Let's Hit The Road.

He raised one of the pics and behind it was a fingerprint scanner. He put his hand on it and it turned green. Almost immediately, the wall began to give way like an elevator door.

After the wall gave way, there was an elevator door within. And this one was only accessible using a fingerprint scanner. Making use of his fingerprint again, Tommy opened the elevator and everyone got in.

DING!

Tommy pressed the button with the downward arrow. The elevator responded by closing and slowly making it's way downwards.

Few minutes later, it stopped and the elevator door opened. The whole place was so dark that one couldn't see his own hand in front of him. Then Tommy took out a remote and pressed a button.

Suddenly, the whole place was illuminated by floodlights positioned at the far corners of the room they were in. Everyone had to shield their eyes. Except for Tommy, who frequently visited the place.

When they lowered their hands, they could see the place. It was another bunker like the one above, but this one didn't hold exotic sports cars like the one above.

It held futuristic war vehicles. Vehicles strong enough to hold their own against missiles. Their glasses could hold out against minigun fire for up to two hours.

"Okay. Everyone. Gather round." Tommy said, drawing everyone's attention.

"This mission is really important. I'm sure you guys remember how we nearly died of rehydration in the desert about two years ago. The truth is, I didn't want you guys going down with me.

I begged Mr. Alexander here to save my family, but he ended up saving me too. That is one thing I'm really grateful for.

And what we're about to do, is repayment for Mr. Cedric's glorious deed of saving us, even when everyone just forgot about us.

But the road ahead will be dangerous. If you know you won't be able to continue with us, you can stay back. Believe me, I won't see you less than how I've always been seeing you."

After about two minutes of silence, Tommy continued.

"I take it everyone's going. Okay then. Everybody get ready. We'll use the convoy behind me for the mission. Dismissed."

Tommy was about turning back, then stopped. "Akira. Mimiko. A minute please." He asked politely. The two people he called answered and followed him.

Meanwhile in the above floor, Nikolai stood at a vantage point where he could see Tommy's private office suite without any distractions. After waiting about half hour and he didn't see anyone coming out, he phoned Boris.

"Are they on the move?" Boris asked upon receiving Nikolai's call.

"No, boss. I'm sure they're discussing in his office. They've been there for almost thirty minutes now." Nikolai replied.

"Good. Just let me know whenever they're leaving." Boris replied.

"Affirmative." Nikolai said. Then there was a dial tone.

****************************†************†****

"Are you guys alright?" Tommy, leaning against one of the metal pillars, asked Akira and Mimiko, who were looking at him.

"We're fine, Tommy-san. You don't need to worry about us." Mimiko answered while Akira nodded in the affirmative.

"When I asked if anyone was going to stay back, everyone's resolve and facial expressions were pinned on going, but you two... You seemed unsure and scared in a way."

Mimiko's facial expression changed a little then she turned to Akira and nodded. Akira sighed for a while and replied with a gentle nod.

"Tommy-oniichan. Mimiko's gonna have to stay behind." Akira said.

"What? No. That wasn't the agreement." Mimiko said, lightly tapping Akira on his shoulder.

"I don't understand what's going on here. Care to enlighten me?" Tommy asked, barging into their conversation.

Akira sighed. Tommy could see small tears in his eyes.

"Mimiko's pregnant. And I'm the father." Akira said.

Tommy opened his eyes wide. But his reaction wasn't that of shock. He felt like an investigator who finally found out the problem's root cause.

"I knew it." Tommy said.

"You did?" Akira and Mimiko asked him at once.

"I wasn't really sure. While addressing everyone, I was sure I heard one extra heartbeat using my special powers, but it was very faint. I just had to confirm that when I saw the unsure faces on you two.

Getting pregnant is one thing. But Mimiko, do you really want to have this baby?" Tommy asked.

"Yes, oniichan. The thing is anytime we go on really dangerous assignments, I doubt I'll come back. So I have to experience the joy of motherhood. Even if it's just once. And I really love Akira. So having a baby with him doesn't seem like a bad idea."

"Akira. Do you wish to stay with Mimiko? Or do you want to go with us on this assignment?" Tommy directed the question to Akira.

"I suggest Mimiko stays back and I come along on this mission." Akira answered affirmatively.

"Very well then. We roll out in five. Get dressed." Tommy said and left, finalizing the conversation.

"Akira." Mimiko called, sounding worried.

"I'll make it back I promise. If not for anything, for you and our child." Akira said, knowing the cause of her worry.

"Okay. We'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes." She said, rubbing her flat stomach.

They shared a hug and kisses, then Akira went to the locker room.

Five minutes later saw the entire squad lined horizontally. The Alexander family was already in an armored vehicle and the doors were locked.

"All systems checked and operational. All vehicles in good working conditions and fuel tanks are full. I conducted the check three minutes ago, Tommy-san." Denji said, addressing Tommy.

"Seems all systems are a go. Well, boys. Let's hit the road." Tommy said, commencing the mission.

Everybody boarded their vehicles with Seiichi's vehicle in the lead. He led them through a tunnel lit with lights left and right.

Meanwhile, Nikolai, after spending extra five minutes at his lookout point, began getting suspicious. Nobody has come in or out of that office for thirty-five minutes now.

"Guess I have no other choice." Nikolai said, braced himself and began walking towards the office suite.

At another corner of the bunker, a beautiful, dark and curvy lady dialed a number while watching Nikolai walk towards Tommy's private office suite.

On getting the door, Nikolai twisted the lock and tried to open the door, but it didn't budge.

This didn't disappoint him. He reached inside his pocket and brought out a forged key, that looked exactly like the lock.