Chapter 58: Deploying the forces
Inside a small refrigerated truck parked in a parking lot in Beika Town's Third District.
Tachibana Kirika sat in the passenger seat with a laptop in front of her, its screen displaying six surveillance feeds.
The feeds showed the surrounding streets, an overhead satellite view, and the first-person cameras of the Special Action Team members who had already stormed the apartment building.
"Team A, all fifteen of you, keep advancing. Split into groups of three and search each floor. Drive the target upstairs. Team B, your fifteen members will seal every exit. Keep the underground routes under surveillance too. Team C, report once you reach your designated sniper positions."
After issuing those orders, Tachibana Kirika turned to Mizuki Nakahara, who sat beside her wearing a headset, and asked:
"How are the traffic controls coming along?"
Mizuki Nakahara immediately replied, "The traffic department is cooperating with us. They've blocked off traffic in the area."
"Good." Tachibana Kirika nodded, then rolled down the window and leaned out to address Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue, who were warming up in the parking lot outside.
"Are you two ready?"
"Okay, okay!" Chisato Nishikigi made an okay sign and asked with a radiant smile, "So, are we heading out now?"
Resting a hand on the window, Tachibana Kirika looked toward the building enclosed in green mesh.
"Wait a little longer. Let the Special Action Team flush her out."
Just as Tachibana Kirika finished speaking, a fairly calm male voice came over their headsets, accompanied by a string of gunshots.
"A7 has located the target. A7 has located the target. Third floor, second room on the right. Aagh!"
"A7, report your status. A7, report your status." Mizuki Nakahara pressed a hand to her headset and called twice. When no answer came,