Into the City

[Toxic Panda]

*I glance over at Statix as he pulls up to the toll booth just outside the city. He persisted on driving so we switched awhile back. The Drac at the post examines the both of us before checking Statix's ID.*

Jazz Cortez? *Glances at the driver*

Must be new to the job, but yes Sir thats me. *Takes back ID and looks over at me.* Caught her on a raid in Zone 6, only survivor. Taking her to the tower for questioning.

*Laughs* Oh sorry Sir I should have recognized you. *Looks at girl and laughs* I've seen her face on posters before. Good luck with questioning. She may just end up leading you to her friends. *Waves them on*

*Shifts position as I stare out the window and we enter the tunnel. The same tunnel that the Fab Four entered the city, but never came out. A chill runs down my spine thinking this could be the last time I see the zones. We emerge from the tunnel and enter the city. *

[Toxic Panda]

*The city looks just the same since the last I've been here. The memory of one of my first raids pops in my head. That night I made a new family. I remember Poison Shot and Retro Rebel were there. I remember tagging along with Calamity Queen, fighting off Dracs for some reason I forget. Then the Christmas Eve raid comes to mind as we come to the tower. The one in Japan was much bigger and much harder to take down. Pain clutches my heart as I think of my friends and I glance out the window of the car. I don't even know if they are still even alive.* I think we may need some help before we go in.

*Looks over at her as she takes her radio out of her bag and messes with the dials.* Are you sure about that? It would be easier for us to just go in. Not a big group. *I drive past the tower and head for Harmony Lane. I pull up to an old looking house with chipped white paint and stop the car*

*I look at Statix and get out of the car. I stare at the house and close my eyes. This used to be our house. Before I even knew what BLI was up to.* Trust me I think we'll need all the help we can get Statix. *I walk toward the house and lift the rug up off the ground. I pick up the key that is laying there and unlock the door. I open it up and step inside.

[Toxic Panda]

*Everything looked exactly the way that I remembered. The Plain white walls and red carpet. Empty frames decorated the dusty fireplace as I walked into the living room. The lights refused to turn on as I flipped the switch. I go to the desk by the window and notice an old photo album. I open it and find pictures of my family.* We were just kids. Dad had no idea that any of this would happen. *Theres a picture of Statix and I as kids playing in the yard. I slam the album shut, not wanting those memories to come back.*

*I enter behind Panda* Thats why he moved us. To try and keep us safe. *I pause* But look were it got us Panda. You run around in the scorching hot desert risking your life for God knows what. And I'm always worried that an Exterminator dusted you out there!

There's no need to worry I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for almost my entire life now, no thanks to you. *I turn and look disappointed* I'm out there fighting for what I believe is right! I thought you would do the same! Instead your hiding behind a desk acting like one of them! *I sit on the black dusty sofa and stare at the floor.* Who knows maybe your still one of them.