Tales of the Broken: Roses in the Wind

Chapter Two: Gone Wrong

"Ma'am, put your gun away and remove the mask."

Rose looked around, gripping her rifle. She hated herself for being so clumsy to get herself into this situation. She slowly holstered her rifle on her belt, and reached her hands up to her helmet. She deeply regretted them telling her to take off her helmet, as the rain battered against her mask, safely bouncing off with a relaxing sound being produced. But now? Well, that relaxation was gone, and so was her dry face. Rose put her middle and pointer fingers on a small circular pad on either side of the back end of her helmet with each of her hands. She slid the fingers down, causing the locks on the helmet to unlock, having segments of the helmet extend out. She slowly removed the mask, and the plates of the helmet sunk back into place. Rose was nearly blinded by the spotlights and laser pointers directed at her. Nevertheless, Rose tried to stay as calm as possible. This was her first real task and she screwed up, and no doubt her peers her displeased.

"Now take your gun and throw it at one of these soldiers' feet. Nice and slow."

Rose had to resist the immense urge to snort in disgust or roll her eyes to the heavens. She unholstered her rifle, and tossed it at the soldier's feet, just as instructed.

"Perfect. This is the farthest we've gotten without anyone trying to esca- ah shit." the commander started, before Rose elbowed the nearest soldier in the face, sending him crashing down. Rose punched another across the face, then she grabbed his vest from the back and swung him to where he blocked some bullets for her. Rose tossed the soldier aside, then slammed her foot on her helmet, which had previously dropped to the ground, and she pointed the side at one of the laser pointers, blocking a sniper bullet. Rose fought on, punching this one, kicking another. Rose swiveled around, and she felt a bullet enter her shoulder. She staggered back, looking around for the sniper.

"Take the shot!" Rose turned around when she heard the voice, her eyes feeling as narrow as dimes. A bullet pierced her skull, throwing her back onto the ground.