JR SWAT 1: The Basics

Chapter 17: Struck out

Meanwhile, Rubio and Chen were having problems getting the audio to work properly. They tried everything: moving the mic, resetting the whole system, changing cables... nothing worked! They had spent 20 minutes on the darn microphone, yet it was still producing no sound. Margaret had left to help with the placement of the kids, while the two teens struggled with the apparatus. In the distance they could hear a faint sound, probably of the crowds approaching the rooms in the building. Based on Miss Margaret, they had little time to get the microphone working since a big group would be coming in shortly. 

"Dude, we're gonna have to check out the old audio room on top." Chen said, shaking his head in disappointment. He noticed his hands were dirty and stained. He tried wiping them on his jeans, but they remained pretty messy.

"Yeah, this sucks!" Rubio said frustrated, looking all around.

The theater was still quiet, even though they could the chatter outside was increasing in volume. Students were beginning to enter the Annex, as the faculty directed them to the different rooms. Soon the theater would be flooded with sophomores and juniors.

"Let's check out the electrical room first." Chen said, leading the way.

His first option was always the electrical room. It was much easier than accessing the audio room, which required them to go up a tight and uncomfortable flight of stairs. On the other hand, the electrical room only required to go through backstage and some dressing rooms. It was definitely  much easier to access, seeing that it was behind the stage, down a narrow hall that featured a big dressing room, bathrooms, props closet, storage and janitor room.

"The one next to the storage, right?" Rubio asked, wiping his hands on his jeans.

"Yeah, that's the central electrical station of the whole building."

"You can control everything from there?" Rubio answered, nodding his head.

"Yup. Maybe there's something lose in the cable box or something." Chen said, as both boys began to move.

Chen remembered his time dealing with the electrical outlets of the theater because there was always an issue whenever there was a big play or show. He and some of his friends, mostly Asians, were used to helping out when it came to electricity or computers.

 They continued to chit chat about the problem with the mic as they made their way through the back. They went down the corridor, noticing all doors closed. Everything was fine until...

GASPS

"Hurry up. The roaches are coming in!" called an angry male voice.

Rubio and Chen immediately stuck their bodies against the wall and made no movements. They controlled their breathing, as both had mouth and eyes were wide open in fear. Who were those men?

Chen, who took a step to the front, leaned his head out, trying to get a view of who was talking. Rubio staid back, since he was farther from the corner. Meanwhile, the smart junior used the curtains that were set up in the hallway, in front of the storage door, to hide his face.

Chen gasped again when he saw two men working the cable box, the same one he was going to check. Both boys noticed the big automatic weapons across the men's upper body and the knife holder on their waste. Oh boy! Change of plans!

BZZZZTTT BZZZZTTT

GASP!

Rubio jumped out of his skin when he felt the vibrations in his pants. A text! He didn't know what to do or if the men had spotted him. He stuck his hand out and slapped Chen on the arm. With eyes wide opened, he gestured to his ear with his index finger and thumb, resembling that of a phone receiver. Chen took a quick glance back at the men, then nodded to Rubio. Both boys tip toed out of the spot, heading towards the audio room up top.