I can't do it. I can't hold it in anymore. I have to write. I just love Falling Skies so much... :')

Before I begin this story you all need to know something. I am a spurt updater. That means I update a bunch at one time and then I don't write for a while and go do stuff with my nearly non-existant life. I have discovered that the only seemingly effective way to get me to update is to BADGER ME. I seriously have issues where I won't update and I need my readers to remind me that I need to write. So yes, the badger technique is in fact effective. I hate it when people are upset with me and so if enough people are, I will most likely update:) I don't know why I'm such a lazy sack of bones, but I am. :P

I'd also like to note that tears were shed in my household when Jimmy died. He was seriously my absolute favorite character of all time. EVER.

THIS STORY STARTS BEFORE KAREN IS FOUND. So before the last episode. :) This is a multi chapter story! So keep an eye out for new chapters!:) I can't wait to start writing!:)

Final Note: There will be romance and stuff like that in this story but I will definitely be writing more about the 2nd Mass and the characters. A good story doesn't come without a little romance, but I really want to aim and try to write a different way. This isn't some Falling Skies love story, this is about a girl named Heather who is trying to survive and aid the 2nd Mass in whatever way she can. This is about a girl who wants to be a fighter and has to prove herself.

I hope you enjoy it.

~NumberSixteen

Pang!

The can flew off the log and landed on the ground with a gaping bullet hole in the side.

"Nice shot kid. You're getting better."

Maggie complimented and I smiled. For the third time that week, Maggie had taken me out shooting. And for the third time that week, I'd hit every target accurately. Maggie had been taking me out for months now, teaching me how to shoot and defend myself if the time ever came. Now I was comfortable with the dangerous weapon in my hands and I felt like I was skilled with it. The more I shot, the more I wanted to use my new found skills for something. Yes, I want to be a fighter.

Maggie wouldn't let me be a fighter in a million years. She practically adopted me the moment I joined the 2nd Mass. My dad was dead and I have no idea where my mom and two sisters are. I literally had nobody left, but Maggie took me under her wing and started to be the big sister I never had. She looked out for me and for everyone else here. She was strong and protective. I look up to her. She stepped up when fighters were needed. She knows wrong from right and she enforces the right. I want to be just like her..

"Thanks." I cocked the gun and took another shot, knocking another can off the log.

Maggie waltzed over and put out her hand. "Here. I need my gun back. I have patrol in an hour."

I handed her the gun and waggled my eyebrows teasingly at her. "With Hal..?"

"Yes, with Hal." She squinted her eyes suspciously at me. "Is there something you want to say?"

I chuckled before shaking my head. She gave me another questioning look before tucking away her gun and beginning the short walk back to the Hospital. I caught up to her and walked beside her. We were silent for a few minutes before I spoke up. "Maggie?"

"Yes Heather?" She tucked a blond lock of hair behind her ear.

I took a deep breath. "I want to ask Weaver if I can join the fighters."

"What!" Maggie whirled to face me and came to a stop.

"I'm ready! I can hit every target, no sweat! I am definitely old enough! I mean Ben is my age and Jimmy was only thirteen!" I babbled, trying to get all my reasons out before Maggie could cut me off. Last time I checked I was fifteen, nearing sixteen. I don't know the date, but I'm pretty sure I'm sixteen by now. I'm plenty old enough to become a fighter. If I can step up to the plate, then I should.

Maggie looked furious. "And Jimmy is dead, Heather." Maggie spat out immediately. "You know why Jimmy is dead? Because he was young, and he made a dumb decision to go out Skitter hunting! I said no! For the millionth time, Heather. No. I don't want you to become a fighter."

This made my blood boil. I'm naturally quick to anger and I squared up my shoulders, making me look a little bigger. "I am not some weak little bird that is going to just sit around and do nothing! All I do is eat the food and cower! I want to do something! I want to fight! I want to be what people will tell their children about one day! Why don't you want me to fight? I'm more than capable! Why not?"

Maggie let out a breath she was holding. Her face fell and she looked broken. "Because... If... If you'd seen the things..." She ran a hand over her face. "The things I've seen. That Hals seen. That any of the fighters have seen, you'd understand. This isn't a game, Heather. This is war. With death and blood and some things I never want to speak of. Heather, I don't want this for you."

I was silent for a moment, taking in her words. At first I didn't know what to think, nonetheless say, but as I thought about it, I realized that those were sacrifices people have to make to protect. I want to take those sacrifices. I want to put my life on the line. I want to fight and defend the helpless. I met Maggie's eyes before taking a deep breath and standing tall. "I am my own person. I can do what I want. I want to become a fighter, and I will do my damn well best to become one. I want to protect these people and if I have to make sacrifices, then I will."

Maggie stared at me. Her eyes seemed somber as they bore into mine. She knew there wasn't anything she could do or say. I was my own independent person and I will make my own desicions. She chuckled and shook her head. "I never should have taught you how to shoot, kid."

I shrugged. "If you didn't, I probably would have taught myself."

Maggie chuckled and led the rest of the way back to the Hospital. "We'll talk to Weaver tonight, okay? After I get back from patrol." She saw me open my mouth to tease, but cut me off. "Yes. With Hal." I'm glad she wasn't too upset, but now she has all the more reason to worry about me.

I sat around outside as I waited for Maggie and Hal to return from patrol. People were bustling about, making sure things were in order and the gasoline for the generator was holding up. There is so much to do all the time! Soon enough though, my time will be spent fighting and protecting. I could hardly wait! I've wanted to be a fighter since the moment I shot a gun. That is why every time Maggie would have free time, I'd beg her to take me shooting. The sooner I could shoot, the better. I wanted to impress everyone with my hidden skill.

I noticed a commotion to my right as two fighters exited the Hospital. I recognized one as Ben. He's Tom Mason's son. Everyone knows Ben though. He's what everyone calls 'Razor Back.' He's one of the kids who were harnessed and rescued. I wonder what it must be like to be him. He faced the Skitters himself. He had been through hell and high water. I can't even imagine... I shivered at the thought of being harnessed.

I watched as he and the other fighter climbed into a truck and sped off. How old was he? He had to be around my age if not a little older. He'd been fighting for the 2nd Mass the moment he got that harness off his back. I envied how he got to fight at so young. If he could do it, why couldn't I? I was just as ready as he was.

The thought of fighting excited me. I itched to be out in the field. I wonder what my first assignment will be and what kind of gun I will get. It's all so exciting!

Why are Maggie and Hal taking so long! Patrols take forever!

BEN P.O.V.

Weaver stared at the girl incredulously. "You want to what?"

The girl tucked a brown lock of hair behind her ear before taking a breath and standing tall. "I want to become a fighter."

We all just stared at her. She was a small girl. Around four or five inches shorter than I was. Standing in the middle of the room surrounded by tall grown men, she seemed even smaller. She had long dark brown hair that she left natural and curly. She had enormous blue eyes that were all you could see when looking her in the face. She didn't look like a fighter at all. She looked like someone who would babysit Matt before the Aliens invaded.

I sniggered at her, first to make a sound. I shifted my weight only my other foot as she spun her head to glare at me. "Excuse me?" She spat. "Why are you laughing?"

I gestured to her. "Well, it's obvious you aren't fit to be a fighter. I mean I bet you haven't seen a gun in your life, let alone shot one. You'd just get us all killed."

If looks could kill, I would be dead. The look she sent me was so nasty, I was almost regretful of my comment. She let off a slight 'hmph' before marching over to me and throwing out her hand. Her foot tapped angrily on the dirt. "Give me your gun."

It took me a moment to register her demand but I eventually sneered at her and shook my head, placing a protective hand over my gun. "You'd probably kill us."

This girl was pissed off beyond belief now. "Give me the gun. I won't ask again."

"Good." I started to take a step back before my dad spoke up.

"Just give her the gun, for gods sake. We don't have all day, Ben." Tom rolled his eyes at me.

I squinted at the girl for a minute before taking my gun from it's holster and holding it out. "Here." I cocked it. "I'll cock it for you. You do that before you can fire." I mockily handed her the gun.

"Gee, thanks." She took the gun and held it in her palm for a moment. She balanced it, feeling the weight before nodding in approval. She closed her fingers over it and switched off the safety. She glanced around as he index finger fell over the trigger. She was looking through the trees for god knows what when suddenly, she snapped around, pointed the gun, and fired the pistol.

I won't lie when I say everyone standing there, aside from Maggie, flinched at the sudden movement. When we all turned to see what she shot, a bird was falling from a tree and hitting the ground. Everyone looked dumbfounded for a moment as they watched her. Even me. Where did she learn to shoot like that?

I watched as she spun the gun around her finger and offered it to me. I reached out to take it, but she teased and pulled it back, cocking it hautily. "Oh, here. Let me cock it for you." She offered the gun again and this time, I snatched it before she could tease again.

"Lucky shot." I squinted at her.

Weaver cut in. "Hardly that. What'd you say your name was again?"

"Heather." She stood up tall to the Commander and looked him in the eye.

I couldn't help but speak. "Heather what?"

She glared at me again. "Just Heather."

I caught the warning look from my dad and shut up but watched as Weaver spoke to Heather again.

"Well 'just Heather,'" Weaver came forward so he could stand directly in front of her. "Where did you learn to shoot like that?"

She smirked at the 2nd Mass Commander before answering. "Someone great taught me." I noticed her slight glance to Maggie and I couldn't help but smile to myself.

"Well then, Heather." The Commander held out his hand. "We could always use another fighter."

A grin broke out onto her face as she shook his hand vigorously. "I won't let you down, sir!"

"Now..." Weaver glanced around. "You'll be partnered with Ben." His eyes landed on me.

"What!" Both Heather and I shouted.

Weaer shook his head. "After Jimmy's unfortunate and untimely death, god bless his soul, Ben is left without a partner. Besides, you two seem to have trust issues. You need to be able to count on the people you're fighting with. I expect you two to work this out and be good fighters. Do you understand?"

"But-" I began but Weaver cut me off.

"No buts, Ben. You're Heather's partner and I expect you both to run the 0700 patrol. Heather, head off to the ammunitions room and pick yourself out a gun. The rest of you, go do whatever it is you're supposed to be doing. Dismissed."

Everyone left, aside from Heather and I. She turned and gave me a suspicious look. "I don't like you, Ben."

"Good." I smirked. "I don't like you either. Lets just do our rounds and watch eachothers back. We never have to get along."

"Deal." She threw me one last dirty look before setting off for the ammunitions room. She had some spunk, I'd give her that, but there is no way she'll be able to handle herself out on the field.

I watched her as she walked away, her brown hair bouncing with every step. She walked tall and determined. She so did not know what she was in for.

Yep. This would be interesting.

Thoughts? Opinions? I think it has potential! I have loads of ideas for this story and I can't wait to crank them out for you guys! I'll probably update tomorrow around the same time, but I can't be sure of my plans right now.

Anyway, be looking out for the next chapter and rememer to BADGER ME when I don't update.

Please leave a review! Reviews motivate me the most to update sooner! I'd really appreciate it!:)

Thank you so much for the read!

~NumberSixteen