Parallel Universe

Wait Where's The Pause Button

The world came back in pieces.
First—wind. Hot, dry, and full of something that smelled like burned cinnamon. Then—sound. Screaming. Not terrified screaming, more like combat screaming. And then—pain. Every muscle in her body felt like it had been bench-pressing cars.
"Commander Vale! Orders, ma'am!"
She blinked. There was a guy in front of her wearing metallic armor that shimmered like fish scales. His face was streaked with blood and dust, and he was looking at her like she was about to save the world.
"Oh, uh... sure," she croaked. "Orders."
She looked around. They were in the middle of a massive ruin, lit by bursts of blue energy and streaks of fire. The ground shook. In the distance, something screamed—something big.
Another soldier slid into cover beside her, panting. "Ma'am, the Rift's destabilizing! You said we'd hold the line until the seal reboots!"
"I did?" she said weakly.
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Oh. Okay. Cool. Love that for us." She ducked as a ball of plasma exploded nearby. "Uh... new plan! Maybe... don't die?"
The two soldiers exchanged worried glances. "Commander Vale, are you—"
"I'm fine! Totally fine!" she snapped, trying to sound confident while trying to figure out what "seal" they were talking about. Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to knock loose a rib.
Her brain, meanwhile, was doing backflips. Okay, this isn't a dream. You're not at work. You are not in your sweatpants. You are in... body armor? With abs? Oh my god, are those abs?
A loud roar tore through the sky. A creature the size of a skyscraper lumbered into view—spindly, shadowy, with glowing ribs that pulsed like a heartbeat.
She pointed her sword at it—because apparently she had a sword now—and yelled, "Everyone, uh... form up! In the... uh... triangle thing!"
"The Trident Formation?" one of them called.
"Yes! Exactly! That one!" She flashed a grin that was probably 90% panic. "Let's do the trident! Love a good trident!"
They moved instantly, clearly trained. She was surrounded by people who knew exactly what they were doing. Which was unfortunate, because she absolutely didn't.
Someone shoved a glowing gauntlet into her hand. "Commander, you're the only one who can activate the seal!"
"Oh, am I?" she said through her teeth. "Lucky me!"
She held it up dramatically, hoping muscle memory—or divine pity—would kick in. The gauntlet pulsed once, twice... and then unleashed a shockwave that sent everyone flying backward.
Smoke filled the air. Dust. Silence.
When it cleared, half the ruins were gone, the monster was frozen mid-step in a cocoon of blue light, and every soldier was staring at her with awe.
Someone whispered, "She did it again."
"Uh," she said, lowering her hand. "Yeah. Obviously. That's exactly what I meant to do."
A younger fighter stepped forward, eyes wide. "Commander, how did you—"
"Trade secret," she said quickly, flashing what she hoped was a cool, confident smile. Then under her breath: "Also, I have no idea who any of you people are."