September 9th, 2017

10.37 am, Underground Parking, FBI HQ, Washington DC

“I can’t believe they are dead.” Team Leader Pancho “Speedy” Iglesias says almost in a whisper as he leans on his car. He stares up at the concrete ceiling lost in thought.

This would turn out to be Speedy’s most memorable trip to FBI HQ. The series of events that led to this moment trace back to the kidnapping of the President’s granddaughters a few days ago. Within a few days, the girls’ location was found and the forces who abducted them were assessed. All that remained was the rescue, which should have gone without a hitch on Speedy’s part since he was simply leading his team in after the legendary Team Six.

“I mean, given that man’s state, I think death was preferable.” Romeo says, looking down.

The mission did not go according to any plan. Never in his wildest dreams would Speedy have thought he’d be authorizing a medevac for Team Six. These battle gods who have redrawn maps, demolished whole armies, and so much more according to Operator lore had won their battle yet lost the war. After Speedy returned to US homeland, his team was summoned to FBI HQ for an in-person debrief to the FBI Director. The meeting was rescheduled to today, a saturday, due to the attack on Naval Air Station Key West by still unknown assailants.

“But this was THE Team Six.” Fred says questionly, “Are they really dead?”

Following the attack on a US military base on US homesoil, the US intelligence and special forces community had been on high alert. In the aftermath, a dreadful yet persistent rumor emerged. Speedy and his team were in the unique yet unfortunate position to verify the rumor as they had interacted with the mythical Team Six last. Their piece of the puzzle allowed them to figure out that Team Six would need to retreat to the nearest US base due to their medical emergency. Was it really a coincidence that said base was the one attacked?

“If what the migrants said was true, the entire team was already the walking dead.” Speedy says as he recalls the moment he watched the helo fly off with Team Six and the President’s granddaughters. He listened as the migrants first shouted thank yous before devolving into murmurs of pity. When he asked one of them what had happened in spanish, they answered that those Americans had all been poisoned with no cure.

That’s right, the entire Team Six was probably down and incapable of their usual prowess. Was that the plan all along? Kidnapping such high value targets as baits? But what enemy would be so calculating, so fierce to use even the President’s granddaughters as mere bait?

The three men stand in silence until Speedy says, “At least we got the week off after all that.”

“Yeah.” Both Fred and Romeo mumble.

“You boys best use the time off well.” Speedy says as he straightens himself up, “I will run the entire team through training drills when we resume.”

“Sir!” Fred and Romeo salute.

Speedy dismisses them then watches as they go to their individual vehicles parked closeby. Fred and Romeo then proceed to get into their cars and drive off. Finally, Speedy enters his own SUV. He sits in contemplation as he feels it in his gut, a storm is brewing. All of America’s enemies will soon know that their invisible tip of the spear is no more. Speedy shudders at the oncoming chaos. Yet, he will remain a soldier in the unavoidable battles to come.

“Even gods have already died.” Speedy murmurs with a sigh as he drives away.

---

10.30 am, General Matthews Office, Area 51, Nevada

“At long last those unnationalistic fools have been dealt with.” General Matthews mumbles.

Major General Wade M. Matthews sits on his office chair wearing his dark US Army General Officer Service Uniform, complete with many medals pinned on his chest and with two white stars on each of his shoulders. He examines his well-lit office with now barren walls that have been his second home for almost 8 years. A few hours ago, they were well adorned with medals and other commendations, a testament to General Matthews’ long career. Now all of that lay in boxes at the base of the walls. His usually busy desk was also empty, its contents also in boxes. All that’s left is the computer that was here when he came.

“After all, what use are weapons with freewill?” General Matthews continues his rant to no one.

General Matthews is well aware of the oncoming bloody storm now that America’s hidden Flaming Sword has fallen yet he welcomes it.

“Choppy waters will force her pacifist hands.” General Matthews mutters, “Her and the other weak one of her lesser kind have held us back for 8 years but now I will change that.”

“Life would be more perfect if only 45 was still in power.” General Matthews says in a resigned voice, “Those journalists and their damn questions. The masses were simply too weak willed.”

*Knock Knock*

“Enter!” General Matthews says.

“Sir!” A soldier walks in and salutes.

“At ease and close the door behind you, Redeem.” General Matthews orders.

Redeem does as he is told then kneels down on both knees.

“I’ve been promoted and will be transferring out before day’s end.” General Matthews continues, unperturbed at Redeem’s actions. Almost like they were natural and expected.

“Congratulations sir.” Redeem says, head bowed.

“Now, I brought you here but I won’t be leaving with you.” General Matthews says as he stands up and walks around his desk.

“Sir?” Redeem asks, suppressing his flinch at the approaching footsteps.

“I have an important assignment I can only entrust to you.” General Matthews looms over Redeem and says, “In my absence, you must observe and report back to me directly. Clear?”

“Yes sir.” Redeem says as he looks up then salutes.

“Excellent.” General Matthews says as he unzips his pants, “Time for your medicine.”

A few minutes later, General Matthews zips up then says “Dismissed.”

Redeem takes a handkerchief from his pocket and cleans his face. He raises up then exits.

“That’s how a tool must be.” General Matthews says as he observes the now shut door.