Previously
Adam Black, a falsely prosecuted former federal agent, has been broken out of prison in order to work for the Los Angeles Anti Terrorist Coalition, ATC, to go undercover and work with a known drug criminal, in hopes to use his contacts to locate a deadly virus that is supposed to be somewhere is Los Angeles this day.
Chapter 3
November 1st, 2023. 10:11am - ATC Los Angeles
The chopper lands on the ATC helipad, and Adam and Gwen step out. Adam takes it all in, he hasn't seen the place in years, and hasn't been free, period, for 18 months. Everything is still a bit surreal to him, but he knows what's at stake, so he won't spend much time reminiscing.
Gwen doesn't need to show Adam the way, he knows where they're going, but before they proceed, Gwem stops Adam for a moment.
"I forgot to tell you. Your former fiancée works here now."
That was the last thing Adam expected to hear.
"Maria works for ATC?"
"Along with his husband. Is that gonna be a problem?"
Adam is clearly unhappy, but just sucks it up.
"No problem."
"You sure? I know Paul was the one who arrested you in Washington."
Adam gets irritated.
"I said no problem. Let's go."
Adam is lying, and Gwen can tell. Adam tries to keep a strong face, but Maria and Paul embody everything that the government has taken from him, and it brings up all the negative feelings Adam has towards the government, let alone the idea of working for them in any capacity.
Adam and Gwen walk down the stairs to the main hall of ATC headquarters, as everybody stops what they were doing and get a good look at the controversial figure.
Once an esteemed federal agent stood there with unkempt hair, a grizzly beard, dirty and disgusting, in an orange prison uniform. Adam doesn't look like himself, but people recognize him. To some, he is a terrorist, a traitor to the country, while others have heard differing stories. What everybody shares in common, though, is the knowledge of numerous times Adam has sacrificed himself to save others. Time after time. As was said: controversial, to say the least.
The moment of silence is interrupted by Richard, who steps in.
"It's been a while, Adam."
Adam and Richard were on the same side, but never friendly. Richard has always been by the book, and was never a fan of Adam's methods of getting the job done. He could not, however, in any way deny that Adam did get the job done. It was all the additional paper work Richard had to do everytime Adam was on a case that he didn't like.
Instead of replying to Richard, Adam looks for Maria in the crowd of ATC employees, and once their eyes meet, he lets out a slight smile. His first in a long time. Adam and Maria take steps towards each other, and Maria is the first one to speak.
"You look like hell."
This makes Adam's smile grow slightly bigger, as Maria's way of playfully teasing her takes him back to a better time, one that has long since passed now.
"Well, you look just as beautiful as you always did."
Things and circumstances around them have irreversibly changed over time, but their love and care for each other hasn't, and likely never will.
There are so many things Maria wants to say, but since "I love you" happens to be among them, she just keeps quiet. But she doesn't have to say it, Adam can see it in her eyes - just as she can see in Adam's eyes that he feels that way, too, still. Adam knows they can't waste time now.
"Just glad you're okay, Maria."
"You, too."
This scene is being watched by Paul who does not enjoy what he is seeing. Adam notices him, and Paul turns his back and walks away. Richard finally asks Adam to come to his office.
"I'm sorry, but we don't have time for romantic memories just now, come to office."
Adam and Richard walk into Richard's office, and Richard turns on a big monitor that is on his wall. On the monitor is a live feed from the White House with the President Morgan Reynolds.
"Adam. I'm sure you've been briefed by Mr. Williams about the current threat to our national security."
"Agent DuClare filled me in."
Out of habit, Adam almost ends with "Sir", but he also knows that his arrest 18 months ago was surely authorized by President Reynolds, he holds it in. After all, he no longer works for, nor believes in the government.
"Then you are aware of the extreme circumstances. And why we need your help, Adam."
"I'm aware of the circumstances, Mr. President. But I haven't agreed to help you."
"I had a feeling you might say that. I am aware that simply asking for your help isn't going to do it. So, to truly express how dire the situation is, I've prepared to make a deal with you. On Mr. William's desk is a signed agreement, signed by me, to grant you your freedom and immunity from any and all past crimes, if you manage to gain ATC possession of the Azrael virus. You'd be a free man."
Adam stares at the paper on the desk, then takes a look at Richard, and then looks back into the President. He goes through all the emotions of betrayal and loss that he has suffered with for so long thanks to the government.
"Sorry, I'm not interested in the freedom you're willing to provide me."
Adam storms out of the office, as Richard tries to yell him back.
"Adam!"
Adam is walking out of the headquarters, but is stopped by Maria.
"Adam, stop!"
"No, don't. I don't trust these people, I'm not doing this."
"I know, Adam, I know."
Maria can't restrain herself and hugs Adam.
"What they did to you was wrong. But this is not about them, Adam. If that virus is used against innocent civilians, we could see deaths in the hundreds of thousands. Innocent people, Adam. You've never turned your back on innocent lives. That's not the man I know, that's not the man you are. I know it isn't, Adam."
Maria's words have a strong effect on Adam, and she's right: Adam can't turn his back on innocent lives. He also knows that he was dragged in here simply because he's ATC's best chance of locating the virus. They probably don't even have a plan b.
Adam thinks for a moment. Then walks back into Richard's office.
"If you want to find Diaz, pull up everything you have on a Marcus Nathanson. He was Diaz's associate and business partner eight years ago. He's our best play at finding Diaz. I need to go clean up and get a change of clothes and a cell phone."
"I'm on it."
Richard connects his phone to the data analyst of CTU Alex Owens.
"Alex, find me all you can on a Marcus Nathanson, former business partner of Nicolás Diaz."
The White House, Washington, DC
President Reynolds and Palmer Collins are having a rather heated discussion about Adam Black, since Collins does not feel that it was a wise decision to grant him his freedom. Of course, he hides his true intentions, but presents his case nontheless.
"I'm saying it will reflect very badly on this administration if the story gets out. Not only did you authorize breaking a known terrorist out of prison, you negotiated a deal that grants him immunity. The media would have a field day spinning the story, Mr. President. You are the most popular president of the 21st century, I'd hate for that to go down the tubes so close to the end."
"Your criticism is noted, Collins. But I stand by my decision. I have given it consideration. ATC believes Adam Black is the best option at finding this virus that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands. I can not allow myself to be responsible for that virus being used. Maybe I never should have authorized Adam Black's arrest in the first place. I'm starting to think - it might have been a mistake. Now if you'll excuse me."
Palmer Collins is left looking nervous, but he tries to deal with the situation as it unfolds.
Somewhere Just Outside Los Angeles
The wealthy looking businessman stops his car at a remote location just outside of LA, in front of an abandoned warehouse. He is carrying his briefcase with him and walks towards the warehouse while making a call.
"I'm in LA. Is everything on schedule? I'll set everything up, set everything up at your end. I'll call you when to meet me."
The man checks the time on his expensive watch, which shows that he is indeed a man of great wealth, no doubt here to do business of some sort, before entering inside the warehouse.
ATC
Adam comes back from the shower and locker room area, after having a haircut, a shave and a chenge of clothes, which make him look more like human being.
Adam approaches Alex, the data analyst. Alex is obviously very awkward socially, but a guru when it comes to all things tech stuff. He looks like such a nerd that Adam is surprised someone like him would ever end up working in antiterrorism.
"What do you got on Nathanson?"
"I did some digging and came up with a possible address. He is currently on parole, on a promise to help track drug traffickers, so I think there's good chance he has info on Diaz."
"Good job. Send the address to my phone."
As Adam is about to leave, Richard and Gwen come up to him. Richard lets Adam know he'll be working with Gwen.
"Gwen's coming with you."
"I work alone."
"Not this time. You're technically still a criminal, I'm ordered to have someone to keep an eye on you."
"Fine. Let's go."
Adam was planning on working alone, but Gwen did show herself to capable during the prison break, so he doesn't mind having her on board.
"Okay, let's go. We need to find this virus before it's used."