Qi Lian was flying the helicopter as fast as she could, given the current conditions. She knew the fate of the world depended on it. She needed to stop Han Xin, even if it cost her life in the process. Qi Lian was not afraid to die.
However she did worry for her new found friends, especially Clayton. Clayton had become dear to her heart, and that had cost her the chance to kill Han Xin earlier in the day. She was hoping that she wouldn't be put in a similar scenario again. She wasn't sure which she would choose, to save Clayton or the world.
"So exactly what is your plan when we get to the bomb shelter?" Clayton asked over the headset. They couldn't really hear otherwise.
"I haven't planned that out yet Clayton. But we can't stop them unless we are there." Qi Lian replied.
"Pops how are you doing back there?" Clayton asked looking back at Darnell.
"Just fine son, this is my first time riding in a helicopter. It is actually kind of fun!" Darnell exclaimed.
Qi Lian could see a smile creep onto Clayton's face. Clayton hadn't smiled much, at least in the time Qi Lian had known him. It was nice to see him have some moments of satisfaction in these stressful times.
But now she needed to focus on her plans for how to deal with Han Xin, who was in a bomb shelter. How in the world are you supposed to break into something like that? It would be suicide trying to break down the door, you would be dead the moment you entered. And who even knew how many Red Tide soldiers were already there.
Qi Lian knew that the Code Blue soldiers would arrive at some point, but she didn't know when. But she had to be able to get into that bunker somehow. It was the only chance she had left of preventing nuclear winter. If she failed, there would be nothing left to stop Han Xin.
Qi Lian could feel her mind racing through various thoughts. She tried to focus in on some way to handle this situation. She had been mostly flying by the seat of her pants to this point, and that was not at all her preferred method of doing things. She was much happier when she had time to fully plan every detail out. Unfortunately now was not that time.
"I think we are closing in on Fort Tilden now, we have to hurry and figure out what we are going to do." Clayton said.
"I know Clayton, I am still working on it." Qi Lian replied.
Qi Lian took a few moments to gather her thoughts. It was quite dark out at this point, but this allowed for viewing of the New York City skyline in the distance. Qi Lian could see the blobs of light emanating from the area. She also looked below and could see that as Clayton had said they were approaching Fort Tilden. The water was beneath them now.
"Clayton how is your sight in the dark?" Qi Lian asked.
"I can manage, why are you asking?" Clayton responded.
"Don't worry about that now, I just need you to go in the back and grab the parachutes." Qi Lian said.
"Jesus, what the hell are you planning to do that we need parachutes?" Clayton wondered.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
"Clayton, right now is the time for action, not for questions." Qi Lian sternly replied.
Clayton grumbled a bit and then got up and looked in the back. He found the parachutes as Qi Lian had requested. He grabbed three, giving one to his father and keeping one for himself. Once he was back in the front of the helicopter he handed one to Qi Lian as well.
"I won't be needing one Clayton, but thank you." Qi Lian stated.
"Excuse me? Why exactly won't you be needing one?" Clayton asked, now showing he was worried.
"Do not worry about me Clayton. No matter what happens I need you to worry about the world. You need to ensure it sticks around for Nia." Qi Lian responded.
"I can't let you kill yourself Qi Lian. If you are intent on crashing this thing, at least come with us." Clayton said sternly.
"I don't plan on dying Clayton. But I can't guarantee anything after we get that door open. I just don't know how many Red Tide soldiers are there. But if you get a shot at Han Xin you take it. Promise me that you will take it, regardless of what has happened to me." Qi Lian pleaded.
"I promise you I will kill that bastard if I get the chance. But can't you just come with us?" Clayton asked.
"I can't override the controls on this helicopter Clayton. It is too old, I have to do it manually. I will see you on the ground." Qi Lian replied.
Clayton had a worried look on his face. He wasn't sure if Qi Lian was lying to him or not. But he knew he wasn't going to change her mind. So Clayton moved to the back and began helping his father put on the parachute.
"All right dad, we are going to jump. When I tell you pull this string you understand?" Clayton queried Darnell.
"Yes I understand son." Darnell said.
Clayton handed Darnell a gun.
"You might need this when we hit the ground. Be ready pops, I think we are about to have the fight of our lives." Clayton told Darnell.
Darnell shook his head to show that he understood. Then Clayton led him by the door of the helicopter.
Qi Lian pulled upward on the stick, causing the helicopter to rise higher. She wanted to ensure they had enough altitude to make the parachutes effective. Once she was satisfied she leveled off the helicopter. Clayton and Darnell jumped out and she watched as they dropped. After a few moments she could see that they had opened the parachutes. She was happy they were safely away. Now she had to complete her plan.
Qi Lian tilted the helicopter downward toward the bomb shelter. From this height she couldn't see the entrance but she had a rough idea of where it was. She continued to increase the throttle, forcing the helicopter to move at increasing speed. As she got closer she managed to make out where her target area was. She turned the helicopter until it was aimed directly at the door. She continued to pick up speed.
Then Qi Lian looked out on the side of the building. she could see vehicles parked there. That would be her landing spot. Qi Lian held the controller steady until she was confident it no longer needed her as the pilot and then she jumped out of the helicopter.
Qi Lian landed on top of a car, causing the hood of the vehicle to crumple beneath her. She felt tremendous pain in her side, this time the opposite side of where she had been stabbed. However the crumpling of the car had cushioned her landing more than if she had landed on the ground, so she was thankful for this.
Behind her, Qi Lian could hear the helicopter crashing into the wall which housed the door for the bomb shelter. She could hear the horrible sounds of mangled metal being torn apart and the large thud that occurred when the helicopter struck the wall.
Qi Lian sat up, feeling the pain from what she had just done. Then a wild looking smile appeared on her face. She was appreciating her work, and now Han Xin couldn't just hide like a coward inside. He would have to come out, and she was ready for him.
The helicopter managed to push a ways into the shelter before coming to a stop. Then Qi Lian could see that what was left of the helicopter started moving back out away from the building. Qi Lian struggled to get to her feet. She was in agony, but right now she was running on pure adrenaline. The time for pain was later, now was time for a fight.
As she got to her feet she heard the car door opening, and the occupants all got out. Jeffrey came to help Qi Lian.
"No you have to be kidding me! Not my van!" Qi Lian could hear Dhruv say.