The bike shot forward at a lightning speed. I screamed for a few minutes, but then I kind of got use to it. I didn't really know where I was going, but the bike did, and we stopped behind an old pillar, nearly buried in the sand. We were about 48 yards away from a two-story warehouse, with about five guards roaming around the bottom and top half.
I took the bag with all the supplies I had been given earlier and slung it over my shoulder. Now I had to decide how to get in. There were four entrances- two on top, two on bottom. I would need a distraction.
I stepped off my motorcycle and thought about it for a moment. Then it hit me. I started the drive button, and the motorcycle veered off a little ways next to the guards. They immediately chased after it, and I used the opportunity to run inside. I wasn't sure if any of the guards from the top had seen me, but I had hoped they were more distracted by the motorcycle.
Once inside, I quickly noticed the place was much larger and more modern than it seemed. It was filled with offices, labs, and many rooms throughout. The floors were made of marble opposed to wood or cement, which you would normally find in a warehouse, and a diamond chandelier hung from the ceiling.
My brain gave me a nagging reminder that I needed to get to the core of this place and set off the charges. I wasn't too concerned about people or myself on this mission since it was just to pass a thunder test. But nevertheless, I was afraid of what was yet to come.
I heard someone starting to come down the hall I was in, I was completely exposed. I acted quickly when I saw a janitor in the left hall and made a dash toward them.
Janitor: AHHH! Who are-
I put a hand over his mouth, then pinched the tip of his spine with enough force to knock him out. Amy had taught me all the pressure points of the body, it was actually very useful.
He sank to the ground, so dragging him into a nearby closet, I took his clothes and his hat, then locked him in there. I went outside and retrieved the janitor cart, now I only hoped no one would try to stop me.
I went down from the left to the center hallway. A platoon of guards was running down my way. I kept my hat tilted down, and threw my bag into the garbage bin.
Guard: Hey, you!
Uh-oh.
Me: uh... Can I help you?
I kept my hat covered over my eyes, and fixed my hair.
Guard: Look at me when I'm talking to you.
I met his gaze confidently, it was so much easier in a simulation.
Guard: Did you see anyone come in here?
I tilted my head, looking as though I was thinking about it.
Me: I don't think so... I mean, some guy came in here earlier with coffee. But other than that, I don't think I've seen anyone.
Other guard: Did she say coffee? I could totally go for-
Guard: Enough of that, solider. We'll do a quick inspection just in case.
Me: Oh, well, Make sure you don't mess up my clean floors!
He saluted me and ran off with the platoon. Who knew that would be so easy?
Some guard in the distance: I thought I knew all the janitors, and I could have sworn it was Jerimiah's shift today...
He stopped and turned around. BAD NEWS. I casually quickened my pace.
Some guard in the distance: Nah, I'm imagining things.
Phew. Thought I was in trouble there. I made it to the end of the hall when I heard a loud shout from behind me.
Guard: Jerimiah! How did you get in the closet?
A pause as I ditched the cart, grabbed the bag, and turned the corner.
Guard: Soliders! After that girl! She's not the Janitor!
I heard running stomps behind me as I searched desprately for the center control room. Once I found it, I quickly opened it and locked tight the door behind me. What I saw was complicated machinery that seemed to run throughout the entire building and underground. I unloaded the contents of my bag, ignoring the battle cries and threats that came behind me.
Taking one of the detanators, I tried to stick it onto the pipes. It was too hot so it refused to stick. I sighed.
Me: now what?
I took out the second to last item in my bag, toothpaste. I stuck it on the surface of the pipes, and attached the detonators to it. I got all three around when I heard banging on the door.
Guard: This is your last chance! Open the door!
I knew there was no way out. This was going to blow, and I was going to be stuck there. Chances of survival? Zero. The fact that it was a simulation completely slipped my mind at this point, since it was as real of a decision as can be. The button for detonation was beneath my thumb, ready to be pressed.
Slowly and mindlessly, I slid the communicator out of my bag. I pressed the button, there was no one on the other line- it was a mission no one expected me to come back from. No help would be coming. Figures as much.
Me: Get out while you still can!
I shouted to the guards.
Some Guard: Yeah, right. What're you going to do, blow up the place? You can only do that in the center control room!
Guard: You fool! She's in the center control room!
Some guard: Oh. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
I spent five minutes standing there, hoping the people would evacuate soon enough. Finally, I closed my eyes, and pressed the button.
*
I opened my eyes to find I was back in reality. Sky was next to me in my room.
Sky: Are you okay?!
I was confused.
Me: What do you mean? Of course I'm okay.
She sighed with relief.
Sky: you were done halfway through your test, but that weirdo tattoo of yours started glowing and it just about took over your simulation.
Me: Wait... What?
Sky: I couldn't wake you up! It was almost like you were under a spell, to see how far you'd go. You're lucky you made it out alive, after all that sleepwalking you were doing, it made it look real.
I shook my head.
Me: I'm never doing that again.
Sky: Well, in all good news, you passed with flying colors. Although, you should really get that tattoo looked at.
Me: Pass.
Sky: Seriously.
Me: Nah.
Sky: It's unnatural
Me: I'm sure it's just a phase
Sky: It almost killed you, and/or put you in a coma
Me: Pfft, I can handle it.
She rolled her eyes, and helped me to the glass door.
Sky: You know you aren't so bad, Xsura.
Me: Xura.
Sky: That's what I said. I can see why Amy likes you, but watch out for that snake in the grass.
She smiled- her first non intimidating action since I've met her. She almost showed me out, but I decided to ask her a question.
Me: Why don't you and Amy get along anyway?
She frowned, the glow completely drained from her face.
Sky: Amy had a part in ruining my life.
Me: How?
She directed her gaze toward the ground. Yeah, guys. It's that time. LIFE STORYYY!
Sky: I once had a boyfriend who worked for the CIA. We were very close, and we both knew that marriage would be in our future one day.
She bit her lip.
Sky: But he told me one sad Sunday afternoon, that he wouldn't be able to see me that often because his job wanted him to go undercover at an organization called Thunder. I, as his girlfriend, was understanding of this, and accepted this fact. Unfortunately after about a month of going undercover, there was an inspection like this one. An inspection, where Amy was in charge.
I pushed myself onto the counter and leaned forward, eager to hear more.
Sky: Amy, much worse than I am, thoroughly interrogated my boyfriend. She and her partner Shawn.
She scoffed.
Sky: Those were dark days back in Thunder, days you're lucky have come to an end. Amy asked the questions, Shawn did the digging- Todd didn't stand a chance.
She shook her head.
Sky: He was taken to a special Thunder prison for questioning. I, left alone, then decided I would do everything in my power to save him. So I joined Thunder, I climbed my way up the ranks, and aimed for any job at that prison.
Me: Did you get the job?
She nodded slowly.
Sky: After years of putting my life at risk and trying everything to get to him, I finally had a chance. I was to escort a high-level prisoner to his cell. I ditched the mission and went to find him, and I did.
She sighed.
Sky: But it was too late. He was no longer the Todd I knew, he had become something else... Something twisted. His morals were gone, his integrity, his hope. All gone. Things went downhill from there, and the mission became disastrous. Because I wasn't there, the high-level prisoner had escaped and it was all my fault.
She sighed again.
Sky: After that, I thought I was toast. I had been scolded, striped from my platinum security clearance, and demoted to bronze. I never felt so low. I made a vow that day, that I would never let my feelings get in the way ever again.
She tightened her fist.
Sky: In a matter of months, I worked my way past bronze, to a diamond clearance- Amy became my partner. I had got her right after Shawn betrayed her trust, it was almost a silent revenge for me.
She looked over at me.
Sky: Why am I telling you all this?
I shrugged.
Me: I dunno. Likeable face.
I smiled and put my fingers to my cheeks. She rolled her eyes and suppressed a laugh.
Sky: Okay, now leave. If you want me to tell you the rest, we can go get coffee or something some time.
Me: Alright, nice hearing your life story instead of mine!
She chuckled quietly as I left the room. Amy was waiting for me atop a desk on her laptop.
Amy: You didn't get dragged away! That's a good sign.
She took a long sip of her coffee
Me: yup, and I think I made a new friend. Sky is really nice.
She spat all her coffee out at once.
Amy: What?!
Me: ... What's wrong?
Amy: She's my biggest rival, and you want to be friends with her.
I shrugged
Me: Well, yeah. I mean, she's really open and has a lot of personality-
Amy: Personality? Don't I have personality?!
Me: ... Wait a second. Are you jealous?
She blushed.
Me: Oh my glob, you are jealous!
I laughed.
Amy: Shut up!
Me: No way. You're jealous! Super duper jelly!
Amy: ugh. So maybe I am, could you do me a favor and never speak to her again unless you have to?
Me: Oh well I guess I have to get coffee with her, so I need to speak to her again. And then, we might have to go see a movie or rob some guy of whatever he keeps behind that painting on the wall
I shrugged and laughed again.
Me: Amy, Sky isn't going to replace you. She's just another friend I'll have... If I even have her as a friend.
She sighed.
Me: Besides, it's not like the two of you have to get along.
Amy: ugh, Fine.
Sky peeked out from the testing doors and called a name. A boy, looking about my age, followed her into the room.
Me: ... What happens if he fails this test?
She followed my gaze.
Amy: The simulation always has questionable results. It's difficult to give up your true desires for a cause like this.
She sighed.
Amy: If anything, he will have to undergo further testing and be issued a lower ranking until he's considered "committed to the cause". But red flags like having the CIA, FBI, or SHIELD in your simulation will undoubtedly result in a thorough investigation and or punishment. You didn't have any of those in yours, right?
I shook my head, and had compassion for those who may easily have caved into their desires. I would've, had not Amy appeared in my dream.
Amy: Well, anyway, If you passed this test, it'll be your last.
Me: Oh.
I didn't expect it to be this simple. Although I had seen a few heart-wrenching scenes the past couple hours, it had not at all been what my mind imagined. I was thinking somewhere around fights to the death or something.
I was relieved when I saw the boy walk out scot free. I had been silently cheering for him. About an hour and a half passed until it was time for the last simulation- Amy's. I wasn't worried at all for her, I knew she would pass; nevertheless, I wished her luck as she entered the room.
As she left, a few agents came up to me.
Blonde: Are you Scarlett Hunter? Can you sign my forehead?
Me: Uh...
Brunette: Cassia! Come on, be mature.
Cassia rolled her eyes.
Brunette boy: So, you dating anyone?
Cassia: Shut up, Tom!
Brunette: Would you mind if we asked just a few questions?
Me: uh...
Cassia: Great! So what's your favorite color, food, hobby, fish, type of music, album, dessert, saying, and weapon? You know, not so I could completely copy you or anything like that.
She forced a loud excessive laugh.
Me: Righttt... Could um- One of you guys get me a water or something?
Tom: I'll do it!
Brunette: No, I will!
Cassia: Not if I do first, slowpokes!
They all ran off in the same direction, pushing and shoving over to the vending machine.
I hoped Amy would be done soon, I was ready to go home.
After a few minutes, I saw Sky leave the simulation room. She walked over to me.
Me: Hey! Is Amy almost done?
She smiled.
Sky: Yeah! Almost. Some of the other guys are still testing her. In the meantime, how about we get that cup of coffee now?
Me: I don't know...
Sky: Come on, it'd be quick!
I thought about it.
Me: Alright.
Sky: Great!
She grabbed her coat and we began to walk down the hall to the exit.
Sky: So where do you want to go?
Me: Hm... How about-
We reached the door, and when the bitter frost stung my cheeks, I realized something.
Me: Oh shoot! I forgot my jacket!
Before she could say anything, I ran back to the room.
Sky: Xura! Wait!
She ran after me, but not before I saw it. Amy, like so many others who had been here previously, was being dragged away.
Amy: Xura! Don't let them take me!
Me: Amy!
I ran to her her, but everything began to blur as I felt something like a pin enter my shoulder. I turned behind me, seeing Sky with a tranquillizer gun in her hand.
"It's for your own good," I heard her say in a whisper as I collapsed to the floor. I just lost my best friend. What now?