After letting the looter off at the next exit, Hector took off toward the Exodus Project’s massive production facility. Soon, it loomed ahead of him. He eased the shuttle over to the side of the highway.
A single, manned security checkpoint stood on the outskirts of the property. One way in, one way out. On either side of the checkpoint’s entry gate a high chain link fence branched out to surround the facility. Barbed wire wound across the top of the fence. Probably electrified. Old technology. Not flashy, but still effective as a ruse. A vital Union production facility disguised as a civilian operation.
Hector knew better. He searched the area above the assembly center. Slight variations in light patterns glided through space. Light from distant stars distorted as the cloaked aircraft flew circular patterns. The unpiloted drones were almost invisible, but not quite.
On the ground, hidden under a thin layer of moon dust, heavy cannons mounted on turrets lay in waiting. At the main entrance, a lunar rover armed with a missile launcher and side-mounted turrets sat dormant, but ready. Additional troops casually approached the gate and fanned out along the perimeter.
The fake civilian operation was increasing its security force.
“This is all wrong,” Hector muttered to himself. “It’s not gonna be an external assault…” He grabbed his datapad, “…and they can’t transfer into the facility itself…” Started flipping through the blueprints. “…so, how are they gonna get in?”
A knock on his window. He glanced up. A Union soldier stood outside. Motioned for Hector to engage the shuttle’s speaker system.
“Some kind of trouble, sir?”
Hector peered through the rearview monitor. A lunar rover had parked behind him. Three more soldiers wielding assault rifles surrounded his shuttle.
He tried a smile. “No, I, uh, I think I just made a wrong turn back there.”
“I’ll need to see your identification.”
“Look, no big deal, I’ll just turn around and–”
“Identification, please, sir.”
Hector set his jaw. “My name is Hector Salazar. I’m with a special forces unit called the Subdiv–”
The soldier’s hand moved to the assault rifle hanging from his shoulder. “Please exit the vehicle, Mr. Salazar.”
“What? I–”
“Exit the vehicle now!”
Hector pushed the door open. Two of the soldiers closed in. Grabbed him. Threw him to the ground.
“Mr. Salazar, you’re under arrest.”
