Sam watched the KGB soldiers strip Jessica of her weapons, datapad, and molecular transfer device before hauling her limp body off to a large transport tank. Two soldiers toyed with Jessica’s weapons until their sergeant barked at them to put the weapons away.
The Subdivision had never lost an agent, nor had they left such a lucid footprint behind. Agents were not sanctioned to engage non-phase travelers unless severely compromised. Chasing the XLS through history at this pace forced previously unheard of breaches of protocol.
“I’ve gotta do something! They’ve got her!”
Taylor came through the line. “Can we get her back without compromising the integrity of the mission?”
“I don’t know. I’m losing time, sir! I have to act now!”
The general cursed. “Negative. Don’t pursue. We may get another chance.”
“I can–”
“We’ll get another chance, Sam.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t let this happen!”
Sam shut off his communicator and bolted for the side of the building. Grasping the sides of the roof access ladder, he slid to the alleyway below. The KGB forces were boarding the tank transport. He reached for a grenade, but stopped. Two soldiers veered away from the transport and headed toward a pair of all-terrain motorcycles retrofitted with snow tires and skis.
The tank transport rumbled forward and turned onto the main thoroughfare. The two soldiers jumped onto their bikes and pulled away from the curb.
Sam pulled two pistols and dove into the middle of the street. Bursts of energy exploded from each barrel. The closer rider caught the blast between the eyes. The other ducked, but the shot still hit his shoulder. Both flailed back onto the icy asphalt as their bikes careened out of control. The lead bike smashed through the front windowpane of the hotel restaurant. Glass cascaded down onto the street.
The second bike fell on its side and ground to a halt next to Sam, who jumped on and gunned the engine. He lowered his head and tore after the transport.
He didn’t have much time.
