October, 2046, post war, pre happening.

“Alright kiddo, when I stop this car, i need ya to take this box down to that alley way to your left, then run straight back to da car. Alright?” A rugged man in a wrinkled suit instructed the kid in the back of his car, the kid nodded in response.

the car screeched to a stop, “alright kid, go go go” the kid quickly unbuckled and opened the car door, box in tow. Doing as told, they placed the box in the alley, then 180ed to the car. After Dashing into the car, and slamming the door shut, the car started driving off before the kid could buckle back up.

The man looked back at the kid as he drove off, “good job kid, keep up that no question attitude and you’re gonna do great” stopping in a parking lot a couple blocks down, the man tossed the kid 50 bucks, “here ya go kid, now get outta here”

without a word, the kid took the money and left, ‘50 bucks to place a box? What a steal’ as they walked out of the parking lot, an explosion rang out from a couple blocks past them, and the man in the car sped off. the kid, distracted by the payment, walked down the street, paying no mind to what transpired.

——————————————————

july, 2048,

A 16 year old was standing at a table, listening to an old man in their 70s next to them. various doohickeys and parts were scattered on the table. “Now, a lot of your everyday household items can be used for dangerous stuff stik, for example this nail polish remover has acetone in it, excellent for fires.” The man lectured

the teenager silently listened, as the old man continued “while you can use improvised tools of destruction in a pinch, its better to use the stuff made for the job” the man lifted up a remote explosive as he said this, “after all, thats what the black market is for heh heh”

The old man handed the young lad the bomb and a folded sheet of paper, “I’ll teach ya, how to make some home ‘science projects’ when you get back. For now the details are in the paper, go on now, get”

the 16 year old obeyed, thinking to themself, ‘this is an easy job, maybe I’ll stop for a bite on my way back’. They pocketed the paper, on it was an address and a name, a normal errand for them.

——————————————————

May, 2052

a 20 year old sat in a car watching across the street, they tapped their foot impatiently, hands fidgeting with an device. Muttering the lyrics to a classic as they waited.

I pretend that I’m happy, but I’m mr. blue.

I pretend that I’m happy, since I lost you

A minute and 15 seconds passed,

I pretend that I’m carefree, but what am I

I pretend that I’m carefree, but I’m living a lie

across the street, a man with two body guards got into a vehicle and began to drive off. Their unknown watcher sighed “about time” a click resounding as they pressed the object in their hand. Simultaneously to the click, the car they were watching went up in flames.

tossing the detonator to the floor of the car, the mysterious person quipped, “and… done” and pulled out from their parking spot, driving away.

—————————————————

November, 2053

a figure stood in court, stoically, with an unwavering expression. The jury talked amongst themselves before being silence by the judges gavel.

the judge began reading the verdict, “Mallory Hendrickson the court finds you guilty of” a loud thud repeatedly interrupted what the judge was saying “we hereby sentence you to life in prison with no parole,” the thudding returned, shaking mal from their sleep

November, 2053 present day

mal got up, woken by the banging, “what?” They groggily said, before realizing what the culprit was, “shit”