[ IP ] Sandstorm

*One two three, one two three, stop. * 
 
 *One two three, one two three, stop. * 
 
 Even with the sandstorm, the sentry systems would have picked us up, or anything, running at that speed. Six meters, hunker down, continue. Once we could see the warm, yellow glow of the city's maintenance entrance, Eziek raised a fist. It'd have to be a long crawl for the rest of the way. 
 
 When you're used to it, the sand feels like a warm blanket. I could tell that our tag-along would n't quite agree with that, the way he was almost writhing and squirming behind Eziek. The cultural disguises actually helped with the weather, too. Thick red vest, light and loose fabric. Decent camo, visibility. Some people just ca n't be pleased. 
 
 Once we could see bodies at the doorway, we moved off to the left. It was supposed to be clear. And, they had weapons with green lasers. They would n't miss, if I could see the things from here. Conrad, the squeamish one, pulled his turban down from his nose and to the underside of his chin. His thin face contorted into an o-shape and one might wonder how much sand he'd be sucking in as he talked. `` Why are they there? You absolute shit-for-brains.'' 
 
 Eziek took a kneel, leaning right and trying to get a better grasp on the situation. 
 
 `` This is a problem. We're done. It's over,'' Conrad continued, barraging us with his bullshit. 
 
 York was busy sifting through her pack. Might've lost something. Before I could interject, Eziek turned to Conrad hastily, taking a few strong steps towards him. `` You're a guest here. Learn some manners. If shit gets bad, I make the call and we get out.'' He spoke genuinely and with a firmness that carried past his face veil. Even behind those goggles, you might've been able to see the twinkle in his eyes. `` This is n't sour. Not at all, not yet. But the folks back home want this done quietly, so we'll have to be more careful.'' 
 
 `` These soldiers are here for a reason. They're either expecting us, or something's already going down in there. Something fresh,'' I stated. I was sure of this. 
 
 Everyone seemed to simply nod to me, until York finished up with her pack. `` So, you've got a plan, then, right, Ajax?'' I did n't like making too many decisions. Left'em to Eziek, but he was staring me down, too. 
 
 With a huff, I started over towards the grand entrance. One guard was at the control panel, to close the gates and work the lights, I suppose, and the other was closer to us. The latter turned his head to me and almost jerked his gun up. Instead, he took a moment to look at me. 
 
 Probably more than a moment, as my right hand was already on my handcannon. The finger pushed in, the lights flickered to life, my elbow went up, and after its short cycling time, a blast punched through the chest of the watchman. At this distance, it was easy to tell that these guys were city personnel. Thick, black armor up to the neck. As the second looked to see what happened, I darted my left hand down to grab my other blaster, extending my arm fully for three shots. The first was too low, hitting the ground. He raised his own weapon by the second, but the second must've hit his skull, since his knees gave out from underneath him like a ragdoll. And the third missed. I carefully continued on, peering into the access point. Looked clear, but that yellow does n't ease my feelings. 
 
 `` What the fuck?'' York rather gently exclaimed. The rest of the group came up from behind me. Conrad had his own pistol drawn, and did n't seem to mind. Eziek had his hand to his head. 
 
 `` This is quiet? Gunning them down?'' 
 
 `` Sounds pretty quiet to me,'' I replied. `` Do you hear any alarms?'' 
 
 `` Come now! There's no time to waste.'' Conrad was already walking through the archway by the time Eziek could sigh.
