Cannon fodder

Inside, Edward and his Primes are looking at a map projected on a wall. You simply walk towards them, unsure of what to do.

"Take a seat," Edward instructs. Whatever is happening, one thing is for sure: there are no friendly vibes towards you whatsoever. Now you understand that it's worse than Jenny described it.

You find a chair, and Edward hands you a tablet. They continue their discussion while you read what he gave you. It turns out the crazy fuckers want to attack all the research facilities and production hubs for the ****, all at the same time, in a coordinated mass attack with every other pack.

The crazy fuckers want to start a war.

"Are you guys crazy? There is no coming back from this."

They stop their discussion when they hear you speak. You can't believe this is happening.

"Things have already been decided. It's not your place to object to anything. Your orders are on page 20."

"Why do we have to take him with us? Just let his bitch lead the dregs of the pack..."

"Careful with your words, Darius, or I'll cut off your dick and shove it up your throat," Adriana snarls. You doubt she got angry on your behalf. It's more likely a personal issue, and she's upset with him for whatever reason, but you appreciate her move, regardless.

"I'm sure he would rather redeem himself on the battlefield than rot away in a cell. Isn't that right, Max?"

You look back at him in disbelief. This is not about you proving yourself; it's about starting a world war. There will be no future either way. "Sure..."

"This is your last chance. Don't mess this up and **** my trust."

"Be grateful, you fucking bastard!" adds Darius like a good lackey.

"Yeah, yeah." You dismiss him and continue reading.

"Can you believe him? If it wasn't for..."

"Just leave him be..." Edward interrupts, and they continue discussing tactics.

It turns out the reason you're being left out of the conversation is because you are the primary attacking ****. You are the tip of the spear, meant to break everything in your path and bear the brunt of the enemy's attack. In other words, you are nothing more than cannon fodder.

And it's not just you, but everyone that followed you. Maybe it's better to just bail in the middle of it. But can you survive being hunted by werewolves, humans, and vampires? Can you make the whole world your enemy? On the other hand, at least you'd be alive.

You try to question the plan a few more times, but Edward dismisses your worries. Eventually, you understand that you really don't have a say in this operation. Sensing your dissatisfaction, he doesn't hesitate to make a veiled threat against your loved ones. You're sure he will not shed a tear if you die. In fact, he'll probably celebrate it. Fucking bastard.

Eventually, Edward ends the meeting and gives you the tablet so you can fully memorise it and present it to your squad members.

"Remember, Max, no fuckups!"

Sometimes it is better to shut up and smile, and that is exactly what you do despite the veiled threats against your family. He may not have said it directly, but he made sure you understand that he would kill anyone even remotely related to you, along with their families. He'll probably hint the same thing to them so he can be sure they keep an eye on you, just so you don't get any wild ideas.

As you walk out of the room to go and meet your friends, you wonder if you can even fix this. Can you go back to how things were? Do you abandon your family and hope he will not make a move? Do you obey orders and jump into the meat grinder?

You hate it when you have no control over anything that is happening. You are sick of people deciding things for you.