Colonel-Chapter 3

The Colonel gave a derisive snort. "Making friends Agent Beckett."

"I wouldn't exactly call that making friends. What's it matter to you anyway?"

The Colonel pulled at his collar. "You almost had your ass handed to you in a basket."
He wiped an imaginary spot off his desk with his elbow. "Have you any idea how messy blood is to clean up?"

Beckett nodded. "Not my forte." He retrieved his Scotch from the desk-top, adding, "Some."

"Figured as much." The Colonel began randomly drumming his fingers on the desk.

For the first few seconds, Beckett ignored him, thinking he was being a twit. Then he picked up on a single rhythm. It wasn't random, or his imagination, one finger was hitting slightly harder then the rest. There was a pattern to it. Morse Code. The Colonel was tapping out one word, sleep.

Curious, Beckett yawned, placing his empty Scotch glass on the desk with a resounding thump. "Guess now's as good a time as any to hit the sack."

The Colonel stood and walked around the desk until he was almost nose to nose with the Agent. "I hope you're not expecting me to tuck you in?"

Beckett's expression turned into a wry grin. "I wouldn't advise it."

The Colonel turned to the room. "Number six come forward. The rest of you are dismissed. Report back to Central for reassignment."

Becket glanced sidelong at the desk monitor. All the green crosses, except one, had vanished. And that one was now standing at his side.
"Jeez, you suckers are fast. Nice to meet you, number six."

When no response came, Beckett stood on tip-toe and at almost eye level, stared into the mans dark eyes. "Your mother wears combat boots."

"Knock it off Beckett." The Colonel faced the motionless figure.

"Number six, assume defensive mode then lead us to guest quarters, level five, room Seven Alpha."

The figure turned and walked out the door being held open by the Colonel.

The Colonel whispered to Beckett as he passed. "Careful what and how you say anything to them. The dumb bastard walked right through my door last week."

Beckett walked through the doorway brushing past the Colonel. "Defensive mode?"

The Colonel fell into step beside Beckett. "Yes." The heavy door closed. "In that mode they generate a low level radiation field that screws with the electronics. Number Six is a little worse then the rest in that regard, but it will let us talk without being overheard or viewed, and won't arouse suspicion. If you haven't figured it out yet the entire place, with few exceptions, is wired. Any other inane questions?"

"Just one, Colonel."

"Ask away."

"Are you still planning not to tuck me in?"

"You're an asshole, Agent Beckett."

"And you can still consider yourself under arrest, Colonel."

"Haven't we covered that already?"

"Okay, fair enough." Beckett slowed his walk "Talk to me Colonel. What the hell is going on around here?"

"Do you want the long or short version?"

"Lets go for short, for now."

'The Colonel adjusted his pace to match the Agent's. "It all started two years ago..."

Beckett interrupted, "Colonel that opening sounds suspiciously like Once upon a time."

"Are you always this cynical, Agent Beckett?"

"Only when I begin to feel like I'm a mushroom. Being deliberately kept in the dark and fed bull-shit." "This is usually around the time I start examining other options."

"Agent, stick your suspicions where they'll do the most good and just listen."

"Okay Colonel, I'm Listening."

"Two years ago about a dozen men entered our facility. Their credentials, Homeland triple A. They were all named Smith. We were told to assist them form a team that was going to rescue a scientist taken by terrorists. They were bringing him to an illegal lab/holding facility operating inside these United States. They told us this scientist had created a virus, using mutated stem cells. Which when injected into a human, attacks normal, healthy cells and creates those monstrosities, which of course the terrorists want to control."

Beckett voice was sharp "You know, Colonel, it's not nice to fool with Mother Nature."

"Oh it gets better agent. We were told the good Dr was now in the process of cloning human and animals, using DNA re-sequencing of the same mutated cells, to create something entirely new. We were ordered to bring him here to continue his work."

Beckett looked at the Colonel. "And you just went ahead, like a good little soldier without question, to help them?"

"Give us some credit, Agent Beckett, we were told they were terrorists, and the professor had to brought under our control. And no we didn't take their word. We contacted Washington and..." The Colonel paused.

"Okay, you contacted Washington and what?"

"We contacted Washington and were told in no uncertain terms to assist these men in any way possible. We were told to allow this scientist complete access to our facility and resources. So the Smiths made the arrangements, and here we are."

"That's it?"

"No." The Colonel slowed as they reached a bend in the corridor. He pointed off to the right. "Number Six, Sit-Rep this corridor."

The Giant of a man lumbered off followed by the Colonel and Agent Beckett.

"Over the course of the next few weeks the Smiths commandeered the labs, limiting access to personnel they brought in. Most of the on-site civilian doctors, scientists, biologists were sent away. They closed off entire sections of this facility, and over 75% of my men were reassigned. Those that stayed were assigned menial tasks, mess hall, maintenance etc. The Smiths also brought in some pre-fabs but we're not allowed in. I know one contains a fully loaded Apache Helicopter, and about two dozen cars, vans, hummers, and a half track."

Beckett interrupted. And you know this how?"

"They allowed me to watch while they brought them in - letting me know they're in control not me."

"Not very subtle, are they?"

"No, and they suck at conversation. You may be a pain in the ass, Beckett, but at least you're company."

"Company? You forget I came here to arrest your ass."

"Just my ass?"

Number Six returned and signaled all clear.

Beckett sized up number six, "They don't talk?"

"No, they don't, but they do understand rudimentary commands or hand signals. Let's go, Agent." The Colonel pointed and Number Six lumbered back down the hall. "Your room awaits."

"You're too kind."

"And you have no choice." Placing his hand on the small of Beckett's back, the Colonel pushed him forward.

Beckett tensed. He turned facing the Colonel, ready to fight, until he felt something slide into his pocket.

The Colonel put Beckett into a choke hold, then whispered, "Stay put and listen, the labs on sub-level three, the card I just gave you will give you access, manual code is 9179." The Colonel tightened his grip, "The case contains a micro transmitter. It works in two minute bursts, and will temporarily disable security monitors and listening devices. It gives off the same EM signature as the guards, so no one will think twice. Fight me or this will look suspicious."

Beckett broke the Colonels grip and shoved him backwards. The Colonel stumbled and number six began moving forward. "NO!" The Colonel commanded holding up his hand, "He's mine."

Beckett allowed the Colonel to put him in another choke hold. "Listen carefully Agent, inside the case are six rounds, all I could get, they're the only thing that will stop the guards. Drawback, there's around a dozen between here and there so you'll have to get creative"

"Six rounds for a dozen guards! Thanks." The Colonel grunted as Beckett broke the hold and sent him sailing into the adjacent wall.

Number Six raised his arms but didn't move. Instead he starred at the Colonel, who stood wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.

"Inside Agent Beckett. As soon as Dr Brenner says its ok, I promise you'll pay for this."

He swiped the card reader and the door slid open. "Get in there." He moved closer to Beckett. "Good luck. Early am is the best time to move, and if you get Brenner, hold onto him, he's a psycho and a proficient liar, but they won't risk his life. Besides its your only way out."

The Colonel pushed him over the threshold. "This unit is not monitored, but the hall is patrolled, every hour on the half hour."

Beckett stumbled into the sparsely furnished room. The lights came on as the door slid closed.