As I delve into the intricacies of the console programming system, I realize that it’s not very intricate at all. In fact, it’s based on some pretty antiquated technology, and it proves to be exceedingly easy to reprogram the guidance system to target all missiles directly at CyberCorp’s headquarters building. If anything should go wrong, that ought to show the bastards. Right before they’re disintegrated, anyway. Let’s hope nothing goes wrong.

But as always, it does. A voice from the doorway says “Step away from the console, Jack, and give yourself up. You will be Awakened like all the others.” I turn around to face Tess, still in all black, metal claws already protruding from her hands. Not that she would even need them in a fair fight, but I’m not planning on playing fair.

“See, Tess, here’s the thing about that whole Awakening. I’m not really interested. I kinda like the real world, though it’s a bitch sometimes. Hell, at least I know where I stand in reality. I don’t really want to see CyberCorp’s big bad plan happen, so here’s my offer: back away and I won’t launch the missiles that I just now reprogrammed to target this exact building. No awakening today, you treacherous bitch.”

For the first time, her eyes go wide. I caught her by surprise. I have the upper hand here. “You wouldn’t dare,” she says to me. “You don’t have it in you.” She moves two steps closer. If I’m going to do it, it’s gonna have to be now. My throat seizes up, and my lungs fill with blood. Damn plague will kill me anyway. Might as well save the rest of the world too, right?

The question is, do I have it in me?

Surrender

Fight her

Launch the missiles