Jimmy Johan: The Twist

Chapter One

"That could have gone more smoothly, but it is what it is," Number One told the man she was walking with on the way to her office. "Your son has improved so much, Travis."

The dark haired man shrugged, a sheepish smile growing on his face. "Well, it runs in the family, you know? And Ray?"

"Darzi is progressing as well... Jimmy is a big help to him. I suspect you'd rather have had him finish college than join the PSA?"

"That's more Jenna," Travis admitted. "He can take classes online or something... but you know Jimmy, once he puts his mind to something."

Number One nodded in agreement, pushing open the door to her office, letting Travis in before shutting it and letting it lock. "Right. Anyway, I have something very important to tell you... the most important thing the PSA has come up with, ever."

Travis raised an eyebrow and went to sit down. "Wow, what is it?"

Number One sat down and pulled something out of her locked drawer; a file. She slid it across the desk to Travis. "This."

Travis picked it up to read it. "Operation Rockguard?"

He opened the file and looked over what appeared to be some kind of blueprints. Directions for a satellite. "What is it?"

"A satellite-borne weapon, powerful beyond anything you can imagine. We don't intend to use it for combat, however. Instead, it's being used to destroy space-bourne threats."

"Like what, aliens?" Travis joked lightly. 

Number One gave him an exasperated look. "Travis, you know that the aliens have been all but neutralized. So no, not aliens. More like gigantic meteors that could cause an extinction."

Whoa. That was almost cooler than fighting off aliens. "Really? Has it been tested?"

"Of course. Actually, we destroyed a meteor just the other day. NASA gave us the coordinates and we took it out."

So, this laser was already working hard. Travis was impressed. "That's really exciting.. but why all the secrecy? And why hasn't the whole world heard about the good PSA is doing with this laser?"

Number One sighed, and slowly took the file back. "There are others... if they got their hands on this, they could use it to destabilize even the earth's crust... and more than that maybe."

Travis winced. He wondered briefly who those others could be but didn't dwell on it. "What needs to be done?"

Number One cleared her throat and handed Travis the file after sealing it in a yellow sleeve. "Take this. We've reserved a cabin in the heights of Colorado for you and your wife." 

"What?"

"You're going on vacation."

Travis raised an eyebrow. "I see. How long?"

"Until you hear from us."

The man stood up at last, holding the plans close. "Alright. Keep an eye on Jimmy for me,"

Number One rolled her eyes. "He will be taking over your assignments while you're gone."

"Good idea, I wouldn't trust anyone else," Travis agreed, moving towards the door. "Expect a postcard from the Rockies."

"Do not contact us," Number One reminded him. Typical.

Both agents left the dark room, letting the door shut behind them. After a few moments of silence, a scuffling was heard from above the ceiling tiles as a small man retreated into the A/C pipes. 

~

Travis sat alone in his bathroom, staring at his cream covered face. He had been meaning to shave for a while, but was conflicted. He liked the grizzled look that he had attained during his weeks up in the mountains.

It had been comfortable, but Jenna was having trouble being cut off from her son and the rest of the world. Travis was sure that they could go home soon... he was just waiting for that message from Number One. 

Travis picked up his razor from the slick counter and raised it to his face, ready to say goodbye to his new look. He would have to shave it anyway when he got back. Darn regulations.

The razor slid down his cheek, cutting through the cream and hair. Travis felt a sharp pain.

He moved the razor away. Ow... what was that...

There was no blood, and the pain wasn't even from his face...

It hit him all at once. The pain, the shock, and Travis leaned on the sink for support. He coughed, and blood came up.

His eyesight was fuzzy, and he managed to look up into the mirror, catching a glimpse of his attacker. He was tall, broad, and had a scar running down the side of his face.

The knife was removed. Travis couldn't say a word, he just fell into the dark, warm abyss, hoping that the files would not be found.