Z-Series (Book 4): Z-Takeover

by Hatchett

  Mamba moved forwards and pressed the button. “Secure the buildin’.”

  Mamba watched as Volkan’s men and some of his own pulled their weapons and took out the few remaining guards in the building. Then they rushed to the external doors and started throwing the locks. He realised that he wouldn’t be able to close off every single entrance, but it should slow any responders down. He saw some of his guys then run towards the tube entrance to get their own rucksacks and their spare weapons and ammunition.

  Mamba saw Basir look up to one of the cameras and smile. He then started running back towards the Command Centre with Mamba’s rucksack.

  Mamba looked at his watch. As far as he could tell, things were going pretty well, and it was only just after five-fifteen in the morning. But he had a long day ahead and the battle had only just begun.

  He watched as what looked like a middle-aged man walked nonchalantly up to the main entrance and bumped into the door, obviously expecting it to open. He stood back and looked at the door in surprise before noticing a couple of men in boiler suits standing the other side. He indicated that they should unlock the door.

  “Who’s that?” Mamba asked, turning towards the Major.

  “Jack,” the Major replied.

  Mamba quickly pressed the button on the tannoy and ordered ‘Let him in.”

  He watched as Jack was allowed into the building and the surprise on his face when he realised the men in boiler suits were armed. There was some sort of discussion as one of the men relocked the doors before Jack looked at one of the CCTV cameras then headed towards the Command Centre, reaching up to scratch his ear as he did so. Mamba watched him all the way, flicking his gaze from one screen to another.

  “Betta tell the nutters to leave him alone,” Mamba ordered, “but check he ain’t got no weapons.”

  Ahmed went to the door and shouted to Ayla, who then passed on the message to Faruk and Ismet.

  Basir entered the room and passed the rucksack to Mamba.

  Mamba opened the bag and retrieved his satellite phone from the bottom.

  A few minutes later, Jack walked past Ahmed into the room and took in the scene.

  66

  Day 19 – 05:30

  Heathrow Terminal 3, Security Command Centre

  “Welcome Jack,” Mamba shouted, walking across the floor to the new arrival, “come in, come in. Join the party.”

  Jack noted the Major sitting in one of the chairs and all but one of the operators sitting on the floor with their hands tied. He also noticed the dead operator.

  “How did you get in?” Jack asked.

  “Jack, Jack, I’m disappointed tha’s all ya can think of ta ask. Tell ya later. We got big things ta do.”

  Mamba turned to Gert and asked whether he could broadcast to the whole airport and she nodded that he could. “Good, set it up,” he ordered.

  “What are you planning to do?” Jack asked.

  “Wait ‘n see, Jack. Yer gonna love it.”

  “It’s ready,” Gert said.

  Mamba headed for Gert.

  “It may be easier from the Command Ring,” Jack suggested.

  “The Command what?” Mamba asked, confused.

  Jack pointed to the chairs. Mamba shrugged. “Let’s do it. Ahmed, watch these fuckers don’t try anythin’. If they do, shoot ‘em.”

  Mamba followed Jack to the Command Ring and sat next to him. He wiggled his backside in the leather chair and ran his arms along the arms of the seat. “I could get used ta this,” he commented. “Makes ya feel like a God.” Mamba looked around at all the screens in awe. It was still quiet outside as most people were still asleep, but there were a few wandering around, and of course, there were guards around the perimeter.

  Mamba looked at Jack. “Yer goin’ to do the talkin’. Tell everyone come ‘n stand outside the front of this buildin’, drop all their weapons in a pile ‘n move back. Oh, ya might want to tell ‘em there’s a few zombies wanderin’ ‘round out there, so they might wanna do summat ‘bout it.” Mamba smiled. “Ya say anythin’ else, I kill one of ‘em,” he promised, pointing over his shoulder.

  Jack composed himself then flicked the switch on his seat and did as Mamba had ordered.

  Within minutes, people started leaving the buildings and their posts, heading for the front of Terminal 3. Mamba saw a particularly large group coming from one direction and asked where they were coming from.

  Jack explained that they were coming from their accommodation near Terminal 4.

  “There’s a zombie,” Mamba suddenly shouted, pointing at one of the screens.

  “Near the bus station,” Gert said.

  Jack looked at Mamba to see if he could relay the message and Mamba just nodded.

  A couple of minutes later, a group of four soldiers heading to Terminal 3 from the perimeter diverted and took out the zombie, before continuing their journey.

  “How many are there?” Jack asked.

  “Five, unless they’ve bred a few more.” Mamba laughed.

  Over the next five minutes they located the stray zombies and arranged for them to be taken out. While this happened, a crowd began to gather in front of Terminal 3. Everyone was talking and looking at the building, wondering what the Hell was going on. It was a cold, damp morning, so those who hadn’t wrapped up to keep warm were shivering. Mamba smiled. Cold people weren’t very effective.

  “Get the helicopter pilots to come to the entrance doors.

  Jack relayed the message.

  67

  Day 19 – 05:30

  Hilton Hotel

  As people were still leaving the hotel to congregate outside Terminal 3, Bear, Irish, Joel and Sarah met in the lobby of the hotel. Within a couple of minutes, a weary and dishevelled looking Tom and a wide-awake Don had joined them.

  Although Jack had switched his comms on as soon as he realised that there was a problem and had tried to warn them, none of them had had their earpieces in and were fast asleep.

  As soon as Jack’s message had started echoing through the building’s speakers, they quickly got up and inserted their earpieces and from then on, they had heard Jack’s subsequent conversation with Mamba and had arranged to meet up. They had quickly got dressed, grabbed their weapons and rushed to the lobby.

  “How the fuck has Mamba managed to get into Security Command? Where did he come from?” Joel asked heatedly.

  “Doesn’t matter, he’s here and we need to do something about it,” Bear said, taking charge. “Jack can hear what we’re saying, so Jack, if you get the chance, let us know what’s going on. I appreciate you’ll have to be careful what you say unless you’re left alone. Right, Don, hold back some of the boys, we’re not all following Mamba’s orders.”

  “Roger.” Don moved across to the Hotel’s exit, ignoring people asking him what was happening and looking out for his most trusted soldiers, who he pulled to one side.

  “Tom, any way we can close down the CCTV or power to Security Command from here?” Bear asked.

  “Sorry Bear, it’s all self-contained,” Tom replied, scratching his head.

  “Andy, Travis, Issy and Gina are in Hendon, Sean and Daniel are at the Tower and Dave is in Battersea. Can you try and contact them and let them know what is going on? They can then join the conversation.”

  “Yes, I have some equipment in my room.” Tom confirmed.

  “Good, then do it and stay there with the door locked unless we call for you,” Bear ordered.

  Tom moved quickly back towards the stairs, heading for his room.

  “What are we going to do?” Irish asked.

  “Good question,” Bear replied. “We can’t move outside without being picked up on the CCTV. We’re OK in here for now, but how long before they send search parties to find those of us who aren’t doing as we’re told?”

  “Depends how many people are watching the screens,” Sarah pointed out, “and how many men he has. The airport is too big to cover everything, he doesn’t know his way
around and he has no idea how many people are here or what roles they have, so we have the advantage there.”

  “True, but conversely, we have no idea how many men Mamba has with him,” Bear pointed out. “He could have fifty or a hundred. Who knows? We have to assume he has a decent amount and they’re all be well armed. Even if they weren’t, they will be once he gets to the armoury. No, we have to think carefully before we do anything.”

  “I should join the crowd,” Sarah volunteered. “I’ll be able to provide updates.”

  Bear thought about it and suspected that Jack would kill him, but he said, “Good idea, but lay low.”

  Sarah nodded and joined the dwindling crowd of people heading for T3.

  “How do we get into Security Command?” Joel asked.

  “There’s only one main entrance, and whilst there are fire escapes, they have to be opened from the inside,” Irish explained.

  “No secret tunnel?” Joel asked.

  “I don’t…” Irish began.

  “Wait a minute,” Bear interrupted, then scratched his head as he thought back. “Remember Jack told us during one meeting about his trip to Downing Street?”

  “Yeah, now that you mention it,” Irish confirmed.

  “He used some secret underground line to get there, and Andy has also used it. He was doing some work there to try and turn it into another hub,” Bear said. “Trouble is, I don’t know where it is.”

  Bear looked across to see that Don was wandering back towards them, with just a few remaining stragglers still heading to T3. There were also a dozen or so armed soldiers waiting by the exit.

  “For the time being, we all need to change into civilian gear, then find somewhere to hide,” Bear said. “Then we see what develops and plan accordingly. Let’s meet in the basement as soon as you can get there.”

  The group all headed for their own rooms to change.

  68

  Day 19 – 05:30

  Heathrow Terminal 3

  “Get the pilots inside,” Mamba ordered, looking at Ahmed, “‘n find out who flies the big ‘uns ‘n get ‘em ready’.”

  Ahmed left the Command Centre and headed for the exit.

  “‘Scuse me, Jack, gotta make a call,” Mamba said, sitting back in his chair and pressing some buttons on his satellite phone. Within seconds it was answered.

  “Mamba. How are you? Good to know you’re safe,” Volkan answered.

  “I’m good. Heathrow’s nearly secure, but I need ‘em extra men. I’m sendin’ the big birds ta pick ‘em up in a few minutes.”

  “OK. I’ll send the men across to the recreation ground,” Volkan confirmed. “When will you pick me up?” Volkan asked. “I’m quite looking forward to flying into Heathrow to see what’s what.”

  “Soon as I get the men. They can hold the fort while I come ta get ya in a smaller bird. They puttin’ the fuel in now.” They weren’t, but Volkan didn’t need to know that. He just needed Volkan to believe that Mamba would shortly be on his way, which he would.

  “OK, I’ll stay here and wait to speak to you again shortly. Can’t wait.”

  “Yep,” Mamba confirmed, before closing the call.

  “Your new partner in crime?” Jack asked.

  “Don’t be like that,” Mamba replied, with a humourless smile on his face. “There ain’t no crime these days.”

  “Just a saying,” Jack explained. “How did you convince Volkan to join in your vendetta?

  “Ven what?” Mamba asked, confused.

  “How did you get Volkan on your side?” Jack rephrased.

  “He’s a stupid fuckin’ Turk,” Mamba replied. “Thinks he’s so fuckin’ rich ‘n powerful. He wants all this,” Mamba added, swinging his arms around.

  “And is he going to get all ‘this’?” Jack asked calmly.

  Mamba looked at Jack as if he was mad. “Ya havin’ a laugh ain’t ya?”

  “I guess so. Perhaps we should go to my office where we can talk more privately?”

  “Trap eh? Got a gun in a drawer?” Mamba asked with a knowing smile.

  “No, just thought it would be better.”

  “Nah, I like it fine right here. Can watch the screens.”

  “You can still watch a screen in the office.”

  “Not like here,” Mamba replied, looking around the room. “Which reminds me, where are the girls?”

  “Who?” Jack asked, confused.

  “Issy and Gina.”

  “I have no idea, I thought you had them.”

  Mamba was watching Jack’s reaction closely, but he couldn’t tell if he was telling the truth. Well, if they weren’t here, then they were probably dead. Served the bitches right for trying to escape. He just wished he’d fucked them good and proper first. What a waste. He blamed Ayla for distracting him.

  “Get Ayla in here,” he shouted to Basir.

  Ahmed came back into the room. “The helicopters are warmin’ up. Ya want someone to go with ‘em?”

  “Nah, Jack’ll tell the pilots to do what they tol’ or I start shootin’ people, won’t ya Jack?”

  Jack nodded and gave the pilots the go-ahead.

  “Which reminds me,” Mamba said, clicking his fingers. He got up from his seat and walked over to the door to the armoury. The door wouldn’t open, and he saw another pad that was used for getting into all the rooms around this area. “Open this door!” he ordered, and Jack wandered over and placed his hand on the scanner.

  The door clicked open and the lights came on automatically as Mamba entered.

  “Fuck me!” he uttered as he stared around the room. “Enough gear here ta start a war.” He wandered over to a shelf and picked up a hand grenade.

  “Careful with that,” Jack said.

  “Ya think I’m fuckin’ stupid?” Ahmed rounded on him. He shook his head and put the grenade in his pocket then turned and picked up an MP5 from a rack. “Nice gear,” he commented, then whistled. “Share ‘em out, Ahmed.”

  Ahmed moved into the room, using a nearby box to block the door open. He picked up a few Glock pistols and started checking they were loaded before carrying them back down the corridor.

  Mamba went back to the Command Ring with Jack following. Ayla was standing there, looking around in awe.

  Mamba sat down and patted the seat next to him and Ayla sat down.

  “Hey Gert!” Mamba called, and she nearly jumped out of her skin in fright. “Can ya switch the tannoy to inside the buildin’ again?” he asked, pointing towards the communications switch on the arm of his chair, which he had seen Jack using earlier.

  Gert nodded and clicked some keys.

  Mamba pressed the button then told his men to come up to Level 2 one by one to pick up new weapons.

  “Can my people come inside?” Jack asked, pointing at one of the screens. “It’s cold out there.” He looked carefully to see if he could spot Sarah, but there were so many people, it was impossible.

  “Maybe when my new men arrive,” Mamba said. “Gert, can ya follow the helicopter with the satellite?”

  “Y-yes,” Gert replied.

  “Do it, big screen.”

  Mamba watched as the satellite image changed so that it was looking down at T3 and the helicopters on the apron outside. As he watched, the two Chinooks took off and headed towards the Broadwater Farm Estate in North London, the satellite tracking their every move.

  “Good bit of kit,” Mamba mused, “but unfair.”

  “What do you mean?” Jack asked.

  “Sittin’ here in the warm like God ‘n givin’ orders to kill someone ‘n watchin’ it on the screen. Like playin’ a video game. Did ya watch when ya fired ‘em rockets at me, Jack?”

  “I don’t remember,” Jack said.

  “Sure, ya do, Jack. Ya wouldn’t miss killin’ me for the world. It’s not the same tho’. If ya gonna kill someone, ya gotta look in their eyes,” he smiled at Jack, “‘n ya missed me twice!”

  “Just think, if you hadn’t attacked the Tower of Lo
ndon, we wouldn’t be here,” Jack suggested, changing the direction of the conversation.

  “That was none of yer business. Ya stuck yer nose in where it weren’t wanted.”

  “We were trying to save innocent people.”

  “There’s no such thing,” Mamba said. “Everyone’s guilty of summat. What ya guilty of, Jack?”

  “Very astute,” Jack noted, ignoring the question.

  “Very ass what?” Mamba asked, “Ya talk weird sometimes.”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Jack replied.

  “Ya got a bird, Jack?” Mamba asked, as he slapped his hand down hard on Ayla’s thigh.

  “Ow!” Ayla complained.

  “No,” Jack said.

  “Yer gay?”

  “No.”

  “I get it, can’t find anyone…or no one wants ya.”

  “Something like that,” Jack replied.

  “Ya missin’ out, man!” Mamba said, laughing. “Nothin’ like a good blow or shag to get the blood pumpin’, ya get me?”

  “Yeah, I get you,” Jack confirmed. He felt it was probably best to agree to whatever Mamba suggested, for the time being at least. He had no idea where the conversation was heading or where it might veer off to next.

  Jack stared towards the screens, although he wasn’t really looking at anything. Instead, he was listening to the conversation going on in his earpiece.

  “…listenin’?” Mamba asked.

  “Sorry, what?” Jack asked,

  “I said were ya listenin’,” Mamba reiterated. “Obviously not!”

  “Sorry, I was watching the screen,” Jack said, trying his best not to smile when he heard Issy come online.

  69

  Day 19 – 05:45

  Hendon

  There was a knock on the door and Issy’s eyes snapped open, and for a fraction of a second, she wondered where she was.

  “Hold on,” she shouted as she climbed out of bed, turned on a side light and quickly put on a dressing gown that had been provided for her.

  Andy groaned and pulled the duvet over his head to block out the sudden light.