SQUAD - Season 2

Episode 1 - Return

Maci

Maci, from personal experience, came to understand what an empty threat was. From the moment Jimmy was captured, she'd vowed to hunt the DDA down. But fears for herself and her other friends stopped her from even keeping up with their new website (which was just propaganda anyway).

She feared that if she did what she said she'd do - if she even attempted to hunt them down - she'd find herself in a position similar to Merritt and Lauren's (and most likely Jimmy's). A mindless drone forced to do the bidding of the DDA.

It made her hurt deep inside when she thought about running away that cold winter night... surely everyone regretted abandoning Jimmy. But they had to, in order to escape the DDA.

The rest of school came and went, just like that. Summer flew by, and tomorrow began another new year.

Maci had tried hard, but she didn't go a single day without thinking about Jimmy's capture.

Madi

The first day of school was always exciting, and this year was no exception. Along with Cross Country just beginning, Madi couldn't wait to catch up with old friends.

But she also hoped that all of her friends were still real people and not DDA slaves.

Entering the commons, Madi found everyone.

"Hey!" She called, running over to find everyone in a group, talking, laughing and having a good time.

"Hey Madi," Heath said.

"Hi!" Maci smiled.

Everyone began telling jokes and laughing, and although they seemed happy, it felt forced.

This was probably because of the DDA.

Without warning, silence fell over the commons.

This was also because of the DDA.

Madi turned to see what everyone was whispering about, and her heart skipped a beat.

Jimmy, Lauren and Merritt were walking in through the front doors.

"It's them!" She hissed. "They're back!"

Everyone began to bombard them with questions about the DDA.

"Are they evil?"

"Did they turn you into a toad?"

"Are the rumors true?!"

The answers were artificial, and Madi knew it.

Every time, the DDA seemed less threatening.

"So the exposé was fake?"

"The DDA are our friends?"

Jimmy, Merritt and Lauren eventually bounced over to Madi and the gang.

"Hey guys? How's it shaking?" Lauren bubbled.

Madi rolled her eyes.

"We're... good." Emma began. "How... How are you?"