Here We Go

Here We Go Part 7

[Sunday, Blue Base]

Woods was feeling much better now but was still taking it pretty easy. He didn't have much choice. With four people forcing him to relax and feeling tired anyway, he was happy to oblige. Wes, Matt, Sam, and Woods were all sitting in the 863 HQ room. Wes was briefing them all on what to expect from Nelson Syphus and his 'Strike 1' warning. Considering Wes and Woods had broken into Syphus' secret HQ, it was no surprise that he was pissed.

Wes: I know you all think that what I did for the Strikes was intense, but in comparison, Syphus is far worse.

Sam: How could anything be worse? No offense, Wes.

Wes held up his hands and shook his head.

Wes: None taken.

Matt: Okay, so what should we prepare for? Obviously the worst, but what specifically?

Wes: Someone being kidnapped, a phantom attack, or someone else being injected.

Sam & Matt: Whoa.

Woods was sitting so quietly that no one noticed him. Suddenly he slammed his fist hard against the table, then held onto it so tightly his knuckles whitened. Woods paled and began to breathe heavily. Sam and Matt looked at each other concerned but just sat there. Wes kept his eyes trained on Woods. After a couple of minutes passed, Woods got his color back and loosened his grip on the table. This wasn't the first time. And, according to Deb and Wes, this was going to last about a week. Five more days to go. And they happened about 5 to 9 times a day. Woods looked at them just for a second, to see their reactions, then gazed down at the floor.

Woods: Sorry.

Sam came over and took his hand in a sisterly fashion

Sam: Woods, it's alright. It's just one more thing for Project 863, as a whole, to get over. And we will. Don't apologize. We're here for you. Don't forget that.

Woods gave her a grateful smile. Wes was writing on a sticky note, trying to keep track of when this happened throughout the day, to see if there was a pattern. So far? No.

Matt: So, we need to be keeping a close eye on you, Deb, and Woods. Can do. I think until this strike happens, we spend most of our time in Orange Base.

Sam: I agree. Woods? Wes?

Wes nodded, then turned to Woods who shifted in his chair.

Woods: Yeah.

Matt: Alright, we'll lock this room up, double-check the vault, and head over there. Woods, Wes go on ahead. Sam, could you help me with this?

Woods sighed, but he got up, with Wes following. Once outside, Woods spoke.

Woods: I hate feeling so powerless right now.

Wes: I know. But once you get past this, you'll be back to what you were.

Woods: I know. It's just--(he sighed)

Wes put his arm around Woods' shoulders. They finished the walk to Orange Base in silence. They found Deb grabbing something from the fridge.

Deb: What's up?

Wes: With Nelson, we thought it'd be best to stay over here until the strike happens.

Deb: Alright.

She pulled a bottle of Coke out and smiled at them as she left. Soon Sam and Matt joined them.

Sam: So where do we want to be?

Matt: How about the common area?

Wes: I think that'll work, we'll be able to see the door, and be able to keep an eye on things.