Archive of Our Own ^beta

The change in soundscape was so quick Reginald almost didn’t comprehend it. Quick, heavy footfalls were suddenly cut off as a door slammed shut, and something metal scraped across the floor.

“Agent? Agent, can you hear me?”

Phoenix didn’t respond, aside from labored breathing. Reginald couldn’t see what was going on - an earlier fight with some Zoraxis operatives had broken their bodycam when they took a nasty fall - but it couldn’t be good. His hand hovered over the emergency button.

“Agent, I need you to respond.”

Still nothing.

“ Phoenix. ”

The smallest hint of a breathy hum came from the other end of the line. Well, it was something.

“That’s good. Phoenix, I need you to tell me what’s going on.” A doorknob jiggling came through from Phoenix’s end. Their breathing sped up and became more labored, and he could hear what sounded like Phoenix trying to climb up something. Oh, this wasn’t good.

“Phoenix, I’m going to send a team to come get you, okay? Just get somewhere safe.”

The heavy breathing continued. Handler pushed down the button.

A few minute noises came through his headphones. Then, almost imperceptibly quiet: “Help,” and God, they sounded absolutely terrified, on the verge of tears.

“Phoenix, breathe, slowly, okay? The team is on their way.”

“Uh huh.”

“Everything will be okay, Phoenix.”