So my entire life was just scripted. Like a rat in a maze. Like a fucking simulation. All of it, fake.

My parent’s, killed like feral dogs. Was scripted.

Rose was explaining something to Johnathan. But I wasn’t listening.

“So you’re telling me, that my life, was just scripted. My best friend. She killed herself, because she was raped, and she became pregnant, but she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t be a parent. And she had no parents, so no one could sign for an abortion. Because her guardian was the one who raped her. You’re telling me, that was fucking scripted. Like a goddamn lab rat. My parent’s, shot dead for no other reason than being hispanic. A simulation. ALL OF IT. A FUCKING SCRIPT.” I laughed harder than I had ever laughed before.

“Your telling me, that nothing I have done or will do will FUCKING MATTER. NOTHING I DO MEANS A GODDAMN THING.”

“Yes.” Rose said.

I pulled a gun from my belt, and pointed it at Rose.

“Shoot me, what will it do for you. I wont die,” They pulled their hand up, and blood was dripping down from the back of her palm. “I won’t even have a chance of dying. If it gets your anger out, fine, unload every bullet in this room into my head. What will happen? Nothing. You do you, but think before you act Commander.”

I lowered my gun with a scowl. They were right, there was nothing I could do. “Commander?” Alric asked.

“Yes, Sohpie’s got balls. We need her expertise. She’s now the commander of the Assault Squad. I promoted her right now.” Rose said. I looked up, and they were already giving out orders. “Alric, Livvy. Go out and recruit people. We need talent. And lot’s of it. Mattie, keep doing what you’re doing. Bee, I’ll let Johnathan explain everything about the underground to you and Mattie. Everything I left out. I’ll leave you to order everything we need, and then find more recruits from here. Also, record your conversation with Johnny here, so we can send it to these three. Sophie meet me here, alone, in thirty minutes. I’ll officially induct you as commander.”

“So, did you come here to kill me, or to beat my ass?” I said.

Rose came over from across the room, and put their hand on my shoulder. “It might not matter in the end, but your ability, if you want it, is time travel. Very condintial at that, but it works. You might be able to save her, I can’t tell the future. But, I can help you, and you’re one of my commanders, so I will help you. If you want my help.” With that, Rose left.

I turned, and they were gone. I wanted to thank them.

I’d have to think about it, and know all the conditions, but I think I’ll take it. It seems way too suited for me. It isn’t a combat ability, but it would be incredibly useful. I’m good in combat already. And If I can take other people with me, it would be even better. This seems like a golden opportunity.

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

She stood there, her black hair blowing in the wind, blue eyes piercing my gaze. She had a gun in her hand and her grip on it wasn’t strong. It was shaky as hell. “Lydia, wh-wh-what are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m leaving. I’m sorry Sophie. I should’ve told you. But my foster-father raped me about 4 months ago. I got pregnant, and I went to the police because I couldn’t get my foster-parents to sign for an abortion. They didn’t believe me, the cops I mean. I, I’ve tried so many times now. They’re convinced I was just being a slut. I-I can’t do it anymore.” She said, crying. Her tears shining in the moonlight.

“I’m sorry” She said. She walked closer to me, and put her lips on mine. It was just a quick kiss, but my heart raced.

She backed away, and put the gun to her head. She shook, but pulled the trigger.

I ran toward her, but I was too late. I didn’t think she’d do it. I wasn’t fast enough.

I knelt over her limp body, blood leaking out of the whole in her head.

“I love you, Sophie.” She wheezed. She took her last breath, and I screamed.

“LYDIA! Why, LYDIA!”

I woke up with a start, I was in the debriefing room, I must’ve fallen asleep. I looked around and saw Amber across from me. “Who’s Lydia?”

“None of your damn business.”

“Oh, sorry I pried.”

“Yea, well tell your partner to stop prying too. They’re real damn annoying.”