Chapter 172 -- LFN Storyboard 2

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Date Posted: 05:44:29 07/12/08 Sat
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-124-188-7-16.nsw.bigpond.net.au / 124.188.7.16
Subject: Chapter 172
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "The Rising Dragons ... continued" on 06:16:31 07/06/08 Sun

Chapter 172

Relief flooded through Michael�s body at finally finding the monastery where Nikita was being held. Taking out his binoculars, he surveyed the building in the distance. The view that lay before him was of an expanse of trees that went as far as the eye could see. To the left however, there was a clear view over a wide valley with the jagged peaks of the mountain range to the right. Although nestled in a well forested and remote location which had an almost tranquil and serene feel about it, the monastery held sinister secrets within.

The complex was extensive with gardens and pavilions dotted around the perimeter. There were steep steps leading up to the courtyard and at the main entrance of the building, Michael made out the figures of what appeared to be guards dressed as monks roaming the grounds. No doubt there was around the clock surveillance too. The triad was obviously prepared for any assault. The monastery appeared fortified, so there was little chance of him storming its fortress alone. The building looked impregnable. He would have to find a way in without being detected.

However, approaching the monastery may be difficult. Seeing that this was the only road leading to and from the monastery, some of the journey would have to be done on foot to avoid detection. Once Nikita was rescued egress would not be easy. They would have to make their way through the woods to where the landing strip was and leave by air in the helicopter he�d seen. All that was left now was to retrieve her, but where was she? Michael wondered observing the size of the building. Nikita could be anywhere. It looked like there were at least fifty rooms or more, so where could he begin his search? Karen would just have to give him the location.

Returning to where he�d parked the jeep, Michael went around to her side and pulled her out of the vehicle. He then took the bag Walter had given him off the back seat. Indicating that Karen was to come with him they made their way into the woods that led to the monastery.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It had been well over twenty four hours since Nikita had seen anyone but her battered body was still suffering the effects of the torture techniques used to try and make her talk. Although she ached with every step she took, Nikita endeavoured to keep herself alert to try and diffuse some of the pain she felt. Gingerly moving around her room, she wondered and waited for the next visit she knew would come. She was certain someone would return for her soon for another torture session. The triad had not obtained the information they needed and Nikita knew that they wouldn�t want to loose face because of their failure to do so. Hence it was inevitable that someone would come for her again. When they did she speculated who would be the interrogator this time ... would it be Karen ... Steven or ... someone else?

Nikita had managed to have a fitful sleep and the only respite she got was from her dreams and the vision of Michael�s face. He gave her courage to not loose hope. He would come for her. He would. But when? Nikita wondered if she could sustain another session like the one the other day. She knew that she would have to find the courage and resilience to do so somehow. Sitting back down again, she closed her eyes. No sooner had she done so, than the door opened. Not wanting them to see her defeated, Nikita jumped to her feet with renewed might and looked at the person who had entered the room.

�Come with me.�

Ever defiant she asked, �And if I refuse?�

�I wouldn�t like your chances ... but you can try.�

Looking up she watched as Eddie and Steven appeared from behind Andy Koo. �I see you have your cheer squad again.�

�Get her.�

When the two men approached, she kicked out knocking Eddie to the floor then she turned to do the same to Steven. Nikita was ready to fight her way out, but unfortunately having anticipated her next move; he sidestepped her and lunged at Nikita with a blow to the ribs. This winded her and she was unable to recover quickly enough. Eddie was able to regain his footing, then with Steven�s help, they overpowered her and shackled Nikita�s hands behind her back.

�You still have that spirit I see ... You guys are good ... Section One must have trained you well Nikita.� Andy looked at the two men standing guard then ordered, �Take her away!�

Putting up resistance she struggled against their hold. �Where are you taking me?�

�Are you wondering what I'm going to do?�

�Section's going to come after you.�

�Who's gonna tell them?�

�If I don't report back they'll come after me ... whether you want them to or not.�

�Yeah? ... I don't think your Michael would really want that. He�ll come after you himself.�

�Andy, let's be real. How is he going to find me?�

�Well, you know what? ... I think it's going to be a really ... big ... challenge. Michael will want you alive so badly that I think he might just be able to pull it off and then we�ll have the two of you where we want you.�

�And if he doesn�t?�

Andy�s eyes showed no emotion whatsoever as he answered her question philosophically. �Then we�ll kill you.�

Nikita felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck but kept her face expressionless.

They knew that she was Section ... but as far as they were concerned Michael was just her lover until proven more. How much did they know? Did they know he was Section too? If not, Andy Koo and those at the monastery had no idea how ruthless Michael would be when he arrived for her. What more did they want to know from her? She hadn�t revealed much information the first time they had tortured her ... could she hold her tongue this time too?

Steven and Eddie ushered her roughly from the room and marched her back to the torture chamber.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

All the while they were hiking through the bushes Karen kept a look out for the sensors that the Rising Dragons had strategically placed around the perimeter to detect intruders. They were nearing the boundary of the monastery and she knew that some had been placed in this area. Michael noticed that she had begun to slow down and hurried her along as they were beginning to lose the last rays of daylight.

When that strategy didn�t work Karen thought of another way to distract him. She pleaded for a rest. �I need to stop for a while ... I�m exhausted.�

Ignoring her request, Michael insisted that she keep going. They travelled on for another half an hour. The daylight had completely gone by now and darkness had begun to settle in. Noticing the huge pine tree ahead of her Karen lost her footing and fell to the ground. �I can�t go any further ... You�ll have to leave me here,� she said her breathing laboured with the exertion of the steep hike.

Michael took her and dragged her over to the tree and tired her up. Taking a small cylindrical bottle out of the bag he ordered, �Give me your hand!�

�Why should I?�

�Because I have something for you.�

Karen eyed the bottle in his hand and studied it for a moment before looking into Michael's face. Refusing to comply he grabbed her hand, opened the bottle, and poured some lotion onto her palms.

�What's this for? she demanded staring down at her hand, then Karen looked back up at him with anger in her eyes.

�Something that will stop you from trying to escape.�

The ointment began to seep into her skin and Karen could feel a warmth burn through her palm. �That's pretty strong stuff. What kind of lotion is it?�

�An isotope ... It will do limited damage as long as an extracting agent is applied within twelve hours. I should be back by then.�

�And what if you�re not?�

Michael unemotionally recited what continued exposure to the isotope would do should Karen fail to stay put. �The skin peels off your hand. Three hours later, you lose the feeling in your arm. Six hours after that, you're dead ... Good luck.�

Startled, Karen swiftly brought her eyes back to her hands trying to come to terms with what he�d said. A look of panic, then sheer terror crossed her face at what Michael had told her. She peered at him lost for words, but finding her voice she warned forebodingly, �You kill me, she dies.�

Walking around the tree where Karen was, Michael said and did nothing, he just gave her a swift, look. Picking up his bag, he left her tagged, gagged and tied to the tree then headed down the hill and made his way to the south side of the monastery. Karen�s eyes followed Michael into the bushes until he disappeared from sight.

Could she find a way out of this situation? There was a hidden sensor located near this tree, so surely once Michael had gone the triad would be alerted to where she was and would rescue her. Once they had Michael, she could get the antidote.

Controlling her emotions Karen waited for rescue.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Play on text from ... Friend, MR and DD.

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