30 Minutes Later

July 1, 2075

2049 CDT

Alejandro, Mexico

Outside Squad Zeus's Cabin

Rachel Cooper's Point of View

“Good news, the civilians don’t wanna kill us, and the walls are still standing,” Duy explains.

“Bad news, the guards are dead, and the sun’s set,” Sonya clarifies.

“The smart thing for us to do is to leave at daybreak,” Ethan joins in.

Luke’s hurt; people are injured everything is so sad.

“How’s Luke?” I ask.

“He’s ok, Rachel,” Sonya notifies. “He’s just exhausted and super dehydrated. Aayushi said he lost a lot of blood and suffered from an abundance of injuries,” Sonya says with a sad look on her face. “His wounds would’ve long killed a normal person if it wasn’t for his regeneration abilities,” she says as her face transitions into her normal scary expression. “If the fight went on for any longer, then Luke, as well as all of us would have died painful deaths. He saved our lives.”

“He’s a hero!” I say.

“Of course, he is!” Ruby exclaims. “Everyone in my band must be capable of kicking ass when the time calls for it!”

“Will they come back?” Billy asks in worry.

“Not if they know what’s good for them,” Sonya says as she inspects her pistol. “I’ll be watching over Luke in the meantime. The rest of you should guard the cabin’s perimeter.”

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“Hey, Sonya, don’t forget that this is my squad,” Duy says in an angry tone.

“Ok, you big baby! Everyone listen to the captain even though he’s obviously out of his element!” Sonya yells as she stomps towards Duy. “Teresa isn’t here to tell your ass what to do anymore, so you need to put me in charge of Squad Zeus before it happens one way or another.”

“Halo or not, you’re over your head if you think I’m putting you in charge. I’m the leader for a reason!” Duy fires back.

“A stupid reason!” Sonya shouts in anger.

“Tough titties, Sonya!” Duy shouts back.

“Ugh!” Sonya screams as she stomps inside.

You’re the toughest woman I know, but even you have limits.

“W-what do we do now, ya’ll?” I ask.

Wait. What’s that… down the hill? To my three.

“Isn’t it obvious, Rachel? All we have to do is stay beautiful,” Ruby says with a big smile. “… and try not to di…”

Gasp! A rope!

“Look out!” I yell.

“…eeee!!!” Ruby yells as she goes flying into the air along with Billy.

“An abduction!” I yell.

“Son of a bitch!” Duy screams out in frustration.

“What the fuck?!” Sonya yells out as she runs outside. “Damn it, Duy! I told you to put me in charge! Now I have to save them before sunrise!”

“I’ve had it!” Duy exclaims in fury. “You’re out of line!”

“Untrue. All I do is babysit you guys because none of you, except for Luke, are willing to cross the line that’s needed to survive out here,” Sonya rudely explains. “You’re all a bunch of scared little pussies, which is why you need to stay here and guard Luke!”

Sonya!

“I strongly disagree, Sonya!” I say.

“You think I give a shit, Rachel? You’re the biggest pussy out of all of us!” She yells as she gets in my face. “A sniper who’s not willing to kill a human being is a dangerous liability out here. It means if Angela Blackwood were to point a gun at my, better yet, your brother’s head, and you were the only one who could save him, you’d rather let her blow his brains out instead of saving your brother to protect your fragile conscious.”

“That’s… not true!” I say.

Is it?

“I strongly disagree,” she says, followed by an eye roll.

I need bubblegum!

“You’re makin’ me uncomfortable, Sonyaaaaa…” I say.

“Well, you better get used to it, because that’s life out here!” Sonya shouts. “Either woman up or drop dead, Rachel!”

“Despite your nickname, I’ll remind you that you’re not bulletproof, Sonya!” Duy clarifies.

“Squabbling will do us no good,” Anna says. “Sonya is correct. The only way to save Ruby and Billy before sunset is by committing a horrible act. Nonetheless, Sonya should stay here to guard Luke, along with Aayushi, Drew, and Ethan, because of the precise fact that we are “pussies”. If Black Scorpions, bandits, an angry civilian, or Death Angels were to suddenly attack, then Sonya, and maybe the Athenians, would be the only ones who would return fire with no hesitation. The rest of us are more likely to freeze up and get someone killed, but do not fret, for I have a low-risk solution.”