Lose hope...

Julie slumped back against the wall... The fire she felt moments before suddenly dying and leaving her spent. She almost had the courage to say "I will go with you!" But that would be foolish... Julie wasn't a soldier, she didn't know how to use a gun or fight with a team, all she could do was slow them down and guarantee their capture and ****. So Captain Maynard's decision to leave her behind seemed like the smart choice, especially if this mission of theirs could save the world. So with a heavy heart, Julie quietly got up and returned to the room, not even bothering to listen to the rest of their conversation.

Once back in the other room, Julie laid on her side, staring at the wall as she tried to keep it together. The Captain seemed like a kind woman, and from the sound of her voice she really didnt want to leave Julie behind, but sacrifices were neccasary in times of strife. Julie understood this, not that she liked it. And perhaps her team would succeed, retrieve this sample or whatever and come back for her. It was all she could hope for now. Julie would just have to hold out a little longer... That's all.

After a short while longer, Captain Maynard and Olivia returned, the two of them looking downcast. Julie sat upright as the Captain sat across from her, Olivia standing off to her side with crossed arms. "So... Julie, you have done well to make it this far but I um... I have.... not so good news," the Captain started. "Unfortunately our superiors want us to.... continue our recon mission further in, and we are unable to provide evac for you. We alerted them to your position and rescue teams will be on their way, so you will have to make it by yourself a bit longer." She averted eye contact with Julie when she finished speaking, unable to face the poor girl.

Julie felt a lump in her throat... She wanted to yell at Captain Maynard, to tell her to fuck off and get **** by bugs, that she was a traitor and a horrible person. But she felt that was wrong of her to think that.... Captain Maynard was just doing her job, it's not like she wanted to abandon Julie. "I... I understand. Y-You got your... Orders after all." Julie spoke in a quiet voice, doing her best to restrain her emotions. "Y-you have an important job after all..."

Captain Maynard seemed a little shocked, but quickly masked that with a slight smile. "Yes... I promise we will try to come back to you once our mission is done, you just have to... stay safe until then..." Julie nodded in response, unsure of what to say so she looked down.

Olivia walked over to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Her eyes were tearing up, and she suddenly reached for her holster and withdrew her pistol, taking out a magazine to check it before putting it back in and offering it to Julie. "Take this... It is not much but it might help."

Julie looked at the gun with wide eyes. "I have never held a gun before, are you sure?"

"Yes, I discussed it with the Captain and we wouldn't feel right leaving you completely defenseless, plus if the worst were to come you could... Well I am sure you understand." Julie simply nodded, hoping it would not come to that...

With that finished, the Captain returned to the other room while Olivia instructed Julie briefly on how to use the pistol. Julie didn't know much about guns, but she did her best to learn from the blonde medic. She also provided Julie with her spare magazines, two in total, and demonstrated how to reload it. Once they were done she gave Olivia a tight hug, quietly begging Olivia to not forget her. The Medic struggled to hold back her tears, patting Julie to try comfort her, telling her she would return for sure.

The rest of the time passed quickly, the soldiers getting their gear ready to make their way deeper into the city. Julie let them take some of her food and water supplies, as she had more than enough for herself. After an hour and a half passed, the Soldiers gathered up by the safe house door, bidding Julie farewell. Captain Maynard gave her a pat on the head and apologized once again while Olivia gave her another hug. Alexis shook her hand and told Julie to stay strong, while Rebecca just turned her head with a "Hmpf!" Having said their goodbyes they departed.... Leaving Julie alone once again...