The Priceless Variable

Love is the Ultimate Sacrifice

Dr. Ava Paige and Teresa were looking out a big window of the WICKED building. Everything in sight was being torn apart in the outsiders' path.

"We can't wait any longer." Dr. Ava Paige said to her.

"They'll be here." Teresa said.

A WICKED guard walks up to them.

"Excuse me? The last transport is leaving in ten minutes." he informed them.

"Grab your research and meet me on the roof. Please, go." Dr. Ava Paige ordered.

Right as she was about to walk away with the guard, a voice got their attention.

"Stop!" it said.

The three of them looked over to their left and saw Mallory. She had a handgun pointed at them.

"Mallory, you can save your friends or you can save us all." Dr. Ava Paige said, trying to reason with her.

"Drop the weapon!" the guard ordered.

Mallory let out a hard exhale and tossed the gun off to the side. The guard came up behind her and grabbed her by the arm. He forcefully guided her over to Dr. Ava Paige and Teresa.

Mallory set her eyes on her friend.

"I want you to know something. I understood why you made your choice." she said.

"Really?" Teresa questioned.

"Yes. You wanted to do something for the greater good. I didn't like it, but I understand and respect it." Mallory said.

Teresa made eye contact with the guard.

"Let her go." she told him.

He did as he was told.

"Come on, let's go." Teresa said, then the two of them ran to the elevator.

Dr. Ava Paige stayed put by the window, staring at the destruction. It wasn't until the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway. She looked to her left and saw Thomas slowly approaching her. He had a gun at hand as well.

"Is it true? Newt, can Mallory save him?" Thomas asked.

"She's going to save us all." Dr. Ava Paige said.

He was so full of emotion that he dropped the gun. Dr. Ava Paige slowly walked up to Thomas. She could tell that he's very torn by everything that has happened. She decided to pull the sympathetic card.

"It's okay." Dr. Ava Paige said to him, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"Just leave the others alone." Thomas said.

"I promise." she said.

Then, a gunshot rang through the hallway. Dr. Ava Paige took her last breath as blood covered her back. She slowly fell to the floor as Thomas tried to catch her.

Ironically, Janson made the shot. Now, there's nothing standing in his way of getting what he wants. He walked closer to Thomas, ready to take another shot if he has to. But, he didn't.

Janson stuck a tranquilizer dart in Thomas's neck. The toxin quickly worked its way through his system and his body was starting to shut down. Thomas tried to reach for his gun, but Janson moved it away with his foot.

"Oh, Thomas. You should have run." Janson said to him before he passed out.

~~~~~~~~~~