Fate and Duty

Destiny

Naturally, Bobby had a few reservations about the notion of being sacrificed, but having a pistol pulled at his face had a particularly paralyzing effect on the speech function of his brain.

"You can't."

The voice that spoke was calm, confident, and angelically sweet. Marina even put a hand on Agent One's arm. It succeeded at attracting his attention, but did she really have to touch that man?

"I can't shoot him?"

She was going to explain, but the distraction allowed Agent Eddie to draw his own gun.

"What's gotten into your, sir?"

"Glad you asked. See, I've been with this corporation for way too long. I want a career change."

"I sympathize, but you know it's not feasible. You'd have to go through years of college, internship, lose your income, start from zero, and maybe earn a living again in your fifties. Most men just–"

"Lifexit doesn't appeal to me. I'd prefer to have a good reason to wake up in the morning."

Eddie shifted his eyes from Agent One, to Bobby, the jewel, and back.

"Sir, I understand the need for change, but thinking a mystical ritual is the answer is just... madness."

"Madness? A lady with red eyes and shark teeth kills fifteen people in one night–"

"Pretty sure I got more," Marina interjected.

"Seven are wounded."

She seemed genuinely disappointed.

"Anyways, this happens, our cars explode, street lights fall on us... is all of this just 'madness,' Eddie?"

"Don't know. My career choice didn't include a degree in the supernatural."

Agent One laughed. It was a bit strange, how Eddie's pistol was pointed at him, but he kept his barrel aimed at Bobby. Perhaps SmileyCorp was afraid the jewel would stop working if he died, which made shooting him a more serious threat?

"M-Marina!" he finally managed to say, "D-do... do you support him?"

What a lovely, devilish smile she gave him. One that quickly, and completely conveyed the notion that he was played for a fool.

"I like winners, Robbie. Men who seize an opportunity, rather than throw it away."

"H-H-He broke your toes! Drugged you! He almost killed you!"

Marina's ruby eyes glistened cruelly under the light of the jewel.

"Displays of strength, Robbie. Women love strong men."

And just like that, it all came together. Yes... that's exactly what he expected out of every woman, and even she was, after all, no different. What an absolute imbecile he turned out to be.

While Bobby went silent, Agent Eddie returned to confront his superior:

"Sir, she tricked you somehow. Let's go back."

"Didn't you listen? I don't want to go back, ever, again."

"It's the best option. Help me round up these two; we'll tell Central it was all a misunderstanding."

"You're not going to shoot me, Eddie, so stand down. Your alibi is secure. I simply... went mad."

The standstill continued, but the younger agent's hand trembled. He obviously had a lot of respect for Agent One. Eventually, Eddie lowered his weapon.