September 6, 2017

2.17 am, Cancun, Mexico

 

“Only 4 guards left.” Spectrum asks, “Do you still have your lucky flint?” 

 

“Yes.” Quake says, “But don’t set my pants on fire!”

 

“That part is all you, bruv.” Spectrum says.

 

Spectrum rolls up Quake’s left pant leg, then rolls down the sock and retrieves a slim flintstone.

 

“These scrap papers should work for tinder.” Aviator says, presenting discarded wrapping paper initially used to bring food to the prisoners.

 

“Are you trying to start another fire?” Alejandro asks.

 

“Oh yes!” Spectrum says as he strikes the flint against the iron bars. The sparks jump to the paper Aviator is holding and smoke begins bellowing.

 

“Eduardo, soon you need to tell the guards that we are starting a fire.” Aviator says as he hides the alit papers in a corner of the jail, “On my signal.”

 

“Everyone else, just sit still.” Spectrum says.

 

Juan translates for Javier. Soon, everyone is in position. Smoke gradually grows.

 

“Time for a Prison la Revolution!” Quake says. 

 

Aviator nods to Eduardo who then shouts, “Fuego! Fuego!”

 

Within a minute, two panicked guards rush to the jail. The bars are slid open. One guard stands at the doorway, pointing his AK47 at the now standing prisoners who have their hands up in the air. The other rushes in, furiously stamping out the fire.

 

“Who started this?!” The guard shouts.

 

“Gringos!” Eduardo shouts while pointing at Aviator.

 

The guard pulls out his handgun and points it at Aviator.

 

“You will die in pain within a few hours.” The guard says, “So killing you now is my mercy.”

 

Aviator stares directly into the guard’s eyes. An intense standoff.

 

“Do you really want to waste your bullets?” Quake asks, drawing the guard’s attention.

 

Suddenly, the sound of gunshots echoes in from beyond the prison. Both guards turn toward the sound. Aviator side steps the pointed gun, stepping into the guard’s personal space. Using his superior upper body strength, Aviator pushes the completely surprised man into the line of fire of the other guard. The unsuspecting man drops his gun as he stumbles into the other guard. Spectrum reaches the gun while Quake jumps on top. He uses his bulk while pinning down the top guard with a jiu-jitsu arm lock. This lasagna has a trapped guard ensnared by Quake and a guard who is on the ground with hands pinned to the AK47 while supporting the lasagna.

 

Now in the hallway, two other guards race towards the pile of bodies. They point their AK47s but are afraid of shooting their own men. This hesitation allows Spectrum to quickly shoot both guards in their heads then the head of one of the guards on the floor. Rapid succession and deadly accuracy, even while in handcuffs.

 

Aviator quickly draws a knife from the last guard then slashes his throat in one fluid motion. The entire prison is silent. All of the inmates are in awe of what just happened.

 

“I thought I was the bait!” Quake shouts in delight, “Next time, kill the guys after I’m up.”

 

Aviator helps Quake up from the dead bodies then says, “Check that office for keys.”

 

“Let me celebrate this moment-” Quake begins to say.

 

“Our damsels still need rescuing.” Spectrum interrupts.

 

“Yeah yeah.” Quake says as he runs into the office. Soon after, he returns out with a key and free of handcuffs. He frees Aviator and Spectrum from their own handcuffs.

 

“Something tells me that the fire alarm was pulled off by Wave.” Aviator says.

 

“Probably.” Spectrum adds, “So let’s go back them up.”

 

“What about my mother?” Alejandro asks.

 

“And the rest of us?” Juan asks.

 

Aviator, Quake, and Spectrum look at each other then nod.

 

“We’ll save everyone.” Aviator says, picking up one of the discarded handguns.

 

“How? You barely save self.” Eduardo asks.

 

“With your help.” Spectrum adds.

 

“Do you doubt our el spectacular skills?” Quake asks, “Those moves were just a preview.”

 

“First, we will free everyone then herd them away from the door.” Aviator says.

 

“Then we will arm whoever can fight and make our way to the women’s prison.” Spectrum adds.

 

“What about me? I have never held a gun before but I want to rescue my mom.” Alejandro says.

 

“We still need your help.” Aviator says as he looks at Alejandro, “You need to be our voice by helping us translate."

 

“I can do that!” Alejandro says, “Please save my mother.”

 

“We will kiddo.” Spectrum says.

 

Quake is already going around unlocking the prisons. Soon, a small crowd forms as men and boys of varying ages pour out. Gratitude rings throughout the hallway.

 

“Everyone, I need your attention! Who here can use this gun?” Aviator says, waving an AK47 in the air. Alejandro translates. A few men put up their hands, including Eduardo and Javier.

 

“You, you, and you come on up.” Spectrum says as he points at Eduardo, and two other men.

 

“Who’s ready for a revolt?” Quake shouts, waving a handgun in the air. Alejandro translates.

 

The prison erupts into a chaos of cheers. 

 

Aviator tells the rowdy crowd, “If you don’t have a gun, hide in the prison.” Alejandro translates.

 

“Juan, keep Alejandro company.” Spectrum says, “We will be right back.”

 

Just as the crowd dissipates, a pain-filled roar rips across the entire prison.

 

Quake, Spectrum, and Aviator yell in collective shock, “Chief!”