Frost And Flame

14

"What is this?" Slate demands, gesturing to the pictures I spread out on the table. He asked for proof that the magma dude was alive. So I took pictures with time stamps. I'll admit they aren't fun to look at, but it's where asked for.

"Look, you asked me for proof that he was even still alive, and I got it." I cross my arms. The pictures in question depict a pretty gruesome scene. Frank on a table, covered in ice like a statue, his face frozen in a twisted agony. That was last night. And from this morning, him beaten to a bloody pulp.

"I'm pretty sure his arm was injured here, but nothing bad enough to prevent an extraction. If that's the plan." I study his mask, looking for something to give away what he's planning. I guess that's why we wear masks then because he shows nothing except a furrowed electronic brow. I'm starting to think he just doesn't have emotions.

"How can you just stand there and watch?" Comes the demand of another agent. I'm pretty sure her name was a gemstone of some kind, but if I'm being honest, I don't care.

"Watching is plenty to prevent me from getting involved. Silver almost ripped my face off when he thought I wasn't useful anymore. Out there, you've gotta look out for number one." I shrug. She glares at me, but once again, I don't care.

"Jake. You've been there. What are the odds of us getting in and out with prisoners? And safely?" Jenny asks me.

"Silver watches the place like a hawk. Even I can't turn a corner unnoticed. In and out? I'd put your odds at 50 percent. And that's being generous. With a prisoner, and you'd half that. And all of you getting out even remotely safe, or even alive for that matter? I'd say there's no chance."

Obviously, this isn't what any of them wanted to hear, but I'm paid to tell them the truth. Mostly.

"I'm not sure what he's doing, but since Fahrenheit got there, Silver has been getting stronger." I add on. The unease in the room is thicker than Frank's skull. I kinda want popcorn. Except I'm providing, like, half of the drama.

"You want my advice? You should try to separate the two by any means possible. If silver fully recovers, a lot of people are going to be hurt or worse." I continue. It seems to have dawned on everyone by now what I mean.

"You want us to kill him?" Slate asks, cool and steady as always. I grin behind my mask.

"I'm merely making a suggestion."

While they begin to argue back and forth, I slip out undetected. Do I want him dead? Not really. But it's probably for the best. As I walk away, my pager beeps. Silvers idiots want me back. I can't walk away now. Not yet. I still have things to do.