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63.95% Legend of the Seven / Chapter 55: Chapter 52 - Freaky Situation?

Chapter 55: Chapter 52 - Freaky Situation?

September 6th, 2017

1000, Naval Air Station Key West

"It's me, Sinclair." Fire says with a nod, "I keep telling you, just call me Aidan. You're old too."

"My God, what happened to you?" General Beggingson asks, touching Fire's left shoulder.

General Beggingson cannot believe his eyes but that story can't be faked. Only he and Aidan, AKA Fire, would know the details of one of the darkest days in his life. The day he found out his father died in battle during the Vietnam war. He would follow in his father's footsteps yet now he has outlived his own father. Aidan became his surrogate father figure even though he was often absent. Now, Aidan stands before him almost 30 years younger on the verge of his retirement.

'He's real.' General George Sinclair Beggingson thinks to himself.

"I don't know." Fire says while also touching George's left shoulder, "It's been a freaky day."

"Go on." Director Nick Jones urges with a gentle elbow jab to Fire's rib, "Show him the thing."

Fire looks at Jones' cheeky grin and General Beggingson's 'what's about to happen' expression. Fire steps back. He slowly raises his right hand to eye level. Then, with a breath, Fire's hand is coated in a layer of red flames. Fire moves his fingers in a swirl, demonstrating it is not a trick.

"What in God's name is that?" General Beggingson says, jumping back with a fright.

"Tip of the iceberg." Fire says, clenching his fist close and killing the flames.

"Welcome to my day." Director Jones says chuckling, "Glad someone else actually reacted."

"I thought it prudent to loop you in." Fire says, "We could use an ally as we sort through this."

"By this you mean?" General Beggingson asks, still processing what he was just shown.

"Team Six undertook an operation to rescue the President's granddaughters late last night." Fire begins, "It did not go as planned. We were captured and poisoned."

"He was actually burned." Director Jones adds, "Alive."

"What?!" General Beggingson asks in shock.

"I'm better than healed." Fire says, "In any case, we escaped. But, we uncovered a secret force now hell bent on our execution. Not even taking shelter in a military base could deter them."

"So this attack was done in retaliation?" General Beggingson asks.

"They just wanted to kill us." Fire says.

"And to recover the hard drives taken from their facility." Director Jones says, holding up the metal briefcase still held in his hands, "Unfortunately, we don't know what's on them yet."

"The fact they even knew exactly where the team was is cause for concern." Fire says.

"Anyone hurt?" General Beggingson asks.

"Come and see for yourself." Fire says with a laugh.

The group make their way to the new room beside the old ward. This room has multiple windows with closed blinds. Standing by the door to the room is Quake.

"Hey, Beggingson." Quake says, putting his arm out for a fist bump, "Been a minute, brother."

"Andy?" Beggingson says unsure, reciprocating the fist bump.

"I know, I know." Quake says, "I lost my hulkiness but check this out."

Quake stretches out his left hand to a nearby unoccupied gurney. He gradually lifts his hand and, in turn, lifts the stretcher off the floor before settling it back down.

"He's just showing off again, George." Wave says while reaching out for a hug, "How're you?"

"Chloe?" General Beggingson asks as he accepts the hug, "Is this really you?"

"I know." Wave says while flipping her curly blue hair around, "I look even more beautiful now."

"I can't believe I'm still not the better looking one!" Quake grumbles.

"Do you also have powers?" General Beggingson asks.

"Of course, sweetie." Wave says as she lifts her right hand in front of her face, "Observe."

Water droplets begin to gather gradually. Within a moment, a pool of water forms in Wave's palm. She moulds it into the shape of a ball, then presents it to General Beggingson.

"Wow." General Beggingson says.

"Is that George I hear?" Dr. Kabeer Wong asks as he moves to the entrance of the room.

"Even you too, doc?" General Beggingson asks the approaching man who has yet to appear.

"Thanks for the compliment." Dr. Wong says with a chuckle, "But I am just the same old man."

Dr. Wong and General Beggingson exchange a pleasant handshake.

"Hello again, George." Kaori says, standing beside Dr. Wong with a smile.

"Is that you, Kaori?" General Beggingson asks.

"Yeah, it's me." Kaori says with a giggle and a wave, "I'm not sure how to use my powers yet."

"Oh wow." General Beggingson says, "Just aging backwards is shock enough."

"Where are the other two?" Fire asks as he looks past the group, into the empty room.

"Shawn and Simon went to check out the floor." Quake says, "Find out what facilities they have."

"Azeem just wanted company while he tested his new ocular powers." Dr. Wong says.

Suddenly, a bright light manifests itself right beside the gathering group. In the blink of an eye, it coalesces into the shape of a caramel-colored man with brown hair and eyes.

"I am liking this more and more." Spectrum says while examining his hands then looks up with a big grin, "Oh, hello there George."

"Did he just teleport?" Director Jones asks.

"Sure looks that way but no, I just moved really fast." Spectrum says, "Light speed fast."

"Simon?" General Beggingson asks as he reaches out for a handshake.

"Oh yes it is indeed me, George." Spectrum says, accepting the handshake.

"Hey George." Aviator says, who arrives in a flurry of wind. He reaches out for a handshake.

"And you're Shawn for sure." General Beggingson says, accepting Shawn's handshake.

"You all are just... astounding." General Beggingson says, observing the group.

"Oh George." Wave says with a soft laugh, "You sure can make a lady blush."

"As you can see, we are all fine." Fire says.

"Super even." Quake says while flexing his arms into bicep curls.

"Wait." General Beggingson says then turns to Fire, "Didn't you mention getting attacked?"

"Next room." Fire says as he walks ahead.

The group follows behind. They arrive at the observation glass of the ward. General Beggingson peers in and sees six masked corpses in full black tactical gear.

"Wow." General Beggingson says then asks, "How did they even get in?"

"The working theory is they came from underground." Director Jones says.

"That would explain how Alena got killed underneath the docks." General Beggingson says.

"Alena?" Fire asks.

"The young woman who was killed while triggering the alarm." General Beggingson says.

"I see." Fire says, then sighs, "All-in-all, this is an unfolding situation with many implications."

"I'll help anywhere I can." General Beggingson says, "Just give me a list."

"For now, send some food down and a change of clothes." Fire says, "We've to freshen up to debrief the President in about 45 minutes."

"Could you also get someone to recover our gear from our plane?" Aviator asks.

"I could do that." Spectrum says.

"Slow down there, Hermes." Quake says.

"Hear me out." Spectrum says, "I can also do this."

Spectrum turns transparent in front of all eyes. He then moves his right hand through the wall.

"Cool." Aviator says, then asks, "But how would you carry things back?"

Spectrum picks up a chair. He succeeds but can't turn it invisible no matter how hard he tries.

"Bullocks." Spectrum says.

General Beggingson just watches this all play out in mild shock.

"Clothes and food first." Fire says, "We'll worry about other gear later."

"I will get on it." General Beggingson says.

"Also, I captured one of their operatives back at the CIA site." Fire says, "Keep him contained."

"I'll make sure he is well guarded." General Beggingson says with a nod.

"I'll call in a team to take over." Director Jones says, "Of course, this is all need to know only."

"This ain't my first National Security rodeo." General Beggingson says, "Keep me in the loop."

"I'll walk you out." Fire says, "But you can come back at 11 for the debrief."

Aidan and General Beggingson stroll back to the stairwell in leisurely chat.

"How's the kid?" Aidan asks.

"He's in his final year of residency." George says, "Soon, he'll be a real psychiatrist."

"Well, he certainly broke the military lineage." Aidan says with a smile, "But, I'm proud of him."

"As am I. He forged his own path." George says with a smile, "Dr. Beggingson has a nicer ring."

"Yeah." Aidan says, "Looks like I won't be joining you in retirement yet."

"Oh?" George says, "I guess you got a reset button."

"Superpowers against a new enemy." Aidan says, "What else can I do but fight back?"

"Well, if you need my support just call." George says, "Even, if I am retired."

Fire simply nods. They have arrived at the door. The mentor and mentee hug then part ways. General Beggingson opens the door and steps through.


Chapter 56: Chapter 53 - A Bright September Day.

September 6th, 2017

"Shit! I shouldn't have stayed up binging that show." Kayla says as she races out of her house.

"I love you, Kayla!" Mom shouts behind her, "And don't forget to pick up Holly from school!"

"Yeah yeah!" 20-year-old Kayla shouts back, "Love you too, Mom."

It's the least Kayla can do after Mom saved her when her own alarms, all 5 of them, didn't wake her up. Kayla jumps into her month old silver 2017 Toyota Camry. She throws her Macbook and books onto the passenger's seat. She straps herself in and kicks the ignition into gear.

"Didn't even have time to do my morning streaks." Kayla says as she drives away.

Now Kayla Danvers is driving 2 miles over the limit in her Camry. She's already half way through her 20 minute commute to her morning class at the Florida Keys Community College. An upside of being late is the road being clearer due to most of the early morning traffic dying down.

"Can't believe I skipped breakfast." Kayla says, noting the downside of being unpreparedly late.

Last year's "Starboy" blasts through her car's speakers from her apple music. Kayla's ex had introduced such songs to her. He left but the music stayed. C'est la vie.

"I'll just get a bagel with Alena after class." Kayla says then sighs, "I already owe her-"

BOOM!

An explosion suddenly erupts right in the middle of the road Kayla is driving on. With only 3 seconds to think, Kayla swerves into the ditch. The last thing Kayla feels is her airbag's punch.

9.11 am, Overseas Highway Key West

***

"Good morning, Susan." Max Smith says then asks, "How're the kids?"

"They're fine, Mr. Smith." Susan responds, "They're already looking forward to the weekend."

Max is standing in a black business suit holding a binder as he converses with his secretary, Mrs. Susan Green. This is shaping up to another typical Wednesday morning at the firm. The small office of a dozen people is just beginning its day and employees are still trickling in.

"Wait until they grow up and have to work, right?" Max asks with a laugh.

"So true, Mr. Smith." Susan responds, "I've placed the updated client files on your desk."

"Thanks, Susan." Max says, then asks, "Is John in yet?"

Being one of the bosses means regularly checking in on everyone while also juggling several tasks. That is how this little company and the family within have weathered several storms in its almost 23 years of business. Macro goals, micro care.

"Not yet." Susan responds, "And I haven't been able to get a hold of him on the phone either."

"Lines might be busy." Max says, then asks, "Anything urgent this-"

"OH MY GOD!" A woman shouts in her corner office that shares a wall Max's, interrupting Max.

Max and Susan turn to Yuki Smith's office whose door is open. She is a cofounder of the firm.

"Honey?" Max asks as he speed walks into his wife's, the chief Interior Designer, open office.

"The news!" Yuki says staring at the TV, "They're saying there were bombs at the military base!"

Max follows his partner's eyes to the screen. The breaking news reel reads "Explosions at Naval Air Station Key West. One casualty confirmed. Base is on lockdown. Situation ongoing."

"Oh no." Max says, "I'm sure Alena is already in school by now."

"They said the explosions happened ten minutes ago." Yuki says.

"Then let's call her and put our minds at ease, alright?" Max says as he embraces his wife.

Max pulls out his iPhone, unlocks it and goes to his contacts. Alena's name is right on top as "Irina". He hits the dial on her number and puts the call on speaker. Ringing. Ringing. Ringing.

9.22 am, Smith's Housing Design and Engineering Consultation Key West

***

"Radio check, over." A voice says through the radio.

The communication is finally back. Master Sergeant Avery McGuinness of the Military Police (MP) is standing at attention in front of a captured combatant. The tied up man is the only hostile captured alive during the base attack. The rest were all killed by an unknown CIA asset.

'I didn't even bust some heads.' McGuinness thinks in his head.

Standing beside McGuinness is a US Marine. McGuinness had driven up with 3 Marines but two had driven a wounded CIA analyst to the base clinic. The rest of the CIA officers stand around. The ongoing order was to sit tight in front of the burning air hangar known as Blazes.

'I need to be helping not just standing around.' McGuinness thinks to himself.

"Can you believe we missed the action?" The nearby Marine asks.

"And we are missing the cleanup operation-" Sergeant McGuiness says.

"Sergeant McGuinness, come in. Over." The radio on McGuinness suddenly beeps, interrupting.

"This is McGuinness. Over." Sergeant McGuinness responds.

"This is Captain Keyes." The voice on the radio says, "The Marines are assuming operational control of the base clinic basement and the northern docks. Pull back your men. Over and out."

"Yes, Sir. Over!" Sergeant McGuinness responds.

McGuinness looks around to find that the Marine is also in radio chatter with their own superior. Looks like he will have to save conversation for later. Right now, he has other duties to look forward to. McGuinness gives a salute to the lone Marine, who salutes back.

This order finally releases McGuinness to do something useful. As McGuinness begins his 15-minute jog back to the hub of activity at the base, he considers his options. He decides to check in at the clinic first, in case they need blood donors. On his way there, he will help wherever he can. Bombs have a way of causing bloody bodies with a lot of blood loss.

'Lives to be saved.' McGuinness says as his feet carry him away.

1005, Naval Air Station Key West

***

Captain Keyes had received the most unexpected call. It came from his Commander-in-Chief, the President of the United States. After confirming the situation was under control and offering whatever assistance Captain Keyes could ask for, the President proceeded to respectfully order him to surrender operational control of the base clinic's basement and the CIA's gray site to the US Marines. She couldn't give much detail except it was for National Security.

Captain Keyes had proceeded to follow that order, calling team leaders in the field and telling them to step aside for the US Marines. All the while, Keyes ended with two conclusions. The unusual order meant this crisis was a National Security threat at the highest levels. It also meant his base personnel were not trusted enough to handle it meaning that his people were suspects.

Well, Captain Keyes is too busy at the moment with many fires to worry over a strange order. The actual fires have been put out and the overall situation is under control but the aftermath remains. Captain Keyes is catching up on a ton of reports at once since the communications came back online just as mysteriously as it had been jammed shut. As C.O., Captain Keyes has to sort through and prioritize the reports then give the necessary orders to solve situations.

Captain Keyes has already greenlit 2 helicopters to take off for the hospital, which was on another island, with the more severe cases the base clinic could not handle. There are a lot of wounded, some critical, who can't wait for the roads to be operational again for medical treatment. Unfortunately, there is already one person who can't be assisted.

Her name was Alena Smith. Captain Keyes is reading over the report detailing the discovery of the janitor's body. After the discovery of her corpse, MPs opted to move her out because the underground space was flooding. Lucky that they did because a new report shows the entire area is submerged, washing away investigative leads. But at least, this brave young woman will get a proper burial. Surprisingly, or fortunately, no other casualties have been reported. Yet.

"Even though she wasn't yet in the Navy, she still served." Captain Keyes says with a sigh.

Captain Keyes had found out that the young lady had applied to work at the base pending her graduation from college. Now, that future path is closed and her bright light is dimmed forever.

"I'll contact her folks myself." Captain Keyes says, "I hope hers are the only ones I have to call."

On the line listing Alena's emergency contact it reads, "Max Smith, Father".

1010, Naval Air Station Key West

***

Colonel Miranda Sheppard is following General Beggingson's order by going about and reassigning her available Marines to secure the main floor of the base's clinic while not impeding medical operations. Especially with the cleanup operations underway.

The fires are at long out but the smoke still hangs in the air, bathing the base in a warzone haze. Except, they don't know who hit them. And, with a National Security gag order, they might never find out. The dead and their bereaved might never have an answer to why they had to die today.

"Sheppard, do you read? Over." Colonel Sheppard's radio beeps, interrupting her thoughts.

"This is Sheppard. I read you. Over." Colonel Sheppard responds.

"This is General Beggingson. I'm ready for pick up. Over." The voice over the radio responds.

"On my way, Sir. Over and out." Colonel Sheppard responds.

Colonel Sheppard hops into the nearby jeep. She kicks the ignition and drives to the base clinic. 3 minutes later, she spots General Beggingson by the front doors. She stops in front of him.

"What's our sitrep?" General Beggingson asks as he climbs into the jeep and shuts the door.

"MPs handed over control of the clinic basement and the CIA site." Colonel Sheppard reports

"Smooth." General Beggingson says, "Take me to the Command Center."

"Sir." Colonel Sheppard says and away she drives.

"After you drop me off, I need you to pick up some things. Breakfast and clothes for a dozen." General Beggingson says, "Deliver it to the clinic basement. Handle it directly."

"On the military card?" Colonel Sheppard asks.

"On my personal card." General Beggingson says, "Make it a good breakfast. As for clothes, a dozen dress shirts and pants with sizes between small and large. Use your fashion sense."

"Yes, sir." Colonel Sheppard says as she stops the car at the Command Center entrance.

"Will that be all, sir?" Colonel Sheppard asks as General Beggingson steps out.

"Pick me up at 1050." General Beggingson says as he closes the door.

"Will do." Colonel Sheppard says to the departing General Beggingson.

Col. Sheppard looks overhead at the helicopters soaring through a cloudless September sky.

1020, Naval Air Station Key West


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