Learning to Love Time Loops Without Going Insane

“Alright Bug, so you know the routine. I’m bringing you into the training department for some tests, we’ve already cleared it. Now I won’t actually inject you with anything, we are just going to work until lunch. We will excuse ourselves right before the invasion lockdown begins and make our move. Sound good girl?” Ethel explained the plan details one last time making sure the dog remembered.

“Yep, and I keep my mouth shut until we begin the generator theft.” Bug wagged her tail as she spoke.

“Exactly.”

After they finished their conversation, Ethel put a leash on Bug and guided her out of the car and into the building. They checked in at the front desk and made their way up to the animal training lab. The day passed quickly as Ethel pretended to do her usual day with Bug. As far as she could tell no one had noticed anything out of the ordinary.

She looked at her watch. It was time. She grabbed Bug and left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her. Alarms started going off and a voice came across a speaker.

“Everyone please remain calm and stay in you…” The voice cut off.

“Time to go quickly, Bug.” Ethel unhooked the leash on Bug and she sprinted ahead.

“It’s clear, come on Ethel, let’s get upstairs.” Bug sniffed the air as she talked.

“Coming Bug, I’m not as fast as you are.” Ethel moved as fast she could after the dog into the stairwell and they began to climb. The elevator was out, too much risk of a stoppage. They opened the door onto their destination floor and started walking forward. Bug tackled Ethel behind a large potted plant. Ethel saw the aliens out of the corner of her before she was knocked for cover.

“The mana readings are coming from down here somewhere now. They must have climbed up to this floor.” One of them stated as they walked forward.

“Dammit, they must be able to detect me if I'm close enough, Bug I’m going to distract them with the plant. I want you to run into the hall and call our allies. We are going to need them.” Ethel whispered to the dog as she put her hand to the plant. “Hello new friend, I really need your help, could grow as big as possible for me right now.”

The plant obeyed and tripled in size, giving Ethel a shield that blocked the shot aimed at her head. She watched in horror as the plant turned to ash in front of her. “How dare you!” She screamed at the two Gryalth.

“YES HOW DARE YOU THREATEN MY SECOND FAVORITE DOG BUG.” The form of Many Legs came into view as she charged across the wall crashing into the aliens at full speed.

“Good job Bug, let’s go.”

“YES I HAVE THIS.”

Ethel and Bug ran down the hall and rounded the corner, stopping in front of their target door. She pulled an earlier pilfered keycard from her pocket and opened the door. There were several scientists standing around looking terrified.

“Orders from above, secure the door and unhook the generator. We need to get out of the building before we are completely compromised.”

Noone moved.

“I DON’T REMEMBER ASKING, HOP TO IT.” Ethel screamed.

It worked. Within minutes the generator was unhooked and waiting for Ethel’s pebble. She obliged. “Thank you everyone, now we wait for our escape.” She told the confused scientists as the generator slid into the crack that now hung in the air.