Ivan snatches the phone from Mr. Kerry's hand.
Ivan: "Hey, Dr Edward. I'm here. Come get me, and leave Hazel and her mom alone."
Dr. Edward William (on the phone): "That's what I expected from you, Ivan. Once I get you..."
Suddenly, loud alarms begin to beep everywhere in the background. Red lights flash. Chaos erupts in the lab. Scientists scramble, yelling over the sirens.
Dr. Henry (shouting in panic): "Hey, Dr. Edward! I don't know what the fuck is happening! The soldier... he's mutated! He's turning into—"
Sudden screaming noises are heard from the lab. Glass shatters. Equipment crashes. A horrifying roar cuts through the noise.
Dr. Edward William (dropping the phone): "What the fuck?!"
Dr. Henry (terrified): "The backfire...
Episode 11:- The Backfire
Scene:- Mikk's House - Playroom
Ivan was pacing around the playroom nervously. Sweat dripped down his forehead. His hands trembled slightly, and his eyes darted from wall to wall as if imagining what could go wrong. The room, filled with toys, colorful posters, and a wall clock ticking too loudly, felt like a cage.
Ivan (muttering to himself): "Why were the alarms going on? What happened in the lab? What kind of mutant did Dr. Henry mean? I don't know what's going on! Shit! Shit!"
He gripped the edge of the table and tried to breathe deeply, but panic was taking over.
Mr. Kerry (firmly): "Hey! Leave all that now, boy. They know your location. They could be arriving any minute."
Mikk (anxiously): "Yes, we need to act fast before things go completely out of control."
As soon as Mikk finished his sentence, a loud knock came at the door. Everyone froze. The sound echoed through the house like thunder. Their hearts pounded so loudly it felt like they could hear each other's heartbeat. No one moved. No one dared to speak.
The knocking grew louder and more urgent. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Ivan took a deep breath. He understood there was no point in hiding anymore. This was his fight. He looked determined.
He stepped forward toward the door.
Mikk (shocked): "Ivan, no! Wait!"
Sharon: "Don't open it! Please!"
But Ivan resisted them all. He slowly extended his hand to the doorknob. The metal felt cold and heavy. He twisted it and opened the door.
Suddenly, someone pushed the door open from outside, forcing Ivan to take a step back.
A tall figure entered the room. He had short brown hair, a calm but confident face, and wore a jacket that smelled like road dust. A slight smirk played on his lips.
James (grinning): "What's up, guys? Why do you all look like you've seen a ghost?"
Justin (shouting in relief): "Damn it, man! You're here! We thought the lab people had come for Ivan."
Everyone moved back into the playroom. The air was thick with tension, filled with fear and silence.
After a long pause, James broke the silence.
James (seriously): "Okay, will someone tell me what the hell is going on here?"
Mikk (sighs): "Listen. The people who kidnapped Ivan have now kidnapped Hazel. They're demanding to know where Ivan is. But Ivan already told them he's here, at my house. That means they might come any second. We don't have time. We need to do something—fast."
Ivan (taking charge): "I've thought of a plan. But... It's very risky. I can't do it alone. I need two people to go with me."
Mr. Kerry (serious tone): "Tell us the plan."
Everyone became quiet and gave their full attention to Ivan. He stood straight, trying to keep his voice steady.
Ivan: "I have one last portal capsule left for the Texas lab. I'll use it to get inside. But I can't bring Hazel back alone. I'll need help. While I search for capsules inside the lab, the other two will find Hazel and her mom and will help them escape. Once we all meet, we'll use the portal to leave."
Mr. Kerry: "It's not that simple, kid. There will be guards everywhere. Saving Hazel won't be easy. But you're right, it's our only chance. Now, tell me—who here knows how to use a gun?"
James (raising his hand): "I do."
Sharon: "Me too, sir."
Mr. Kerry: "No. Not all of us can go. We need an adult to stay back and take care of the kids. We have to protect everyone who stays."
He looked around the room, scanning each face.
Mr. Kerry: "Okay, listen carefully. Ivan, James, and I will go to the lab."
Justin (interrupting): "I object. I'm coming too. I'll distract the soldiers. You both can take them out."
Jessy: "If Justin goes, I'm going too."
Mr. Kerry (shouting): "Do you think this is a game?! This is not a joke. Anyone who goes can die. You hear me?! I won't let you risk your lives."
Jessy and Justin lowered their eyes. Silence fell again.
Mr. Kerry (calmer): "Alright. Ivan, James, and I will go to the lab. Ivan will collect the capsules. James and I will find Hazel and her mom. Once we free them, we will head to the school—not here because we won't have a return capsule for Mikk's house."
Mikk: "How will you escape from the school? It's all locked."
Sharon: "There's a bathroom window. It's small and low enough. They can climb out of it. Then we'll pick them up in a car and drive to the secret basement, 10 km from here. It's safe. I'll also call my parents and ask them to go straight there from the party."
Mr. Kerry: "Yes. That's it. But remember—this mission is dangerous. Anyone can die. If that happens, we must move on and focus on escaping. No hesitation."
Sharon (teary-eyed): "Please don't say that, Mr. Kerry. I trust you. I trust Ivan. And I trust James."
She walked over and kissed James on the cheek. James smiled and held her hand. Sharon started crying softly. Her body shook slightly as she leaned into James's shoulder. Everyone looked away to give them a moment.
Justin (whispered to Jessy): "Hey, come to the hall with me for a minute."
Jessy: "Sure."
They left quietly.
Mikk (teasingly): "Well, looks like James and Sharon are officially a couple now."
James and Sharon laughed together. The laughter, though brief, helped ease the heavy air.
Later that day...
Mr. Kerry visited the local police station and took a few guns. He handed one Mk16 rifle and a pistol to James, along with extra bullets. He kept another Mk16 and a pistol for himself.
He lined up the weapons on the table and double-checked the magazines.
Mr. Kerry: "Always use your bullets wisely. Don't shoot randomly. We won't have enough if things get worse. Understood?"
James: "Understood, sir."
James looked at the weapons, his hands firm but his eyes slightly nervous. Ivan stood beside him, staring at the portal capsule. The glowing green liquid inside shimmered.
Ivan (determined): "So, are we ready to go?"
Mr. Kerry: "Yes. Let's go and conquer them."
They all took one last look at each other. There was fear in their eyes, but also courage. The mission to save Hazel had begun.
The Texas Lab Anomaly
Sarthak Kashyap
End of Episode 11:- The Backfire
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