Episode 26 Impact (Part 1/2) (Patreon)

Jack Routh

He slowly sat up.                                                                                                                          

He thought that going back home, resting in his own bed with his wife beside him would help him get back to his normal, peaceful sleep. But the past few days since he arrived, he had been having strange dreams. He saw glimpses and he knew for a fact that it wasn’t part of the three characters he had within him. These confusing visions that flashed in his head weren’t their memories, and it wasn’t his either. That only meant it came from this world.

He had never questioned before why his memories of this world’s body were so vague, compared to the other character traits he inherited.  But from what he saw, it seems his own past was not so simple as he thought. Now, he needed to investigate.

“Love?” He heard Zoe’s sleepy voice beside him. His wife must have woken up from the lack of warmth he provided. The city’s weather was changing, and the evenings and early mornings became colder.

“I’m just going to get a drink.” He whispered to her softly. He gave a soft kiss to her cheek, and noticed the small smile that appeared in her pretty face. He made sure Zoe was tucked in with a pillow beside her and headed to the kitchen.

After a drink of water he headed out to the backyard, careful to keep quiet. The cool air greeted his skin, and he enjoyed the feeling of the blades of grass on his feet. He took a few breaths and closed his eyes, trying to recall the faint images he had seen, the flashes of images of what could be clues to his past.

He opened his eyes when he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. Zoe.

“I thought you were just thirsty.” Zoe started to run her fingers across his chest and stomach. “Bad dreams?”

He gave a nod. “I started getting them in New York.”

“Come.”

Zoe guided him to sit on the backyard chair and his wife sat on his lap and tucked her legs like cat. He could tell she was still sleepy as she laid her head on his shoulder, her face near the crook of his neck. Her eyes were close and he could tell she was about to fall asleep once more, and so he let her and remained silent.

“Can you tell me about these dreams?” Zoe murmured.

“I really can’t explain it. Just glimpses of my past.” He replied. “I think they were when I was still a little kid, I couldn’t tell what age I was.”

“And all of this started in New York?” Zoe asked.

“Yeah, that city is strangely familiar, even though I never left California before.” He replied. “It’s just dreams, love. Let’s get back to bed.”

He laughed as Zoe let out a yelp as he stood up and easily carried her in a princess carry. Feeling playful and eager to move on from the confusing thoughts from the dark dreams he just had, he threw her in the cold freezing Jacuzzi pool.

He knew the water was cold when his wife let out a loud shriek as she started coughing.

“You… asshole!” Zoe screeched as she quickly jumped out of the mini pool.

She looked amazing though, with her hair dripping wet and every curve of her naked body glistening. She attempted to throw him in the pool in turn, but he used the opportunity to drag the both of them down to the grass lawn.  They playfully wrestled and within moments he finally had his wife under her, with both her wrists held with his right hand.

He glanced briefly at her heaving chest and hard nipples and returned her gaze. “Cold, my wife?”

“Thanks to you.” Zoe replied.

“Let me warm you up then.” He leaned closer and started kissing her soft lips.

  That morning they were busy preparing the food they would bring to their neighbor. Their redhead friend was hosting this time and invited all of them for brunch. It seemed like their strange circle of friends had added another member thanks to Jessica, and he learned from Zoe that Nickolaj was also an actor.

It was also the first time he saw Zoe this excited when meeting a Hollywood celebrity.

“I’ve been watching that series for years.” Zoe explained while she carefully organized the tupperwares filled with food on the kitchen island. “It’s just surreal to know that I’ll be having brunch with the Jaime Lannister.”

He had heard of the show before, but he really didn’t delve into it since his preference in his past life was for the science fiction genre. All he knew was that show was full of nudity and it was set in a medieval setting.

“I heard they have their last season this year.” Zoe added. “Do you want to watch the earlier seasons with me?”

He considered the offer. With Lucy Worsley’s memories, he was curious if the show took some real life inspiration from actual historical events.

“I’m in, if we stop watching Historical movies and replace it with that.” He suggested.

“Fine.” Zoe replied after a moment of thought. He knew she enjoyed making him suffer through those horribly inaccurate historical films.

“Too bad, I think you would have enjoyed the Life of Brian.” Zoe chuckled.

“What’s that?” He asked.

“Oh you’ll see, mister Dickus.” Zoe teased. He caught her eyes drop down to his crotch but didn’t pay it any more thought. That only meant that historical film will have nudity as well.

They were the first to arrive, and he helped their host prepare for the party. Jessica Chastain’s house was bigger than theirs, but their property was larger. It seemed like whoever designed the house maximized the property lot for a large family.

While their Spanish bungalow technically had three bedrooms, with one converted into a sound proofed office, Jessica’s was a two story house with five rooms. She had garage space for two cars, and their back yards were nearly similar in size.

More of their new circle of friends arrived. Liz came, then Nickolaj and followed by Taylor. He could see how surprised Nickolaj was with the guests.

“Is this like some super secret club?” Nickolaj asked, staring from one famous face to another.

“Just a group of friends who yearn for normalcy.” Jessica replied with a welcoming smile. “Thanks for coming.”

Taylor immediately hugged him. He could see how excited the tall blonde was, she was practically vibrating.

“Did you see it? We broke YouTube’s record Jack!” Taylor stared gripping his shoulder harder. He could feel her nails digging through his shirt. “Our duet! It’s a massive hit!”

“No wonder your face looks vaguely familiar!” Nickolaj stepped in. “You’re that Sugar!”

Introductions were made with their newest guest. Everyone was welcoming and he saw how Nickolaj slowly relaxed around the others. The other man was interested in his work, and he started sharing his experience about his job.

“I prefer cycling.” Nicklolaj shared. “You haven’t really watched Game of Thrones?”

“I never got into it.” He admitted. “As a historian, I have trouble immersing myself in the movies and shows since every little inaccuracy bothered me.”

“Please don’t watch Gods of Egypt then.” Nickolaj advised.

“Why?” The movie title sounds interesting.

“I was in it. It wasn’t pretty.” Nickolaj replied. “I’m not a student of history, but even I knew the premise of that film was… inaccurate to say the least.”

“Game of Thrones is a medieval fantasy.” Zoe joined in and handed the two men bottles of beer. “Maybe you can try and watch at least one episode right now.”

“That’s a good idea!” Taylor chimed in. “I’ve forgotten the plot mostly, it’s good to have a refresher before the final season airs.”

Jessica arranged for the first episode to play and they all gathered around the couches and chairs to watch. Huh, Ice zombies. Medieval fantasy indeed.

“That’s a nice intro.” He commented as he watched the animation and the music played. The theme gave off a medieval vibe with the cello and other string instruments. “The map also helps.”

“So the Lannisters and the Starks don’t get along?” He asked during one scene where the pretty queen was speaking with Nickolaj, while a dead older man was being attended to by the clergy with last rites in what looked to be a church. “That’s familiar.”

“How come?” Liz asked.

“It reminds me of the rivalry between the Lancasters and the Yorks.” He explained. “Look at the Lannisters and their banner, the golden lion on a field of red is similar to the Lancaster emblem.”

He watched on as a blonde girl was practically molested by what looked to be her older brother. The rumors he heard were right, nudity and taboo themes were common in the show.

“So who do you think is the most attractive?” Zoe asked as the show was winding down.

“It has to be Cersei.” He replied without hesitation. That caused the others to laugh. “What?”

“Cersei? Really?” Jessica stared at him with a raised eyebrow. “Not Daenerys?”

“I’m not really surprised.” Zoe remarked. “Jack has a type.”

“I do?” He turned to his wife, waiting for an explanation.

“Jack likes assertive women in power or authority.” Zoe explained to the group.

“Ohhh…” Taylor covered her mouth to hide her smile, but he could still see the amusement in her eyes.

“And tight skirts.” He added. If Zoe was going to go this route, he might as well join in for the ride. “I met Zoe on my first day in Mid-Wilshire and she was the captain, the top boss. She was wearing this hot tight pencil skirt. I was hooked.”

“Jack!” His wife leaned over and pinched his arm while the rest of the group laughed.

“I can’t wait to tell Lena you found her hot.” Nickolaj giggled as he texted on his phone. The show ended, and the taboo theme continued. Nickolaj’s character was cuckolding the king with his sister and he even pushed a young boy to his death to hide their illicit affair.

The show was not bad, and he liked the consistency in their costumes, with the northeners wearing less elaborate but functional clothing. The southerners wore more elaborate dresses and fabrics, thanks to their warmer climate. Whoever handled the cast’s wardrobe and design were good and clearly made their research.

After the episode they split off into groups and he wandered around the property.

He was talking with Jessica and Nickolaj in the backyard, where their host was asking their opinions about her plan to build her own Jacuzzi pool when his personal phone vibrated and let out a sound despite it being muted. That could only mean one thing, an emergency and Rampart was calling all members of the D squad.

“I’ve got to go.” He stated. Zoe gave him a look and he showed her his phone.

His wife nodded and started checking her own phone. The other guests seemed confused as he started to head to the entrance.

“Jack’s part of SWAT.” He heard Zoe explain as he put on his shoes. “They’re only called even when it’s their day off when there’s a real emergency, and all hands are needed.”

“I can take you to the station.” Nickolaj offered.

“Thanks, but my bike will be faster.” He replied with a tight smile.

“Stay safe Jack.” Taylor called out. He wave to the worried faces staring at him and ran to his house to get his bike.

“I’ll head to the station to see what’s happening.” Zoe added.

The instructions were clear, head to Mid-Wilshire, get geared and proceed to a designated staging area near LAX where the other members of the platoon where to converge, both off duty and those already present in Rampart. There was something big going on.

 He didn’t have the luxury of small talk to his fellow officers and rushed to get dressed.

“What’s happening?”  Tim Bradford asked.

“I’m not sure yet.” He put on his tactical gear, secured his radio headset and looped his helmet strap through his arm. “Rampart is calling everyone in D to the airport.”

  Tim nodded and headed out to the locker room. “I’ll take you there. I’ll get my boot.”

“Thanks Tim.” He replied. That saved time that he needed. Instead of spending a few minutes checking his shop he could already head into the armory to get his gear.

“It’s all ready.” The custodian handed him his HK-416 and ammunition. “Good luck out there.”

Tim was ready with his shop, with Lucy already sitting on the passenger seat. The lights flashed as the senior T.O. stepped on the gas.

“Dispatch, 28-David on route to staging area.” He used his radio and pulled out his earpiece.  “Please connect me to 30-David.”

“10-4, 28-David. Please stand by”

“Routh, What’s your ETA?”

The radio blared. It was Hondo’s voice.

“Ten minutes, Sergeant.”  He said after checking their speed and their current location. “Officer Bradford is taking me to the location.”

“Good. Tell Tim I’ll need his help, anyone really. I need all hands on deck. Securing an airport is already giving me a headache.”

 “You got it Hondo.” Bradford called out.

“We need tight OPSEC on this one. Armed gunmen have taken over a plane filled with civilians.”

Fuck. That was a worst case scenario.

“How the hell were they able to do that?” He asked. Security in airports were among the most difficult to bypass.

“Ask the airport police.” He heard Hondo sigh. “See you soon, Hondo out.”

“Be careful out there Jack.” Lucy turned towards him. He could see the worry in her face.

“Stop worrying, Chen.” Tim glanced at his rookie. “Routh trained exactly for this scenario. They got this. Now it’s our job to maintain operational security so that they can do theirs. Do you understand?”

“News crews, photographers, mobile phones and other recording devices.” Bradford continued speaking. “Anything that can record, broadcast or stream can potentially alert these hostage takers of SWAT’s strategy, we need to stop.”

“It’s equally important.” He added. With his earpiece set he hooked it up to his radio as he noticed they were arriving at the airport. He pulled on his baklava mask until only his eyes and the bridge of his nose were showing and finally put on his helmet.

A police line let them through and Tim parked his shop among dozens of police and emergency vehicles waiting. A crowd being held back by airport workers and security took photos as he walked through. He understood their reaction. He certainly stood out among the other officers with his tactical gear and high caliber weapon.

He spotted the armored rescue vehicle of metro and headed towards it. Tim and Lucy quickly moved to action and joined in reinforcing the perimeter as more and more people started to ask questions.

He could see the number of civilians crowding the perimeter of the police tape and knew Tim and the other officers would have a tough time controlling the crowd and getting them to cooperate.

Angry men and women demanded to be le through, claiming they would be late for their flight. Reporters thrust their microphones to stone faced officers while being blinded by the flashes of cameras.

Hondo was handing out orders to the group armed metro officers around him. He joined D platoon and stood beside Street.

“It’s a worst case scenario.” Hondo laid out a map over a table and pointed out assets already in place with the plane in the middle.   

“The flight from New York had just landed and was in the process of unloading the passengers when a group of four armed men forced they way in.” Hondo began. “They took control of the plane, and moved it to the taxi way.”

“How were they able to do that?” Street raised his hand.

“Witness statements say a few of the armed men wore airport worker vests.” Hondo explained. “One of them used one of the towing machines and moved the aircraft.”

He watched the real time feed from one of a three monitors in the mobile command center and started running scenarios in his head.

“Four men. They’re demanding a refueling of the plane.” Hondo continued. “They said they’ll kill a hostage every thirty minutes if their demands are not met. They have already killed one.”

He noticed that the surrounding officers became stone faced upon hearing that. These gunmen weren’t bluffing.

“I have sniper teams in position.” Hondo pointed to the map. “Team one from Bravo is on top of the terminal 3, another from Charlie is on the aircraft tower control and a third is on one of the jet bridges.”

“Our job is to plan for the breach.” A technical drawing of a Boeing 787 was shown. “We will go in fast and quiet.”

“Two entry points. Let’s get to work people.” Hondo pointed at the areas they would use to get in.

Tim Bradford

All manner of alphabet agencies were on the scene immediately. Terminal 3 was secured and the detectives were in the process of interviewing the airport workers. Outside he could hear the clamor of the crowd, numerous flights were delayed or outright cancelled and flights were diverted.

Half of the airport still functioned as it accepted inbound international flights, but it was complete chaos.

Once more he stopped civilians from trying to get past the security cordon. He spotted his boot was speaking with what looked like an angry middle aged woman. He dragged her away as the woman took a breath as she was about to continue her rant.

“Don’t engage.” He told Chen. “They’re all looking to vent their frustrations, and we’re easy targets for that. You’ll just get distracted.”

 He hid his frustration as the Chief arrived, surrounded by his brass. He looked annoyed as he marched through the security cordon and attempted to prepare a statement, but was overwhelmed by the shouts of the crowd.

He glanced back to the direction of the Metro units and wished he could join them, but it wasn’t his job. Maybe when Chen finally graduated, he’d take a page out of Angela and move up.

Jessica Chastain

The mood shifted as Jack and Zoe left. What was once a relaxing, peaceful morning brunch was now filled with apprehension and worry. It felt more real, knowing that one of their friends who had just sat down with them barely an hour ago was running towards danger.

 They were all glued to the screen of the TV as they watched the news about the hijacking situation.

Taylor kept walking back and forth. Liz seemed to binge eat what was left of her spread. She and Nickolaj were drowning themselves in alcohol.

“Look.” Liz pointed out.

It looked like the camera crew had a powerful camera as they were able to capture the moving armored vehicle of the police as it headed to the airplane from behind.

“Developing news, it looks like the SWAT units are now making their move.” The news anchor remarked.

She ignored the rambling of the woman and focused on the video itself.

There were three men on each side of the armored vehicle as it headed to the tail of the plane from behind it.

“This is like a movie.” Taylor observed. “Is Jack one of those men?”

“Most likely.” She replied, eyes not moving from the screen. Her heartbeat was beating faster, but she knew Zoe had it worse. She wondered how the female captain handled the stress of seeing her husband moving towards danger.

The SWAT vehicle stopped and the six swat officers jumped into action. They were all running underneath the plane, and two headed near the cockpit. The woman making commentary was getting annoying, she wanted her to shut up… stop speculating.

One of them looked to have fired a weapon that propelled a rope. The other officer took it from the other side. They seemed to be making some sort of rope harness.

“That’s Jack.” Taylor pointed out. She leaned closer as one of the taller swat officers started pulling the rope, lifting the other officer up on the roof of the plane.

“He must be crazy strong to do that by himself.” Nickolaj observed. “And so fast.”

“They all are.” Liz added.

Tim Bradford

“Is it still on?” He asked. Despite their best efforts, a news van with powerful cameras, one usually used to cover rocket launches was able to get footage of the operation.

“They’re moving.” Chen reported. He leaned over her shoulder and watched the video from her phone as the ARV arrived from behind the plane, ensuring the armed gunmen wouldn’t be able to see them from the windows. If it weren’t for Homeland deploying the jammers, focusing instead on suppressing all signals inside the plane, then the operation wouldn’t have been given the go ahead.

Time was of the essence, and the pilot on the cockpit claimed over the radio that one of the passengers had been shot. They had to move.

“What’s that?” Chen asked. One of the officers fired a rope over the cockpit.

“It’s for tactical positioning.” He replied. One of the gunmen was inside the cockpit as reported by one of the sniper teams and relayed by dispatch.

The swat officers seemed to be doing something under the landing gears. He could faintly see sparks flying as they used a device to cut metal.

The only positive thing about the breach in opsec was that the restless crowd seemed to have calmed down as they watched the operation from the several TV screens scattered around the airport terminals.  

“They’re breaching through using some access.”  He observed. Five of the officers slipped through the access they made.  “Here we go.”

Pamela Hastings nee Hall

“We’ll be fine.” James tried to comfort her.

She continued staring at the blood stain on the floor. One of the passengers tried to stop the armed gunman but was quickly shot by one of his companions. She didn’t see the shooting, but heard it even from her seat at the very back. She saw the poor man though. One of the gunmen dragged his body down the aisle and into the back, just behind their seats. If she looked at the corner of her eye, she would be able to see the dead man’s shoes poking out through the curtain.

They were supposed to be at home by now. Zoe had even invited her to have brunch at Jessica Chastain’s house. Her best friend was eager to hear about her honeymoon road trip at the east coast. She wanted to call her friend but the gunmen took all their phones.

It was getting hot in the cabin too. For some reason the engines weren’t running after they were moved to the taxiway. She could hear people crying and hushed conversations around her. Fortunately there weren’t any babies or toddlers on board. She wouldn’t be able to handle their crying, it would only add to her anxiety.

 She didn’t know why this happened to her. She was trying hard not to cry, and it was only the comforting arm of her husband around her shoulders that prevented her from breaking down.

She caught movement at the corner of her eye and despite knowing she would see the dead body, she turned her head.

A part of the floor moved slowly- a hatch she quickly realized. The stewardess seated at the back near her was also looking at the movement. She exchanged shocked gazes with the woman, but they both knew to remain silent.

 Then she saw a head peeking through. She saw those familiar eyes and realized she knew that person. He sang at their wedding reception, no he saved their wedding reception. Now, he was trying to save them. Jack Routh. He was holding a single to his masked covered lips, a sign to keep quiet. She quickly nodded and looked back towards the front of the plane.

She nudged James who was seated on the window seat and leaned to his ear. “Cops. They’re moving in from behind us. Don’t look.”

Feeling a strange sense of relief and now feeling hopeful, she stopped thinking of dying and started thinking of how she could help them. She heard more movement behind her and she tried to hold her breath, thinking that if they made any more sound, the gunmen would notice their infiltration.

They were so quiet. She was pretty sure they were SWAT, not just ordinary cops.

The gunmen were near the cockpit, still arguing with one another. The minutes felt like hours, she wondered why they weren’t engaging. Then a moment later she realized why, they were waiting for a good opportunity to take out all the gunmen all at once.

She decided to help.

“Please!” She cried out. She felt James try to warn her as his grip on her hand tightened but she ignored him.

“Please! Can I change seats! I can’t sit here with the dead body nearby!”

“Shut up bitch!” One of the gunmen answered back. He headed towards her, pistol in hand while one of his companions accompanied him. “I don’t care if there are ten bodies surrounding you! Open your fat mouth one more time and you’re going to join him at…”

She stared at the barrel of the gun being pointed to her. Maybe attracting their attention wasn’t such a good idea after all. She was going to die.

It happened so fast. She was too late to close her eyes as she saw bullets hit the gunmen and his companion in the chest. They quickly fell to the ground as the SWAT officers moved in. Chaos erupted as the passengers screamed.

“Cops! They’re at the back!” She heard the leader of the gunmen shout.

More screams and panicked shouts erupted all over the plane. She could hear more shooting at the front and she wondered what was happening.

“Clear.” She heard Jack speak. Who was he talking to?

“Clear at the front!”

“Clear at the cockpit!”

“Everyone, please remain in your seats!” Another SWAT member shouted, not as tall as Jack but equally buff. “This is the LAPD. The threat has been neutralized. Please remain seated and calm. You’re all safe.”

Cheer erupted all around the cabin. People laughed and cried as they hugged each other with relief. More officers arrived through the hatches. The SWAT officers in their distinct black tactical gear patrolled the aisles, giving repeated instructions to her fellow passengers.

They were saved, but there was a problem. She clearly remembered when the gunmen stormed the plane. They were talking to another man, but he didn’t board the plane with them. He also wore an airport worker high vis vest.

“Jack! Jack! It’s me Pam!” She waved, trying to attract his attention. They were securing the bodies and the weapons they had.

The doors to the escape hatch opened, and she finally smelled fresh air again.

“Pam?” Jack approached her. She heard the surprised tone in his voice.

“Jack! After they stormed in they were talking to an airport worker. He didn’t join them in the plane, he’s still out there.” She explained quickly.

Jack didn’t waste time and immediately spoke on his radio headset.

“20-David, We have a situation.”

“What is it?”

“Witness here says the gunmen were seen talking to a fifth person, airport worker after they boarded the plane.”

“Description.”

Jack turned to her and she didn’t need any more prompting.

“A male, uhmm a latino. Around thirties, with a beard. A bit overweight.” She tried to recall more details.

“He wore blue shirt underneath the vest.” The stewardess sitting near added.

“Did you hear that?” Jack asked on the radio.

“Get the witnesses to the command post. Part 2 is about to begin.”