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Bette woke up slowly, shivering in a back bedroom. Her eyelashes batted a few times before her eyes came to focus.585Please respect copyright.PENANApZa9opFbfx
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It reminded her of the days of scraping what little sleep she could have on her lumpy cot in off times of combat. But now her paranoia wasn't a top priority anymore; unfortunately it was still there.585Please respect copyright.PENANAxVZLe0MJiA
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She took a few long moments to realize she was not on the bunk beds near the battle fields, but inside S.T.A.R. Labs. Looking down her body she felt the cushion of a navy blue sweater with the S.T.A.R. Labs logo nearly touch the top of her chin. She was still wearing her purple shirt underneath. Her leather jacket was removed and placed over the metal chair in the corner of the room.585Please respect copyright.PENANAYSLRquKTK9
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Somebody must have taken it off and put the sweater over her top half. She bit her voice back as she rose from the bed, groaning as her neck was the last feeling that took a while to spring back to life.585Please respect copyright.PENANAYqBsBKbb1R
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She dreamed of nothing. Again. Ever since returning back from her mission her dreams had been non-existent or just were blatant nightmares. She heard a soft knock and numbly wiped away a tear that desperately wanted to slide down her face.585Please respect copyright.PENANAEoUBb0mMLZ
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Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.585Please respect copyright.PENANAm6l4et3tuL
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"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJYayJBH9D2
585Please respect copyright.PENANAkDE22bFQ4P
Bette composed herself, confirming she was okay to the doctor. For Bette, putting on some emotion was going to be hard all over again but she was going to try. She had a strong second chance, she reminded herself of that.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5vI4TzLKt3
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Bette's face stiffly smiled when Caitlin amicably returned a smile. She looked at Caitlin for a moment before clearing her throat, "Where's Barry and Cisco? Dr. Wells?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAF3Xs3NMvS3
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Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.585Please respect copyright.PENANA6aPKXxHUTh
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"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"585Please respect copyright.PENANARpqlPAFzwL
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Bette reluctantly agreed and stood up slowly from the bed, pulling the sweater she wore as she looked on it with curious eyes. Caitlin looked at her and slightly smiled.585Please respect copyright.PENANAOYuwWNDP2I
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"Barry saw that you were cold and he stayed with you until you fell asleep. I came in to wake him up and noticed he put a sweater on you. I'm sorry it was so cold in here. I wish there was a way you go back to home. Dr. Wells just wants you to be safe. General Eiling is a very unpredictable man. Plus we don’t know anything about him yet. Maybe Harrison could help us find out more."585Please respect copyright.PENANASAo17ZiZJw
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Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.585Please respect copyright.PENANAd6BKvtHY8V
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"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.585Please respect copyright.PENANAzxb1kCFKr1
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Bette bit her lip, looking away, nodding knowingly. "Sometimes I don't even fall asleep. And if I do, I stay awake most of the night. I don't know how I stayed asleep last night."585Please respect copyright.PENANAbp1tmnyQEd
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Caitlin nodded, attempting to understand her hardships. Both of them have been through a lot of trauma in their lives but on fairly different levels. Caitlin felt sympathetic to Bette; she wanted to know her better. Maybe they could become friends.585Please respect copyright.PENANAlE5S0S1RgW
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"I'm sorry."585Please respect copyright.PENANALzpspLqC3g
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Bette shrugged slightly as if it was routine, and in a way, it was. "I guess I thought my PTSD would stay with me for a long time."585Please respect copyright.PENANANahAaauKPH
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Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."585Please respect copyright.PENANAoyoBO1ckIw
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Bette wanted to smile but held back, her lips held tightly together and she almost broke down again but willed the last bit of emotional stamina she had left to dissipate everything.585Please respect copyright.PENANAM4nmBVeKBL
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She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAdog1wTT1Gc
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"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.585Please respect copyright.PENANAPkWJGN90Mg
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Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.585Please respect copyright.PENANAGagaiLbI0T
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Bette just stood there, watching aimlessly. It had been forever and a day since she sat down to properly eat. Most of the meals served in the army commissary were timed and soldiers barely socialized nor did they make eye contact with each other. If they did, it was for a very good reason.585Please respect copyright.PENANATCCdYWLpex
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Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAtF0tH6Vhum
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"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5AAPtAvm7R
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Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.585Please respect copyright.PENANASIJ6ECYF8m
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The two girls sat in silence for a few moments. The room was almost desolate. It looked like the lunch room of a cubicle office but with more stationed advanced cookery.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJK1UfiDLoX
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Caitlin handed Bette a warm wrapper on a paper plate and placed a couple napkins next to her. Near it were a couple of juice cartons.585Please respect copyright.PENANAmoiFm5anek
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"It's a breakfast bagel and some OJ. Cisco and I eat this all the time when we're on the go. You can start if you want." Caitlin slightly urged, pushing the plastic gloves more in front of her.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5p5lLnRYFT
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"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."585Please respect copyright.PENANAi6DcBlAOYg
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Caitlin smiled and drank a long sip from her cup. "It's alright. I would prefer a little silence in this place anyway. It's gotten more chaotic than I can keep up with sometimes. Assisting Barry fight crime isn't exactly a trip to the library. I'm always on call."585Please respect copyright.PENANAwsyOKtzvZN
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Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5v3tV5ZnpP
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"Thank you, for what you, Cisco and Barry did for me yesterday. I don't think my body could have survived those treatments if you didn't do what you did." She said sincerely.585Please respect copyright.PENANAoGuIg5wVfj
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Caitlin gingerly offered a comforting smile. "We couldn't do that to you. I just knew there was another way to help you. You're welcome."585Please respect copyright.PENANAIHGqey1z1m
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Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.585Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5F1qVeip9
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She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAshdTQPWEgL
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Caitlin bit from her bagel and wiped her hands on the napkin. "He's supposed to. Least that's what he wants to do with them. We're helping him realize that."585Please respect copyright.PENANALxwNcN4TTZ
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Bette took in what she said. "He must be really special then. I'm starting to get used to the idea that there is someone else out there like me."585Please respect copyright.PENANA0O5kVrBDDq
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The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.585Please respect copyright.PENANAg83Z78Sid1
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"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.585Please respect copyright.PENANAMyOoMB2Qik
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"Many?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAebCXWnpqjZ
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"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."585Please respect copyright.PENANA9h2YGnQ7ZS
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“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”585Please respect copyright.PENANAsZDfxrOJ4K
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Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.585Please respect copyright.PENANAueXINGrsZL
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"Were you hungry or...?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAAY9NFnR3rA
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Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.585Please respect copyright.PENANAfe6qA3pukB
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"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."585Please respect copyright.PENANAqPJsZD3IVo
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Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.585Please respect copyright.PENANA3gfmYTYUYv
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"You know, you and I have some things in common."585Please respect copyright.PENANATFt9PrcWGj
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Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.585Please respect copyright.PENANAlGuIY12KyF
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"I'm serious. I know it's probably uncomfortable living now the way you do. You've been through a lot of things that you can't relive again. The pain? Your pain, I know what it feels like."585Please respect copyright.PENANAO1inPu8tc1
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Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJVGrs3X8zq
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What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.585Please respect copyright.PENANAzzbWAGJEkL
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"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAaTFQVbGzNL
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Caitlin stood up to throw away her trash and sat back down, looking at Bette calmly. "I know what it's like to feel helpless in a situation. Knowing I could have done more."585Please respect copyright.PENANADK43jQJOrB
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Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."585Please respect copyright.PENANAHxC0WfgfaR
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The soldier finished her breakfast and they washed their hands before returning back to the main foyer. Bette had flashed back to last night as she remembered how Barry was with her. She couldn't believe someone stayed with her all night until she slept. It seemed unreal and almost out of character for someone to be so selfless. She hadn’t known that side of a human for a long time.585Please respect copyright.PENANA3OJkNFtNRF
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"Hmm, well I guess he's not here. Dr. Wells will be coming in soon. Cisco is always kind of late anyway. And Barry..." Caitlin trailed off looking at some paperwork on her desk.585Please respect copyright.PENANAXx5TqDjUrp
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"Where is Barry?"585Please respect copyright.PENANArSmdABrd9i
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Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJp2opGgjZo
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"Risking his life to save everyone. If you ask me he's in way over his head. He is a forensic scientist and an intelligent man. I’ve been around those guys and I know how they operate. He should not be eager to jump into Central City's chaos so abruptly, especially without evaluating the situation. Strategy and then execution, you know? Of course he doesn't have a habit of listening to me, or anyone for that matter. I can’t decide if he's being brave or reckless."585Please respect copyright.PENANAewRKGdr6lF
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Bette listened as she flashed back to the moment Barry told her he was using his gifts to help others. She watched as he almost sullenly expressed his need to use everything he had in his power to help, not questioning how dangerous it can be for him in the long run.585Please respect copyright.PENANAZ73mkQjvL2
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"Barry is stubborn then. I guess I can relate to that. My foster parents didn't want me volunteering for Iraq. I only wanted to make a difference and mean more than I was to people, which wasn't a lot anyway..." Bette said, looking as Caitlin sat down and began typing something into her computer.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5oGuHTXhhG
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She sighed and flicked her eyes between Bette and the computer screen. "Barry reminds me of how Ronnie was...he, well they are really similar. Ronnie was my fiancé 10 months ago. We were going to start our lives together and then when the particle accelerator malfunctioned, exploded, Ronnie thought he could fix it and he..."585Please respect copyright.PENANAAVtCVKE2Ll
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Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.585Please respect copyright.PENANAnLiHvVR4B1
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"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.585Please respect copyright.PENANACYkU5J9UOu
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The corner of Bette's lips curved, "Back where I come from, he would have been honored. Soldiers in combat sacrifice their lives for the greater good, it's the bravest honor I've seen any of my comrades do. They are all heroes."585Please respect copyright.PENANAqOmD6ugoCo
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Caitlin swallowed, hearing this a second time was getting easier, she had to stop fighting herself when it came to Ronnie. It was in the past; it was time to move on.585Please respect copyright.PENANApgjNRY38om
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"Barry said the same thing. You and he are quite similar." Caitlin said, typing one last key, sitting back in her chair looking at Bette fidgeting.585Please respect copyright.PENANABJBHsGU3XN
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Bette caught herself and stopped as she took the seat next to a desk to what looked like a bunch of venting machine snacks surrounding a computer screen.585Please respect copyright.PENANAuY8EbZNyzf
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"We're forced to be brave and not show emotions in the heat of the battle. I've gotten so used to being this way I don't know any other way to be. Barry, he's, he saved me, but I saw something in his eyes, when he looked at me for a moment. It wasn't a look I'd seen my comrades gave me when we save lives. Barry has compassion, his eyes have so much emotion, and he uses that when he fights. I use my anger and the last time I did I failed."585Please respect copyright.PENANAOCyJYw9jCQ
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Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.585Please respect copyright.PENANANlSEMRS5ap
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"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."585Please respect copyright.PENANAEGJxEEvjeL
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"Somehow I doubt that. Only you know what it feels like to be a meta-human. If only there was a way for you to understand it better."585Please respect copyright.PENANAMotvLSGh7I
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Bette was unsure. "You diagnosed the issue. Apparently I'm stuck with it forever. There's no way to fix it unless I had control over this. But I don't."585Please respect copyright.PENANAf9oXFNGpy5
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There was an uncomfortable silence that smothered the room. Neither Caitlin nor Bette were sure what to say and even if they did it'd be negated by the simple fact that it was going to take a miracle to solve this.585Please respect copyright.PENANA4Ebw4TmjKF
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"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAfrXgzU91Bp
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"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAIM0ZLP64Ji
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Bette reiterated. "That I couldn't. There was no way I could. My PTSD makes it difficult to control anything." She added while Caitlin's face almost lit up.585Please respect copyright.PENANALI0XuJIy4j
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"So this is a psychological prognosis, of course. Hold on." She grabbed her phone and sent out a quick message on it then turned back to Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANA0fdBREw1TI
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"PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder is a brain infraction...the personal affects stem only inside of the brain and can't be removed by sheer will. They have to actually be--I got it!" Caitlin nearly yelled and Bette was left scratching her head.585Please respect copyright.PENANAPi7SXB1FJp
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Caitlin's cell phone rang before Bette could ask any questions. "Yes, get down here immediately, I have something that may actually be plausible to Bette's issue."585Please respect copyright.PENANAFlIX3lXkL8
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Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAi37wlkO3Cs
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The doors to the headquarters' entrance opened suddenly and in rolled Dr. Harrison Wells with Cisco following behind him. Barry was nowhere in sight again.585Please respect copyright.PENANAiTv0w5Z6mb
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Bette almost wanted to escape for the second time, Dr. Wells was an ominous man and she didn't like it. Usually eerie individuals weren't to be trusted and in most cases were eliminated to protect the public from further destruction. Army mentality was still strong inside of her. Wells was holding her gaze but shifted his expression into a more professional welcome.585Please respect copyright.PENANALMRI4SroKN
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"Ms. Souci, pleasure to see you again." Dr. Wells said, looking at her just like he had when he told her to put a bullet in Eiling's brain.585Please respect copyright.PENANAgPau8nKfZ8
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This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5Thg86Nb1T
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His eyes went sharply from Bette's over to Caitlin frantically writing something down, "Caitlin, give me what you have and let all of us review it before acting."585Please respect copyright.PENANACEOVRGgZC4
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Cisco hopped over his desk and grabbed something wrapped off from it. "Uh, I don't mean to be a jerk but guys, isn't Barry part of this decision too? Like, shouldn't we wait for the dude?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAK0kC5N8giz
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Bette shared a soft look with Cisco; clearly he remembered Barry cared more about Bette than anyone else she knew in this room. The thought alone made her feel uncomfortable. She didn’t know if it was because Dr. Wells seemed to be ignoring Cisco or the fact that Barry cared as much as he did.585Please respect copyright.PENANAciOxzXATNm
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"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"585Please respect copyright.PENANA0xVj3A8KZJ
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Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.585Please respect copyright.PENANAf66p51ADb4
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Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.585Please respect copyright.PENANAq8pSX03xa2
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Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAHXi0LQCbY1
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She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."585Please respect copyright.PENANAuGElqhNK5H
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Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAQSWrl1a67s
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Bette was uncomfortable, she didn't like the way Dr. Wells periodically looked at her as if something was her fault. In this case, how could it be? She didn't blow anything up with her abilities. This one wasn't on her. Why was he still looking at her like it was?585Please respect copyright.PENANAAp5zHHUrom
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She wanted to help Caitlin and Cisco but she kept behind the controls, pacing nervously until something sounded right on the feedback end.585Please respect copyright.PENANAHlah9WtZxW
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Suddenly, all the papers in the room flew up and a coughing Barry was lying in the center of the room, trying to stand up.585Please respect copyright.PENANAG51vjyEMnq
585Please respect copyright.PENANAsnb9UMEr5e
Barry picked up his head, attempting to regain his senses again. His face was bruised and his lip had a cut on the corner of it. His eyes focused around the room, trying to find Bette. She was ok, he collapsed as Caitlin and Cisco came to his aid.585Please respect copyright.PENANAXiqXlBOWFT
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Bette almost rushed to help them but held back when she felt her hands heat up. It was a sign she could render anything explosive. Bette turned around and ran back to the room she slept in, shutting the door.585Please respect copyright.PENANAFglehlGgyG
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She was useless and every bit of her felt that way. How was she going to survive anything when she couldn't control her powers? Barry made a mistake in saving her.585Please respect copyright.PENANA9d1GJFHVXn
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There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.585Please respect copyright.PENANABdABu7DE0Y
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"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."585Please respect copyright.PENANAqE8JTVq8AM
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“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.585Please respect copyright.PENANAIus6JUiNpJ
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“He is, Caitlin is with him and Dr. Wells is standing by. Are you alright?” Cisco asked; his concern for her imminent. 585Please respect copyright.PENANABvxRx82uxD
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“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.585Please respect copyright.PENANAeT1JBzxfUx
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Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.585Please respect copyright.PENANAdiaGPsemy1
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Bette followed Cisco back into the room as Caitlin began cleaning off Barry's cuts and scrapes. She didn't notice Bette come in and came out of it when Cisco cleared his throat. Bette felt her gloved hands, looking at Caitlin applying the alcohol to Barry's face, helping him onto the medical bed. He looked like he’d been through a brutal school yard fight. Bette hoped he didn’t suffer emotional trauma despite his fast healing.585Please respect copyright.PENANAF0P7PnlFMW
585Please respect copyright.PENANAvAFJTpJm7Y
Bette felt eyes on her and reluctantly looked to Harrison Wells staring her way as if he was trying to figure her out. She felt like a lab rat, she didn't see how these people could help her. She could have just killed Eiling and left for good. Would it have been that easy?585Please respect copyright.PENANAHrdp6lsA6n
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“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”585Please respect copyright.PENANAIpLyMU5BwW
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She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”585Please respect copyright.PENANAVOL4jrhzGJ
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Dr. Wells’ jaw clenched, it seemed like the soldier he was sure he knew well had a conscious. Barry could have something to do with this sudden change in character. But it was no matter to the doctor. He wasn’t guilty of anything reprimanding. He was going to let her believe whatever she wanted to believe.585Please respect copyright.PENANAxsXwIFAS1n
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“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”585Please respect copyright.PENANAOdO0GEKA6D
585Please respect copyright.PENANAigRREX8lc1
“Barry said I am better than that.” Bette said, her confidence growing with each second. “I’m starting to believe him. I am not a killer Dr. Wells and you aren’t going to turn me into one. I’m smarter than I was in combat. Barry believes in me.”585Please respect copyright.PENANA5PIWI8zPCQ
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Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 585Please respect copyright.PENANAoNOtRUV8J5
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Bette's eyes glowed a strong purple, she looked at Wells slowly drinking his cup and watched it explode out of his hand upon his second drink.585Please respect copyright.PENANASZpMFp85xB
585Please respect copyright.PENANAPgSrRYjvfX
"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.585Please respect copyright.PENANAx9q0mygzTu
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Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAb4i9bJUdgj
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"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."585Please respect copyright.PENANAmIiqwyM97v
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Dr. Wells titled his head back knowing full well she was lying. "Accidents happen." His piercing blue eyes pinned her down, almost challenging her to say what she said again about his subtle threats. "Right, Ms. Souci?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAyzumqfcAem
585Please respect copyright.PENANAf99p4NZoLA
Bette felt everyone's eyes on her as she shook inside her body. Barry looked at her with suspicion. He wondered what was going on between Bette and Dr. Wells when Caitlin finished patching up his bruises with the remainder of gauze she held.585Please respect copyright.PENANAFaMELV5gym
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"Bette?" Barry asked, trying to get up to her but Caitlin's arm calmly held him in place as she tended to his wounds.585Please respect copyright.PENANAUGI5dCQrm9
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"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"585Please respect copyright.PENANABdYPe9DmfY
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Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAUfdbb4m6KP
585Please respect copyright.PENANAt5gH17oqhq
Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAOTeD2ZCBSh
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Caitlin came around the desk, she wanted Bette to be calm when she told her what she was about to tell her.585Please respect copyright.PENANASY1erPFiEA
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"Bette, do you trust us?"585Please respect copyright.PENANA1lwH6AAASj
585Please respect copyright.PENANAUELNcDg0KV
Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.585Please respect copyright.PENANAOcMaNvwZvV
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"Yes, I do." She said blankly.585Please respect copyright.PENANAS1BRrauhMH
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Caitlin cleared her throat, now or never, "Your problem is interior, it requires...an internal solution. The only one that has a chance to work."585Please respect copyright.PENANAAWMHExL1Rc
585Please respect copyright.PENANAT3NStFOOcR
Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"585Please respect copyright.PENANA75s5ghozhd
585Please respect copyright.PENANAbGjjO2IpYu
"Doing something dangerous. It's risky; there are ramifications." Caitlin said, while pulling the status document from her desk and handing it to Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAKiaXWnRFfw
585Please respect copyright.PENANAXGXmB5sAao
Bette took several seconds before she rose her head, before she could cry the paper burst into flames as it dropped to the ground.585Please respect copyright.PENANAQpDnhvcEH7
ns 172.70.178.131da2 585Please respect copyright.PENANAoJoNoLdwwe
It reminded her of the days of scraping what little sleep she could have on her lumpy cot in off times of combat. But now her paranoia wasn't a top priority anymore; unfortunately it was still there.585Please respect copyright.PENANAxVZLe0MJiA
585Please respect copyright.PENANA4d1xUrW7yg
She took a few long moments to realize she was not on the bunk beds near the battle fields, but inside S.T.A.R. Labs. Looking down her body she felt the cushion of a navy blue sweater with the S.T.A.R. Labs logo nearly touch the top of her chin. She was still wearing her purple shirt underneath. Her leather jacket was removed and placed over the metal chair in the corner of the room.585Please respect copyright.PENANAYSLRquKTK9
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Somebody must have taken it off and put the sweater over her top half. She bit her voice back as she rose from the bed, groaning as her neck was the last feeling that took a while to spring back to life.585Please respect copyright.PENANAYqBsBKbb1R
585Please respect copyright.PENANAuAPnPKxNbe
She dreamed of nothing. Again. Ever since returning back from her mission her dreams had been non-existent or just were blatant nightmares. She heard a soft knock and numbly wiped away a tear that desperately wanted to slide down her face.585Please respect copyright.PENANAEoUBb0mMLZ
585Please respect copyright.PENANAKkg5JJJqFY
Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.585Please respect copyright.PENANAm6l4et3tuL
585Please respect copyright.PENANABvVgnuHoqz
"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJYayJBH9D2
585Please respect copyright.PENANAkDE22bFQ4P
Bette composed herself, confirming she was okay to the doctor. For Bette, putting on some emotion was going to be hard all over again but she was going to try. She had a strong second chance, she reminded herself of that.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5vI4TzLKt3
585Please respect copyright.PENANAoEsmX9bFLV
Bette's face stiffly smiled when Caitlin amicably returned a smile. She looked at Caitlin for a moment before clearing her throat, "Where's Barry and Cisco? Dr. Wells?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAF3Xs3NMvS3
585Please respect copyright.PENANAEVSTarGooe
Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.585Please respect copyright.PENANA6aPKXxHUTh
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"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"585Please respect copyright.PENANARpqlPAFzwL
585Please respect copyright.PENANApeWYyBfaUU
Bette reluctantly agreed and stood up slowly from the bed, pulling the sweater she wore as she looked on it with curious eyes. Caitlin looked at her and slightly smiled.585Please respect copyright.PENANAOYuwWNDP2I
585Please respect copyright.PENANA49V3dXMVzf
"Barry saw that you were cold and he stayed with you until you fell asleep. I came in to wake him up and noticed he put a sweater on you. I'm sorry it was so cold in here. I wish there was a way you go back to home. Dr. Wells just wants you to be safe. General Eiling is a very unpredictable man. Plus we don’t know anything about him yet. Maybe Harrison could help us find out more."585Please respect copyright.PENANASAo17ZiZJw
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Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.585Please respect copyright.PENANAd6BKvtHY8V
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"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.585Please respect copyright.PENANAzxb1kCFKr1
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Bette bit her lip, looking away, nodding knowingly. "Sometimes I don't even fall asleep. And if I do, I stay awake most of the night. I don't know how I stayed asleep last night."585Please respect copyright.PENANAbp1tmnyQEd
585Please respect copyright.PENANA7oVi9yd5WT
Caitlin nodded, attempting to understand her hardships. Both of them have been through a lot of trauma in their lives but on fairly different levels. Caitlin felt sympathetic to Bette; she wanted to know her better. Maybe they could become friends.585Please respect copyright.PENANAlE5S0S1RgW
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"I'm sorry."585Please respect copyright.PENANALzpspLqC3g
585Please respect copyright.PENANAlRNgHXm8kF
Bette shrugged slightly as if it was routine, and in a way, it was. "I guess I thought my PTSD would stay with me for a long time."585Please respect copyright.PENANANahAaauKPH
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Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."585Please respect copyright.PENANAoyoBO1ckIw
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Bette wanted to smile but held back, her lips held tightly together and she almost broke down again but willed the last bit of emotional stamina she had left to dissipate everything.585Please respect copyright.PENANAM4nmBVeKBL
585Please respect copyright.PENANA7z3MhDEKTX
She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAdog1wTT1Gc
585Please respect copyright.PENANAU73JKEFtMc
"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.585Please respect copyright.PENANAPkWJGN90Mg
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Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.585Please respect copyright.PENANAGagaiLbI0T
585Please respect copyright.PENANAbJwCyxy7ID
Bette just stood there, watching aimlessly. It had been forever and a day since she sat down to properly eat. Most of the meals served in the army commissary were timed and soldiers barely socialized nor did they make eye contact with each other. If they did, it was for a very good reason.585Please respect copyright.PENANATCCdYWLpex
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Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAtF0tH6Vhum
585Please respect copyright.PENANAY79k5jVzSG
"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5AAPtAvm7R
585Please respect copyright.PENANAY21l7rpv8R
Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.585Please respect copyright.PENANASIJ6ECYF8m
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The two girls sat in silence for a few moments. The room was almost desolate. It looked like the lunch room of a cubicle office but with more stationed advanced cookery.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJK1UfiDLoX
585Please respect copyright.PENANAjY589skSIF
Caitlin handed Bette a warm wrapper on a paper plate and placed a couple napkins next to her. Near it were a couple of juice cartons.585Please respect copyright.PENANAmoiFm5anek
585Please respect copyright.PENANA8iP2eGglMx
"It's a breakfast bagel and some OJ. Cisco and I eat this all the time when we're on the go. You can start if you want." Caitlin slightly urged, pushing the plastic gloves more in front of her.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5p5lLnRYFT
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"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."585Please respect copyright.PENANAi6DcBlAOYg
585Please respect copyright.PENANAxN4Fjsuyic
Caitlin smiled and drank a long sip from her cup. "It's alright. I would prefer a little silence in this place anyway. It's gotten more chaotic than I can keep up with sometimes. Assisting Barry fight crime isn't exactly a trip to the library. I'm always on call."585Please respect copyright.PENANAwsyOKtzvZN
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Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5v3tV5ZnpP
585Please respect copyright.PENANADzskyIzPKu
"Thank you, for what you, Cisco and Barry did for me yesterday. I don't think my body could have survived those treatments if you didn't do what you did." She said sincerely.585Please respect copyright.PENANAoGuIg5wVfj
585Please respect copyright.PENANAK0JMxRTeo2
Caitlin gingerly offered a comforting smile. "We couldn't do that to you. I just knew there was another way to help you. You're welcome."585Please respect copyright.PENANAIHGqey1z1m
585Please respect copyright.PENANAUuAxcfOM4e
Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.585Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5F1qVeip9
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She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAshdTQPWEgL
585Please respect copyright.PENANAwBhMpVb8SF
Caitlin bit from her bagel and wiped her hands on the napkin. "He's supposed to. Least that's what he wants to do with them. We're helping him realize that."585Please respect copyright.PENANALxwNcN4TTZ
585Please respect copyright.PENANAJUlhzPbD5a
Bette took in what she said. "He must be really special then. I'm starting to get used to the idea that there is someone else out there like me."585Please respect copyright.PENANA0O5kVrBDDq
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The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.585Please respect copyright.PENANAg83Z78Sid1
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"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.585Please respect copyright.PENANAMyOoMB2Qik
585Please respect copyright.PENANAL03LpyRvf1
"Many?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAebCXWnpqjZ
585Please respect copyright.PENANA3PUf6yjI9E
"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."585Please respect copyright.PENANA9h2YGnQ7ZS
585Please respect copyright.PENANAGFZE3YsXHH
“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”585Please respect copyright.PENANAsZDfxrOJ4K
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Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.585Please respect copyright.PENANAueXINGrsZL
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"Were you hungry or...?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAAY9NFnR3rA
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Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.585Please respect copyright.PENANAfe6qA3pukB
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"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."585Please respect copyright.PENANAqPJsZD3IVo
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Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.585Please respect copyright.PENANA3gfmYTYUYv
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"You know, you and I have some things in common."585Please respect copyright.PENANATFt9PrcWGj
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Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.585Please respect copyright.PENANAlGuIY12KyF
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"I'm serious. I know it's probably uncomfortable living now the way you do. You've been through a lot of things that you can't relive again. The pain? Your pain, I know what it feels like."585Please respect copyright.PENANAO1inPu8tc1
585Please respect copyright.PENANAu8FEHEYUuE
Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJVGrs3X8zq
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What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.585Please respect copyright.PENANAzzbWAGJEkL
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"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAaTFQVbGzNL
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Caitlin stood up to throw away her trash and sat back down, looking at Bette calmly. "I know what it's like to feel helpless in a situation. Knowing I could have done more."585Please respect copyright.PENANADK43jQJOrB
585Please respect copyright.PENANA4a6LkpcyAW
Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."585Please respect copyright.PENANAHxC0WfgfaR
585Please respect copyright.PENANAqOHeD4hUdd
The soldier finished her breakfast and they washed their hands before returning back to the main foyer. Bette had flashed back to last night as she remembered how Barry was with her. She couldn't believe someone stayed with her all night until she slept. It seemed unreal and almost out of character for someone to be so selfless. She hadn’t known that side of a human for a long time.585Please respect copyright.PENANA3OJkNFtNRF
585Please respect copyright.PENANAuPlXnIf0G7
"Hmm, well I guess he's not here. Dr. Wells will be coming in soon. Cisco is always kind of late anyway. And Barry..." Caitlin trailed off looking at some paperwork on her desk.585Please respect copyright.PENANAXx5TqDjUrp
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"Where is Barry?"585Please respect copyright.PENANArSmdABrd9i
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Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.585Please respect copyright.PENANAJp2opGgjZo
585Please respect copyright.PENANAh0bo7RmMYl
"Risking his life to save everyone. If you ask me he's in way over his head. He is a forensic scientist and an intelligent man. I’ve been around those guys and I know how they operate. He should not be eager to jump into Central City's chaos so abruptly, especially without evaluating the situation. Strategy and then execution, you know? Of course he doesn't have a habit of listening to me, or anyone for that matter. I can’t decide if he's being brave or reckless."585Please respect copyright.PENANAewRKGdr6lF
585Please respect copyright.PENANAisJIimCAWy
Bette listened as she flashed back to the moment Barry told her he was using his gifts to help others. She watched as he almost sullenly expressed his need to use everything he had in his power to help, not questioning how dangerous it can be for him in the long run.585Please respect copyright.PENANAZ73mkQjvL2
585Please respect copyright.PENANAjLdDTfCWL9
"Barry is stubborn then. I guess I can relate to that. My foster parents didn't want me volunteering for Iraq. I only wanted to make a difference and mean more than I was to people, which wasn't a lot anyway..." Bette said, looking as Caitlin sat down and began typing something into her computer.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5oGuHTXhhG
585Please respect copyright.PENANA8k1TbopTSE
She sighed and flicked her eyes between Bette and the computer screen. "Barry reminds me of how Ronnie was...he, well they are really similar. Ronnie was my fiancé 10 months ago. We were going to start our lives together and then when the particle accelerator malfunctioned, exploded, Ronnie thought he could fix it and he..."585Please respect copyright.PENANAAVtCVKE2Ll
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Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.585Please respect copyright.PENANAnLiHvVR4B1
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"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.585Please respect copyright.PENANACYkU5J9UOu
585Please respect copyright.PENANA6ebj2MqAfe
The corner of Bette's lips curved, "Back where I come from, he would have been honored. Soldiers in combat sacrifice their lives for the greater good, it's the bravest honor I've seen any of my comrades do. They are all heroes."585Please respect copyright.PENANAqOmD6ugoCo
585Please respect copyright.PENANAR9FMa9MGpV
Caitlin swallowed, hearing this a second time was getting easier, she had to stop fighting herself when it came to Ronnie. It was in the past; it was time to move on.585Please respect copyright.PENANApgjNRY38om
585Please respect copyright.PENANAHBvJmEqKtX
"Barry said the same thing. You and he are quite similar." Caitlin said, typing one last key, sitting back in her chair looking at Bette fidgeting.585Please respect copyright.PENANABJBHsGU3XN
585Please respect copyright.PENANAJTsv8tjDaZ
Bette caught herself and stopped as she took the seat next to a desk to what looked like a bunch of venting machine snacks surrounding a computer screen.585Please respect copyright.PENANAuY8EbZNyzf
585Please respect copyright.PENANAbK0FYawsPp
"We're forced to be brave and not show emotions in the heat of the battle. I've gotten so used to being this way I don't know any other way to be. Barry, he's, he saved me, but I saw something in his eyes, when he looked at me for a moment. It wasn't a look I'd seen my comrades gave me when we save lives. Barry has compassion, his eyes have so much emotion, and he uses that when he fights. I use my anger and the last time I did I failed."585Please respect copyright.PENANAOCyJYw9jCQ
585Please respect copyright.PENANAEgKsJ2oQOs
Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.585Please respect copyright.PENANANlSEMRS5ap
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"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."585Please respect copyright.PENANAEGJxEEvjeL
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"Somehow I doubt that. Only you know what it feels like to be a meta-human. If only there was a way for you to understand it better."585Please respect copyright.PENANAMotvLSGh7I
585Please respect copyright.PENANAlk2nR1q3rO
Bette was unsure. "You diagnosed the issue. Apparently I'm stuck with it forever. There's no way to fix it unless I had control over this. But I don't."585Please respect copyright.PENANAf9oXFNGpy5
585Please respect copyright.PENANANbuEZ1gZzn
There was an uncomfortable silence that smothered the room. Neither Caitlin nor Bette were sure what to say and even if they did it'd be negated by the simple fact that it was going to take a miracle to solve this.585Please respect copyright.PENANA4Ebw4TmjKF
585Please respect copyright.PENANA1lY03W36JP
"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAfrXgzU91Bp
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"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAIM0ZLP64Ji
585Please respect copyright.PENANARFG7GTk0GQ
Bette reiterated. "That I couldn't. There was no way I could. My PTSD makes it difficult to control anything." She added while Caitlin's face almost lit up.585Please respect copyright.PENANALI0XuJIy4j
585Please respect copyright.PENANAg1SGs37wSg
"So this is a psychological prognosis, of course. Hold on." She grabbed her phone and sent out a quick message on it then turned back to Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANA0fdBREw1TI
585Please respect copyright.PENANAKfYajwHg1m
"PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder is a brain infraction...the personal affects stem only inside of the brain and can't be removed by sheer will. They have to actually be--I got it!" Caitlin nearly yelled and Bette was left scratching her head.585Please respect copyright.PENANAPi7SXB1FJp
585Please respect copyright.PENANA9FkfcCKbj8
Caitlin's cell phone rang before Bette could ask any questions. "Yes, get down here immediately, I have something that may actually be plausible to Bette's issue."585Please respect copyright.PENANAFlIX3lXkL8
585Please respect copyright.PENANA9qDet5a5gJ
Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAi37wlkO3Cs
585Please respect copyright.PENANA26FQfl11LT
The doors to the headquarters' entrance opened suddenly and in rolled Dr. Harrison Wells with Cisco following behind him. Barry was nowhere in sight again.585Please respect copyright.PENANAiTv0w5Z6mb
585Please respect copyright.PENANAsk4ixLqyIV
Bette almost wanted to escape for the second time, Dr. Wells was an ominous man and she didn't like it. Usually eerie individuals weren't to be trusted and in most cases were eliminated to protect the public from further destruction. Army mentality was still strong inside of her. Wells was holding her gaze but shifted his expression into a more professional welcome.585Please respect copyright.PENANALMRI4SroKN
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"Ms. Souci, pleasure to see you again." Dr. Wells said, looking at her just like he had when he told her to put a bullet in Eiling's brain.585Please respect copyright.PENANAgPau8nKfZ8
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This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.585Please respect copyright.PENANA5Thg86Nb1T
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His eyes went sharply from Bette's over to Caitlin frantically writing something down, "Caitlin, give me what you have and let all of us review it before acting."585Please respect copyright.PENANACEOVRGgZC4
585Please respect copyright.PENANA57d2dTL66K
Cisco hopped over his desk and grabbed something wrapped off from it. "Uh, I don't mean to be a jerk but guys, isn't Barry part of this decision too? Like, shouldn't we wait for the dude?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAK0kC5N8giz
585Please respect copyright.PENANAkbssqgPPUS
Bette shared a soft look with Cisco; clearly he remembered Barry cared more about Bette than anyone else she knew in this room. The thought alone made her feel uncomfortable. She didn’t know if it was because Dr. Wells seemed to be ignoring Cisco or the fact that Barry cared as much as he did.585Please respect copyright.PENANAciOxzXATNm
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"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"585Please respect copyright.PENANA0xVj3A8KZJ
585Please respect copyright.PENANAiIHxxLihOj
Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.585Please respect copyright.PENANAf66p51ADb4
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Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.585Please respect copyright.PENANAq8pSX03xa2
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Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAHXi0LQCbY1
585Please respect copyright.PENANAdWffJAA6Wm
She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."585Please respect copyright.PENANAuGElqhNK5H
585Please respect copyright.PENANAZapQ5pIdsm
Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAQSWrl1a67s
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Bette was uncomfortable, she didn't like the way Dr. Wells periodically looked at her as if something was her fault. In this case, how could it be? She didn't blow anything up with her abilities. This one wasn't on her. Why was he still looking at her like it was?585Please respect copyright.PENANAAp5zHHUrom
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She wanted to help Caitlin and Cisco but she kept behind the controls, pacing nervously until something sounded right on the feedback end.585Please respect copyright.PENANAHlah9WtZxW
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Suddenly, all the papers in the room flew up and a coughing Barry was lying in the center of the room, trying to stand up.585Please respect copyright.PENANAG51vjyEMnq
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Barry picked up his head, attempting to regain his senses again. His face was bruised and his lip had a cut on the corner of it. His eyes focused around the room, trying to find Bette. She was ok, he collapsed as Caitlin and Cisco came to his aid.585Please respect copyright.PENANAXiqXlBOWFT
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Bette almost rushed to help them but held back when she felt her hands heat up. It was a sign she could render anything explosive. Bette turned around and ran back to the room she slept in, shutting the door.585Please respect copyright.PENANAFglehlGgyG
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She was useless and every bit of her felt that way. How was she going to survive anything when she couldn't control her powers? Barry made a mistake in saving her.585Please respect copyright.PENANA9d1GJFHVXn
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There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.585Please respect copyright.PENANABdABu7DE0Y
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"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."585Please respect copyright.PENANAqE8JTVq8AM
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“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.585Please respect copyright.PENANAIus6JUiNpJ
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“He is, Caitlin is with him and Dr. Wells is standing by. Are you alright?” Cisco asked; his concern for her imminent. 585Please respect copyright.PENANABvxRx82uxD
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“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.585Please respect copyright.PENANAeT1JBzxfUx
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Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.585Please respect copyright.PENANAdiaGPsemy1
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Bette followed Cisco back into the room as Caitlin began cleaning off Barry's cuts and scrapes. She didn't notice Bette come in and came out of it when Cisco cleared his throat. Bette felt her gloved hands, looking at Caitlin applying the alcohol to Barry's face, helping him onto the medical bed. He looked like he’d been through a brutal school yard fight. Bette hoped he didn’t suffer emotional trauma despite his fast healing.585Please respect copyright.PENANAF0P7PnlFMW
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Bette felt eyes on her and reluctantly looked to Harrison Wells staring her way as if he was trying to figure her out. She felt like a lab rat, she didn't see how these people could help her. She could have just killed Eiling and left for good. Would it have been that easy?585Please respect copyright.PENANAHrdp6lsA6n
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“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”585Please respect copyright.PENANAIpLyMU5BwW
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She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”585Please respect copyright.PENANAVOL4jrhzGJ
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Dr. Wells’ jaw clenched, it seemed like the soldier he was sure he knew well had a conscious. Barry could have something to do with this sudden change in character. But it was no matter to the doctor. He wasn’t guilty of anything reprimanding. He was going to let her believe whatever she wanted to believe.585Please respect copyright.PENANAxsXwIFAS1n
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“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”585Please respect copyright.PENANAOdO0GEKA6D
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“Barry said I am better than that.” Bette said, her confidence growing with each second. “I’m starting to believe him. I am not a killer Dr. Wells and you aren’t going to turn me into one. I’m smarter than I was in combat. Barry believes in me.”585Please respect copyright.PENANA5PIWI8zPCQ
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Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 585Please respect copyright.PENANAoNOtRUV8J5
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Bette's eyes glowed a strong purple, she looked at Wells slowly drinking his cup and watched it explode out of his hand upon his second drink.585Please respect copyright.PENANASZpMFp85xB
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"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.585Please respect copyright.PENANAx9q0mygzTu
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Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAb4i9bJUdgj
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"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."585Please respect copyright.PENANAmIiqwyM97v
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Dr. Wells titled his head back knowing full well she was lying. "Accidents happen." His piercing blue eyes pinned her down, almost challenging her to say what she said again about his subtle threats. "Right, Ms. Souci?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAyzumqfcAem
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Bette felt everyone's eyes on her as she shook inside her body. Barry looked at her with suspicion. He wondered what was going on between Bette and Dr. Wells when Caitlin finished patching up his bruises with the remainder of gauze she held.585Please respect copyright.PENANAFaMELV5gym
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"Bette?" Barry asked, trying to get up to her but Caitlin's arm calmly held him in place as she tended to his wounds.585Please respect copyright.PENANAUGI5dCQrm9
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"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"585Please respect copyright.PENANABdYPe9DmfY
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Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAUfdbb4m6KP
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Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"585Please respect copyright.PENANAOTeD2ZCBSh
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Caitlin came around the desk, she wanted Bette to be calm when she told her what she was about to tell her.585Please respect copyright.PENANASY1erPFiEA
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"Bette, do you trust us?"585Please respect copyright.PENANA1lwH6AAASj
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Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.585Please respect copyright.PENANAOcMaNvwZvV
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"Yes, I do." She said blankly.585Please respect copyright.PENANAS1BRrauhMH
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Caitlin cleared her throat, now or never, "Your problem is interior, it requires...an internal solution. The only one that has a chance to work."585Please respect copyright.PENANAAWMHExL1Rc
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Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"585Please respect copyright.PENANA75s5ghozhd
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"Doing something dangerous. It's risky; there are ramifications." Caitlin said, while pulling the status document from her desk and handing it to Bette.585Please respect copyright.PENANAKiaXWnRFfw
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Bette took several seconds before she rose her head, before she could cry the paper burst into flames as it dropped to the ground.585Please respect copyright.PENANAQpDnhvcEH7