Lengthy Author's Note:

During the early months of the pandemic, Reid is recruited by a shadow organization to help prepare for a doomsday scenario. January sixth was only the start of a revolution that will rip the US apart. It will be up the BAU and Reid's organization to restore hope among a world in tatters.

I will return to other projects eventually. I have proven I can pivot from story to story.

You know, stories involving sex crimes have never scared me the way writing about politics does. If you don't like, don't review. Please be civil. I hope all of this is fantasy but I'm not 100% convinced it isn't.

In case you missed the announcement. I'm not slowing down. I need to write every day, regardless of content.

Before and After the Warning Shot

1/18/20

Reid was sitting in the doctor's office waiting for the results of his latest scan. If it came back clear, he should be able to return to work in two weeks.

His thoughts were elsewhere. Looking at the last photo of him and Max, on his phone, Reid sighed. Max couldn't stop having nightmares about Cat and what her family went through. The job was too much for her to handle. Reid understood, even as it broke his heart.

A man of Indian descent, who was not his doctor, entered. He was wearing Aztec sundial cufflinks. Reid knew where he was from.

"Hello Dr. Reid," he said in lightly accented English. "We don't have much time."

"You've been saying that every time I've seen a member of your organization."

"This is very serious," he said. "A highly infectious SARS-like virus, was found in the Wuhan region of China, as early as two months ago."

The color drained from Reid's face. He steadied his breathing.

"The president can be convinced that addressing this issue will unite this country," Reid said. "Sign all sorts of executive orders to bring the country together."

"Dr. Reid, think worst-case scenario. It will railroad his agenda, the economy will crater, and his rallies will have to be curtailed. He will try to downplay this as much as possible and get at least thousands more people killed."

"What projection has you concerned?" Reid asked. "The virus is one thing. But a new administration will handle it better. Unless, there won't be another?"

"We have half a dozen projections as to what will happen next. None of them provide a clear picture. At this rate Dr. Reid, we want you to start preparing for the worst."

"How much time do I have?"

"We'll give you three months to put your affairs in order."

Reid sighed. "I thought I'd have until November."

"We've always been one catastrophe away from chaos, Dr. Reid. This country has grown extraordinarily volatile, regardless of which party is in charge."

Reid didn't respond.

The man turned to the door.

"You regular doctor will be in shortly."

Reid was left alone with his thoughts.

4/21/20

Reid stood on the hospital parking lot roof. This was going to be hard.

Emily appeared. Reid turned to her.

"How are Will and Henry?"

"They're both doing well, all things considered," Prentiss said. "Henry is going to make a full recovery, and Will was just taken off the ventilator."

A tear leaked from his face.

"Emily I—"

"You're leaving, aren't you?" she said.

He looked at her. "How did you know?"

"I worked for secret agencies too. You aren't the only one worried about the future. It's time for you to do more important work."

"I wish I could hug you."

"I know."

"What about your mom?"

Reid shook his head. "She doesn't know who I am anymore. Whenever we Facetime, she thinks I'm an agent who wants to take her away. I'll be able to keep tabs on her, from where I am."

"That's rough. I'm sorry Spencer."

"It's for the best. What about the BAU?

"We can only consult on cases remotely for at least two more months. The 'theory' is we'll be able to go back to work when the numbers go down in the summer."

Reid shook his head again. "Don't believe anything you've heard. The numbers will go down in the summer, but until there is a vaccine, things will get worse again."

"Reid, you're needed where you can make a bigger difference. Working cases remotely isn't the same. Don't feel guilty about leaving us."

"Thank you, Emily. I needed to hear that."

Reid pulled out a plastic bag with a pair of envelopes in it.

"For Henry and Michael."

"Can I ask what you wrote?"

"That I am off to fight bad guys in secret. I will come back for them."

"We'll miss you."

"Tell the team I love them."

A car with tinted windows pulled up. He waved at Emily as he got in.