Love & War 6: Replicants
Chapter 13: I'm a Human Being
Melody awoke in the cot. She was now at the HW bunker. She could hear a ruckus outside. As she stepped out, she could see Chris beating the living shit out of Jin.
"What have you done with my daughter?"
"I told her the truth. Multiple companies have now begun a bidding war at her expense."
"In other words, you're setting her up to have her killed!"
"I am not interested in Melody, but only her alliance with us could stop them."
"You imbeciles could never leave her alone, could you? It's true you're trying to redeem yourself, but you have a lot to answer for. For now, I'll let you live. Away with you."
Jin left. Chris went to check on Melody. She was gone. He then found her in her car, crying. Chris couldn't believe that Melody is wanted by multiple corporations, whether it is to use her as a military tool, or conquer Earth. Regardless, he knows he cannot allow them to take her away, which is an incredibly difficult task.
"Melody?"
"Dad... Why can't they just leave me alone?! I'm a human being, not some war machine! What the hell am I doing? Now I'm in some stupid tournament! Why do I have to be punished?!"
"It's all my fault. If i haven't joined the Homefront Warriors, none of this would be happened. I would've been there to protect you. But I failed. And because of my 20-year cryostasis, you ended up at war where you weren't supposed to be, but yet you saved the world. And now..."
"Dad, it doesn't matter which corporations win. I'm going to die either way."
"Not if I can help it. Besides, don't forget you have friends in high places. I told you before that we will protect you, and damn it, that's what I'll do. I lost you twice. I'll be damned if the third becomes the charm!"
Jade and Tanya came out. "Melody..."
Melody couldn't speak.
"She is completely distraught, Jade. She has way too much weight on her shoulders as is," said Tanya.
"Tanya's right," Chris said. "This is becoming way too much for her. She's only human."
"I know," said Jade. "There's still more for me to learn about her. What have I done?"
"What do you mean?"
"I placed her as general of the Edenian Freedom Fighters. I knew she could do it, but the burden is too heavy."
"Are you saying you're relieving her of her duties?" Asked Tanya.
"I can't allow her to carry such a heavy burden. She's already the commander of the Homefront Warriors. That's more than enough for her. Terrible things have been happening under her feet. I look at her, this woman is our greatest soldier, and it's up to us to protect her. She needs allies now more than ever."
Chris nodded in agreement as Jade approaches Melody.
"Melody, are you ok?"
"I'm not sure if I ever will be, with all the madness going on."
"Listen, Jin told us everything while you were out."
"It was a rather unpleasant experience," said Tanya.
"Mel, as of today, I'm relieving you of your duties as general of the Edenian Freedom Fighters."
"You are carrying too heavy a burden to commandeer two armies," Tanya agreed.
"I will inform Queen Sindel of your situation. In the meantime, your next challenge is in Ireland against Nina Williams."
"I can't believe she murdered dad's parents."
"She has still to answer for that crime, but as of now, she joined us out of necessity. Go on, my child, and may the Elder Gods watch over you.