Part 2 – New Job
Manhattan, Day Zero +2,431…
Lower-East side, the 21st Luxury Apartments, Room 503.
Six men were sitting in a small three room apartment, in the back room the forth and fifth buddy was working on their weapons.
The third stood up, and walked into the kitchen to get a drink of water, as he did, there was a small click, and a suppressed pistol discharged, spilling blood all over the fridge.
"Hey Jimmy," the second said, "Jimmy?"
Before he could speak, a dark-clothed figure popped out from behind the door frame with a suppressed M&P .45, and killed the second with three shots.
The first guy who was watching TV in the bedroom closed his eyes for a brief second before a dark-clothed figure put a hand over his mouth, and took a knife to the man's throat.
The two guys in the weapon's room were reassembling a few AK-47s when the two men dressed completely in black barged into the room, the first holding a suppressed Colt CAR-15 commando carbine assault rifle, the second a suppressed Enfield L85A2, and they hosed them both down with bullets.
As they entered the last room, they found the sixth guy sitting in the center of the room with about sixteen pounds of c4, and was holding two wires.
"Leave," he said, "Or I swear, I'll connect these two wires and everyone in this building go up!"
"We've got tango six holding two wires connected to several pounds of c4," the one holding the CAR-15 said, "Deuce?"
"Coming at you," Deuce said as he looked through the scope of his suppressed Mark 12 Mod 1 SPR sniper rifle, "No view on night-vision, switching to x-ray," Deuce flipped a switch on the side of his Leupold Mark 4 sniper-scope, "I got you," as he lined up, he saw that his friend with the L85A2 was in the way, "Blue, half a step to the right."
Blue took a small step to the right, the man holding the two wires yelled, "I SAID DON'T…" before he could finish, the back of his head exploded blood all over the bathroom wall, and he dropped the two wires onto the sides of his legs.
"Nice shot Deuce," Blue said as he walked up to the man, and lifted his head up to see the hole Deuce put in the back of the man's mouth, removing a small section of the man's teeth, "Headshot at four hundred yards."
"Thanks," Deuce said as he picked up the spent shell-casing, and slid it into a small slot on his belt.
"Looks like your tip was right again Deuce," Blue said, "We got enough c4 to level an entire building."
"Alright," Carbone said, "Let's get the stolen data and get out. Deuce, I need you to get to the RV."
"Alright," Deuce said as he began packing up his equipment before seeing two cop cars were pulling up in front of the building, "Change of plans, we got two blue-and-reds pulling up out front. Exfil as fast as you can, I'm going to get their attention."
"Roger that," Carbone said, "We'll meet you on Clinton with the Razor."
Deuce took aim at the side of the police cruisers which were still running thanks to H.A.Z.M.A.T. technology created two years after Day Zero.
Two shots sent the tire flying of the first car flying off, and caused all four officers to scramble out the side of the vehicles, and take cover.
Another two shots shattered the back windows, "I've got 'em pinned," Deuce said, "Hurry up!"
"We've got the data," Carbone said, "We're heading out the window now. Deuce, move!"
Deuce picked up his Mark 12, and made a mad dash for the other side of the rooftop, he quickly disassembled the rifle, placed it inside his case which he slid into his backpack, and took off across the rooftops.
He finally arrived at a small fire escape that would take him to Clinton Street.
As he jumped onto the fire escape a shot from a cop-issued Sig-Sauer P226 struck the rail next to him, Deuce quickly turned around, and saw three NYPD Blues running toward him with their weapons raised.
Deuce jumped down the fire escape quickly, and as he did, the Blues chased him, as they reached the edge to jump on the fire-escape, they dove backwards when one of them saw a concussion grenade which went off right as they dove backwards.
Deuce looked up, saw the grenade went off, and jumped over the edge of the fire escape, onto a small wall, and jumped down onto the sidewalk below, right next to Clinton Street where a 2015 Ford F350 King Ranch pulled up, and Deuce jumped in.
The King Ranch pulled away as the cops started down the fire-escape, "Hehehe," Carbone said, "Damn cops didn't know what hit 'em."
"Yea." Deuce said.
Carbone removed his mask revealing him to be twenty nine year old David Schanez, H.A.Z.M.A.T. Corporate threat eliminator, and Security Guard.
Blue removed his mask to reveal twenty five year old Bruce McClain, H.A.Z.M.A.T. Corporate threat eliminator, and H.A.Z.M.A.T.'s Deputy-Chief of security.
Deuce removed his mask to reveal twenty four year old Freddie Benson, H.A.Z.M.A.T. Corporate threat eliminator, security consultant, and security guard.
"Good work there Deuce," Bruce said, "Not bad for a former tech-producer."
"Thanks Blue." Freddie said.
"Might want to change, we're about to reach the apartment." Bruce said.
Freddie quickly shrugged off the sweat pants he was wearing to reveal a pair of denim blue jeans, and pulled off the Kevlar chest-plate to reveal a black polo tee-shirt, he then retrieved a H.A.Z.M.A.T. Corporate security badge, and slid it onto his belt.
Freddie's M&P .45 he fitted a Crimson-trace laser to along with a six point four pound trigger pull, and a nickel-plated trigger and slide-release was stored in the seat-pocket, all he did was pull it out, and slid it into his belt.
"See you tomorrow." Bruce said.
Freddie walked into the lobby of the Cromwell Apartment Complex, and was greeted by the doorman, Marcus, "Good evening Freddie." He said.
"Evening Marcus." Freddie said.
"Kill anybody today?" Marcus asked.
"Yea," Freddie said, "With a can of spray paint."
"Nice," Marcus said, "Your mother's been asking about you."
"I'm fine." Freddie said.
Freddie walked over to the elevator, inserted his key to his apartment, and with a turn, the elevator dinged, and the doors closed.
Once he arrived at the apartment, Carly turned around to face him, "Hey," Carly said, "How was work?"
"Ok," Freddie said as he started to climb the stairs, and saw Sam coming down, "Hey Sam."
"What up Fred-bag?" Sam asked.
"Not much." Freddie said.
Ever since arriving in New York, the iCarly gang had been living together, underneath one roof which was a three-story connected apartment in Downtown Manhattan, and because of that, Freddie had somehow managed to ignore Sam who had started working as a restaurateur.
On the next floor Freddie could see Sam's mom doing laundry, well trying her best, "Hey Ms. Puckett."
"Hey Freddie," Ms. Puckett said, "Busy day?"
"You don't know what busy is sis…" Freddie said before stopping, "Scratch that, you live with Sam."
"Exactly," Ms. Puckett said, "Don't tell me I don't know what busy is."
"Well in my definition I had a busy day," Freddie said, "In your definition, it was Tuesday."
Freddie then walked down the hall to see Spencer working on his latest sculpture, "Hey Spencer, what'cha sculpting there?"
"A tribute to the U.S. Military," Spencer said as he turned a mold of clay toward Freddie that revealed a glass sculpture of a woman wearing a V-neck cut shirt with the U.S. Air Force symbol imprinted in the area above her cleavage.
"Very… patriotic." Freddie said.
He continued down the hall to the stairs to see Sam's sister Melanie coming down the stairs, "Hey Freddie," Melanie said.
"Hey Melanie." Freddie said.
"Still no desk job?" Melanie asked.
"I don't want a desk job." Freddie said.
"I'll bet," Melanie said, "How's this Blue you keep talking about by the way?"
"He's ok." Freddie said.
Freddie then climbed up the final set of stairs to see his mom in the living room watching the news, "Hey Freddie," Mrs. Benson said, "How was your day?"
"Boring as always mom," Freddie said, "I'll be in my room."
Freddie walked into his room to see his seven-year old second-cousin Stephany asleep in his bed, he walked over to his cousin, kissed her once, walked over to his dresser, and hung up his clothes, he unloaded his weapon, and then pulled back on the slide ejecting the bullet.
He then placed his pistol and the magazine up on the top shelf.
Freddie then took a quick shower, walked over to Stephany, and kissed her on the forehead.
Stephany's parents were killed on Day Zero +1483, ever since then Stephany had come to live with Freddie, his mom, and the iCarly gang, who, to save money on housing had rented the rooms of a single three-story apartment, much like the apartment Spencer and Carly lived in back in Bushwell Plaza.
Freddie's mom wasn't too happy about Freddie being around other women, and if she knew he was a Corporate Threat Eliminator, she'd probably have a stroke.
Freddie had decided to sleep on the couch he had in his room, being he worked for HAZMAT, he had a lot of money to go around, and he spent it well.
As he fell asleep, he thought of how everyone was adjusting to life being as the creatures were still out there.
Spencer was still a hard-struggling artist who had achieved reasonable success, but he still had a hard time paying the bills.
Carly had found work as a Teacher at The Manhattan Garden District Elementary School teaching English to fifth graders.
Sam and Gibby (who lived next door with his mom and brother) had gone into business together opening an American/Italian fusion restaurant.
His mom had found a job downtown.
Sam's mom had become Downtown Manhattan High School's Wrestling Instructor.
Melany had somehow managed to land a job as the administrator of the New York City Library.
The next morning, Freddie awoke to the feeling of Stephany landing on his stomach which knocked the wind out of him.
"Oh boy," Freddie said as he sat up, holding his stomach, "Nice leap their cousin."
"Come on Freddie," Stephany said, "Breakfast is ready."
"Coming, coming," Freddie said as he changed into his work clothes, a pair of black leather military boots, a pair of premium denim blue jeans, a black polo tee-shirt, his security badge, and his M&P which he holstered to his belt along with his badge.
As he walked downstairs, he saw everyone hanging around the table, enjoying Sam's food, "Morning Freddie," Spencer said when he saw him, "I see sending Stephany up to wake you did the trick."
"Yep," Freddie said as he walked over, and picked up a plate, Sam was marvelous with the food, eggs, pancakes, and breakfast sausage.
As soon as Freddie finished his breakfast, he picked up his plate, and put it in the sink.
"Going somewhere?" Mrs. Benson asked.
"Sorry mom, I have to get to work," Freddie said as he took his keys off of the key-rings that were hanging on the beam next to the elevator.
Freddie walked into the elevator, and took it down to the garage, he entered the garage, and walked up to his car which he bought with his own money, a 1969 Pontiac GTO sport coupe with a custom glossy onyx black paint job with a gold-chrome racing stripe about a foot to the right of the center, running all the way down the car.
Starting up his car, Freddie exhaled, and started driving.
The HAZMAT Building in Downtown Manhattan was among the tallest in the city made passed Day Zero, one hundred and twenty five stories tall, the building is a symbol for HAZMAT and serves as a reminder of Day Zero, and the millions of lives lost when the creatures attacked.
Freddie drove up to the HAZMAT building, and up to the guard-gate.
"Morning Freddie," Gate Guard Bob Richardson said as Freddie held out his security badge.
"Morning Bob," Freddie said, "How's the wife?"
"She's great," Bob said as he raised the gate, "Still under the weather."
"Send her my best," Freddie said as he drove his GTO into the parking lot, and up to his parking space on the second level.
After walking over to the entrance, Freddie was greeted by Bruce who was waiting, "Took you long enough." He said.
"What is it Blue?" Freddie asked.
"The Director wants up in his office." Bruce said.
Freddie and Bruce walked up the central elevator which Bruce opened with his badge.
Freddie and Bruce took the elevator to the top floor of the HAZMAT building, when they arrived, their boss, Josh Zeus was sitting at his desk.
"You want to see us sir," Bruce said as both he and Freddie stood at attention in front of their boss's desk.
"Yes," Josh said, "I wanted to tell you the news. I'm afraid our dearly beloved Head of Security is stepping down."
"Oh," Bruce said, "We're both sorry to hear that sir."
"Yes," Josh said, "However, it doesn't mean there's a downside," Josh looked up at Bruce, "Congratulations Bruce, you're now HAZMAT Chief of Security."
"Sir?" Bruce asked.
"You heard me," Josh said, "You're HAZMAT's new Chief of Security," he then looked at Freddie, "And Benson here will be your right-hand man."
"Thank you sir." Freddie said.
"And I have something for you Benson," Josh said as he pushed a small cherry-wood box across the table, Freddie walked up to the case, and as he opened it, inside was a Kimber Warrior SOC (TFS) .45, "Kimber Warrior SOC 1911, forty-five ACP, crimson-trace laser sight, five pound trigger pull. Greatest soldier's gun ever made. You've earned it."
Freddie went over the pistol, the grips were Army-Green G-10 tactical grips with the symbol of H.A.Z.M.A.T. in the form of a medallion installed just above the bottom screw, there was also an installed beveled mag-well sticking out of the bottom, the Crimson-Trace Rail Master laser sight, a gold-plated skeleton trigger, and a custom integrated silencer/compensator.
"Sir," Freddie said as he loaded the magazine into the Kimber, pulled back on the slide, and engaged the safety, "I'm honored."
"It's a modest gift," Josh said, "Enjoy. And by the way, I'm giving the both of you bonuses and the day off."
Both Freddie and Bruce nodded, and walked off.
Once in the elevator, Bruce looped his arm around Freddie, and gave him a few taps on the skull like a proud big brother would, "Way to go my friend," Bruce said, "Where are you going after this?"
"To celebrate," Freddie said, "Might pick up some food for me and the gang."
"Have fun," Bruce said, "I'm off to see my girl."
Once Freddie made it to the parking garage, he got in his GTO, and drove back to his apartment complex where he found the entire apartment completely empty.
Freddie took his seat in front of the TV, and flipped on the Shooting Channel.
Four and a half hours later, Freddie was awoken by the sound of his phone ringing, he picked up, and answered with his own way, "Benson speaking."
"Hey Freddie," a familiar voice said over the other line.
"Hey Uncle," Freddie said, "What's up?"
"Not much," he said, "I'm in town, and was wondering, you want to get something to eat?"
"How about Sam & Gibby's?" Freddie asked.
"Sounds good." He said.
Freddie arrived at Sam & Gibby's around 12:42, and upon entering, the hostess of the restaurant, Tareen (the student at Ridgewood high that showed Carly, Sam, and Freddie the picture she took of Mr. Stern stagediving at a Cuddlefish Concert in the iCarly episode: iSpy on a Mean Teacher.), "Hello Freddie," she said as she walked up to him, and handed him a menu, "He's upstairs at your regular booth."
Tareen led Freddie to the second level of the restaurant, and up to the door to the balcony, she took her key-card out of her pocket, swiped the card, pressed her finger into the finger-print analyzer, and then tapped on the screen once.
Once the door opened, Freddie stepped out onto the balcony, and saw Colonel Steven Shay sitting on the balcony.
Freddie took his seat at the table, and Colonel Shay smiled, "About time you arrived," he said, "I was beginning to wonder if you had left town."
"I told you," Freddie said, "I don't leave town unless my second job is exposed."
"Good job last night on the terrorists," Colonel Shay said, "Although the NYPD isn't too happy about you damaging their cars."
"My boss will take care of it," Freddie said, "Your source landed me with a promotion," Freddie then went into his side-arm holstered, and pulled out his SOC, "And an upgrade in hardware."
"Kimber Warrior SOC," Colonel Shay said as he took the pistol, "Five pound trigger pull, laser sight," he then handed Freddie back his pistol, "Really great gift. What about the promotion?"
"He gave me the job as Deputy-Chief of Security for H.A.Z.M.A.T.," Freddie said, "And Promoted my friend Blue to Chief."
"Nice," Colonel Shay said, "You've done well. We still don't have much evidence against H.A.Z.M.A.T."
"This has been going on for five years sir," Freddie said, "I'm just hoping it'll end soon."
"I don't know Freddie," Colonel Shay said, "I want this to be over, but you've been the best Military Asset and Double Agent we've ever had. But I will ask you point blank. Do you want out?"
"No," Freddie said, "I'm in it till the end."
"Good," Colonel Shay said as he looked out the glass window at the street below, "H.A.Z.M.A.T. will not escape justice over Day Zero."
Freddie's a Double-Agent, what will happen next? Take a wild guess…