Shards

Interview Struggle Pt. 2

Mindy's response strikes Octavia like a rock to the head. Her mind swirls as she mentally replays what happened. Had she misunderstood what she saw that day?

Ajax being the one to stop the shooting does make more sense than Shard shooting Ajax to stop him from shooting his own peers. But Octavia saw what happened and knows about Ajax's instability. Mindy's memory must've gotten mixed up due to everything that happened.

At the mention of Octavia's name, she tunes back into the interview.

"I'm so scared for Octavia, Xander, everyone," Mindy says. "We've seen what the Chromies are capable of. Once the hostages are recovered, the Chromies need to be obliterated. I made a promise to Octavia while we were there that I'd come back for her. She saved my life before. Why shouldn't I save hers? Even if she hadn't, she's still like a sister to me. And despite his reputation, Xander is a decent guy and like a big brother. I want him and everyone else out safe, too."

"How do you plan on doing that?"

"Joining Squad."

"Joining Squad?" Surprise carries in Marcy's voice.

Octavia is equally surprised. Mindy never wanted to get into her dad's line of work, especially after the training.

"Yes." Mindy gives a strong nod. Her fists ball up. "It isn't my first career choice, but I need to fulfil my promise to Octavia and assist in the cause to wipe Chromies off the face of the Earth to keep us safe. I knew of their atrocities before - who didn't? - but experiencing it first hand, it changes you. We can't let this rebel group control us and stop all our good work."

"So you're quitting your NetChannel completely?"

"Not completely," Mindy tells her. "I could never abandon it or my lovelies. My passion lies with it and the people I reach out to, the millions of people I care about and want to protect. But the tone of my channel will change. I'll be doing frequent updates on my progress and showing the heroic work Squad does."

"Are you sure about this?" Marcy asks.

"I've already talked to my parents about it. My mom was wary but supportive. My dad was gushing with pride. Once I'm healed, I'll be going into the Academy."

"What about entrance training and testing?"

"I actually already passed it. A couple years ago, my father had me complete it as he wanted me to have as many career opportunities open for me as possible. At the time, I was unhappy about it, but now I can't thank him enough for it."

The interview drags on about Mindy's plans in Squad, experience as a hostage, and new-found hate for the Chromies.

"Thank you so much for your time and strength, Mindy," Marcy says as the interview begins to wind down. "Before we go, though, there is one surprise I would like to bring out for you." Marcy motions to something off screen.

The screen splits to show different camera views: Mindy on one half and a door on the other. The door opens to reveal Ajax, covered with bruises and stitches, swollen, and with a cast on his foot, in a hover chair guided by a hospital staff member.

"Ajax!" Mindy's smile brightens her half of the screen.

Ajax's smile raises the hair on Octavia's neck. Nothing but a screen keeps her from punching Ajax in the face.

"Hey, Mindy," he says.

Mindy wobbles as she stands. She uses her chair to steady herself. Ajax is pushed towards her. The screens meld back into one single view. With help from the staff member, Ajax is on his foot and a crutch. He's hunched over.