“I dropped in to collect the usual and standard issues.”
“Chief briefed me that this particular mission is extremely important and dangerous – so, I’m issuing you the equipment which looks standard but, we have made much advancement in the technologies used and have enhanced their capacity.”
“Really?”
“Night vision shades. Put them on, will you?” Lion put those on and looked around – they seemed normal shades – he looked around – he couldn’t miss out Doc’s young, sexy assistant who looked at him hungrily as if she would gobble him up in her burning desire…
“These are similar to the ones you have used before. On each side where the temple of the shades are connected, you will feel 3 push buttons – the first on the left side is to bring the shades back to default, normal mode of shades – the first on the right, activates the night vision using latest research on light absorption technological enhancement – you’ll be able to see natural colours in the darkest of conditions for up to 25 feet – then onward, the vision will be black and white.”
“I guess these are the ones you were working on to be effective till 300 feet when I quit.”
“Incorrect – the girl here, my brilliant assistant, she managed digital imaging integration and zoom – perfectly works for up to a kilometre … will be useful when you want to use your sniper rifle – now in the dark, say with a distance of 750 feet, the lights can play mischief – the second button on the right will activate thermal imaging allowing you to distinguish between life and lifeless – if someone is within 25 feet – you could also check if the person’s temperature is normal…”
Lion pushed that button and looked around again to feel the function, “Doc – I think your assistant needs medical attention – she seems to have fever.”
“I know that kind of fever in girls when they see you.” Doc muttered, “Sofia – get yourself a glass of cold water…” he snapped at her while she went red in face – her own technology had caught her red handed… she vanished out of the lab in a hurry.
“This enhancement seems to be effective.” Lion remarked to an angry grunt from the Doc.
Finishing off with the shades, Doc handed him a mobile phone, “Now – this is a specially designed phone – doesn’t use a SIM – connects directly using our RAW satellite. This way – nobody can trace your phone location or tap into your conversation – of course – your backend would be able to trace your location – you are familiar with that – right?” he continued demonstrating the device, “Two buttons on top – the one on left switches it ON/OFF and the one on the right is SOS to your backend support member – once you press it – he/she can trace your location within 30 seconds – precisely to a centimetre and guide you to safety or send nearest possible help … apart from these, it’s got standard features like 128MP camera with digital zoom, a dial pad for you to call any working number on this globe – a 2TB memory card to store photos/videos of whatever you feel is important to your mission – yes – will be operational even at remotest location – using satellite or other mobile towers depending upon where you are – battery to be charged for 12 hours – once charged, will operate for a week without any problem – fits easily in your pocket.”
“A handy performer, right?”
“Shut-up – here’s the standard sack with other standard accessories – custom made – to hold your clothes and your hidden equipment … two numbers of Glock34…”
“20 round magazines?”
“Yes – however – we have been able to design extended magazines containing 150 rounds each – the sack carries 4 of them – this equips you for 680 rounds total including two additional 20 round magazines – enough to defend yourself from a team of enemies…”
“Would be anticipating it…”
“A SSG-3000 sniper rifle – can be assembled – one minute flat – a specially engineered silencer nozzle – you won’t hear it go off even in silent surroundings – standard magazines for the sniper rifle that go in here…”
“What’s this?” he asked pointing to a small box, opening it, “USBs?”
“This is by far one of the best inventions our team has managed.” he picked up one of them, “Look carefully – you see this white arrow – the cap on the top opens up to show a normal USB connecter and can be used as a USB…”
“Impressive… Does it do anything else?”
“Keep your wit to yourself Lion … now – there’s another cap at the bottom on the other side – you pull it and turn 180 degrees – activates a 5 second fuse and converts this USB into a high explosive – a 3 kg XRDX – you pull it and turn it back – deactivates the fuse.”
“Wow – you are a genius Doc…”
“Later…” he stopped Lion from saying anything further, “a wallet containing your ID, ATM/Credit cards and all the other regular stuff.” he looked at Lion, “Son – you always have been the blue-eyed boy of the agency and you have been out of action for too long – do take care of yourself.”
“Doc – one question – you and the chief mentioned about backend support member – any idea who that would be?”
“Leave that to Chief – he knows who’s right for you – go back and meet the Chief – by the time, I’ll check the photograph you clicked of that sniper.”
Lion walked back to the conference hall through that secret passage.
“Good to see you carrying the usual load of your equipment. I now feel comfortable, knowing you are on this job.”
“Chief – Doc mentioned about a backend support member…”
“You’ll meet her in few moments – she’s on her way…” he answered the intercom that interrupted with its buzz, “Okay … Lion, and let us take a look at your sniper.”
Saying thus, he clicked on a button of a remote and the HD TV monitor screen lit up, “Alright Doc, you are connected now – let’s take a look at that bastard…”
“I located the sniper – he is at the window on the 5th floor using a QBU88 – a standard MSS issue – looks like he sports long hair – the glass and curtain hides his face – difficult to identify…”
“Thanks Doc – this leads us nowhere…” he said hanging up the call and looked at Lion, “any lead?”
“None – I have a hunch – Fox may have stumbled upon something – of all the clippings – ISI has been clipped the worst – almost 65%…”
“What makes you think he will let you know?”
“I got my ways to deal with him.” He stopped as they heard a knock on the door of the hall and started to move toward the secret passageway, Mr Mahal signed him to stay put and pressed the button to open the door of the main entrance. A fabulously carved figure draped in an exclusive dress walked in…
“You called me, Chief?”
“I’m going to assign you the backend for an important mission – you ready for 24 X 7?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Good.” he looked at Lion, “I hope you trust her.”
“My trust in Sharmila is complete.” Lion said. She turned around hearing her name and was stunned by his presence in the hall. She had earlier assisted him on a couple of missions and his working style had left a lasting impression on her and she knew when needed, the speed of work had to be at its best…
“Lion!” she finally exclaimed in surprise & happiness.
“Good. This settles all necessary formalities and whatever we need to start – what’s your plan, Lion?”
“I want to reach Kolkata as soon as possible. I believe there’s a flight leaving today evening and I need a place to crash in when I reach there.”
“Sharmila can take care of these needs for you. Be safe and return victorious as always… All the Best!”
He exited via secret passage and entered the restaurant again. Sharmila drove in its parking lot within next 20 minutes and they drove to her apartment.