Villa Scorpio - Command and Control Center
SHREEK!
Dani tore off her headset as the high pitched tone screamed into her ear. "There it is again! What is causing that?"
"It could be anything. An electrical storm like this creates a lot of electrical interference patterns," said Genji as he tapped away on a console.
"But comms feed through SIMON. I thought he filtered interference automatically," said Dani. "This is the third time this hour."
"Under normal circumstances, yes," said Genji peering at readings scrolling up his display screen. "But the sensors outside show barometric pressure and other readings more consistent with a hurricane than a winter storm. It's unnatural phenomena."
"Experiencing a hurricane is on my life to do list. I think I'll cross it off now," said Dani as she put her headset back on.
SHREEK!
"Argh! Fourth time!" yelled Dani. "I'm having problems maintaining contact with the theater and the outlier teams."
Genji entered a command into his console. "I'm increasing the transmission load and opening a new frequency band on the tower here. Let Lars know to do the same to the theater tower. SIMON, switch all comms to the new band on dual activation."
"Request in queue," came SIMON's voice over the room's speakers.
"The FEDERAL emergency band?" asked Dani as she sent a text message to Lars.
"It's one of several assigned for government use in the fifties as part of the Emergency Broadcast System. This particular band is not in use nowadays after it was downgraded to state level usage. However, the state outsourced the signaling to a third party who relies on the cellular frequencies rather than radio ones. I doubt anyone even knows the old band exists. We have a licensed transmitter. We might as well put it to use. This is an emergency, right?" asked Genji.
"Boys and their toys. You can face the Federal Communications Commission when they show up at the gate," said Dani.
"It's temporary and only in the local range. It should be fine," said Genji. "Dani, you are not in the military any longer. You can bend the rules a little bit."
"I know I can and I have. The problem is that I'm starting to like the bending and twisting stuff," answered Dani. "It's becoming too easy to do the wrong things for the right reasons."
Genji laughed. "Ah, you're one of us now."
General Hospital Emergency Room
The hospital staff was steadily overwhelmed by the ever increasing numbers of casualties and victims. Off duty staff and hospital volunteers had been called in. Even so, Tom Hardy felt like a general asked to stop an invasion with only a handful of troops. Instead of a uniform, he had on a tuxedo. Instead of tanks, he had ambulances coming and going.
"Sarah, don't worry if they haven't completed all the admission forms. Get them upstairs into a room and free up ER space," said Tom to the harried Admissions Director.
"It's against procedure, Tom. We could make a mistake and-" began Sarah Thompson.
"Just make sure that we have the right patient in the right room. Keep a manual list. Post names on doors if you have to," said Tom. "We'll sort it out after the storm passes."
"But-"
"Do it, Sarah! Right now!"
The overhead lights flickered. Tom ran to a hospital phone to call Maintenance. He waited for someone to answer but it was futile. He slammed the receiver down on the cradle.
Assisting in admissions and still in her evening gown, Audrey Hardy saw the whole thing and came over. She picked up the handset. "Let me handle Maintenance. Get a hold of yourself, Tom. You can't fall apart."
Tom ran a hand through his hair. "I'm fine, Mom. They just keep coming in."
Handset against her ear, Audrey advised, "You're usually the calmest one in the room. What's the matter?"
"Tommy. He had a blow up with Simone and left Stanford. His flight came in an hour ago and … cells are overloaded. I don't know where he is," said Tom.
Audrey nodded. "He could be at my place. It's closer to the airport."
"Maybe. Maybe not."
Audrey placed a hand on her son's arm. "Tommy is a sensible boy. He'll be fine."
"How … how did Dad do this job for so long without going crazy?"
Audrey grinned. "Steve was a master at staying focused. No matter how many balls he was juggling in the air, whichever ball he had in hand at any given moment had his full and undivided attention. It's a neat trick."
"Dad had decades to perfect it. I don't," groused Tom. He was distracted from further contemplation of his professional inadequacies by paramedics pushing a patient on a gurney. A gangly young man half skipped and half ran in the gurney's wake. "Tommy?"
Tom Hardy, Jr. held an IV bag in the air. His voice was cheerful as he called out in passing. "Hi, Dad! Hi, Gran!"
Luke limped into view. "Tom! Audrey! Lulu … she was awake and then she collapsed again. There's a lump on her head … from the boat. Gotta call Lucky and-"
Audrey put the phone down. "You go with Lulu. I'll find Lucky and let him know."
"What are you doing?" asked Tom running after his son and Luke.
"What I was trained for. Finally something useful," said Tommy. "My taxi hit a telephone pole. Then I saw the Star go fireball. I went over to see if I could help."
"You went on the boat?!" Tom looked his son up and down looking for injuries.
"No. I saw Mr. Spencer and Lulu outside. The paramedics came but they already had a patient in the ambulance. I helped out."
"He was great, Tom," said Luke. "Very calm, you know."
Tom glanced at the ER Room board detailing who was in what exam room. "Bay sixteen is free. Luke, how are you? Injuries?"
"Don't worry about me. Bumps and bruises," muttered Luke. "Take care of Lulu first."
"Hey, Dad, I know what I want," said Tommy.
"What's that?" asked Tom absentmindedly.
"After med school, I want to specialize in emergency medicine."
Tom pushed aside the curtain to the exam bay. "Your mother is going to love that."
Tommy grinned. "She's going to have a fit."
KA-RA-BOOM!
Majestic Theater
Sean ordered another double whiskey as Chase Masters and Arnold Vandenberg slid into stools on either side of Sean. The two younger men ordered identical double whiskeys.
Noting their choice of drinks, the spymaster fished for information. "I take it you two have met Robert."
"N-not what I expected," admitted Chase.
"You know that he knows you were involved in that Vladivostok mess. He doesn't forget that sort of thing. Ever," said Sean. "Did you think he would treat you with kid gloves?"
"You could have warned us," said Arnold.
"Some lessons need to be learned the hard way," said Sean. "Besides, Robert and I don't live in each others' pockets. Never have. If I were you, I'd take his … message seriously."
"Vladivostok was … was bad intel from start to finish. Once I explain our-" began Chase.
Sean turned to his right and faced Chase. "Don't you get it? You're on his black list. Be grateful you haven't been crossed out as quite a few have recently." He turned to look at Arnold. "Consider every word I've just said as a warning. Read between the lines like the smart boys I know you two are. I'll be in touch soon. With new instructions. Don't do anything until you hear from me." With that Sean slid out of his seat and made for the auditorium.
Chase and Arnold sat silently for a few minutes digesting this new incident.
"Have to hand it to the old crew. They know how to make their point," said Arnold. "I'm ready to go home."
"Not before we give the presentation of our lives," said Chase.
"But Sean said no-"
"Uh, huh. I heard."
"And you're not listening."
"I have listened but I am choosing to ignore it," clarified Chase. "Sean is too close to Scorpio. I understand his need to keep us separated. But it's also equally obvious that Sean hasn't told Scorpio or Devane about his role in our history or any of our history for that matter."
Arnold nodded. "He's on our side. I'm convinced he's shielding us in his own way."
"Exactly. To protect our dear founder, we won't tell him everything," said Chase.
"And ask for forgiveness afterwards," said Arnold.
"That's always the best option." Chase shrugged. "Let's finish the show before heading back to the hotel."
The two men finished their drinks then returned to the auditorium. Neither men noticed the presence of another man on the far end of the bar. He was short of stature, slight of build and could be meek in manner when he chose to be. There was simply nothing memorable about his physical being. But his mind could do marvelous things. He remembered everything he saw and heard and tonight had been one ripe with insight and revelations.
Mr. Hare muttered to himself while nursing a gin and tonic, "We have hidden from the world for too long. The Queen was correct to attend. It is past time for action. Final action."
KA-RA-BOOM!
Villa Scorpio
Robin sat on a rocking chair in the open front porch of the cottage intently watching the lightning flashing across the sky or putting a hand out to catch the pelting rain. A plaid blanket covered her lap and jean-clad legs.
Vincent walked on to the porch from inside the cottage. He handed Robin a steaming mug before sitting down in the other rocking chair. "Your coffee."
"Thanks. This will hit the spot," said Robin. She loosened the first two buttons of her sweater. "Hot. Cold. Hot. These hormone fluctuations are driving me mad."
"You could take my suggestion of a long bubble bath," Vincent watched Robin. To his eyes, she had shed the look of the well-kept refugee. More importantly, her eyes showed sadness and fear only in rare, unguarded moments. They were making progress.
"Only if you're in there with me," said Robin.
"That would be more dangerous than this weather," replied Vincent. "You have been watching the storm for a long time. What do you see?"
Robin smiled. "It's not really watching. It's more … more feeling the wind gusting, the coldness of the rain drops and the goosebumps you get when the thunder booms. I miss it. The feeling I mean," said Robin. "And the smell of the air during a storm, of wet grass. Everything is better than I remember."
"I understand."
"This doesn't make for a very romantic Valentines' day does it?" asked Robin touching Vincent's hand. "Flirting is so frustrating."
"It is what you need to do, cara," replied Vincent. "The weather station says that this is the storm of the century." A sudden strong gale made the cottage windows rattle. "They may be right."
"This reminds me of another bad storm. There was a lot of lightning then, too," said Robin.
"Most people are scared of storms. Of course, you must be the opposite," teased Vincent.
"I used to be scared but not anymore."
"Why not?"
Robin hid a small smile. "Because storms can bring surprises like … like new friends and experiences that you'll remember forever."
Vincent's IPhone began to chime. He looked at the display. "It's Andrew and Nyssa's team at the gates."
Robin looked at her watch. "It's too early to be back. What happened?"
Vincent nodded. He switched the display to audio and listened in on the command channel. It was entertaining.
Nyssa's voice came through clearly. "One more word, Andrew, and I will take you and Belle and head for international waters. I mean it."
"But the Court was on our way and-" began Andrew.
"The city is a mess. Belle will be far safer here than anywhere else. I'm sure her parents will agree," said Nyssa.
"I said I was sorry," said Andrew.
"Yes, repeatedly," snapped Nyssa.
Andrew countered with, "We missed the last dance."
"There will be other dances," said Nyssa.
"I really didn't mind leaving early," said Belle.
"That is not the point," said Andrew. "It's your first dance. Things should have been done properly. That was my responsibility as your escort."
Vincent turned off the audio with a grin. " Andrew is angry at himself. Nyssa sounds more upset than Andrew."
"That's big sister upset," clarified Robin. She went into the cottage and emerged with an umbrella. "Come on. I have to find out what happened."
The pair huddled under the umbrella and made their way to the Villa at a run. Robin laughed every step of the way across the drenched stone path.
Majestic Theater
Backstage, the final designer showcase was beginning. The emotional melange of keen anticipation and acute nerves that had marked the start of the show was gone. In its place were nearly tangible waves of relief and joy at a job well done. Champagne corks had been popped, exotic appetizers consumed by starving models and more than a few designers had begun celebrating early. Sean weaved his way around clumps of tired but happy people to Tiffany's side.
He drew her to him and kissed her soundly, "You were fantastic!"
"It's been a great night hasn't it?" asked Tiffany. "I've missed this … this energy!"
"You were made for the limelight, sweetheart," said Sean.
"Like you're made for the shadows," said Tiffany into Sean's ear. "I looked around for you. You pulled one of your disappearing acts again."
Sean lowered his voice. "I had to follow up with Tracy."
"That wouldn't have taken most of the night."
"Robert and I had words. I left to cool off," said Sean.
"What words? Why?" asked Tiffany.
"Nothing important. We're both on edge and old age has made us more cranky than ever. The usual stuff, honey."
Tiffany scoffed. "There is nothing usual about you and your you-know-what stuff." She clutched at Sean's arms. "Yes or no. Are you in bed with the WSB again? Is that why Connie's here tonight? Was Robert trying to talk you out of it?"
Sean chuckled. "This is what I get for being married to a reporter."
"Sean, please, just tell me."
Sean looked Tiffany straight in the eye and said, "No, I am not in bed with the Bureau. What do I have to do to stop you from … from seeing things that aren't there?"
"I shouldn't have to be stopped at all," said Tiffany. The music cue changed. "It's almost over. I have to be onstage for the last runway parade. I have to check my make-up."
"Go on. I'll watch from the wings," said Sean. "Where's Anna?"
"Dressing room five. She's been in there for ages. She must be ready to climb the walls," said Tiffany.
Sean knocked loudly on the dressing room door. "Anna, it's Sean."
The door opened swiftly and Anna stood in the doorway. "Thank God. Someone sane."
Sean stepped inside as Anna closed the door. "It's almost your turn."
"I'm only doing this for the children." Anna smiled. "I hear all the applause. Things going well out there?"
Sean nodded. "Better than expected." He took a deep breath and let his expression show his inner turmoil. "Anna, I need to meet with you. Tomorrow. Before noon."
"Okay, I'll let Robert know and-" began Anna.
"No. No Robert. Just you and me," said Sean. "Bay C at my old warehouse. Ten o'clock."
Anna's brows arched at the mention of the personally infamous Bay C where decades ago Sean, Anna and Robert had come clean with each other concerning the fallout from their last mission for the WSB. "Confession or accusations?"
"Are you going to be there or not?" pressed Sean.
"I have to tell Robert about this," insisted Anna.
Sean used the three words that he hoped would guarantee Anna's cooperation. "Gabriel de Bruin."
Anna's intake of breath was loud in the enclosed space. "That's very, very old times."
Sean watched her every expression and movement. Due to her amnesia, he hadn't been completely certain how much of her memories were intact. He hoped that she remembered most of those early days. Anna turned away. She looked at herself in the dressing table mirror. He'd gambled and it seems he'd won.
"How necessary is this?" asked Anna still staring into the mirror as if not recognizing her reflection.
"Same as before. Life and death."
"Yours?" Anna studied her old mentor's strained face. Sean's eyes radiated fear. That shook her more than his mentioning Gabriel - the man who had found her and recruited her for the WSB so long ago. Gone was the Donely bravado. A haunted, terrified man stood before her. "Things that out of … out of your control?"
Sean's voice was ragged. "I need help pulling a rabbit out of a hat before the hat disappears."
Anna swallowed past the lump in her throat. "I'll be there. Ten sharp. Alone."
Sean let out a long held breath. "Thank you." He turned to leave, opened the door slightly then paused. "I'm sorry for having to ask."
"I know you are." Anna reached up and kissed Sean's cheek.
"You and Robert are my best-"
Anna pressed two fingers against Sean's lips. "Shhh. He wasn't there In the beginning and-"
Frisco barged in. "Anna, five minutes. Beginning of what?"
Sean's urbane mask slipped across his features like a ripple through still water. "Beginning of the end of the runway show. I'm looking forward to some dancing."
Frisco looked at Anna then Sean. Their neutral faces were at odds with their tense body postures. "Power is getting iffy and the storm isn't letting up a notch. We might end the night early. Most of the designer duds have been brought already. Hospital staff and public safety folks have left. Worst case scenario we could set up beds here for any remaining guests."
"It's gotten that bad?" asked Anna.
"Police scanner is busy, busy, busy," said Frisco. "TV's calling it the storm of the century."
Anna straightened. "Well, the sooner it's over the better." She checked herself in the mirror one last time.
"I overheard a little of what you said. You and Sean need help on something?" asked Frisco.
"I was keeping Anna company," said Sean leading the way out of the dressing room. "You've been nosey all night, Frisco."
"Just like old times," added Anna with a grin maneuvering her ensemble carefully. "Nothing's changed."
"Ganging up on me isn't fair, you know," said Frisco lightly walking between Sean and Anna. "I can't help my superb professional instincts which have been honed over many successful years in the field."
"Any excuse in a storm?" asked Sean.
"Ha, ha. Not very funny," said Frisco. ""I know you're all trying to help me adjust to civilian life. But, come on, if there's something going on, you know I'm your man."
"You have to let go, Frisco," advised Sean. "Before the past and your own regrets eat you alive little by little. You know how THAT feels, don't you?"
"Yeah, nibbled to death. I'm over it," said Frisco. "So, there's nothing going on?"
"Nothing that you need to worry about," said Anna as assistants fussed over her clothes.
"I hear nothing. I say nothing. I know nothing," muttered Frisco.
"Perfect," said Sean looking at Anna.
Every brain cell Frisco possessed was telling him that Anna and Sean were hiding something. Maybe Robert would let the cat out of the bag. Frisco made a mental note to talk to Robert. Soon.
KA-RA-BOOM!
General Hospital Emergency Room
From evening gowns to hospital scrubs, the attendees of the fundraiser lent a hand in the ER, the operating rooms and throughout the hospital. The storm's force had not lessened but the stream of patients had. For that, Tom breathed a sigh of relief.
Captain Samantha Wells briefed Tom, Audrey and Monica on the crisis in Tom's office. "The Sheriff's department has closed all the highway ramps. Major intersections are covered by PCPD. Roads are clear for ambulance and public safety vehicles. The neighborhood watches are going door to door letting everyone know to stay inside. The utility companies are readying crews to come in and restore power as soon as the storm passes over. Our biggest worry right now is fire. Lightning and roofs do not mix. Fire is handling about three cases right now. Rochester is sending over a fire truck and crew to help out. That's it for now."
"Okay, I'll get the word out to prep for burn victims and smoke-related injuries," said Monica.
"How long is this storm supposed to last? Our generators are good for another eight hours of heavy use," said Audrey. "Mr. Sanchez, our building services director, has been looking for diesel fuel but most of the stations are closed as a precaution."
"I've got diesel stores at the station. Tell Mr. Sanchez to come over," said Sam. "The National Weather service can't pin a definite time period for this storm to pass over. It seems to be sitting right on top of us. The storm has decreased in strength in the last hour so it's likely only a matter of time until it's over." She sighed. "There's one more thing. The mayor has filed charges against the hospital for wrongful death and negligence. I have to start an investigation tomorrow morning. Sorry."
Monica hissed. "That snake could not wait until the board meeting."
"We should have expected something like this," said Audrey. "Politicians like the spotlight of controversy."
"I think the storm is going to be pushing his agenda back to page five maybe page ten," mused Tom.
"Lucky and Alvin will be here tomorrow. They'll have all the documentation on the Fly problem," said Sam. "I should warn you that there is a strong possibility that the CDC will be checking out the hospital."
"The Center for Disease Control? Why?" asked Audrey. "What's Fly? A new virus?"
"It's a new street drug, Mom. It's caused several deaths here," explained Tom. "We could have an epidemic about to start."
"I think it's already started," said Monica. "The cases have been trickling in, Tom. We need to prepare for a flood of patients."
"Are you sure?" asked Tom.
Monica looked thoughtfully at Tom and Sam. "A … a little bird told me some background information. In most people, Fly should clear out of the system fairly quickly. But for those with chronic illnesses or those who overdose, Fly stays in their system increasing the likelihood of bad reactions. People are inside their homes. Bored, tired or scared. They want a distraction and there's Fly."
Sam cringed. "Oh, wonderful. 911 is going to be ringing off the hook more than it is now. I have to get back to the station."
"I was hoping ER would get a break. That's not likely is it?" asked Tom.
Monica shook her head. "It's going to be a really long night."
"Organization is key in dealing with a crisis. Goodness knows how many this hospital has gone through," said Audrey. "If this Fly is going to be a problem, does our staff know what to do, what symptoms to look for?"
"No, Mom, they don't. We've kept a tight lid on it. Only Leo, Patrick and Matt know among the doctors. The nursing staff don't know anything," said Tom.
"Tom, the charge nurses have to be brought up to speed. How are they going to triage and delegate?" asked Audrey. "Monica, you're going to be needed in OR. Tom, you have to keep things moving in the ER. Let me get Bobbie and Epiphany. You, Tom, tell us three what we need to know about Fly and we'll spread the word among the nursing staff."
"Sounds like a plan," said Tom.
"Hell, it's the only plan," added Monica.
"I'm going to call in the retired nurse auxiliary to cover for staff who can't get here. Quite a few of them still live close by. The more hands and knowledge on the floor, the better," said Audrey.
"You sure you wouldn't rather be running the hospital, Audrey?" asked Monica.
"Tom just needs a little more experience," answered Audrey with a gentle smile and a pat on her son's arm. "You wait until he gets his feet under him, Monica. He's going to be as good as Steve. Probably better. Mark my words."
General Hospital Room 405
Bobbie pulled the blue blanket across her niece Lulu's sleeping form. Luke gazed out the window.
"She's going to be fine in a week or two, Luke. A concussion isn't minor but it isn't major either," said Bobbie. "They'll run more tests. She's in good hands."
"I shouldn't have tried to get to the pumps," muttered Luke. "She wanted to stay and help. If anything had happened to her … I don't know … my fault and-"
"Nothing did happen. Relax," advised Bobbie. "Does Lucky know?"
Luke nodded. "Audrey got a hold of him at PCPD."
"Liz and the kids?"
"Lucky was over there earlier. They're fine. No power but no flooding either," said Luke. "My kids are okay. That's what matters."
"I'm sorry about the Star. I know what it meant to you," said Bobbie.
"Que sera, sera," replied Luke.
"Knowing Tracy, the boat was probably insured and you'll get your investment back."
Luke turned to look outside again. "Yeah, I guess. Almost everything."
"Almost?"
"The … the uh sentimental value, Red. Insurance can't replace that can it?" asked Luke.
"Will you get another boat?" asked Bobbie. "Start over."
"I don't know. I have no idea what to do next," said Luke. "I'm between a rock and a really hard place."
Tracy's voice came from the doorway. "How is she?" The lower half of her elegant evening gown was sodden. Her hair and face were damp with rain. She was barefoot.
"You didn't walk from the theater did you?" ask Luke leading his wife to a chair.
"Not exactly. Our car spun out of control as we got close. The car windows shattered," said Tracy. "Dillon dropped me off before going home to check on Daddy."
Bobbie took a towel from the bathroom and gave it to Tracy. "Here you go."
Tracy accepted the towel gratefully. "Is she unconscious?"
Bobbie replied. "Asleep. She has a mild concussion. She'll be staying overnight for observation and if tests turn out well she'll be out late tomorrow."
Her concerns settled, Tracy rounded on Luke, "What were you two doing? Why didn't you get out as soon as you realized it was taking water?"
"We … I had to try to save her. Lulu tagged along," said Luke.
"The important thing is that everyone is safe," said Bobbie attempting to defuse Tracy's temper. "Wet but safe and together."
"Yes, so true," agreed Tracy. "I saw some looters breaking store windows on the way here. And lots of cars in accidents. It's horrible out there."
"I need one of you to wake Lulu in two hours. Make sure she knows her name, your name, where she is. That sort of thing. Let her have some water before going back to sleep. You'll have to keep waking her every two hours the rest of the night. This way we can be sure to detect any neurological issues. If you can't wake her, call a doctor," instructed Bobbie.
"I'll do it," said Luke.
"We'll take turns," added Tracy.
"We're expecting worse tonight. The more you can do to help, the better," said Bobbie as she left the room.
Villa Scorpio
Laughter flowed upwards from the light-flooded kitchen and up the stairs to Andrew's bedroom. Said teen strode through the door followed by Prospero. He removed his tuxedo and began to change into more casual clothes.
SHREEK!
The ear-splitting noise emanated from his IPhone lying on the bed. Prospero barked loudly.
Andrew pressed a button. "SIMON, increase sound dampers by one hundred percent and decrease sound threshold limits by half."
"Initiating," came SIMON's reply.
"Dani, I've tweaked the audio filters. The interference should be less … less annoying," said Andrew.
"My ears thank you," said Dani.
Andrew went into his bathroom. Lightning flashed outside twice in quick succession.
On a shelf set above a messy desk lay the blackened volcanic rock from Sicily. The edges of the rock seemed to give off a faint green glow. A low subsonic humming made Prospero growl in irritation. His ears and eyes traced the noise to the rock.
The rock glowed green once more.
WOOF!
Prospero leapt off the bed and moved towards the shelf.
Shreek.
The noise was barely audible but to dog ears it was too much. Prospero ran out of the room and down the stairs. The rock glowed a ruby red color for a few seconds. It did not glow again. It did not make another sound. It was once more what it seemed and nothing more … special.
KA-RA-BOOM!