As dawn broke over the city. Jaz lay unconscious, her breathing shallow but steady, with McG keeping a constant vigil by her side. The rest of the team was scattered around the apartment, each lost in their own thoughts and worries.
Amir paced near the window, his eyes scanning the street below for any sign of Mia or other potential threats. Preach sat at the kitchen table, his fingers steepled under his chin as he pored over the test results from the scrub samples. Top had sequestered himself in a corner, his face a mask of confusion and barely contained frustration.
The silence was broken by the crackle of the comm system. "Team, this is Patricia," came the familiar voice, tension evident even through the static. "We've got preliminary results from the lab."
McG's head snapped up. "Go ahead, Patricia. What are we dealing with?"
There was a pause, and when Patricia spoke again, her voice was grim. "It's unlike anything we've seen before. The compound appears to be a highly sophisticated neurotoxin, designed to target specific areas of the brain and nervous system."
"That explains the varying symptoms," Preach murmured.
"Exactly," Patricia confirmed. "The toxin seems to adapt to each individual's biochemistry, which is why it affected Jaz, Hannah, and Top so differently."
Top stood up abruptly. "Are you saying I've been... poisoned?"
"I'm afraid so, Adam," Patricia said softly. "The personality changes you've been experiencing? They're likely a result of the toxin affecting your prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making and personality."
The room fell silent as the implications sank in. McG's hand tightened on Jaz's, his jaw clenching.
"How do we fix this?" he demanded. "There has to be an antidote."
Patricia's sigh was audible even through the comms. "That's the problem. This toxin is so new, so advanced... we don't have an antidote yet. Our best minds are working on it, but it's going to take time."
"Time we don't have," Amir interjected, his voice tight with worry. "Jaz is getting worse by the hour."
As if on cue, the medical equipment monitoring Jaz began to beep erratically. McG leapt into action, his hands moving swiftly over her body.
"She's going into shock," he announced, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "I need help here, now!"
As the team rushed to assist, Patricia's voice came through once more. "There's one more thing you need to know," she said urgently. "We've uncovered communications suggesting that this toxin was just phase one of a larger plan. Whatever Mia and her associates are planning, it's big. And it's happening soon."
The words hung in the air like a physical presence, adding another layer of urgency to an already dire situation. As McG fought to stabilize Jaz, the rest of the team exchanged grim looks. They were racing against time on multiple fronts now - to save Jaz, to clear Top's mind, and to stop whatever nefarious plan was unfolding around them.
Outside the safehouse, unbeknownst to the team, a figure watched from the shadows. Mia smiled to herself as she dialed a number on her burner phone. "It's time," she said quietly. "Initiate phase two."
As the team grappled with this new information, McG's mind raced. "Patricia," he said suddenly, "what about a nerve agent auto-injector? With the low amount Top's been exposed to, could the Atropine in it help flush the toxin from his system?"
There was a pause as Patricia consulted with the medical team. "It's worth a try," she replied. "It might help mitigate some of the neurological effects. But for Jaz..."
"We need something stronger," McG finished, his jaw set.
McG's eyes lowered to Jaz. "What are we looking at, Patricia?"
"IV cipro, activated charcoal pills, and atropine autoinjectors over 4 hours for a 24-hour period," Patricia replied. "It's aggressive, but it might be our only chance."
McG nodded, his mind already racing through the implications. "That's a lot for her system to handle in her weakened state. I'll have to watch her like a hawk for cardiac issues."
"Push fluids, try to get some food in her if possible," Patricia added. "Use a banana bag if you need to, to support her while her body fights this off."
"Understood," McG replied, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "We'll do whatever it takes."
"You're a world-class medic who's kept her alive this long when she should have been gone days ago," Patricia finished. "I have complete confidence in your abilities, McG."
Patricia continued. "I suggest an immediate chemical wash to remove as much of the toxin from their skin as possible. You need to get both Jaz and Top into the shower and decontaminate them thoroughly."
McG nodded, already moving. "Amir, we need antiseptic soap and clean towels. Lots of them."
"On it," Amir replied, rushing to gather supplies.
"Preach," Patricia continued, "there's a CIA safehouse three blocks east. Authentication code Delta-Seven-Niner. You'll find a bottle of Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion there. Retrieve it immediately."
"Understood," Preach said, already heading for the door.
As the team sprang into action, McG turned to Top. "Adam, you're going in first. We need to get that toxin off you so you can help us with Jaz."
Top nodded, his eyes clearing slightly at the prospect of action. "What do I do?"
"Strip down and get in the shower," McG instructed. "Focus on the areas of your back where the rash is worst, but scrub everywhere. Start from your head and work your way down so the toxin runs straight to the drain and once your done no touching Jaz until I get the lotion on you. We can't risk any recontamination."
McG called out to Top in the shower, "And when you think you're clean, wash again. Then do it a third time. Be thorough!"
As the sound of running water filled the apartment, McG turned his attention back to Jaz. Her condition was stable for the moment, but he knew they were working against the clock.
Preach burst back into the apartment, slightly out of breath but clutching a bottle triumphantly. "Got it," he announced. "Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion, straight from the CIA's stash."
"Perfect timing," McG said. "Top should be almost done. We'll apply that to him, then focus on Jaz."
As if on cue, the shower shut off. Moments later, Top emerged, wrapped in a towel, his skin red from the vigorous scrubbing.
"How do you feel?" McG asked
Top blinked, looking slightly dazed. "Clearer, I think. Like a fog is lifting."
McG turned to the team. "Alright, now for the hard part. We need to get Jaz into the shower. This isn't going to be comfortable for her, but it's necessary."
The team moved as one, carefully disconnecting Jaz from the medical equipment and carrying her to the bathroom. As they prepared to undress her and get her under the water, McG's voice softened.
"I'm sorry, Jazzy," he murmured. "This is going to suck, but we're going to get you through this. I promise."
"Alright, we need to get Jaz ready for decontamination. This means removing all her contaminated clothing."
Preach nodded solemnly. "We'll be as respectful as possible, Jaz," he said, even though she was barely conscious.
With utmost care, Amir and Preach began to remove Jaz's contaminated clothing. McG focused on moving her IV lines and medical equipment, ensuring everything was ready for the shower. Amir grabbed a large, clean towel to wrap her in as soon as possible.
As they worked, Jaz began to stir, her eyes fluttering open. Confusion gave way to realization, and tears began to form in her eyes.
"Wha... what's happening?" she mumbled, her voice weak and filled with embarrassment.
Top stepped forward, his voice gentle. "We're decontaminating you, Jaz. The toxin is on your skin and clothes. We need to wash it off."
Jaz tried to cover herself, tears now flowing freely. "I... I can't... you shouldn't see me like this..."
Amir quickly wrapped the towel around her, his voice soothing. "It's okay, Jaz. You're safe with us. We're family, remember?"
McG nodded, his hand gently squeezing her shoulder. "That's right, Jazzy. And family takes care of each other, no matter what. If the situation was reversed, you'd do the same for any of us."
Despite her weakness, Jaz managed a small nod. "I... I know. It's just..."
"Hey," Preach said softly, "we've got your back, always. This doesn't change anything." as he left the room to scan one more time for anything out of the ordinary.
Top added, his voice firm but kind, "You're our teammate, our friend. Nothing else matters right now except getting you better."
McG, sensing the need to lighten the mood a bit, decided to throw Amir under the bus. "Besides," he said with a hint of mischief, "I'm pretty sure Amir here isn't enjoying this nearly as much as I am."
"McG!" Amir sputtered, his face turning red. "That's not... I mean, I wouldn't..."
Despite her discomfort, Jaz managed a weak chuckle. "Leave him alone, McG. Amir's... a gentleman."
McG's eyes twinkled. "See, Amir? She really does care. She's defending your honor!"
The tension in the room eased slightly as Amir continued to fumble for words and Jaz's embarrassment gave way to a tiny smile.
As they prepared to move Jaz to the shower, McG leaned in close to her. "You've got this, Jazzy. We're going to get you through this, I promise."
Jaz nodded weakly, her trust in her team evident despite her discomfort. "I know," she whispered. "Thank you... all of you."
As they carefully lifted Jaz, supporting her weight between them, she managed another weak chuckle. "Great. I spend over three years trying to keep you guys from seeing me naked, and it all goes to hell in three days."
As McG helped Jaz wrap in the towel, Amir knelt beside her. "Hey, Jazzy," he said softly, "when you get through this, I promise I'm taking you on a shopping spree. Anything you want."
Despite her weakness, Jaz managed a small smile. "Careful... what you promise... Amir," she whispered.
McG chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh man, as someone who's been on many a Jaz shopping excursion, you have no idea about the expensive taste our girl has. You might even have to dip into your silver spoon fund."
Jaz's voice, though weak, carried a hint of her usual sass. "So... it takes me nearly dying... to get spoiled by you all? I guess I need... to get this sick more often."
The room fell silent for a moment before all the guys responded in unison: "Hell no!"
Preach, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward. "We've had enough life-or-death situations with you to last us the rest of our careers, Jaz. I'm going out first thing after this is over to bubble wrap you."
Jaz lowered her head as her body began to shake "Am I going to live, McG? Because I still feel like I'm going to die. Like my life is fading away."
The room fell silent, the weight of Jaz's words hitting them all hard. Top's face paled, and Amir's grip on Jaz tightened slightly. McG took a deep breath, steadying himself before gently lifting Jaz's chin to meet his gaze.
"Jazzy," he said, his voice low and intense, "I can't promise anything. But I can promise that I'm going to do everything humanly possible to keep you with us. None of us will be the same without you. After all, you're the only one I trust not to shoot my ass on overwatch when I've been stupid."
A weak smile flickered across Jaz's face at the joke, but her eyes remained scared and vulnerable.
"I've got you, Jaz," McG murmured, his voice steady even as his heart ached for his teammate. "We've all got you. Just hold on."
Amir's voice joined in, quiet but firm. "You're the strongest person I know, Jaz. If anyone can beat this, it's you."
From outside the bathroom, Top's voice carried, strained but determined. "We're not giving up on you, Jaz. Not now, not ever."
"I'm ready," Top announced strutting around in his boxer shorts to McG's annoyance and Jaz's amusement.
McG nodded. "Alright, let's get that decontamination lotion on you first. Amir, can you support Jaz until I'm done?"
As McG applied the lotion to Top, he prepared an atropine auto-injector. Top winced as McG administered it.
"Ow! That hurts worse than any epi shot," Top complained.
McG rolled his eyes. "Shut it. You're only getting one, maybe two doses. Jaz is going to need multiple."
Top's face sobered. He reached out to stop McG, his voice low and unsteady. "McG, I... I need to apologize. I feel clearer now, and I realize... If it hadn't been for you, Jaz would have been dead days ago. I could have lost my team, my command. This year's been hell, but I hope you all understand I'd never choose someone else over you. I just... I wasn't myself."
McG's expression softened. "Hey, man. I'm just glad there was a chemical reason for you having your head up your ass. I was about ready to knock some sense into you yesterday, consequences be damned. You weren't being the Top we knew and trusted with our lives."
Top managed a weak chuckle. "So you're saying you're glad I was poisoned?"
"Well, the alternative was you choosing to be an idiot, so... yeah, kinda," McG grinned. "Although I was starting to consider early retirement."
Their moment was interrupted by a weak voice from the chair. "If you two are done with your heart-to-heart," Jaz mumbled, "I'd really like to get this poison out of my system."
As the laughter died down, Patricia's voice came through the comms again, this time with a note of urgency. "Top, we have a problem. NSA has intercepted a message from Mia to an unnamed source. She's claiming success with Jaz and you, and says that part two of the plan is to begin in the next few hours."
The mood in the room instantly sobered. Top's face hardened as he asked, "Any idea what this second phase might be, Patricia?"
"Negative," Patricia replied. "We have no idea what they're planning, but you need to be ready for anything."
Top looked around at his team, his gaze lingering on Jaz's pale form. "Alright, team. We've got two missions now. Get Jaz better, and prepare for whatever Mia's got coming our way. Let's move."
As the team sprang into action, McG began preparing the IV for Jaz. He looked down at her, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "Hang in there, Jazzy. We've got you, and we're not letting go."
Jaz's eyes fluttered open, meeting McG's gaze. "I know," she whispered. "Just... don't let me..scream like Top did...when you hit me with the injector... might get mistaken for ..a girl."
Despite the tension, a ripple of laughter went through the room. They were in for a fight, but they'd face it as they always did – together.