Valencia Darling

The air was moist and sticky; he had pulled all of the curtains to block out any surveillance of him in this brothel-ran motel. He had audio, visual, and tracking on two R13 persons of interest list, but why? I’d followed the potential operative from LAX to Ivato International Airport, right outside of Madagascar to the brothel. He was good at covering his tracks just not good enough for me. Now that I knew his position and he had no security, I took the opportunity to get acquainted with my new friend.

“Please, I have nothing, I know nothing! Don’t kill me.”

He gasped as I choked him from behind. He was about 6’2” 230 pounds, and he looked rather cramped as he sat a make shift desk he created out of two milk crates and some spare drywall. Still choking him with one arm I grabbed my gun from the leg holster, pointed it at his head, and I said, “I’d actually enjoy killing you, but my employer sees you as an asset to the organization.”

“I do not know your employer, or you, psycho.”

That pissed me off. “Why the name calling? I thought we were bonding?” Now he gets to be tied up I thought to myself. With my gun still to his head I took the twine I had stored in my cargo pocket and began hog tying my new friend.

“Okay for God’s sake lady; please don’t kill me.”

“Relax I’m not going to kill you yet.”

He groaned from me pulling his arms behind him.

“What are you going to do?

“As long as you tell me everything I need to know you don’t have anything to worry about.”

I was just about to begin my line of questions when my handler, Shells, chimed in on my ear piece. Using my body cam footage she was able to review all of the footage from the last couple of days.

“Bee, I’m running facial recognition on our operative. Seems he was present at the Cane Unveil party as well.”

“Any suspected accomplices?”

“None he’s flying solo from our end; once I have a match on face recognition I’ll send you the update.”

“Copy that.”

Either way, R13 saw him as valuable so here I am.

“Tell me sir what brings you to Madagascar?” I asked intriguingly; as I took seat on one of his milk crates.

“I am on a retrieval mission for a private employer.”

“What are you retrieving?” I asked.

“It is a book I am after.” He groaned, trying to free himself from the twine.

I frowned. “What is in this book that is so profound one is willing to sacrifice his life?” I asked, shrugging.

He noticed my confused expression. “My friend it is not what is inside, but what it is worth.”

“How is that?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. Even more confused.

“Deanna Cane requested the book for the total reward sum of $20,000. It was stolen from her home in America two nights ago during an unveiling party for her newest tech invention.”

I paced the floor pondering the contents of the Black Book.

“Please Miss I have a family, my wife she-.”

“Spare me the sob story.” I cut him off to ponder more. What I knew so far; was that Ms. Cane is offering $20,000 for the retrieval of a Black Book, but why? I thought to myself it’s definitely worth more than $20,000, but the math wasn’t adding up… I needed more info. “Tell me something, how much intelligence do you have on the last known location and possession of the book?”

Struggling to catch his breath from the hog tie he murmured.

“If you cut me a loose,” he said struggling to breath as he attempted to untie the Hogtie. “I will show you.”

Taking full surveillance of his make-shift head quarters I noticed he had clear sites on retrieving the book. There was no bed, the sink was covered in rust and water stains, based on the poor conditions of his room; I knew my friend had no intentions on staying long. As I reviewed the reel time footage on his monitor I asked.

“Not quite, so is this all of the information you have?” I responded rubbing my chin between my index finger and thumb.

“So far, yes.”

“Who do you work for operative?”

“I’m just a bum PI from America following instinct; my family needs the reward money.”

“Where is your intelligence and who do you get your information from?”

Shells chimed in again on my ear piece. “Bee I have an update on our operative.”

“Copy that Shells; report.”

“The operative is one Titus O’Hare. His PI story checks out, and his family really could use the money; looks like their house is on the chopping block.”

“Mr. O’Hare, I’m going to untie you, and then you and I are going to get acquainted.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Mr. O’Hare, you, and I can’t be good friends when have you so many useless questions.”

“I understand. less questions, check.”He breathed out practically begging to be released from his knots.

“Good, you follow my instructions and the reward money is as good yours; got it?”

“Got it, please untie me now.”

I released O’Hare from his tie. “The name is Bee!” I said giving the nod of acceptance to the team.

After letting my new friend go, I was given a thorough briefing on his current tracking of the Black Book. Just as he said, he was at the unveiling party for Cane, but I noticed a not invited Seymour Fredrick in his surveillance as well. “O’Hare what is Fredrick doing there?”

“He was there to steal her book; her black book,” he said, while pointing at surveillance of Seymour with the Black Book in hand.’

“It has all of her secrets everything and more of what she was unveiling that night; I followed him here to Madagascar.”

Taking note of everything I knew we were going to need the handler to provide a more habitable experience in order for us to retrieve the Black Book. So I looked O’Hare in the eyes making sure he understood what was about to happen next.

“Well O’Hare, we’re going to put your field experience to use today. Seymour is our number two person of interest. We’re going to find out what his plans are for tonight and then crash them.”

O’Hare’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Bee, I like the way you think.”

While O’Hare tapped into the tracker he had on Seymour. I tapped in to my hander. “Shells I’ll need an alias for tonight and full floor plan for Mr. O’Hare when we find out Fredrick’s plans.”

“You got it Bee, standby for confirmation of receipt.”

I was feeling a little sluggish after the commute and mild tussle with my new friend, Mr. O’Hare. My handler had gotten us each an alias for a more comfortable stay at the Hotel Carlton about ten miles from the airport. For the duration of the mission we were married couple Dean and Valencia Darling, very wealthy tech investors here to bid on the up and coming tech inventions of Seymour Fredrick. On our arrival to Hotel Carlton, a one Mrs. Fredrick was more than happy to chew off the head of the concierge about her husband’s whiskey not being chilled as requested. O’Hare was able to find their room number and timeline of events. As some extreme source of luck would have it; Seymour was hosting a Gala here tonight. It was perfect; once we were checked in I showered and went through the things Shells had sent over. A weapons trunk and evening wear for tonight’s Gala. I still hadn’t come around from the jetlag, but this wasn’t my first rodeo. While O’Hare was tracking Fredrick and the black book; I studied the floor plan, and faces of those I may need to know in order for this retrieval to be successful.

“Ms. Bee it is time.”

I had fallen asleep studying my entrance and exit strategy for tonight’s event. It felt like someone had dropped a bag of bricks on my hung-over head when O’Hare woke me. I was trying to retrace my steps, and figure out what the hell happened but everything was fuzzy about that night. I instantly became anxious; had I been compromised? I pulled a black maxi evening gown from the trunk, and prepared for the Gala. In case things got hot I strapped a 380 special to my inner left thigh, a 1CC vile of Rohypnol, and a hand knife I was able to conceal in my matching clutch.

“Mr. Fredrick has his security tight tonight I’m sure it’s to secure the book. In total I counted twenty guards ten with heavy emphases on securing him.”O’Hare had gotten a full scope of tonight’s event and was giving me the skinny on the books location. His confidence and tactical strategies as he explained; showed me that he had been in control during situations like this in past.

“Heavy guards means the book is on him.”

“That is exactly what I’m betting on.”

“Good this should be easy then.”

“There is an exit here at the southeast corner of the building following the left staircase,” O’Hare said pointing at a blueprint of The Carlton. This is where I will wait for you in case things get hot. Controlling his emotions I could tell he was excited.

“O’Hare,” I said with a mischievous grin, “you just might turn out to be the best handler I’ve had.”

“I can still hear you Bee,” my handler said.

I could almost see her motherly “are- you- serious- scold”- through my earpiece after I’d said it.” Shells you’ve got to admit he’s got skills.”

“Skills, bills. Here comes the location of the safe house for after retrieval, and good luck, Bee. “

Fredrick’s security was tight just like O’Hare said. There were four armed guards at each of the major exits. Using my alias Valencia Darling I was able to walk in as a guest for the event. I walked the room and found a spot central of the entire room to pan out my plan. As I stood in front of a swan ice sculpture my anxiety levels began to rise; I grabbed a glass of champagne from one of the floating servers and was able to get sight on Fredrick with six armed guards.

I needed to see the book in his hand first. I was casing Fredrick and caught what I thought was a glimpse of the book when Mrs. Fredrick yelled in my direction.” Valencia Darling is that you?” Appearing shocked to see me a clearly intoxicated Mrs. Fredrick begins to walk towards me.

“Excuse me?” I replied. Drawing my champagne glass to my chest; I gave Mrs. Fredrick the confused look.

“Oh. Surely you haven’t forgotten me already we were just in Cairo what…Two nights ago?”

“I am sorry Mrs.?”

“Honey are you all right? You really don’t remember me do you?”

“I’m sorry I’ve just been a little under the weather and have not been here entirely if you know what I mean.” I said giving her the sister girl eyebrow.

“Oh honey, of course I understand; I’m Eileen Fredrick. You and my husband talked about your book last we chatted.”

“Oh, of course; Mrs. Fredrick please forgive my aloofness. With things going as they are, it’s been rather difficult to fully grasp the book, but I am close.” Glancing over my champagne glass I scanned the room for Mr. Fredrick making sure to keep my eyes on that book. After about ten seconds of “Wheres Waldo?” I spot Mr. Fredrick at the bar with book in hand and six members of his security detail.

“Sweetheart, I know exactly what you mean Seymour hasn’t let his out of his sight.”

She pulled me in closer to whisper drunkenly in my ear. “I think he’s paranoid, even hired extra security tonight. Whatever you two have going on that’s so secretive is beyond me, but I can’t wait to have my husband back to normal.”

“I assure you, it is for the better of all involved. Excuse me, please.” Fredrick had left the bar and was towards the elevator I cut the girl chat short and began to make my way across the room.

“Oh, yes please, mingle, enjoy. If you need me for anything don’t hesitate to find me.”

“I will, thank you.”

Thanks to that friendly chat I lost sight of Mr. Fredrick.

“O’Hare can you hear me?”

“I hear you loud and clear.”

“I need a trace on that bug now!”

“Sure thing Bee!”

I dropped the clutch in a bathroom garbage, and put the vile of Rohypnol in my cleavage. Moving frantically so not to lose Fredrick my feet are practically gliding off the floor. As I head towards the elevator to try and find Fredrick.

O’Hare chimed in. “Bee you’re going to follow the left staircase to the elevators. He is in the left wing of the hotel a conference room at the end of the hall floor twenty.”

“ I’ve got eyes on Fredrick and the book. I need you to have that car ready and in position ETA five minutes.”

“You got it; I’m on it.”

I was on Fredrick’s tail when the hall started narrowing in on me. As my chest tightened it became harder to breath and I knew I had to make a move fast. There was no doubt in my mind now that I had been compromised. “Get it together Bee.” I coached myself.

All right six guards, easy. The first two went down like trees after a nice neck chop. There were four left. Two took separate directions to make sure the perimeter was secure, not knowing I was the breach about to take them all out. I was about to take down the guards protecting Fredrick when my position was compromised by one of the perimeter guards.

“Can I help you with something miss?” the guard asked, eyes wide with confusion and concern.

“Yes I am looking for the-.” I used the Rohypnol dust to choke out and sleep the third guard. Moving quickly I closed in on the last three guards protecting Fredrick. “One down three to go.” I whispered to myself.

I needed to chip away at his security make him vulnerable. I continued on their tail down the long hallway planning my move; when I approached a conference room. As I mentally mapped out how to take down the last three guards, I was greeted by two armed members of Fredrick’s security detail. I had to take the chance now.

“All right everybody put your hands up; Fredrick, where is the Black Book?”

The two guards now had weapons drawn and were ready to shoot. I wasn’t going to back down. My 380 special and I would go out with class.

“Stop don’t shoot her!” A terrified Mr. Fredrick yelped. “Valencia? Why are you doing this, don’t you know this is what Deanna wants to happen?”

Six more guards had arrived, my breathing was heavy and I was becoming more and more fatigued. Had I consumed some of the Rohypnol residue? The sound of Fredrick’s voice snapped me back to present time.

“Valencia listen to me, I can help you; Cane she has done something to you,” Fredrick said signaling his guards to lower their weapons as he approached me.

“Keep your hands up Fredrick; I want the book now!!” I was becoming anxious and my gun was shaking as I panned the room for an escape.

“Give her the book,” he said, making eye contact with the guard securing the book.

The guard head nodded at me to make sure it was ok for him to lower his hands and pass the book. I confirmed with a nod back. My breathing was heavy, I’m fatigue, and out -numbered. I had to think of something quick.

“Valencia please listen to me I want to help,” Fredrick insisted.

“Stop calling me that. I don’t know you.” I said uncertain if it was a true statement.

“Valencia, please let me help you before it’s too late.”

The distress in Fredrick’s voice was concerning. However, the book was in my possession and I noticed the fire alarm near my exit point.

“Valencia don’t!”

A sudden surge of adrenaline had taken over my body, and as Fredrick warned; I fired the first shot from my 380 shooting out the conference lights. The next two shots took out the knee caps of the armed guards blocking the exit, and I high tailed in the dark out of there. I went up to the suite O’Hare and I had acquired for the nights turn of events and trashed the evening wear. On my way out I triggered the fire alarm with a nice sulfur mix, and disappeared into the evacuating crowd. Thank God O’Hare was at the rendezvous spot. I guess elite money paid for elite security details. Still, Valencia rang in my ears. I needed to get to the safe house. An IUD surveillance audit of the last seventy-two hours was needed it would take time, but now that we had the book in possession we would have plenty to spare.

“Shells, I said short of breath, “I’m going to need an IUD audit of the last seventy-two hours.”

“You don’t sound good Bee. Should I send in reinforcements?” As I lie in the backseat of our getaway car barely awake. I could hear the concern in Shells voice through the phone, and to be totally honest so was I. If we were to call in reinforcement we would need a tactical team. Right now it was too soon to determine when we would need the team so instead.

“No, we have the book in possession, and are headed to the safe house.”

“Will this audit be of surveillance, or neurons Bee?”

“Both… and make it thorough. Some things about tonight aren’t adding up.

“I understand, shall I take proper security provisions and alert higher up?”

“Affirmative Shells; reinforcement won’t cut it. I got a feeling we may need a tactical team.”

“Yes, should I rally the original crew?”

“Yes, I need Veterans on my team.”

“I’m sending out alerts now; the tactical teams ETA zero five hundred. Good luck dear friend.”

“Shells, this is Bee signing out.”

We had arrived to the safe house with no tails on us. It was an abandoned warehouse that we turned into a mini headquarters. We he had satellite surveillance, basic operating room equipment, and enough resources to change our alias ten times if we needed to flee abruptly. I had just gathered up supplies and was headed to the war room. When O’Hare entered the room, and watched as I prepared a make shift Operating Room for the Audit.

“Bee you don’t look good.” I could see he was worried; he frowned so hard, his lips looked like they would fall off.

“Yeah, I know a very elite tactical team will arrive in the morning. My handler, Shells will greet you with a large pizza and the code phrase: Hawaiian style extra Hawaiian.”

O’Hare was concerned for my safety. Considering I tried to kill him less than twelve hours ago; it was comforting knowing he had my back.

“Where will you be?”

I didn’t want him to panic or assume the worst so I grabbed his shoulder looked him right in the eyes. “I’ll be here being treated. O’Hare you’re my partner now. So you have to think like me do you understand? It’s time to crank up the instinct make your wife proud.”

From the look on his face my comforting pep talk was what he needed to push through. He was still very concerned though.

“Bee, I don’t like the way you’re talking right now.”

“Everything will make sense in the morning; just trust me.”

He put his hands in his face, and then he looked up and locked his eyes on mines.

“I can’t believe I am saying this, but I do.”

“Good. Get some work done.” I grunted out as I pulled myself onto the operating table. “Get prepared for the tactical team. I’ve got to get some rest.”

“You hang in there; all right, agent?”

“I got you covered, O’Hare.” I said patting him on his back to try and provide some form of comfort.

“The audit took an entire twenty-four hours to complete. When I awoke, we were still at our factory safe house, and had not been compromised. The war room was dimly lit, and O’Hare was gone; but four very familiar faces were there to greet me. Shells, Davis, Doc and Geo were all in position waiting for me to awake. They weren’t in the best of moods considering the circumstances so I sat up and jumped right in.

“Where is O’Hare?” I asked voice raspy, and throat dry. Davis looked like he would fly out of his chair when heard my voice.

“He’s meeting with Fredrick to get him his book back.”

That was my Davis. He was a real Black God, and the only man to ever make me consider a domesticated life. But we both enjoyed the job too much to even submit to one another. I knew he loved me, and in this line of business love got you killed. A hot sensation ran down my neck like I was gushing blood only nothing was there. Shells, was yelling for me to sit back down and take it easy. All I felt was the extreme heat pouring down my neck.

“Bee, you’ve got to calm down.”

“Shells, just tell me; how bad is it?”

“It’s a little blurry, but the surveillance did reveal you being compromised; the entire R13 infrastructure will need to be rebuilt.”

I sat up in disbelief, but not shocked about being compromised.

“This doesn’t make sense how, when, and why don’t I remember?

Doc the scientist and explosion expert was sitting next to Geo our tech and surveillance guy at the foot of my make shift hospital bed; while Shells and Davis prepare to replay the surveillance from the audit. Doc had been with R13 for twenty seven years joined after leaving the Marines. He was an average Indian and wore a neatly wrapped turban that never unraveled. Geo looked nothing like most tech guys. He didn’t wear glasses, and was built like a triathlon champion who sun bathed daily. When he joined R13 he had just been court marshaled for killing his commanding officer after rapping his wife. The typical- psycho- white- boy- tech- genius scenario; I would tease him about turning his psycho meter down.

“The video is queued up, when you’re ready,” Davis said as he looked at me.

Shells grabbed my hand. I knew then this was really bad. I gave Davis a head nod and inhaled as the video began. As the camera focused in I was able to make out the face of the person in range. It was Cane!

“What I am about to inject you with is my latest invention.” She was preparing a syringe while I sat tied to a chair.

“I am going to call it ‘Little Black Book’ and you, Agent Bee, are my prototype. You will spy on Fredrick and bring me back his black book. Your R13 handlers will have no knowledge; you see I created the very database they use to track and process all of their agents.”

“Why?” I asked as she injected my neck with her Little Black Book.

“Imagine being able to download and upload private banking accounts, stock information, overseas accounts, I mean having true power over human capital.”

“Human capital; you know you’re not God?”

“Of course; God haves mercy.”

“You’re a sick person.” I screamed trying to get the chair to tilt, and free me from the tie.

“Maybe, but soon I will have enough capital to pay the best doctors for that.”

I watched Davis’ head drop after Shells stopped the playback. He was fighting his emotions. This was really bad, and I wasn’t sure how good I could hold up. I tried to remain calm, but I had no idea of what Canes Black Book could do.

“When O’Hare gets him the book what’s our move?” I asked.

Davis looked me in my eyes as the others looked away. They knew his concern and it tugged at their emotions. He grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me close to enough to kiss. What he was about to say was serious and he needed me to know.

“We’re going to take Fredrick’s helicopter two hours out from Madagascar to a small city called Marovoay.” He said as he wrapped me tightly in thermal blankets for the flight.

“Fredrick has a lab there, and they have been working round the clock to come up with an antidote for Canes Little Black Book.” He was fighting his tears as he choked over the last part of his sentence.

I knew then I was going to die. The way they all avoided eye contact when the realized I finally understood what was happening; made me sick to my stomach.

“And how are we taking down Cane?”

“We will take down Cane; you will let Fredrick help you.” Shells said with heavy emphasis on we.

“This is my life I get to fight for it too; this whole thing started because someone wanted to play God.” I realized how stupid that sound when I tried to fight my way off of the table.

“Look, we care about you, and we want to see you come out this thing.”

Davis said, trying to pull me from the edge, but he knew I wasn’t going out lying down. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “That’s my girl never break.”

We took the two hour ride to Fredrick’s; when we got there he was waiting and ready with O’Hare. Here I was in a mountain side cave turned secret laboratory fighting for my life. The Steel sliding doors closed behind us as I was placed in a wheel chair and wheeled up to what looked like an operating room from the year 3000. He had six monitors all tracing strands of what looked like my DNA, there were IV’s all with different colored fluids, and there in his hand; his Black Book. My heart began to race.

“Valencia, I’m glad you’re all right,” Fredrick said. “When you showed up at the Gala, I didn’t know what to expect; I thought I-.”

“Don’t worry; we have what we need catch us up.”

“We analyzed your DNA in a 32 bit.”

My time was limited and I never understood the scientific lingo so interrupted Fredrick again. “Doc let me stop you right there; I need the summarized version crazy lady plotting to take over the world.”

Fredrick nodded and continued.

“To put it plainly, the injection was a specific dose of electrons that when introduced to human DNA becomes a central a database after thirty-six hours of exposure.”

“So you’re saying I- I’m.” This was a scene out of a movie. Surely I had fallen asleep watching some Vin Diesel action movie.

Fredrick’s voice confirming and finishing my sentence brought me back. “I am saying you’re the Little Black Book we’ve all been chasing. We can crash the system through you, but it also means.”

“Killing me!” I said cutting Fredrick off. I was numb it was all surreal, but the mission had to completed no matter the outcome. “All right so we know everything now. What is the plan for taking down Cane?”

“Bee, what are you saying?” My Davis wishing he had another option, praying for an outcome where I stayed alive. O’Hare, sensing the energy shift, begins to usher himself and everyone from the room.

“Let’s give them a minute,” he said with tear filled eyes. “I’m going to call my wife.” He squeezed my hand silently giving his condolences. You keep hanging in there.”

“You take care of that wife, O’Hare.”

“I’ve never lost a partner, Bee.”

I smiled. O’Hare took his new position seriously and would make a huge asset to R13. I looked around at all the faces and the energy had shifted. It was like they were giving up for me.

“Hey, chin up somebody has to look after these guys for me.”

O’Hare left the room unable to contain his emotions, and made the call home to his family.

“We’re going to figure it Bee; don’t you worry.” Davis managed to murmur out over his tears that were now causing a frog in his throat.

“Valencia, are you sure you want to do this?” Mr. Fredrick asked.

“We don’t know how many others she may have injected; crashing the system is the only option.”

The plan was simple: O’Hare would confirm retrieval of the Little Black Book to Cane and get her to meet for his reward. Fredrick was working tirelessly to come up with a second string antidote that would save my life, but he was falling short and becoming fatigued. We were closing in on seventy-two hours since the injection, and my body had definitely been going through the motions. I was picking up satellite interference and it was causing excruciating screeching in my ears. My mouth was dry and tasted like cold steel. I was freezing, but hot to touch. I could feel myself slipping.

“We’ve got O’Hare and Cane in sight. We need to push her for the antidote.” Davis wasn’t going to give up; he always told me. “To the death Bee; do you hear me? I’ve got you until death.” And I always replied. “With honor I serve with you.” I was slammed back to reality when I heard.

“Davis, we got to move now.”Geo cried out.

While Cane was at the rendezvous with O’Hare R13 had already infiltrated and taken control of all her labs. They were close, but so was I. The heat in my neck had turned to a stone-cold chill through my whole body. The tingling of the electrons racing through my veins had become solace. I was becoming the database; information on numbers was coming in so fast. My heart began to pick up speed as my body went through what must have been configuration. Fredrick moved frantically to revive me. I could hear, but couldn’t respond. The taste of salt landed on the tip of my tongue from Fredrick’s dripping brow as he slammed the second shot of adrenaline into my chest.

“We’re going to lose her.” Fredrick was exhausted, but he wasn’t going to give up. He wiped his brow and looked down at me, “fight through it Valencia. They’re coming okay? Davis is coming.”

“Fredrick, the name is Bee!” There was a glow of light that awakened me from the hole I’d fell in. It gave me a breath of relief and with that I decided to introduce myself properly.

Fredrick tried everything to bring me back, but I couldn’t fight any longer; the information upload had slowed down. Looked like Cane’s prototype needed a little more work. She did succeed in her efforts, and even exposed R13. My body was now numb I no longer had control of my nervous system. Tears fell from my face I knew this was it. Live by the sword die by the sword. I fought many battles alone and in others I fought with some of the most courageous people I knew. The lights fade and I see my first day as an R13 agent, getting my agent number, and meeting Davis for the first time provide solace. It’s true, your life does flash before your eyes! Another tear falls as my mother kisses my forehead on the first day of school. I can hear Fredrick calling my time of death, there is a commotion coming from outside of the Operating Room.

“We’ve found it. Bee I’m here, we found it.” A frantic barely breathing Davis came barreling through the OR doors. He was certain he’d saved me and this would be the end of R13 for the both of us.

“Davis, she’s gone I tried.”

Davis’ body goes limp in disbelief as he tries to wake me from the lie Fredrick just told him. “No you have to try again! Bee is a fighter, she wouldn’t do that to me.”

“Davis we were waiting on all of you to call time, but she’s gone.” Fredrick tried to offer comfort, but Davis was not having it.

“She’s not; give me the syringe I’ll do it myself. Hold on, Bee, I know you’re in there.” I was there, I tried to yell out to him, I even tried to throw my body off of the table but I was no longer in control.

“All right, Davis, please give me the syringe. Fredrick pleading with Davis reaches his hand for the syringe. “I want to save her too, if you give her too much it may cause more harm.” Fredrick approached Davis gently taking the syringe from his hand.

“I know she’s in there Fredrick… I just know it.” Davis pleaded back with tears streaming his face.

After Fredrick measured out proper dosing and injected me with the antidote. They watched over my body for eight hours and there was still no sign of progress. No one had the heart or balls to tell Davis it was over. Shells tried to console Davis; even after they called my time of death he wouldn’t let go. During the rebuild of now R14 he agreed to work with Fredrick to find an antidote and possibly bring me back. Davis would keep me in a tube for one hundred years if he could just touch me again. Neither of us got to say how we truly felt. It was agonizing not being able to reach out, or scream for him.

I can hear Doc and Geo recalling old memories as they slowly wheel me down a long hall to the preservation room while awaiting proper arrangements. They stop to say a few words in my honor before proceeding to the tube. Geo recites an Islamic prayer asking that Allah be pleased with my time used, as Doc fidgets, but manages to get out.

“Bee, this is Doc. If I know you, you’re still in there fighting. I wish we could’ve figured it out sooner. You’re one hell of soldier, agent, and if we don’t meet again in my lifetime, it was honor to serve with you.”

I want to scream, but I can’t. Davis, Doc, guys, I’m here, but he doesn’t hear me and I can’t move. I have been deleted, I panic, and everything goes BLACK.