The girl's name was Riley Abel. She was very young and very brave and very, very headstrong. She'd fought to get to me and fought to get me to listen, and I'd told her she'd die if she didn't fuck off and go home.
Well, maybe that was putting it too nicely.
I'd tied her up and threatened her with a gun and still she'd come back, and that kind of resolve warrants recognition.
So I'd had her dog tag made. It was bright and new, the only dents were the letters of her name stamped into the soft metal. It'd been a long time since I'd seen a brand new tag- the ones on even the newest fireflies are worn dark by the years, dented and bent, more scratch then surface. We don't get many new recruits, anymore.
Truth is, I can't really say no to this girl. We're dying out. The fireflies are on the brink of extinction, and a girl like Riley, a girl with all the conviction I used to have, she could turn the tide.
There was only one hang-up.
It was another girl- one I'd promised to keep safe. Riley's best friend, who'd follow her anywhere- even into the line of fire. I couldn't risk that. I might not be much anymore, but at least I kept my promises.
I'd thought for a good long time about what to do- how to keep Ellie safe and Riley with us. I knew all too well how dangerous a friendship could be in this world. It's what trapped me with the Ellie problem in the first place.
Knowing what I know about these two, there was only one way to keep Ellie from following her friend- and it was to move Riley somewhere that she couldn't be followed. Another city, where they couldn't talk, where (I hoped) they'd drift apart and forget about each other.
And now Riley is sitting outside my office, waiting for my verdict. I can hear her fidgeting through the door, impatient, anxious, hoping only for my approval, for her acceptance into the fireflies. When I reach for the intercom I hesitate for only a moment.
"Come on in, Riley."
She walks in with her back ramrod straight and her shoulders squared, hands jammed deep into pockets. She looks me straight in the eye, all cocky teenager and trying-too-hard.
"Relax."
If anything, the girl gets more tense, jaw tightening around an uncomfortable smile, glancing away to stare at her feet.
"And welcome to the fireflies."
Riley's eyes flicker to mine, this desperate hope flashing across her face, and God she's young, she's so young.
I pass over her dog tag, and the girl lights up, still professional, still at attention, but all smiles and bright eyes, holding the tag like it's some precious thing, something delicate to be cradled and treasured.
She reaches up to fasten it around her neck, and I bite through my conscience to deliver the news.
"You're transferring to your post in the morning. Be here at 7 sharp."
Riley's hands freeze at the clasps of the chain, and she's looking up at me with questions in her eyes.
I pretend not to notice.
"We're moving you to another city where they need reinforcements, so have your bags packed."
I don't meet her eyes, but I can see her fighting with herself, see her bite her lip and ball her fists.
"Bullshit." She says, then winces.
"Excuse me?"
Riley flinches, but she doesn't really back down, just squares her jaw and takes a deep breath.
"I said its bullshit. I know you need reinforcements in this city, you know I have friends here. You can't just up and move me like that, it's bullshit and you know it."
"Then give back the tag, Abel. You can transfer, or you can leave right now."
Dead silence. pin-drop silence. When I look back at Riley, I see something in her break.
Her eyes drop. Her shoulders curl in a little. Her eyes go wet, but tears don't spill over, and despite myself I'm impressed.
"Okay," she says, after a long moment. "I'll be here in the morning."
When I dismiss her, She lets herself out, head high and feet dragging.
When I'm sure she's out of range, I radio the guards.
"If you see a girl sneaking out tonight, don't stop her. She's got my leave. Notify me if she's not back by morning"
Knowing what I know about Riley, she'll try to leave and say goodbye.
And hell, who am I to stop her? In this world, few enough of us get to leave on our own terms, let alone say goodbye.
Besides, I was certain that she'd be back by morning.