This is what I didn't want

[22.11.3072]

This is an ordinary day, nothing remarkable. Absolutely nothing!

Until you notice the National Guard. Shields deployed, young guardsmen behind them, nervous. There was an explosion – strange and unusual.

They sent everyone here: police, special police squads, firefighters, and many medics.

So why is the National Guard here? Is this even their job? No.

The people are displeased

— Lock shields! — shouted the commander when he saw the crowd. His men obeyed instantly, closing ranks within a second. Their breathing grew heavier. The helmets were unbearably uncomfortable, but to remove them would mean a blow, one likely to knock you out. A breach that must never happen. — This is an unauthorized protest!

The commander's words flew from his mouth, but they failed to calm the crowd. In their eyes, the guardsmen were monsters, criminals. Not guardians standing watch, but pawns of the state.

All of this came from a terrorist attack – sudden, unexpected. It happened in a crowded shopping mall. Many died, and the survivors were left with trauma. Psychological or physical, it didn't matter. They suffered. Irreversibly.

The crowd was angry at the inaction. Understandably so. Their children, friends, relatives died there... but still.

In the Guard's ranks were people like that too. They weren't monsters, not beasts. Just people. People in uniform, bound by duty to protect the same citizens now standing against them.

They too were someone's children, someone's friends, someone's relatives. So why must they raise their hands against those they swore to protect?

---

[The Day of the Attack]

[30.03.2023]

The shopping mall was crowded. People walked everywhere. Some laughing, some frowning, some simply happy.

A girl was walking too, plush toys in her hand, a smile on her face. Only her wallet was empty, but that was a small price to pay.

— Finally!!! — she twirled around, looking at the toys. Four plushies – characters from the series: Uzi with a crooked smile, N with a simple grin, V with a smirk, and finally J with a frown. She also carried a bag in her left hand, filled with other things, keychains, acrylic stands, and most importantly, a set of stickers. A true fan, and rich fan. He-he-he.

A yellow shirt, suit and tie. Below – skirt and heels. Almost like J, but without braids and stockings. She wasn't at a cosplay parade, but... she would definitely take part in one. The needed outfit was already in her second bag, along with a wig.

— Well... kkhm... for the look, — she pulled out a pen with the label "JC Jenson IN SPAAAAACEE!!!!" and clipped it to her breast pocket. — Heh heh heh!

Why did she come here? Because episode 7 had just been released – joy! Her paycheck had come in – joy! And the mall now had official merch – joy for all fans. She came to shop, and for something else. Cosplay.

— Too bad there's no Tessa merch, — she sighed, glancing right and left. Seeing nothing, she walked forward. — And yeah... too bad she died. — Another sigh... then suddenly — EH?! — A surprised squeak.

There was a store. Inside – a plushie. Unusual. A spacesuit with a cap reading "JC Jenson IN SPAAAAACEE!!!!" The helmet had rainbow and smiley stickers... wait... was that... — Tessa?