Author's Note: The latter parts of this chapter, primarily those events occurring after 20:00 on Tuesday May 10th, are in sync with Chapters 26/27/28 of my other story: The Fusion Ultimatum.

Four weeks later
Sunday, April 3rd, 2016

Urban Predator
Training Facility
Toulouse, France

The Library

Yes, Predators read books.

It was a key part of their training and all were fast readers of fiction and non-fiction. The books were way beyond most ten-year-olds, but Rylee, Tanya, and Simon loved to read Tom Clancy – their joint favourite was Patriot Games. That afternoon, all three were nose-deep in their books. Simon was wading through the weighty Rainbow Six while Tanya was enjoying the slimmer Red Rabbit. Rylee was enjoying her next favourite, the thousand-page tome: The Bear and the Dragon. Anybody interrupted them, and the interrupter was in for a pounding. However, it was not a person, so to speak, who interrupted their reading that afternoon.

Soon after four o'clock, there was a resounding explosion some distance away.

..._...

"An apprentice blew up the dunk tank," Kendra told Rylee.

"What!" Simon exclaimed.

"She must have got a grenade from somewhere and she dropped it into the tank before running for it – the tanks a gonna and so's the classroom below."

"Anybody hurt?" Tanya asked.

"Not a soul," Kendra confirmed.

..._...

They came for her during the evening meal.

Rylee expected The Hole, but no – arguably, it was much worse. Instructor Strickler and another female instructor appeared and after a brief scan of the dining hall, they made a beeline for the smallest girl there. Strickler grabbed the girl, Kaitlin, by the back of her sweatshirt, yanking her away from the table before throwing the small girl back down, atop her partially eaten meal. The girl began to shake with fear and the tears were evident. Strickler and the other instructor yanked the girl's joggers and underwear down to her ankles and then Strickler got stuck in with the strap.

As Strickler reached six, everybody thought it was over, but no. Maybe it would be over at ten – no. Twelve? Sixteen! Sixteen blows to the girl's bottom. Everyone was appalled and nobody spoke, not even Sky Abbott who usually cheered during such extreme punishments. There was no silence, however, as the girl was screaming worse than Rylee had ever heard anyone scream. Once they were done, the girl was left screaming on the floor, naked as the day she was born, her bottom purple with the bruising.

Rylee was sure she saw some blood, too.

One month later
Thursday, May 5th, 2016

Zeta Squad Lair

"You summoned me?"

"Yes, Kendra," Rylee said. "I've got the best news for you, girl."

"What?" Kendra asked tentatively.

"You're going to be trained."

"Me?"

"Yes, you, numb-nuts!"

"Oh. . . wow. . ."

"If you pass, and gain your dagger, then I am allowed to take you into Zeta Squad and train you further."

Kendra's grin was enormous at the news.

"You made it, girl."

"When?"

"How does next week, grab you. You get your greys on Thursday night."

Kendra was almost crying with pleasure at the news.

Friday, May 6th, 2016

That afternoon, Sarah and Marc returned to the training facility.

Nether Predator looked very happy as they dismounted from the vehicle and they both received a good strapping minutes later. Simon had been a witness to the strapping which had been administered in the vehicle garage by Instructor Harvey. The pair must have fucked up badly to have been strapped the very moment they had arrived back from wherever they had been. Indeed, Sarah sported a nasty mark on her cheek which appeared to be from a pistol whipping. After their strapping both were sent to change out of their clothing and back into their greys. Neither said a word as they ate their evening meal, both keeping themselves to themselves. However, afterwards, Marc was border-line distraught when he discovered that Shannon had been deployed.

Both were also very surprised by the changes which had occurred during their absence.

Saturday, May 7th, 2016

At the weekend, Rylee and Simon witnessed two Predators being sentenced to The Hole.

The Phase 2 Predators had reacted badly to the increased tempo around the facility and they were both summarily stripped and locked in their holes during breakfast. Rylee felt an involuntary shudder run down her backbone at the sound of the steel clanging as the grates were closed and she gripped Simon's hand tightly under the table. After they had finished breakfast, they headed to the armoury.

On the way they were intercepted by Kendra who dragged the pair into an empty classroom.

..._...

"What's up, dweeb?" Simon asked the girl.

"I overheard something," Kendra whispered.

"What?" Rylee asked.

"Somebody is hunting down Urban Predator."

"Who?"

"They don't know, but Sarah and Marc caught two of them before they let them escape – that's why they were punished."

"I also heard that twenty-five Predators were executed – but I don't know where or when."

Simon and Rylee were speechless at that comment taking a full minute to respond.

"Anything else?"

"The instructors are worried," Kendra said before she hesitated. "Are we going to die?"

"No, Kendra," Rylee replied. "We will survive. We've been here before – kind of. When things go bad, we turn . . . simple as that."

"I'm scared," Kendra said.

"You have every right to be, kid, but now is not the time," Simon said. "Keep it together, Kendra. The other Yellows rely on you."

"If I hear anything else, I'll let you know."

"You do that," Simon said as Kendra vanished.

"None of that was good," Rylee commented.

"We stick with the plan, Rylee," Simon replied. "We will all survive."

"Promise?" Rylee asked her friend.

"Promise."

..._...

None of Zeta Squad went anywhere without carrying a weapon of some form.

Each wore a combat knife strapped to their left calf, just in case – that was a standing order from Rylee. A dark vibe pervaded the facility and it affected both the instructors and the students. There was a general unease as the training moved to concentrate on facility defence. Kendra had discovered that the instructors were all carrying firearms and the security force was carrying automatic weapons instead of just their pistols. The twins appeared to have been elevated to a special status and not much was seen of either, although, Kendra reported that both had been fully kitted out with body armour and automatic weapons.

As for Marc and Sarah, they had been relegated to sentry duty at the access hatch which Rylee knew led to the bunker beneath the facility.

..._...

Rylee's mind was in turmoil.

Whatever happened, she had to stay alive. If that meant turning against her instructors and those who had created her, then so be it. There was not any way that she was going to allow herself, or any of her friends to be 'executed' or otherwise killed. It had taken time, but with the help of Kendra's duplicity, Rylee had been able to gather together information pertaining to their exact location. She knew that they were based in Toulouse, France. That had been general knowledge around the facility, however, she had needed to know exactly where. Tanya was putting together an escape plan so that should they break out, they could make their escape via various devious routes out of the country. Tanya was an expert when it came to maps and planning routes both on the ground and on the water. Rylee was a little unsure about the route which Tanya was planning out, but she trusted her friend to get them all to safety.

"Aalborg?" Simon queried that afternoon.

"Denmark," Tanya explained. "We then head north, to Hirtshals and hop a ferry to Seydisfjordur."

"Seydis . . . what?" Rylee asked.

"It's in Iceland."

"Iceland!" Rylee echoed. "What the fuck, Tanya!"

"Gives us two options – we can then enter Scotland which is the safest way into the UK, or we can make for Canada which is a safe way into the USA," Tanya explained.

"Okay," Rylee grinned.

"Let's leave her to it," Simon suggested.

Tanya ignored her friends' sarcasm as she went back to her planning.

..._...

On the range, Rylee honed her skills, ensuring that she could hit a gnat in the arse at fifty feet.

Simon took great joy in gaining a forty-nine out of fifty while Sky Abbott only managed to produce a meagre forty-six. As for Rylee's score, what do you think? There were times when Rylee was a pain in the arse, and when she beat everybody, she loved to rub it in. Harper groaned as she peered over Rylee's shoulder and saw that the girl had arranged her jelly babies to form a five and a zero.

"She got a full-board, huh?" Lin asked rhetorically as she saw the jelly babies.

Rylee pretended to ignore them, but she could not help rubbing it in – even with her friends. Simon simply ignored Rylee, knowing that one day she would learn that nobody, but her, was impressed by full scores. However, he loved her for her attitude to life. She was the strongest person he knew, and if anybody could survive the shit which Urban Predator produced on a daily basis, she could. In turn, the rest of Zeta Squad fed off her ability to survive. Her courage was toxic to some and they absorbed it, becoming a much better person for it. Indeed, not only Zeta Squad benefited from Rylee's infectious character, many others benefited too. Many of the other Predators found courage which they never knew they had but knowing it had come from the diminutive girl with the light brown hair called Rylee Gibson.

She was unstoppable, no matter what the bastard instructors threw at her.

A few days later

Tuesday, May 10th, 2016

Urban Predator
Training Facility
Toulouse, France

06:00

The day began just like any other.

They awoke. They showered. They dressed. They bickered. They headed for breakfast.

On the way to the dining hall, Kendra slammed into Rylee, forcing something into the older girl's hands, before fleeing. After piling their trays up with food, Rylee looked at the screwed-up piece of paper and found a barely readable scrawl in capital letters:

RAMSEY SEALING OFF FACILITY AT 14:00

"That doesn't sound good," Simon commented as he read the message.

"We about to be attacked?" Lin asked.

"Looks like it," Tanya decided.

"Whatever, we're fucked!" Rylee said. "I am not about to allow myself to be executed by the security force. Nor will I be killed by whomsoever is threatening Urban Predator."

"Stay alert, guys," Marc said as he sat down for a brief minute. "Sarah and me are on guard detail, all fucking day. I just raced down here to grab a butty for me and one for Sarah. Something bad is happening – today!"

Marc vanished and Rylee glared down at the table. Her home was being threatened and so were her friends. She couldn't give a shit about the adults, but she had her team to protect, not to mention the younger Predators – even the Yellows. After their meal, Zeta Squad split up to attend their classes. Rylee barely heard a word of the classes she attended up until lunchtime. Her mind was planning and figuring out how to stay alive over the next twenty-four hours. Tanya had an escape strategy figured out – via Iceland! Simon and Lin had squirrelled away supplies which they would need, should they be able to make their escape.

As for the younger members, Owen, Harper, Hudson, and Xiāngxìn, they had instructions to follow should the proverbial cow shit hit the proverbial electric fan.

12:45

At lunchtime, all were still alive, much to Rylee's joy.

As they ate, they talked. Simon had noticed that the younger Predators were scared – not their fault – but fear was not what was needed. A scared child was a hindrance, whereas an unhappy Predator was useful. Dark gallows humour was the name of the game, it seemed, and crude jokes helped to life everybody's spirits. As they chuckled at Harper's attempts at gallows humour, Rylee saw Tanya's expression harden.

"Don't look now but the bitches have received upgrades," Tanya hissed.

Rylee looked around to see the twins, Sky and Christina Abbott, each carrying a vicious bō-staff in their left hands. The blades were razor sharp and very deadly. Rylee pictured the two girls impaled on the blades and she grinned.

"What's so fucking funny, Gibson?" Sky spat.

"Just wondering what skewered Sky might look like," Rylee grinned in response.

"Come on, let's eat," Christina growled, shoving her sister forward.

"God, this place is going to the dogs!" Tanya growled.

14:00

Tanya's statement was very apt.

Rylee and Simon clocked Phase 3 Predators on patrol, wearing body armour and carrying automatic weapons. That was almost unheard of – actually, it was unheard of! Somebody within Urban Predator was hitting the panic button very hard. Several times, Doctor Albert Hirsch and the CIA man, Noah Vossen, were seen walking the corridors, deep in thought. Both were escorted by at least two members of the security force – all wearing body armour and carrying automatic weapons. All normal activities had ceased as of lunchtime, and it appeared that Kendra was bang on with her note. Every outside door and window was sealed with every external access door being guarded. That was also the very last time that any of them saw the twins. The two girls, both armed with their bō-staffs, had last been seen with Hirsch, heading towards the south end of the facility and Rylee figured that they had gone with the man into the bunker.

Even Rylee was beginning to feel the faint tinges of fear and that was something rarely seen – Simon noticed it, but he said nothing.

18:00

Hunter Graves, just the week before, had reached the peak of his potential.

The boy had been granted Phase 3 status and he had been given his much-coveted codename: Cut-Throat. The influx of additional Predators and security personnel had mean that there were many rumours unfolding – each one wilder and more nuts than the previous one. That afternoon, though, things appeared to be taking a turn for the worst as Hunter found himself issued with body armour and a SIG Sauer MPX assault rifle. He had then spent another hour at the range honing his skills with the weapon. As he had cleaned his weapon, Hunter had overheard the instructors discussing defensive tactics. Was something going on?

"Graves – stow your weapon and go get something to eat then return here for your duty posting."

"Yes, sir!"

Hunter got a nasty shock when he entered the dining room. 'Nasty' might not have been the best description but he was shaken to the core by the person he saw sat at a table with some other junior Predators.

"Leo?" Hunter demanded as he stopped at the table.

The ten-year-old boy turned and then his face simply dissolved into tears as he recognised his big brother.

"You're dead – I killed you...," Leo Graves began.

"I could say the same thing," Hunter replied as he hugged his younger brother. "Where the hell did you come from?"

"I just got here – few minutes ago."

The two brothers moved to a spare table where they ate their meal together and they talked. Both had believed each other to be dead, but their inner psyche had still held out hope that they would once again be reunited. As Hunter finished his food, he knew that he would have to get back to his duty posting.

"Leo – I'm sorry about this but I have to go; some weird duty posting. I'm sure it's just some fucked up training thing. I'll see you later, or most probably in the morning. It's really good to know that you're still alive."

"Stay safe, Hunter."

..._...

On their way back to their accommodation, the group of Zetas were intercepted by Senior Instructor Ramsey and Kendra.

Kendra handed over a large tub to Simon. The tub held body armour and a selection of bladed weaponry. The man appeared unnerved by the situation unfolding around the facility as he spoke, Rylee thought.

"Get these on and prepare to defend yourselves."

Once the man was gone, they headed back to their accommodation and ransacked the tub. There was just enough body armour to equip Simon, Rylee, and Tanya. The knives were spread amongst everyone and Rylee looked down at Harper who seemed to hesitate as she was handed an eight-inch fighting knife by Simon.

"You're going to be fine," Rylee said. "Trust in yourself and your training, okay?"

"I will," Harper replied, Rylee's infectious resolve spreading within the nine-year-old.

"We will do this," Lin told Hudson, and Xiāngxìn. "Stay sharp and watch your backs, and each other's backs."

"Of course, we will," Owen offered. "Name one single time Rylee failed at something she really put her mind to?"

Simon grinned as Rylee's expression dared anybody to respond.

"Until we know what we're facing, we need to be wary of anything and everything," Tanya said.

Tanya, Lin, and Simon fed off Rylee, just as much as the others, and they passed that courage down to the younger members on Rylee's behalf.

19:50

Rylee was lounging on a beanbag when she heard shouting and many feet.

Tanya looked out of the window for a few minutes before she frowned, turning to Rylee.

"The defence force is out."

"If I were attacking, I'd be closing in, right now," Rylee commented.

"I agree," Simon confirmed. "Everybody ready?"

"Yes!" Tanya grinned.

"We always are," Lin shrugged.

Harper and Xiāngxìn nodded.

"Do we have a choice?" Hudson asked.

"No," Simon conceded.

20:00

"The lights just went out, down near the gatehouse," Tanya observed.

"And it begins," Rylee muttered, closing her eyes and focussing her mind.

Harper looked down at the older girl, a little perplexed by how calm she was, despite the hell which was about to come down all around them. Harper considered that Rylee had to be totally nuts to survive a lot of what she went through, so seeing her calm and cool as the proverbial cucumber was a little unnerving. Simon and Tanya were almost as calm while Lin seemed to be muttering Chinese stuff to herself and Xiāngxìn.

None of them had long to wait as things began to happen.

20:12

A red beacon began to flash, over by the door, and a klaxon sounded.

Zeta Squad jumped up and they bounded out of the door as one, eyes moving in every direction, searching out the danger. All seven of them moved as one, watching, listening, thinking, planning. They knew that danger could lurk behind the very next corner and they had no idea what that danger could be. Who was attacking the facility? Who was attacking Urban Predator? Would anybody survive the night? As they moved deeper into the facility, they passed running Predators, all heading for safety. Then the sound of gunfire could be heard coming from the kitchens followed by an explosion.

"Grenade," Simon observed unnecessarily as Rylee turned to Harper.

"Harper – you and Hudson get over to the upper dormitories and protect the Phase 1 kids. Lin – you, Xiāngxìn, and Owen find out what's going on at the north end of the facility. We'll meet up near the library in two hours."

Harper and Hudson dutifully headed off, taking the next left in the corridor before vanishing. As they made a right, Simon ducked down a few feet from another Predator and they both watched as an instructor was gunned down, several yards away down a corridor – that brought it home to them both that it was not an exercise. Rylee came running past and she grabbed Simon by the arm. They were rapidly joined by Tanya. Over the next hour, the three of them did what they could to stay out of harm's way. It was obvious that the facility was going down . . . and going down hard. At some stage, or other, they each caught sight of armour-clad individuals, each of whom were armed to the teeth, who were working their way through the facility. It was also around that time when they saw Predators engaging Urban Predator instructors and security personnel for the first time.

It was time for the proverbial worm to turn, Rylee grinned, as she coldly put a bullet from an appropriated pistol into the head of the nearest member of the security personnel.

Harper and Hudson

On their way to where the younger Predators lived, Harper and Hudson were grabbed by six armed men, all members of the security force.

The men appeared to be corralling Predators in one of the main dormitories. The adults were not telling anybody anything and that just had the younger members of the facility teetering on the verge of outright panic. To be honest, Harper was feeling very worried, but her orders gave her focus, taking her mind away from the uncertainty of what was going on around her. In the dormitory, she and Hudson did their utmost to reassure the ten other kids in the room. All ten knew who Harper and Hudson were, and who their leader was – that helped top calm a lot of them down enough to get them to focus. Not too far away, explosions and gunfire could be heard, and the sounds were coming ominously closer.

Then, armour-clad individuals had burst in. The young girl had felt her heart racing at the sight of the fearsome attackers; she had no idea if she was about to be gunned down, but then things turned surreal as the shortest one began to talk in a weird electronic voice. Turned out it was that fucking traitor, Psyche, not that there was much Harper or Hudson could do about it. Then had came a major shock as one of the invaders had introduced themselves as somebody arguably worse than Psyche. Hit Girl acknowledged all that Psyche had spouted about being free and in control of her life. Could it be true, Harper thought, as she exchanged a glance with Hudson who shrugged. There was a lot of whispering between the Predators and the men of the security force appeared to get very jittery as they tried to figure out what to do.

The decision was made, almost unanimously, as eyes turned to Harper and Hudson.

Rylee, Simon, and Tanya

The facility was burning, and thick smoke clung to the ceilings.

It was obvious that they would not be spending another night in the place – only the dead would remain. Whoever the enemy were, they were not going for the children, as evidenced by Tasered Predators. As for the adults, only bullets and blades were used. After twenty minutes of moving through corridors, they came across a very dirty Kendra.

"Come on," Rylee said. "You stick with us; we're getting out of here."

"But what about...," Kendra began.

"It's over," Tanya pointed out. "This is the end for Urban Predator."

"No!" Kendra screamed. "This is not the end – I was so close!"

"Kendra! It – is – over!" Rylee almost shouted.

"No – I was going to become one of you . . . I was going to get my dagger."

Tanya slapped Kendra around the face and the younger girl stopped her yelling and she appeared to calm down.

"What now," Kendra said.

"We stay alive," Simon replied.

21:05

The Vehicle Garage

Marc and Sarah were both shaking as they made their escape.

Sarah was shaking because she had almost died at the hands of the boy who she thought was Jackal. He had looked good without the mask – and his clothes – she remembered. As for Marc, the stun grenades and fucked with the boy's hearing and equilibrium. Needless to say, they had been reprieved by Jackal and they were going to make their escape in any way possible.

The garage was a wreck, every visible vehicle destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Two vehicles were crushed beneath huge concrete beams which had collapsed on to them. Taking a vehicle was out of the question and both teenagers dodged around bodies and other battle detritus. They raced outside, into the darkness, running for the gatehouse and their only hope of escape. However, they had only gone two hundred yards when they saw eight members of the security force heading in their direction. Surprise was on the side of the two Predators – quite simply, it was kill or be killed...

The first two men died as they were seized, and their necks snapped before anyone even knew that the two teenaged assassins were even there. The second pair of men died as Sarah and Marc swept up pistols from the dead men and put two rounds in the men's heads. Then Marc and Sarah were surprised to see the heads of the next pair explode in rapid succession – there was a sniper out there, however, the sniper appeared to be targeting the security force, not them, so they simply shot the next pair before continuing with their escape.

At the gatehouse, they found the guards dead, but neither chose to hang around as Marc Ryan and Sarah Hampton vanished into France . . . free.

Zeta Squad

It had taken a while, but they had gathered together their equipment and they were hiding just outside the vehicle garage.

Owen had reappeared, but without the two girls. He was hurt, a large cut on his left cheek, not to mention that his top was ripped and bloody.

"A wall collapsed, cutting me off from the girls – I have no idea if they survived the collapse," Owen explained through his tears.

"Not your fault," Simon said supportively. "We need to find Harper and Hudson."

"They've been taken," Owen replied. "I saw them with a group of the armoured attackers. I think the French authorities are on their way here."

"Shit!" Tanya growled. "Once the French lock this place down, we're toast!"

"Well," Rylee pointed out as she studied the decaying concrete structure. "If we stay in here, we're fucking pancakes."

Simon led the way through the vehicle garage, and they climbed over a smashed Humvee and a steel girder to get out of the facility. Though the fresh air felt good, it stank of gunpowder and death. Ominously, there was very little in the way of battle underway – it was over, and it was time for them to make their escape. Undercover of the darkness and drifting smoke, the group moved. They were not the only people making their escape. They could make out other Predators – older ones, mainly – as well as some adults. The main gate with what looked to be a shattered gatehouse appeared out of the darkness.

"We're free!" Tanya exclaimed as they found themselves just yards away from freedom.

"We need to fucking move!" Simon called out as the sound of sirens from beyond the perimeter came closer.

Barely two minutes after they had cleared the perimeter a French National Police armoured vehicle smashed through the vehicle barrier and the five youngsters found themselves running for their lives.

Wednesday, May 11th, 2016

06:40

Rylee awoke with a start.

For a few moments, she had no idea where she was. But then she felt the arms wrapped around her. She felt Simon holding her tightly. Beside her, Tanya lay on the ground, in the same hollow beneath a bush, her arms wrapped around Kendra. Owen was huddled into Tanya. They had run for about three hours before fatigue had forced them to stop and find somewhere to sleep. The bushes amongst a group of trees alongside the D26, about twenty-three kilometres north of the centre of Toulouse. They believed themselves to be about fifteen kilometres away from the Urban Predator facility which, they hoped, would be safe enough for them to rest for a while.

Rylee squirmed out from Simon's arms and she carefully peered out from under the bush. It was not long after dawn and a little chilly. Rylee felt a twinge in her stomach telling her that she was hungry. The road was not busy, a car passed every few minutes or so. Rylee moved along the road a bit to find a suitable bush where she pulled down her joggers and knickers to enjoy a wee.

"Mind if I join you?"

Rylee grinned up as Simon as he too emptied his bladder. Once both were finished, they simply stared out at the open fields which ran for miles. They relished the air which they were breathing – it was very much the same air which they had been breathing all their lives, only it felt different as they were no longer captives of Urban Predator.

"We're free, Si."

"Yes, we are, Ry."

..._...

Two hours later, the group were a few more miles up the road.

Kendra was a problem – the yellow uniform of hers was a bit of a giveaway and it stood out like the proverbial sore thumb. Owen stole some children's clothing off a clothesline allowing Kendra to dump her yellow joggers and top. Kendra scowled down at the short blue skirt and the purple blouse.

"Anyone laughs and I shove their fuckin' tonsils down their throat," Kendra growled.

Rylee bit her lip as she stifled a laugh.

"You look sweet, Kendra," Owen offered.

"So, does that little dick of yours," Kendra retorted. "At least I can change out of this sodding skirt – you'll always have a small dick!"

Owen grinned, ignoring the bait.

..._...

The group continued to move on.

Maybe it was simply the tiredness. Maybe it was simply the relief. Maybe it was because they were hungry. Either way, they were slow at noticing the police car as it slowed. Nobody noticed the officer inside using his radio. Simon saw the police car and he quickly yanked Rylee and Tanya down the side of a shop. Kendra and Owen kind of looked innocent, but obviously not innocent enough, it seemed. The group moved on, having ignored the minor irrelevance . . . to their cost.

They were hungry, but they had no money, so there was only one way to obtain food. Kendra was posted as a lookout while Tanya and Rylee went into a shop to 'obtain' something to eat and to drink – maybe even some cash. The girls would not stand out, unlike the boys, as a threat instore and both could successfully pick a pocket or two without anybody noticing. However, before they could do more than take a few things off shelves, they heard Kendra's voice.

"Cavē!"

But before anybody could run, the shop was surrounded by armed French National Police. Rylee looked around as she Tanya dropped everything they were carrying. She and Tanya stepped out of the door of the shop onto the pavement, outside, and they dropped to her knees. Their eyes were dazzled by the many flashing blue lights which were gathering out in the street as more vehicles appeared. Rylee could see many uniforms, the closest of which were fairly normal with the wearer sporting a single pistol. However, a dozen yards beyond the ring of men in ordinary utility uniforms, Rylee could see the darker side of the French National Police. Those men wore body armour and masks and were armed to the teeth. It was a typical layered control with obvious outcomes. Face the ordinary police officers . . . or face the highly trained masked men who would probably shoot first and ask questions later. Quite wisely, Rylee saw her friends drop to their knees and raise their hands. Kendra hesitated, but she soon followed suit. Rylee could see the tears pouring down the girl's face as she felt her whole world come crashing down around her.

As the officers moved forward to secure the youngsters, Tanya looked round at Rylee who was laughing.

"What's so fucking funny?" Tanya demanded, unable to think of anything even remotely funny about the situation.

"Ironic, really," Rylee explained. "It was me shoplifting in Tesco which got me nicked and then taken for Urban Predator."

Tanya simply grimaced as she shook her head at her friend's weird logic.

Zeta Squad were disciplined, so no matter how much they wanted to resist, they followed instructions, to the letter – even Kendra, as they were restrained with plastic ties and laid face down on the pavement outside the shop. Each ignored the crowd which had gathered to watch the developing arrest of five children. A female police officer gave Rylee a very stern look, indeed, as she searched Rylee, who simply shrugged as three knives, a knuckle duster, an ASP, and a cosh were piled up beside her. Simon grinned as his own pile of weaponry grew as did the other children as they were searched. One by one, they were led aboard a police van before being driven away.

Rylee was not perturbed by all the attention, no, she was already planning her escape from French custody.

..._...

Over the next few days, they went through a mini version of that which most of them had endured on day one of their time with Urban Predator, only with lots more compassion.

They had been strip-searched, showered, medically examined, redressed. All without any unnecessary humiliation. Not that any of them noticed; they were desensitised to it and it was just a string of unrelated events which they had to endure. The French police and doctors were amazing as they processed the children with respect. To a man and woman, they were shocked by what they found as they processed each child. There were children as young as eight-years-old who had visible evidence on their bodies of physical abuse. Other children had evidence of bullet wounds, stabbings, beatings – the unbelievable list went on. It had been early afternoon by the time the children were able to get their heads down at the processing facility. All of the children were extremely tired, and they were asleep the moment their heads touched the pillows. Most slept through until the following morning, awaking only to use the toilet. Unlike the normal sleeping arrangements, the boys and the girls were kept apart when they slept which did not go down well for the Zetas and some other, however, they went along with it. There were many smiles at breakfast, that morning of the following day, as the boys found the girls safe and sound – even better, Harper, Hudson, Xiāngxìn, and Lin had reappeared. After breakfast, the children were allowed outside for the first time where they were able to enjoy the spring sun.

"I suppose this isn't bad," Rylee conceded as she and Simon walked alone around a concrete area enclosed in twenty-foot wire-mesh fencing.

"At least we're free," Simon replied. "Sort of."

"This is not freedom," Tanya growled as she strolled up with Kendra and Harper.

That afternoon, children were taken into rooms for interrogations before and for many, that was the very last time they were seen. The French authorities began to ship out the children as soon as suitable destinations could be found. Two young girls, Kaitlin and Naomi, went first. They were followed by Harper. Then it was Rylee's turn and she went ballistic when she found herself being put into a car with no sign of Simon, Tanya and the others. During the drive north, Rylee had finally calmed down and fallen asleep.

The next thing she knew, she was boarding a ferry for Portsmouth, England.

Author's Note: This storyline continues (for Rylee at least) in Chapter 71: A Predator Remembered – Part I of my other story Vengeance. However, Tanya's future will be covered by the forthcoming Chapter 11: Part II – Tanya Enfield of this story.