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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA63yS5QmQIQ
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAg1nLenJnac
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANABoTRpbTLHa
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAZSFEu1V7Ff
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3wEOIWKpg4
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3nTil0KRov
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANANo8q9ElFug
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAFPE6qXheGi
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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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAUPU7k2mMV8
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Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.590Please respect copyright.PENANA0PsAXs0DUJ
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"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAbz2KXnNh4z
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAGHQ3fw29l2
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAtieuddDYek
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Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.590Please respect copyright.PENANAIEPyyuqtX9
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"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.590Please respect copyright.PENANA1tzqT4MC8x
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANARiyEsQII0d
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAg1jlwJ4rrZ
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"I'm sorry."590Please respect copyright.PENANADtEKaUlmTD
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANA19dtCFvFb5
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANASGknF9LDhv
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANATRU8mTKXiC
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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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAKOr8Dk1AFb
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANALILlBXBDyP
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Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.590Please respect copyright.PENANAt3uZdTb5qD
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA8xWMXYW8yG
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAgGgYPxoC6u
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"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.590Please respect copyright.PENANAgUr0EmL5FM
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Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.590Please respect copyright.PENANAn5IUQe0eUm
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAWmeelokOKx
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAwNvAxcbsp8
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAX9Y3Iq2b6S
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"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."590Please respect copyright.PENANAog2geHHTe0
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAasPlg860Gj
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Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.590Please respect copyright.PENANAx0pLemohPJ
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAfhPC3RJbYk
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAVbjoxrcQ3V
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Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.590Please respect copyright.PENANAprO3I0qTZg
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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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAwlv0Wih1lo
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANA8bPu7G684b
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAT2NPnajP0y
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The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.590Please respect copyright.PENANAxfRZoWEdPc
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"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.590Please respect copyright.PENANAKhIqp4Dm7b
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"Many?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAmN57ZfPZrt
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"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."590Please respect copyright.PENANAIvppHOqxgF
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“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAWGlqp17Df0
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Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.590Please respect copyright.PENANAxAtJMYWxb4
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"Were you hungry or...?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAoR3g2qeIsk
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Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.590Please respect copyright.PENANA8kVZ9gnirk
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"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."590Please respect copyright.PENANA7Pme7jNBcD
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Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.590Please respect copyright.PENANA6dWcgZU72L
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"You know, you and I have some things in common."590Please respect copyright.PENANAfaYbmG2fdr
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Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.590Please respect copyright.PENANAaDLZSXkPb4
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANA7SAk7yEepR
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Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.590Please respect copyright.PENANAMZvBvZPYUO
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What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.590Please respect copyright.PENANAb3yq3e6pBd
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"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"590Please respect copyright.PENANA81ZjSbpLrg
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANABYnX6tVfpR
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Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."590Please respect copyright.PENANAXG4m3RIbBL
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAJtqrI8Puc1
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA0lggdjQv7O
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"Where is Barry?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAMeIeN581ri
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAmLGdq4GEt3
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANASVOmkGoMJw
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANALZMHh2ysW4
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAmTySm0qDeJ
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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..."590Please respect copyright.PENANAOl5FJzCPik
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Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.590Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1i0K42Ket
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"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.590Please respect copyright.PENANAMo5iRxUska
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAivc060ZAvQ
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA8DbfK1XhIO
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANANelxW4aglM
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANApRN5mnaJaR
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAXkmrZNZd9z
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Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.590Please respect copyright.PENANAlJN9myet8y
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"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8xEqp256L
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAy5bsTwJPTf
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAI8im5Ec6KI
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANALQiJSZwg4U
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"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANArmxly9iAqy
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"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAjIlRQwB8IT
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA48Sdlz30qe
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAYs9W0cEq3i
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAB5ilv5m4uJ
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAolfXrGNlRe
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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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAsdbuwrJ26M
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAc1g6R4DKtJ
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANACnAav87NeE
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAgp3cTjrtVF
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This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.590Please respect copyright.PENANA5gErmP0h49
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAVLHg7LMioQ
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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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAN0aB4LcDT5
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAwz0Spc7kw4
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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!"590Please respect copyright.PENANA1mrwXrdpB4
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Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.590Please respect copyright.PENANARpSivyeGxa
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Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.590Please respect copyright.PENANAlXzisDFKXb
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Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"590Please respect copyright.PENANARnwh6WN0W8
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She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."590Please respect copyright.PENANAITEUDQqTrw
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Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANA87BnUUlluS
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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?590Please respect copyright.PENANA1uO47jWvAn
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAVMdYXGMzbS
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAMVhVExxb3G
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA9iF0gqpfAc
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAKf3p4XbfQE
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAdzD6YKkUk1
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There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.590Please respect copyright.PENANAfvmAybQouB
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"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."590Please respect copyright.PENANAuAlbHMbV7o
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“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.590Please respect copyright.PENANAsBanvWgApv
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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. 590Please respect copyright.PENANAtkY7MEMM6q
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“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.590Please respect copyright.PENANA41vYMZqSon
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Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.590Please respect copyright.PENANAGkfeP3cBf6
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3MIVDYFylw
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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?590Please respect copyright.PENANAGG5k1huQgX
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“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAvM0ysEgFA1
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She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”590Please respect copyright.PENANA59wRHDpb5k
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAah1AMfjodG
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“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAYe80cqbby5
590Please respect copyright.PENANAqxwqtGOs9L
“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.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5B9JuLJ6p
590Please respect copyright.PENANAqOTLBxy7Jl
Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 590Please respect copyright.PENANAHJnDo0yalR
590Please respect copyright.PENANAzYKBoEiEzq
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANACeqwDgO1g6
590Please respect copyright.PENANAaWOTE9gKA7
"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.590Please respect copyright.PENANA2W6ICwU5An
590Please respect copyright.PENANAmJxkwJLSa3
Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANAEiGS6JmEBz
590Please respect copyright.PENANAr4ZWxQQTUZ
"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."590Please respect copyright.PENANAWFDtHunRVV
590Please respect copyright.PENANALnYPfxWU7y
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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAlq3Ti9XucH
590Please respect copyright.PENANAl68soGnOvP
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAIJoPR7AByz
590Please respect copyright.PENANAYfZKYAWTtJ
"Bette?" Barry asked, trying to get up to her but Caitlin's arm calmly held him in place as she tended to his wounds.590Please respect copyright.PENANAsNUkiK4cqM
590Please respect copyright.PENANAVBFpVnFxBp
"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8hYAxhMab
590Please respect copyright.PENANARx7Q4JNHpY
Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAB8cORSHOlu
590Please respect copyright.PENANAIhmNO2DZjP
Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAkWHH0VdDDE
590Please respect copyright.PENANA0ekMOCYhTo
Caitlin came around the desk, she wanted Bette to be calm when she told her what she was about to tell her.590Please respect copyright.PENANAcnnSVRYHXG
590Please respect copyright.PENANAyShAnPlzHt
"Bette, do you trust us?"590Please respect copyright.PENANA2p7bGyEAxl
590Please respect copyright.PENANAoPzIgQb75i
Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.590Please respect copyright.PENANAezyVgmktmL
590Please respect copyright.PENANAbhcG7qh179
"Yes, I do." She said blankly.590Please respect copyright.PENANAk7dKtj73rw
590Please respect copyright.PENANAdGxkPO6X6u
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANATbgYcIgvwB
590Please respect copyright.PENANAXDZ4YAN6sB
Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAsweBuGQWC1
590Please respect copyright.PENANAJL7OY3Oh1R
"Doing something dangerous. It's risky; there are ramifications." Caitlin said, while pulling the status document from her desk and handing it to Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANAVQiXo9sQYc
590Please respect copyright.PENANABzTFuXKyAJ
Bette took several seconds before she rose her head, before she could cry the paper burst into flames as it dropped to the ground.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3q2cTUU06x
ns 172.70.131.100da2590Please respect copyright.PENANAbA6oVqDhXm
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAg1nLenJnac
590Please respect copyright.PENANAZo3Izhv9as
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANABoTRpbTLHa
590Please respect copyright.PENANAANKXpvYH90
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAZSFEu1V7Ff
590Please respect copyright.PENANArSdybpbmAZ
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3wEOIWKpg4
590Please respect copyright.PENANAS2hLCjxQ0J
Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3nTil0KRov
590Please respect copyright.PENANADdFg1ANKQB
"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.590Please respect copyright.PENANANo8q9ElFug
590Please respect copyright.PENANAXzDMXmUefP
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAFPE6qXheGi
590Please respect copyright.PENANAdJNXOu4FKS
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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAUPU7k2mMV8
590Please respect copyright.PENANAUAD2qJBqFR
Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.590Please respect copyright.PENANA0PsAXs0DUJ
590Please respect copyright.PENANAkHYgEX3gmu
"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAbz2KXnNh4z
590Please respect copyright.PENANAhR7LB8UdMY
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAGHQ3fw29l2
590Please respect copyright.PENANAEQF04BrxhK
"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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAtieuddDYek
590Please respect copyright.PENANAypv9wxZx63
Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.590Please respect copyright.PENANAIEPyyuqtX9
590Please respect copyright.PENANAg1GqUXOXcp
"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.590Please respect copyright.PENANA1tzqT4MC8x
590Please respect copyright.PENANAkP2e2IgiL2
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANARiyEsQII0d
590Please respect copyright.PENANARtm43lOo5a
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAg1jlwJ4rrZ
590Please respect copyright.PENANAuNwcLGxiMo
"I'm sorry."590Please respect copyright.PENANADtEKaUlmTD
590Please respect copyright.PENANATaFH30JdWx
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANA19dtCFvFb5
590Please respect copyright.PENANA6RJkekIhY6
Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."590Please respect copyright.PENANASGknF9LDhv
590Please respect copyright.PENANA8UZN2U8QrZ
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANATRU8mTKXiC
590Please respect copyright.PENANAjfpMIzliyE
She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAKOr8Dk1AFb
590Please respect copyright.PENANAlMeFuxEGXv
"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.590Please respect copyright.PENANALILlBXBDyP
590Please respect copyright.PENANACK47IaP83a
Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.590Please respect copyright.PENANAt3uZdTb5qD
590Please respect copyright.PENANAY11O128NWU
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA8xWMXYW8yG
590Please respect copyright.PENANAxXc9jCEvMM
Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANAgGgYPxoC6u
590Please respect copyright.PENANA9eaw45M79J
"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.590Please respect copyright.PENANAgUr0EmL5FM
590Please respect copyright.PENANA2kSoUpySpZ
Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.590Please respect copyright.PENANAn5IUQe0eUm
590Please respect copyright.PENANAu8JGlUuVR2
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAWmeelokOKx
590Please respect copyright.PENANABN4IZtMIeq
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAwNvAxcbsp8
590Please respect copyright.PENANATYWinFjblT
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAX9Y3Iq2b6S
590Please respect copyright.PENANAtWwSYIh2cL
"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."590Please respect copyright.PENANAog2geHHTe0
590Please respect copyright.PENANAhxQpisRFw8
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAasPlg860Gj
590Please respect copyright.PENANAExbVNSIUBF
Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.590Please respect copyright.PENANAx0pLemohPJ
590Please respect copyright.PENANAND5zVDUyBD
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAfhPC3RJbYk
590Please respect copyright.PENANA3bDwCKVpQ4
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAVbjoxrcQ3V
590Please respect copyright.PENANA9ICVOdHNrJ
Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.590Please respect copyright.PENANAprO3I0qTZg
590Please respect copyright.PENANAT61dlAmPLf
She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAwlv0Wih1lo
590Please respect copyright.PENANAO1yDl7yoly
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANA8bPu7G684b
590Please respect copyright.PENANA9rBdmaVWNI
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAT2NPnajP0y
590Please respect copyright.PENANAyT8pJOcBAO
The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.590Please respect copyright.PENANAxfRZoWEdPc
590Please respect copyright.PENANAxfXWMzqsXV
"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.590Please respect copyright.PENANAKhIqp4Dm7b
590Please respect copyright.PENANAE6q6g1bI2H
"Many?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAmN57ZfPZrt
590Please respect copyright.PENANAoYcvE5yl9w
"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."590Please respect copyright.PENANAIvppHOqxgF
590Please respect copyright.PENANAadF1BZXi4D
“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAWGlqp17Df0
590Please respect copyright.PENANA02VfUzaVpN
Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.590Please respect copyright.PENANAxAtJMYWxb4
590Please respect copyright.PENANAUN8bJERgde
"Were you hungry or...?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAoR3g2qeIsk
590Please respect copyright.PENANAiIGpp3igiq
Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.590Please respect copyright.PENANA8kVZ9gnirk
590Please respect copyright.PENANAxv89ra2a6W
"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."590Please respect copyright.PENANA7Pme7jNBcD
590Please respect copyright.PENANAwcINms9EyY
Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.590Please respect copyright.PENANA6dWcgZU72L
590Please respect copyright.PENANAPPSTvmTacR
"You know, you and I have some things in common."590Please respect copyright.PENANAfaYbmG2fdr
590Please respect copyright.PENANAXc4OhTcZPR
Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.590Please respect copyright.PENANAaDLZSXkPb4
590Please respect copyright.PENANA5z3deHrSEz
"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."590Please respect copyright.PENANA7SAk7yEepR
590Please respect copyright.PENANAyhK3wE4VOP
Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.590Please respect copyright.PENANAMZvBvZPYUO
590Please respect copyright.PENANAXTrgXE45zh
What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.590Please respect copyright.PENANAb3yq3e6pBd
590Please respect copyright.PENANAxqN2ZCsjYn
"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"590Please respect copyright.PENANA81ZjSbpLrg
590Please respect copyright.PENANA7Vc0GI3G73
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANABYnX6tVfpR
590Please respect copyright.PENANA8CaALdqGoN
Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."590Please respect copyright.PENANAXG4m3RIbBL
590Please respect copyright.PENANATbCb3lf9wi
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAJtqrI8Puc1
590Please respect copyright.PENANACpa2XSSiAo
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA0lggdjQv7O
590Please respect copyright.PENANAUPrE1DPcWx
"Where is Barry?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAMeIeN581ri
590Please respect copyright.PENANAkBbIRahK5M
Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.590Please respect copyright.PENANAmLGdq4GEt3
590Please respect copyright.PENANAhroNx0u1b3
"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."590Please respect copyright.PENANASVOmkGoMJw
590Please respect copyright.PENANApvbANjKFev
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANALZMHh2ysW4
590Please respect copyright.PENANA9s0CRb5stR
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAmTySm0qDeJ
590Please respect copyright.PENANA7URsYmV258
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..."590Please respect copyright.PENANAOl5FJzCPik
590Please respect copyright.PENANAdgaL0ukZNg
Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.590Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1i0K42Ket
590Please respect copyright.PENANAVfSSg0ohKe
"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.590Please respect copyright.PENANAMo5iRxUska
590Please respect copyright.PENANAPCik7CkFOD
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAivc060ZAvQ
590Please respect copyright.PENANAaWZjdSzxkv
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA8DbfK1XhIO
590Please respect copyright.PENANAUMyA7lTert
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANANelxW4aglM
590Please respect copyright.PENANAtqrI8G6C8a
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANApRN5mnaJaR
590Please respect copyright.PENANAOhwioQmDpk
"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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAXkmrZNZd9z
590Please respect copyright.PENANA9rmaPn3J9D
Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.590Please respect copyright.PENANAlJN9myet8y
590Please respect copyright.PENANA05utr8eAOu
"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8xEqp256L
590Please respect copyright.PENANAGWXFssyqOV
"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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAy5bsTwJPTf
590Please respect copyright.PENANAsZVJiheQy5
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAI8im5Ec6KI
590Please respect copyright.PENANAaHiTY7ib9N
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANALQiJSZwg4U
590Please respect copyright.PENANA31smZd0mJO
"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANArmxly9iAqy
590Please respect copyright.PENANAjM1vM4pQOd
"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAjIlRQwB8IT
590Please respect copyright.PENANAMqbAZCLJu4
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA48Sdlz30qe
590Please respect copyright.PENANA7pkbPo8d9D
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAYs9W0cEq3i
590Please respect copyright.PENANAeFxuuiwP7u
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAB5ilv5m4uJ
590Please respect copyright.PENANA9bC1ADA5fe
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAolfXrGNlRe
590Please respect copyright.PENANA77oSiNo966
Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAsdbuwrJ26M
590Please respect copyright.PENANAUD8l0h9Ez9
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAc1g6R4DKtJ
590Please respect copyright.PENANAX1JGzPjVTV
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANACnAav87NeE
590Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0LhoNoScP
"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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAgp3cTjrtVF
590Please respect copyright.PENANAT4zDfCWxNh
This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.590Please respect copyright.PENANA5gErmP0h49
590Please respect copyright.PENANAdU3Kii7A6P
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."590Please respect copyright.PENANAVLHg7LMioQ
590Please respect copyright.PENANAED6RigX3C8
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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAN0aB4LcDT5
590Please respect copyright.PENANAGHg3gzfdnv
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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAwz0Spc7kw4
590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7URbRisPS
"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"590Please respect copyright.PENANA1mrwXrdpB4
590Please respect copyright.PENANAlj4Ukig9Ar
Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.590Please respect copyright.PENANARpSivyeGxa
590Please respect copyright.PENANANniQFGW5aa
Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.590Please respect copyright.PENANAlXzisDFKXb
590Please respect copyright.PENANAZez6YDaxQJ
Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"590Please respect copyright.PENANARnwh6WN0W8
590Please respect copyright.PENANADGEdbQtfAW
She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."590Please respect copyright.PENANAITEUDQqTrw
590Please respect copyright.PENANAtfcS69bcRp
Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANA87BnUUlluS
590Please respect copyright.PENANAUMkYpXrj5m
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?590Please respect copyright.PENANA1uO47jWvAn
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAVMdYXGMzbS
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAMVhVExxb3G
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA9iF0gqpfAc
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAKf3p4XbfQE
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAdzD6YKkUk1
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There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.590Please respect copyright.PENANAfvmAybQouB
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"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."590Please respect copyright.PENANAuAlbHMbV7o
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“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.590Please respect copyright.PENANAsBanvWgApv
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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. 590Please respect copyright.PENANAtkY7MEMM6q
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“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.590Please respect copyright.PENANA41vYMZqSon
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Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.590Please respect copyright.PENANAGkfeP3cBf6
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3MIVDYFylw
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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?590Please respect copyright.PENANAGG5k1huQgX
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“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAvM0ysEgFA1
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She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”590Please respect copyright.PENANA59wRHDpb5k
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAah1AMfjodG
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“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAYe80cqbby5
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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.”590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5B9JuLJ6p
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Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 590Please respect copyright.PENANAHJnDo0yalR
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANACeqwDgO1g6
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"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.590Please respect copyright.PENANA2W6ICwU5An
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Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.590Please respect copyright.PENANAEiGS6JmEBz
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"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."590Please respect copyright.PENANAWFDtHunRVV
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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?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAlq3Ti9XucH
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAIJoPR7AByz
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAsNUkiK4cqM
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"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8hYAxhMab
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Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAB8cORSHOlu
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Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAkWHH0VdDDE
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAcnnSVRYHXG
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"Bette, do you trust us?"590Please respect copyright.PENANA2p7bGyEAxl
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Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.590Please respect copyright.PENANAezyVgmktmL
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"Yes, I do." She said blankly.590Please respect copyright.PENANAk7dKtj73rw
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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."590Please respect copyright.PENANATbgYcIgvwB
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Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"590Please respect copyright.PENANAsweBuGQWC1
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANAVQiXo9sQYc
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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.590Please respect copyright.PENANA3q2cTUU06x