Here We Go

Here We Go Part 5

Nelson Syphus: Who are you?

Wes in the mask: Recruits. Are you N. Syphus?

Syphus: I ask the questions. But yes. I am. And to ask you again; who are you?

Wes: I am 015. This is 543.

Syphus: And why did he not tell me his name?

Woods in the mask: My voice was ruined.

Syphus winced at the sound of his voice.

Syphus: I see. Well then, 015 and you will remain together. That is if 015 can withstand your voice.

015: I can, sir.

Syphus: Good. Phantom 590 will show you, and the other recruits to your rooms.

590: Come.

A small group of men in black stood nearby. Woods and Wes, or 542 & 015, fell in behind. 590 led them down a hallway. Many of the doors in the hallway were shut. A few were open, and empty. Others were being searched. The rooms that could be seen didn't have much in them. A couple of beds, side tables, a small closet, and a door to the bathroom. One of the rooms was a lab. A small woman was working there. 015 gently nudged 542's arm. 542 saw the words "Life's Blood" on the sides of some of the bottles. The room number was '863'. 015 and 542 knew that was no coincidence.

590 noticed some of the phantoms peeking into the room, most likely wanting their doses. He went and pulled the door shut, and locked it. Soon, he began to point at pairs of phantoms, and to the rooms, they went in. Soon 015, and 542 were the only ones remaining. They got the last room.

590 held the door open for them.

590: You'll have till 8 pm before training. Someone will come to bring you both an injection gun, and your serum. Use the serum wisely. We're currently having a shortage.

015: Yes, sir.

590: And don't refer to me or anyone else who is not Nelson Syphus as 'sir.' I am Phantom 590, learn it well.

590 closed the door, and they heard it lock. Once they couldn't hear footsteps anymore, they breathed.

Wes: I'm going to let Deb and the others know we made it in safely.

Woods nodded. He shifted his weight. They had only been here 20 minutes, but he was regretting saying he was fine to come here. He lay on the bed, trying to not alert Wes. 

But Wes had dealt with this for over 20 years, he knew better. Wes finished his message, put the phone away, and leaned forward.

Wes: Woods? Were you not ready for this mission?

Woods sighed.

Woods: I'm fine.

Wes: Not what I asked.

Woods: I'm fine, Wes.

Wes: Woodland Demars, did you need more time for the antidote to work?

Woods sat up but stared at the floor. He sighed.

Woods: Yes.

Wes put his hand over his eyes.

Wes: I don't believe it. I just don't believe it.

Wes looked up at Woods.

Wes: You realize that not giving yourself enough time for the antidote to work, could have the reverse effects?

Woods: Yes.

Wes: So you're willing to put all of us in danger just so you could come here on this mission?