Chapter 30 - What in Blazes?

September 6, 2017

8.18 am, Naval Air Station Key West, USA

"Still nothing?" CIA Director Nick Jones asks as he looks at the computer screen.

This is occurring in a section of a large aircraft hangar. This hangar, code-named Blazes, is an unofficial CIA operation and storage center. It serves as a secure "Gray site", protected by the US military, for the CIA to conduct more questionable operations without direct oversight. It is occupied by cargo with unknown destinations and busy officers all minding their own business.

"I have never seen this type of encryption before, Sir." Logan, in front of the computer, says.

"Alright. Wrap it up for secure transport." Director Jones says, "I will be back in a few minutes."

"Yes, Sir." Logan responds.

Director Jones makes his way outside, past the side doors and into the fresh Florida morning air. The doors lock securely behind him. Jones admires the scenery of the quasi-lively military base. Even though the hangar is in a secluded spot, Jones can still see planes taking off and landing from the distant runways to the south. A towering naval warship looms in the distant waters to the west. Jones smiles. He holds a sweet spot for the navy even though the CIA had won him over early in his career. A ringing suddenly interrupts his momentary reminisce.

"Director Jones." Director Jones answers with a tap of his AirPods.

"This is Captain Mark Keyes." The voice on the AirPods says, "There is a small fire on the floor of your burn victim. It is currently under control."

"Thank you." Director Jones says as he turns to the direction of the clinic, "On my way."

The call ends. Jones sighs. Then he pulls out his iPhone, dials FBI Director Don Bridges to update the President on the current situation. The call is short. Overall, a bad situation. Fire suffering 3rd degree burns to his entire body. The rest of the team incapacitated by an unknown substance. Now a fire on the same floor as Fire.

'How did your last mission turn into this, Old Fire?' Jones thinks to himself as he starts jogging.

8.35 am

The elevator doors open, revealing a chaotic hallway to Director Jones. People in fire fighting uniforms are busying through the wet floor. The walls are scorched but no flames remain.

'What in blazes?' Jones thinks to himself.

Director Jones proceeds out of the elevator, making his way swiftly to Fire's room. He eventually arrives at the room. The room and the surrounding hallway are burned charcoal black. Standing guard in front of the doorway are two gun-wielding male MPs.

"Director Jones." Director Jones says showing his badge then asking, "What happened here?"

"We don't know, Sir." The MP on the left answers.

"This is more than a small fire." Director Jones says, "What about the patient inside?"

"No body was recovered, Sir." The MP on the left answers again.

"But the Doctor overseeing the patient left with someone." The MP on the right adds.

"Oh yeah, the naked guy." The MP on the left says.

"Naked guy?" Director Jones asks.

"Permission to speak freely, Sir?" The MP on the right asks.

"Granted to both of you." Director Jones says with a nod.

"It was crazy." The MP on the left says, "We surrounded this guy who was on fire."

"He was standing there, not aware he was on fire!" The MP on the right says.

"We tried to hose him down but the flames didn't die down." The MP on the right says.

"Then a Doctor came running, telling us to hold our fire." The MP on the left says.

"He told the guy who was on fire to calm down." The MP on the right says.

"And suddenly, the fire dies down and this dude is standing naked." The MP on the left says.

"Perfectly unharmed." The MP on the right says.

"So we give him a blanket and want to arrest him but…" The MP on the left says.

"The Doctor pulls out his badge and says it's for National Security." The MP on the right says.

"It's a crazy story but a few people saw it." The MP on the left says.

Director Jones glances between both men. He wonders for their sanity…

"How long ago did this happen?" Director Jones asks.

"I'd say about ten minutes ago." The MP on the right answers.

Suddenly, Director Jones' phone vibrates. He pulls it out. It is a text from Dr. Wong.

It reads, "Meet us in the underground ward. Quickly."

"Thank you, Gentlemen." Director Jones says as he walks away, "Your C.O will be in touch."

Jones runs back to the elevator, pushes the button. Soon the doors open. He steps in and chooses the B5. The door closes.

8.42 am.

The elevator doors open. Jones steps into the empty hallway. He had told Captain Keyes to restrict access to this floor and it seems the request is still in effect.

Jones makes his way to the ward where Team Six is being treated. As he rounds the corner, he peeks through the window to see Dr. Wong using a shiny object against someone. Looking closer, he sees the object in Dr. Wong's hand is a scalpel and the someone is a young man.

'What in blazes?' Jones asks himself, picking up his pace to the door.

Jones scans his badge then opens the door.

"What the hell is going on?" Director Jones asks.

"Calm down, Old Snake." The young man says.

Director Jones looks at the young man. He scrutinizes his facial features. Somewhere, in the recesses of his memory, an old face comes to the forefront of his mind. That old face overlays with the young face in front of him. Different eyes. Different hair. Yet the demeanor…

"Old Fire?" Director Jones asks.