September 6th, 2017

1000, Naval Air Station Key West

“It’s me, Sinclair.” Fire says with a nod, “I keep telling you, just call me Aidan. You’re old too.”

“My God, what happened to you?” General Beggingson asks, touching Fire’s left shoulder.

General Beggingson cannot believe his eyes but that story can’t be faked. Only he and Aidan, AKA Fire, would know the details of one of the darkest days in his life. The day he found out his father died in battle during the Vietnam war. He would follow in his father’s footsteps yet now he has outlived his own father. Aidan became his surrogate father figure even though he was often absent. Now, Aidan stands before him almost 30 years younger on the verge of his retirement.

‘He’s real.’ General George Sinclair Beggingson thinks to himself.

“I don’t know.” Fire says while also touching George’s left shoulder, “It’s been a freaky day.”

“Go on.” Director Nick Jones urges with a gentle elbow jab to Fire’s rib, “Show him the thing.”

Fire looks at Jones’ cheeky grin and General Beggingson’s ‘what’s about to happen’ expression. Fire steps back. He slowly raises his right hand to eye level. Then, with a breath, Fire’s hand is coated in a layer of red flames. Fire moves his fingers in a swirl, demonstrating it is not a trick.

“What in God’s name is that?” General Beggingson says, jumping back with a fright.

“Tip of the iceberg.” Fire says, clenching his fist close and killing the flames.

“Welcome to my day.” Director Jones says chuckling, “Glad someone else actually reacted.”

“I thought it prudent to loop you in.” Fire says, “We could use an ally as we sort through this.”

“By this you mean?” General Beggingson asks, still processing what he was just shown.

“Team Six undertook an operation to rescue the President’s granddaughters late last night.” Fire begins, “It did not go as planned. We were captured and poisoned.”

“He was actually burned.” Director Jones adds, “Alive.”

“What?!” General Beggingson asks in shock.

“I’m better than healed.” Fire says, “In any case, we escaped. But, we uncovered a secret force now hell bent on our execution. Not even taking shelter in a US military base could deter them.”

“So this attack was done in retaliation?” General Beggingson asks.

“The attack was meant to wipe us out of the way of their plan.” Fire says.

“And to recover the hard drives taken from their facility.” Director Jones says, holding up the metal briefcase still held in his hands, “Unfortunately, we don’t know what’s on them yet.”

“The fact they even knew exactly where the team was is cause for concern.” Fire says.

“Anyone hurt?” General Beggingson asks.

“Come and see for yourself.” Fire says with a laugh.

The group make their way to the new room beside the old ward. This room has multiple windows with closed blinds. Standing by the door to the room is Quake.

“Hey, Beggingson.” Quake says, putting his arm out for a fist bump, “Been a minute, brother.”

“Andy?” Beggingson says unsure, reciprocating the fist bump.

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“I know, I know.” Quake says, “I lost my hulkiness but check this out.”

Quake stretches out his left hand in the direction of a nearby unoccupied gurney. He gradually lifts his hand and, in turn, lifts the stretcher off the floor before settling it back down.

“He’s just showing off again, George.” Wave says while going in for a hug, “How’re you?”

“Chloe?” General Beggingson asks as he accepts the hug, “Is this really you?”

“I know.” Wave says while flipping her curly blue hair around, “I look even more beautiful now.”

“I can’t believe I’m still not the better looking one!” Quake grumbles.

“Do you also have powers?” General Beggingson asks.

“Of course, sweetie.” Wave says as she lifts her right hand in front of her face, “Observe.”

Water droplets begin to gather gradually. Within a moment, a pool of water forms in Wave’s palm. She moulds it into the shape of a ball, then presents it to General Beggingson.

“Wow.” General Beggingson says.

“Is that George I hear?” Dr. Kabeer Wong asks as he moves to the entrance of the room.

“Even you too, doc?” General Beggingson asks the approaching man who has yet to appear.

“Thanks for the compliment.” Dr. Wong says with a chuckle, “But I am just the same old man.”

Dr. Wong and General Beggingson exchange a pleasant handshake.

“Hello again, George.” Kaori says, standing beside Dr. Wong with a smile.

“Is that you, Kaori?” General Beggingson asks.

“Yeah, it’s me.” Kaori says with a giggle and a wave, “I’m not sure how to use my powers yet.”

“Oh wow.” General Beggingson says, “Just aging backwards is shock enough.”

“Where are the other two?” Fire asks as he looks past the group, into the empty room.

“Shawn and Simon went to check out the floor.” Quake says, “Find out what facilities they have.”

“Azeem just wanted company while he tested his new ocular powers.” Dr. Wong says.

Suddenly, a bright light manifests itself right beside the gathering group. In the blink of an eye, it coalesces into the shape of a caramel-colored man with brown hair and eyes.

“I am liking this more and more.” Spectrum says while examining his hands then looks up with a big grin, “Oh, hello there George.”

“Did he just teleport?” Director Jones asks.

“Sure looks that way but no, I just moved really fast.” Spectrum says, “Light speed fast.”

“Simon?” General Beggingson asks as he reaches out for a handshake.

“Oh yes it is indeed me, George.” Spectrum says, accepting the handshake.

“Hey George.” Aviator says, who arrives in a flurry of wind. He reaches out for a handshake.

“And you’re Shawn for sure.” General Beggingson says, accepting Shawn’s handshake.

“You all are just... astounding.” General Beggingson says, observing the group.

“Oh George.” Wave says with a soft laugh, “You sure can make a lady blush.”

“As you can see, we are all fine.” Fire says.

“Super even.” Quake says while flexing his arms into bicep curls.

“Wait.” General Beggingson says then turns to Fire, “Didn’t you mention getting attacked?”

“Next room.” Fire says as he walks ahead. 

The group follows behind. They arrive at the observation glass of the ward. General Beggingson peers in and sees six masked corpses in full black tactical gear.

“Wow.” General Beggingson says then asks, “How did they even get in?”

“The working theory is they came from underground.” Director Jones says.

“That would explain how Alena got killed underneath the docks.” General Beggingson says.

“Alena?” Fire asks.

“The young woman who was killed while triggering the alarm.” General Beggingson says.

“I see.” Fire says, then sighs, “All-in-all, this is an unfolding situation with many implications.” 

“I’ll help anywhere I can.” General Beggingson says, “Just give me a list.”

“For now, send some food down and a change of clothes.” Fire says, “We’ve to freshen up to debrief the President in about 45 minutes.”

“Could you also get someone to recover our gear from our plane?” Aviator asks.

“I could do that.” Spectrum says.

“Slow down there, Hermes.” Quake says.

“Hear me out.” Spectrum says, “I can also do this.” 

Spectrum turns transparent in front of all eyes. He then moves his right hand through the wall.

“Cool.” Aviator says, then asks, “But how would you carry things back?”

Spectrum picks up a chair. He succeeds but can’t turn it invisible no matter how hard he tries.

“Bullocks.” Spectrum says.

General Beggingson just watches this all play out in mild shock.

“Clothes and food first.” Fire says, “We’ll worry about other gear later.”

“I will get on it.” General Beggingson says.

“Also, I captured one of their operatives back at the CIA site.” Fire says, “Keep him contained.”

“I’ll make sure he is well guarded.” General Beggingson says with a nod.

“I’ll call in a team to take over.” Director Jones says, “Everything is strictly need to know.” 

“This ain’t my first National Security rodeo.” General Beggingson says, “Keep me in the loop.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Fire says, “But you can come back at 11 for the debrief.”

Aidan and General Beggingson stroll back to the stairwell in leisurely chat.

“How’s the kid?” Aidan asks.

“He’s in his final year of residency.” George says, “Soon, he’ll be a real psychiatrist.”

“Well, he certainly broke the military lineage.” Aidan says with a smile, “But, I’m proud of him.”

“As am I. He forged his own path.” George says with a smile, “Dr. Beggingson has a nicer ring.”

“Yeah.” Aidan says, “Looks like I won’t be joining you in retirement yet.”

“Oh?” George says, “I guess you got a reset button.”

“Superpowers against a new enemy.” Aidan says, “What else can I do but fight back?”

“Well, if you need my support just call.” George says, “Even, if I am retired.”

Fire simply nods. They have arrived at the door. The mentor and mentee hug then part ways. General Beggingson opens the door and steps through.