Otrera

“You'll need to go back to the pharmacist tomorrow.”

Andrea turned her head to the nurse.

“So soon? I was there yesterday, I've got my entire weeks-”

“No, no there's been a change in your prescription.” The nurse interrupted, leafing through the clipboard in his hand. “We're taking you off some of the somatostatins, but you'll keep taking them for the rest of the week. The pharmacist will tell you everything”.

The nurse opened the curtain, and Andrea slipped down off the bed. At this level, she towered a mighty two feet over the nurse, as he wrote something on his clipboard.

“I was wondering,” started Andrea, but the nurse cut her off.

“I'm sorry lieutenant, but I really don't know anything more than that, report to the pharmocology building tomorrow for-”

“No, I had another question.” Broke in Andrea nervously. She was suddenly filled with trepidation, and wished she hadn't said anything. She knew exactly what she wanted to say, but here, in the moment, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She wrung her hands together, aware of how sluggish and unwieldy they were.

“It's nothing” She said to her feet. “I'll see you next week Finn”.

“Sure” muttered the nurse, now back to writing on his clipboard.

Andrea walked out of the medical building absolutely furious with herself. After last week, when Finn had complemented her on her hair, she'd been excited. She'd always though he was cute, and a scan of his social media only warmed her heart, as she found similarities in their interests. She had been wanting to ask him out for weeks, but she couldn't face it. Why would he ever accept, she asked herself. Andrea knew she was hideous, some kind of monster. 7 feet tall, muscled like a god, and with a low rough voice, she was no lady. The drugs and regimes she took had stripped her of her femininity, she knew that, but she had still desperately wanted to ask the nurse out on a date. The argument inside her had been running on for 4 long years, since she started the program. She always knew she would never be the same, never have the lithe figure and attractive eyes she celebrated in her youth. They'd warned her about how her appearance would change, and it didn't take her long to realise she'd have trouble with men. But she was so excited for Finn, she had been replaying conversations in her head every day for the last week. She was so sure she could somehow talk him into it, without his laughing or wryly declining. But in the end the problem wasn't him, it was her. “The superwomen, too scared to utter a word” she sadly muttered to herself, allowing herself a slight smile.

“Lieutenant Walker!”

Andrea turned, and immediately stood to attention as the General strode confidently across the tarmac towards her.

“At ease, Lieutenant”. He said, and Andrea relaxed.

“How can I help you sir?” Andrea asked, as she cleared her head of thoughts about the pretty nurse.

“I'm afraid we're rescheduling your press conference for this afternoon for tomorrow. There's been a change, one of the larger networks has announced it wants a full interview”

“An interview?” Replied Andrea, trying not to let her excitement show.

“Yes, I can't say who, but I'm sure you can guess” The general said, smiling. “The presentation our team in London did yesterday about your counterpart across the Pond caused quite a stir.”

“Anything concrete, sir?”

“No, no.” The general sadly looked away across the courtyard to the tall wall surrounding the compound. “I'm still hope Ms Lawrence can be persuaded back into the program, but we'll have to see”. He turned back to Andrea, and smiled again. “Walk with me for a minute will you?”

He walked leisurely down the pavement, Andrea awkwardly following his slow gait.

“Now, in the event that you do get a full interview, I'm afraid there's certain things we'll need you to say”.

Andrea's heart fell, and she suddenly new that she wouldn’t be allowed to say anything she wanted tomorrow. Yet again, she would just be another microphone for DARPA, and it's female combatant program.

“Of course sir, the usual?” She asked despondently.

“Yes, yes. Drug use, fitness programs, the works. I won't bother briefing you again, I'm sure you remember.”

He stopped by the wall of the compound, and turned to Andrea.

“You realise, that if you say the right thing, this could mean a serious cash bonus to us. The program, the entire initiative, and eventually you. Just if you keep your silence.”

Andrea didn't scowl, it was unprofessional, but couldn't help tightening her lips a little.

“I see you don't take well to the news?” The general said, before continuing. “It's all a matter of appeasement you see Lieutenant. If you say everything you know they want to hear, they'll all be delighted.”

“Who will, sir?” Asked Andrea, slightly confused where the general was going with this.

“Oh you know, all those who paid and supported us. The Vice-president for one, she was a huge supporter of the program. And of course the non-profits that kept us afloat during the early days. And I suppose it'll shut the Germans up, bleating on about how the female body's only capable of 60% of the male body.”

The general looked up at Andreas massive arms, and her barrel chest.

“You're quite something Walker, I ever tell you that?”

“Often, sir” Said Andrea.

“Well then. You know what to do.”

Andrea did, but she didn't want to.

Written by Me.