Stupid muse. If I ever meet you I'm going to punch you in your proverbial throat. It's your fault this took so long.

A great big thanks to my reviewers: Schizo Zee Techie, LiquoriceLaw, Eight 0f Hearts, messynotebooks, anon, and Temarcia!

xXx

First thing's first: I need food, water, and shelter.

I rummage through the wreckage of a house. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll find something good.

In the course of nine hours, I'd gone through 4 houses and uncovered over two four-litre containers of drinkable water. I'd found food that, within rations, could last me a couple days. I still hadn't found a weapon, though, which unnerved me. What if I got attacked?

With that sudden, alarming thought, something kicked in my brain and I started running from where I had been standing to the nearest abode I could find.

Which wasn't easy; I had literally wandered into the middle of nowhere.

The fact that I was alone and it was dark kept me going, feeding my adrenaline as fear nipped at my heels like a crazed dog with mange.

xXx

Not soon enough, I found a small, home-like structure that looked like it contained only three or four rooms.

I burst into it, realizing all too late that something could have been resting inside, something that could be twice my size and a hell of a lot more dangerous.

Fuck, I think. I need to be more careful. I stop in my tracks and proceed haltingly- although nothing jumps out at me. I deem myself safe, for now, and commence raiding the house. I'm lucky; although I didn't find any water, I found a couple cans of soup, a few cans of beans, and a can of ravioli. One of the cans of beans is open slightly. I set it back down on the broken counter in the kitchen and continue on my search.

xXx

A tattered blanket. A pack of beef jerky. The canned goods. A colourful tote bag with the words 'YOUNG AND LOADED' printed on the sides. I put my findings in the bag, take a sip of water.

I wish I had a damn can opener.

I take a couple bites of the dried meat. Its saltiness mixed with Cajun seasonings make my eyes water.

I fucking hate Cajun.

Later, I rest in a fitful doze, blanket doing nothing to keep me warm in the plummeted winter temperatures.

xXx

I was into my third day of walking when I walked up an outcropping of debris and I saw it.

Someone.

I walk faster, the bag hitting me in the back of the knees in my haste. I stumble a bit as I reach the top of the hill.

No.

Fucking no.

I bring my hands up in a questioning manner. "Wha-"

"Have a seat."

The voice brought back memories from before the fallout. Haughty with false pride, his Russian accent giving his words a commanding tone, yet contains the slightest hint of humour.

"How the hell are you-"

"Have a seat."

"How long have you been out here fo-"

"Have a seat." He indicates to the chair across from him, staring at me fixedly.

I sat.

"I have been reviewing your rezúmë," He says seriously, tenting his fingers together in a business-like manner. "Your presence in this organization is acceptable." I raise my eyebrows at him.

Was he serious? I look around. It was oddly lucky that there was an office desk placed strategically where it would be of utmost convenience to him. There, hanging on the remains of a wall, rested a picture. 'Employee of the month' was scrawled in what looked like chalk around the picture's damaged frame.

A jolt went through my body as I saw the picture.

It was him! The desk-jockey-turned-tour-guide. How does Seven know about him…?

I shake the thoughts from my head. That doesn't matter now; we need to get out of here before ANNET sends a drone.

"Okay, yes, wonderful. Listen, we must hurry-"

My sentence was cut short by feet getting set down heavily on the desk. He reclines casually in his chair, arms behind his head. "Now. Time for zee interview."

"Listen, Seven," I say, rising from my seat. "I really don't have time for thi-"

"You are not leaving until we are finished." He brandishes the mug that I know too well, probably for emphasis.

"What do you mean I can't leave until the interview is over?"

He raises the mug a bit higher. Steam pours from the top. I don't want to know what's in there.

I sink back down onto my chair.

Over the course of the next two hours, we go through what he called an interview.

"No! I'm not filling out this 20 page application!" The mug was slightly raised.

"Use number 2 pencil? Where am I supposed to get a number 2 pencil?" He handed me one. "Give this back. My good friend Steve let me borrow his office today. That pencil is his most treasured possession."

"My references? What? You worked under me for years!" He stared fixedly at me. I grumbled and wrote down what I could remember.

"This is ridiculous!" It really was.

"Why would you want my email?" The internet has been down since you spilled tea on the servers!

"Why would you even need to know whether I can dance salsa?" He spread his arms. "All to be revealed if you prove yourself as a worthy minion!"

I look around hastily. "ANNET's drones could be here any moment!"

"No, I'm not giving you my phone number!" I don't even remember it!

Short chapter is short ;A;

So I really don't have an idea on what to do next—HELP ME~

Every review will be loved and cherished by me!

Thanks for reading,

xoSoul