"Absolutely Not."

Chapter 24: Garrick

The life of a soldier was simple.

You either kill or become a sacrifice for a greater purpose.

A slip of a finger pulling back the trigger to take that first life could either scar someone or plant the seed for an unexpected, permanent... friend to flourish.

Silently, it creeps and nestles in the wrinkles of the unsuspecting brain and burrows a home in the tiniest creases. At first, the mind recognizes this friend to be just that, an amiable companion so the thoughts aren't alone anymore. Memories have an audience, and musings have someone to listen when the owner can't deal.

And then when the person who least expects it, that 'friend' strikes, saturating each emotion with a need for more.

More bloodshed.

More satisfaction from being useful.

More fulfillment.

Hands can't get scrubbed clean enough, but there is always that itch to anoint them again in the ichor of another foe. Drains have drunk enough of war's pollution that it's no wonder that Earth can't heal.

"Hey, Alejandro. ¿*Tienes un segundo?"

*hey, Alejandro. Do you have a second?

"*¿Qué pasa?"

*what's up?

"I'm willing to help in Las Almas, but I'll need your help in persuading a certain someone that I can."

My fingers submerged themselves into my hair, massaging out the tension rippling across my scalp, and I closed my eyes hoping it would help ease the migraine a little more.

I rested my elbows on the edge of the wall as I stood on the rooftop, a common place to find myself when I just needed reprieve from the overwhelming stimulants constantly surrounding me now that I lived on base. Stuck here, the fear of getting caught by anyone undesirable was too great if I left, I didn't have many options for an escape.

"What can I do? Who do I need to talk to?"

I paused for a second to check if anyone crept around the corner. "Price. *Necesito que hables con Price."

*I need you to talk to Price.

"*¿Qué te hace pensar que puedes ayudar, hermana?"

*What makes you think you can help, sister?"

"*Cómo se dice 'bait' in Español, Ale?"

*How do you say 'bait' in Spanish, Ale?

"Ah. I see. Carnada."

It was only a matter of time before Price called me into his office and hopefully, we could get the ball rolling before I changed my mind.

Intentionally, I avoided everyone, and if they started smelling my bullshit, then I was going to start looking guilty. I missed dinner, and I was usually winding down in the bunks by now... but I couldn't face them just yet. The boys would notice my absence, but my horrible poker face would give me away immediately.

"So you want to be bait, *gringa loca." I could hear his smile miles away.

*crazy, white girl (endearing - please don't come after me)

I had to stifle my laugh so it wouldn't be too loud for nosy ears to possibly hear. "They keep shooting down my idea, Ale. *Necesito tu ayuda, Ale. Necesitas el mio." I paused to add in a frustrated sigh. "*Por favor."