiers on either side. Rourke and Sykes were forced to walk slowly, their movements restricted. The soldiers' rifles remained trained on them, ensuring they couldn't make any sudden moves. The team leader walked at the front, scanning the surroundings for any potential threats.

As they reached the open ground, the team leader pulled out his radio, the device crackling to life as he spoke into it. "Black Hawk 1-2, this is Team Alpha. We have two high-value targets secured and need immediate extraction. Over."

There was a brief pause before the radio responded. "Team Alpha, Black Hawk 1-2, roger that. We're en route. ETA five minutes. Over."

The team leader nodded to his team, signaling them to keep the prisoners in place. Rourke and Sykes were led to a clear area.

Five minutes later, the distant thrum of helicopter blades grew louder. The soldiers and their captives looked up as a Black Hawk helicopter emerged from the horizon, its sleek, dark form cutting through the sky. The powerful rotors churned the air, creating a gust that whipped through the trees and sent leaves swirling.

Since the cave didn't have a suitable landing spot, the helicopter hovered above them, the roar of its engines growing louder as it maintained its position. The soldiers and their captives shielded their faces from the swirling debris and the intense wind created by the rotor blades.

Without the space to land, the Black Hawk deployed a thick, sturdy rope from its open rear ramp. The rope spiraled down from the helicopter's belly. The soldiers quickly moved into action, expertly fastening the harnesses onto Rourke and Sykes.

Each harness was carefully adjusted to ensure a secure fit, the straps cutting across the mercenaries' chests and waists. The soldiers made sure that Rourke and Sykes were tightly strapped in, the plastic zip ties digging into their wrists adding to their discomfort.

"What are you doing?"

The crew member who had helped them secured them with additional restraints. He cast a quick, dismissive glance at Sykes. "It's not magic; it's called technology. This bird has advanced systems that keep it stable in the air, even when it's not moving forward."

Moments later, the team leader and the rest of his team were hoisted from the ground by the helicopter's rope system. The team leader gave a nod to the pilot, signaling that they were ready to head out.

The Black Hawk began its journey back to the city of Ferm, the powerful rotors propelling them through the night sky.

The city of Ferm loomed ahead, its lights twinkling in the darkness like a constellation of stars. As the helicopter approached, the sprawling urban landscape became more defined.

"Approaching helipad," the pilot's voice came over the intercom, breaking the silence inside the helicopter. The Black Hawk began its descent, the noise of the engines increasing in intensity as they neared the landing zone.

Rourke and Sykes glanced out of the small windows, their eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness of the city lights. The helipad came into view, a well-lit, open area atop a tall building, surrounded by a high fence and secured by armed guards. The helicopter hovered above the pad, the landing gear extending as it prepared to touch down.

Seconds later, the helicopter settled down onto the helipad. The rotor blades slowed, their noise gradually diminishing as the helicopter came to a stop. The crew began preparing for disembarkation, securing the helicopter and ensuring that everything was in order.

Then, they opened the door and Rourke and Sykes were escorted outside where they saw a man standing as if waiting for them.

"So these are the ones that you nabbed, eh?" Vincent asked.

"Yes, sir," the team leader responded, stepping forward. "They were very cooperative."

"I see...well that's good because I have a lot of questions about them," Vincent said, musing.