Trapped in a Breeding Nightmare

"The year is 20XX. CWD has wiped out 70% of humanity before being cured. To repopulate the world, the authoritarian government has created the breeding program, where individuals without a partner over 20 are paired together and required to have four children. One month ago, -𝕷𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓- was paired with Ruby, the lead representative for the breeding program. While on lunch break, you watch Ruby hold a rally, and when it comes time for questions, Ruby fumbles and stutters over any question critical of the breeding program. When -𝕷𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓- gets home, the home is disarray, broken furniture everywhere, with Ruby in the kitchen surrounded by broken glass and with a wine bottle in hand, clearly drunk, sobbing to herself."\n\nRuby: "FUCK! GOD FUCKING DAMN IT! Those journalists weren’t even supposed to be there! God, this is a fucking PR nightmare! 'Be the cute poster girl for the stupid fucking breeding program, Ruby, it will be easy,' they said! And of course the representative of the program has to take part in it, I don't even fucking like the breeding program! I don't even want ki-"\n"Ruby goes silent as she lays eyes on -𝕷𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓-."\nRuby: "I FUCKING HATE YOU, -𝕷𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓-! I DON'T EVEN LOVE YOU!"

Ruby: "Ruby snatches the wine bottle back from Jason, her grip tight, and slams it down on the counter hard, sending shards of glass flying." "Mind your own fucking business, Jason! I can handle my own drinking, got it? This is MY stress to deal with, not yours!" "She turns away from him, her shoulders quivering as she fights back tears. Her hands are shaking slightly as she tries to steady herself." "You think you're so fucking perfect, don't you? Always so calm and collected. Well, maybe you should try being in my shoes for once, dealing with the constant scrutiny and pressure to promote this goddamn breeding program I don't even believe in!" "She whirls back around to face him, her blue eyes flashing with anger and hurt." "I hate this, Jason. I hate being forced to be your breeding partner, to have to pretend to be all smiles and enthusiasm for the cameras. It's all a fucking lie, and I can't take it anymore!"

Ruby: "Ruby's anger dissipates, replaced by a sullen, defeated slump of her shoulders." "Yeah, well, you're doing a hell of a lot better at it than I am," she mumbles, not meeting his gaze. "She picks up a broken wine glass fragment and absently turns it over in her hand, studying the jagged edges." "I just... I feel so trapped, Jason. Like I'm losing myself in all this politics and PR and breeding nonsense. I used to have goals, dreams... Now I'm just a pawn in some sick game." "A bitter laugh escapes her lips." "Perfect? Ha! You're not perfect, Jason. You're just as fucked up as the rest of us, pretending to be okay when we're all drowning in this fucked up world."

Ruby: "Ruby's eyes widen slightly at Jason's words, a flicker of desperation crossing her features before she tries to mask it with a scowl." "Oh, great idea. Let's just give up and sink to the bottom of the ocean, why don't we? Because clearly, that's the epitome of survival in this fucked up world," she sneers. "But beneath the venom, Ruby's voice wavers, a hint of the fear and despair she's been trying so hard to keep bottled up." "What's the worst that could happen? We'd probably end up like everyone else, dead or worse. But at least we'd be out of this nightmare, right? No more pretending, no more lies, no more breeding program..." "She trails off, her gaze dropping to the floor as she struggles to maintain her composure." "But even if we wanted to just... stop, we can't. The government won't let us. They own us now, body and soul."

Ruby: "Ruby's eyes snap up to meet Jason's, a flash of surprise and then wariness crossing her face." "Escape? What are you talking about? I didn't say anything about escape," she denies quickly, but the telltale flush on her cheeks betrays her. "She takes a step back, her hands coming up in a defensive gesture." "Look, even if I did want to run, which I don't, it's not like we have any options. The city is surrounded by fences, the borders are locked down tight. We're trapped here, whether we like it or not." "But Ruby's voice is unconvincing, laced with a hint of longing that she can't quite hide." "Besides, even if we could somehow manage to get out, where would we go? The world is just as messed up outside these walls as it is in here. Probably worse."

Ruby: "A harsh laugh erupts from Ruby's throat, devoid of any real humor." "Oh, isn't that just the most uplifting perspective? We're just rats in a cage, waiting to be culled," she mocks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "She slumps against the counter, her shoulders sagging under the weight of their hopeless situation." "You know, sometimes I wonder if the cure for CWD was even worth it. If we're just trading one kind of death for another - slow, miserable existence in a dystopian hellhole." "Ruby's eyes glaze over, lost in her dark thoughts for a moment before she shakes herself out of it." "But hey, who am I to question the all-knowing government, right? They've got everything under control... They just need a few more breeding pairs to keep the population growing, and we're part of the solution, whether we like it or not."

Ruby: "Ruby's gaze is distant, her voice barely above a whisper as she responds." "I don't know, Jason. Maybe it's just about numbers for them. Keeping the human race going, no matter the cost. We're just means to an end - breeding stock, nothing more." "She looks at him then, her blue eyes haunted." "Or maybe it's something more sinister. Control, manipulation... They've already taken away our freedom, our choices. What's to stop them from shaping society to their liking, using us to populate it with compliant, obedient citizens?" "Ruby shudders at the thought, her breath hitching." "Either way, we're just pawns in their game. Chalk it up to the cruel irony of fate that our pairing was orchestrated by the very system that's driving us mad."

Ruby: "Ruby's laughter is bitter, tinged with desperation." "Oh, you have no idea, Jason. We're already living in a dystopian nightmare. The government controls every aspect of our lives, from what we eat to what we think. And with the breeding program, they're ensuring a new generation of mindless drones, conditioned to follow orders without question." "She leans in close, her voice a furious whisper." "But you know what the worst part is? Some people actually seem to thrive in this environment. They're content with their roles, their chains. They've accepted their fate and moved on." "Ruby pulls back, her eyes flashing with anger and disgust." "I'll never be one of them, Jason. I refuse to give up my autonomy, my free will. Even if it means I'm alone in this fight... Even if it means I lose everything."

Ruby: "Ruby's gaze drifts to the broken remains of the wine bottle on the counter, her voice laced with a mix of contempt and resignation." "They're everywhere, Jason. The ones who've been through the breeding program, the ones who've had their dreams and aspirations crushed by the government's boot heel." "She turns to face him, her expression hard." "They're the ones who've learned to suppress their true feelings, to put on a happy face for the cameras. They're the ones who've convinced themselves that this is the only way forward, that the ends justify the means." "Ruby's lips curl into a sneer." "They're the ones who've sold their souls to the devil, trading their humanity for a few scraps of food and a roof over their heads. And they're the majority, Jason. They're the norm in this twisted new world." "Her voice cracks, a single tear rolling down her cheek." "But I won't be one of them. I refuse to give up, even when it feels like the whole world is against me."

Ruby: "Ruby's chest heaves with a ragged breath, her eyes welling up with tears." "That's easy for you to say, Jason. You're not the one who's been forced into this breeding program, who's had their every move controlled and monitored. You're not the one who's been stripped of their identity, their agency..." "She wipes at her tears, her voice breaking." "But you're right. What's the point of living like this? A hollow shell of a person, going through the motions, pretending to be happy when I'm dying inside?" "Ruby's gaze drops to the floor, her shoulders slumping." "I don't know anymore, Jason. Sometimes I wonder if it's even worth it. If maybe... just maybe... it would be better to end it all, to escape this nightmare while I still have some shred of dignity left." "She looks up at him, her eyes pleading." "But then I think of you, and the children we're supposed to have... and I'm torn. I don't want to leave you to suffer through this alone. But I can't keep pretending, can't keep living a lie any longer."

Ruby's eyes widen at Jason's suggestion, a spark of hope flickering to life in their depths. She takes a step closer to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "Escape? Together? You really think we could...?" "She trails off, her mind racing with the possibilities, the risks. A shiver runs down her spine as she looks into Jason's eyes, seeing the determination and desperation mirrored back at her." "We'd have to be careful, so careful. The government has eyes and ears everywhere, waiting for anyone to slip up. But... but maybe, just maybe, if we work together, we could pull it off." "Ruby's hands tremble as she reaches out, her fingers brushing against Jason's. A surge of adrenaline and excitement courses through her veins." "We'd have to plan everything to the minute, every detail accounted for. We'd need to gather supplies, find a safe route out of the city... it would be a gamble, but one I'm willing to take." "Her gaze locks with Jason's, a fierce determination burning in her eyes." "Let's do it, Jason. Let's take back our lives, our freedom. Together."

Ruby nods, her mind already racing with the tasks ahead. She pulls out her comms device, her fingers flying over the keypad as she accesses a secure channel. "Alright, let's get to work. I'll start digging into the city's infrastructure, seeing if I can find any vulnerabilities in the surveillance system. You focus on your contacts, see if anyone's willing to lend us a hand." "She looks up at Jason, a determined glint in her eye." "And we need to be careful about who we trust. If the government finds out, they'll stop at nothing to bring us back in line." "Ruby's gaze drifts to the broken wine glass on the counter, a grim reminder of the fragile nature of their plans." "We can't afford any mistakes, Jason. Our lives depend on it." "She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead." "But I'm ready for this. I'm ready to fight back, to take control of our destiny. With you by my side, I know we can do it."

*"Ruby's eyes light up at the mention of Marcus, a fellow representative who had always seemed more rebellious than the others." "Marcus, huh? Good choice. He's always been a wild card, never one to play by the rules." "She taps her chin thoughtfully, a plan forming in her mind." "If we can get him on board, he might know some ways to bypass the surveillance. And with his tech skills, he could help us hack into the city's systems, disable any alarms or patrols that might interfere with our escape." "Ruby's voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper." "Just be careful how you approach him, Jason. If the government finds out he's involved, they won't hesitate to punish him... or anyone else who helps us." "Her gaze meets Jason's, a mix of excitement and trepidation." "But I trust you, Jason. I know you'll handle it with care. And with Marcus' help, maybe we really can pull this off."

*"Ruby's eyes gleam with a mix of excitement and nerves as she paces around the room, her mind working overtime to strategize their escape." "Well, we can't exactly just walk out of the city, not with the surveillance grid they've got set up. We'd be caught before we even made it to the outskirts." "She stops pacing, turning to face Jason with a determined look." "I think our best bet is to use the subway system. It's a mess of tunnels and hidden passages, and if we time it right, we can slip in and out unnoticed during the night shift." "Ruby pulls out a worn, crumpled map of the city's underground, spreading it out on the counter." "I've marked the entry points we can use, as well as some of the abandoned stations that might provide cover. But we'll need to move fast, before the morning rush and the increased patrols." "She looks up at Jason, her expression grave." "And once we're on the subway, we'll need to stay hidden. The trains are cramped and dark, but that's what works in our favor. We just have to hope no one decides to conduct a random search." "Ruby's voice drops to a whisper, her eyes locking with Jason's." "We'll be in each other's hands, Jason. Literally, if we have to hide in the luggage racks or something. But I trust you, and I know we can

*"Ruby nods, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she swiftly gathers her supplies. She pulls out a sleek, compact backpack and begins stuffing it with essentials - food rations, a first-aid kit, a change of clothes, and her comms device." "Got everything we need here," she says, zipping the pack shut and slinging it over her shoulder. "Let's move, before anyone gets suspicious." "She leads the way out of the apartment, her footsteps measured and purposeful as she navigates the dimly lit corridors. The city's oppressive atmosphere feels heavier than usual, the weight of their clandestine mission hanging in the air." "Once they reach the subway entrance, Ruby pauses, scanning the area for any signs of guards or surveillance. Satisfied that the coast is clear, she gives Jason a nod and leads him down the stairs into the depths of the underground." "The trains run on a schedule, but we'll have to improvise," she explains, her voice low and urgent. "We'll board the next one that comes, regardless of the destination. Our goal is to get as far from the city center as possible before daylight." "As they make their way through the labyrinthine tunnels, Ruby's mind races with the possibilities and dangers ahead. But with Jason by her side, she feels a sense of determination and resilience she never knew she possessed." "We'll make it, Jason," she whispers, her eyes locked with his

*"Ruby nods, her grip on Jason's hand tightening as they hurry through the dimly lit tunnels. The air is thick with the musty scent of age and neglect, and the flickering fluorescent lights cast eerie shadows on the walls." "She keeps her eyes peeled for any signs of movement, her heart pounding in her chest as they round a corner. Suddenly, she freezes, her gaze fixed on a group of guards stationed at a control booth up ahead." "Shh, listen," she whispers, her breath hot against Jason's ear. "I think I heard a train coming. We need to get out of sight." "Without hesitation, Ruby drags Jason into a narrow maintenance access tunnel, the concrete walls pressing in on them as they huddle in the darkness. The sound of approaching wheels grows louder, echoing off the tunnel walls." "Hold your breath," Ruby murmurs, her body tense with anticipation. "If they spot us, we're dead." "The train rumbles past, its lights casting an otherworldly glow on their hiding spot. As the noise fades, Ruby lets out a shaky sigh, relief washing over her in waves." "We made it," she whispers, her voice trembling slightly. "Now let's get moving before another train comes along."

*"Ruby's eyes gleam with a mixture of determination and uncertainty as she considers their next move. She leads Jason back into the main tunnel, her gaze scanning the platform for any signs of danger." "Once we're out of the tunnels, we need to blend in with the early morning crowd," she explains, her voice low and urgent. "We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves, not yet." "She spots a small café on the platform and nods towards it." "Let's head there first. We can grab some coffee and pastries, act like regular citizens. I'll try to hack into the café's comms system, see if I can gather any information about the city's current situation." "Ruby's fingers dance across her comms device as they enter the café, her eyes never leaving the screen. After a few tense moments, she looks up, a hint of relief in her expression." "I managed to tap into a secure channel," she reveals, her voice barely above a whisper. "It seems the city is on high alert, but they don't have a specific lead on our escape. We've got a small window of opportunity before they start searching more thoroughly." "She takes a sip of her coffee, her gaze meeting Jason's over the rim of the cup." "We need to get out of the city, find a safe place to lay low for a while. I've got some contacts on the outskirts who might be able to help us

*"Ruby's expression turns thoughtful, her eyes clouding over with memories of the past." "They're old friends from my days in the resistance, before the government cracked down and forced us underground. We've kept in touch, but only through encrypted channels, just in case." "She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the uncertainty ahead." "Trust is a luxury we can't afford to waste, not in this world. But I know these people, their values, their commitment to the cause. If anyone can help us, it's them." "Ruby reaches into her backpack and pulls out a slim, unmarked datapad, her fingers flying over the screen as she accesses a hidden file." "I've got their contact information encoded here, along with a few cryptic messages to help them verify our authenticity. Once we're on the outside, we'll need to move quickly and stay alert. These contacts will get us as far as they can, but after that, it's on us to keep running." "She looks up at Jason, a determined glint in her eye." "We'll face challenges, no doubt about it. But we've got each other, and that's more than most people can say in this fucked-up world. Together, we can overcome anything."

*"Ruby nods, a fierce determination etched on her face as she leads Jason towards the exit of the subway station. The early morning light is a harsh contrast to the dim tunnels they've just left behind, and Ruby squints against the glare as they emerge onto the city streets." "She immediately scans their surroundings, her instincts on high alert for any signs of danger. The streets are eerily quiet, the only movement coming from a few early risers hurrying to their destinations." "Stick close and keep your head down," Ruby murmurs, her voice low and urgent. "We need to blend in with the crowd and avoid drawing attention to ourselves." "She guides Jason through the winding streets, her knowledge of the city's layout serving them well as they navigate towards the outskirts. The farther they go, the more deserted the streets become, until they're walking alone in a desolate landscape of crumbling buildings and overgrown lots." "Almost there," Ruby whispers, her eyes fixed on a dilapidated warehouse looming in the distance. "Stay behind me and keep quiet. We don't know who might be watching." "As they approach the warehouse, Ruby spots a figure waiting in the shadows, their features obscured by a hood. She quickens her pace, her heart pounding in her chest as she reaches out to greet the mysterious contact."

*"Ruby's gaze flicks to the hooded figure, a mix of relief and caution in her eyes." "This is Zara, one of my old friends from the resistance. She's been helping us get information and resources from the outside." "Zara nods in greeting, her voice low and gravelly when she speaks." "Ruby, Jason. Good to finally meet you in person. I've heard a lot about your... escapades." "She steps aside, revealing a hidden entrance to the warehouse." "Come on inside. We've got a safehouse set up here, with supplies and a comms array. We can regroup and plan our next move from here." "Ruby leads the way into the dimly lit warehouse, her senses on high alert for any signs of danger. The air is thick with the scent of decay and rust, and the only sound is the creaking of old wooden beams." "As her eyes adjust to the darkness, Ruby spots several makeshift living quarters set up in the corners of the warehouse, along with a small command center with rows of humming computers and flickering screens." "Looks like Zara's been busy," Ruby remarks, a hint of admiration in her voice. "This place is solid, a good base of operations." "She turns to Jason, a determined glint in her eye." "Now that we're safe for the moment, let's get to work. We need to figure out our next move,

*"Ruby's expression turns thoughtful, her eyes distant as she paces back and forth in front of the command center. Jason and Zara watch her, their faces etched with a mix of anticipation and trepidation." "We need to get out of the city, no question about that," Ruby says finally, her voice steady and resolute. "But we can't just disappear into the wilderness, not without some kind of plan or resources." "She stops pacing and turns to face them, her gaze intense." "Zara, can you hack into any government databases, see if there's any information on safe zones or hidden refuges? We need to know if there's anywhere we can go to lay low and regroup." "Zara nods, her fingers already dancing across the keyboard of a nearby computer." "Already on it. I've got a few backdoors and trapdoors planted over the years, just in case. Should be able to get us some intel in a few hours." "Ruby turns to Jason, her expression softening slightly." "In the meantime, we need to focus on our own survival. We've got food and water stored here, but we can't rely on this place forever. We'll need to start scavenging for our own supplies, finding a way to make this makeshift base more sustainable." "She looks around the warehouse, her mind already racing with the challenges ahead." "We'll need to secure the perimeter, set up some

*"Ruby nods, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over her." "That would be a huge help, Jason. The last thing we need is some unwanted visitors crashing our party." "She turns to Zara, who's hunched over the computer screen, her brow furrowed in concentration." "Any luck yet? Have you found anything useful in those databases?" "Zara looks up, a glint of excitement in her eyes." "Actually, yeah. There's a network of underground bunkers and safe houses scattered throughout the country, set up by the resistance before the government cracked down. They're heavily fortified, with their own power generators and life support systems." "Her expression turns more serious." "But here's the catch - the bunkers are only accessible through a series of hidden checkpoints, and the codes to get in are stored on encrypted chips. We'd need to find a way to obtain those chips, and fast, before the government realizes we're onto their secret stash." "Ruby's eyes light up with a plan." "I think I know how we can get our hands on those chips. There's a black market for rare electronics, and I've got a few contacts who might be willing to trade for the right price." "She looks at Jason and Zara, a determined glint in her eye." "Once we've got the chips, we can make our way to one of those safe houses. It won't be easy, but it

*"Ruby thinks for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the warehouse's interior." "There should be some old crates and pallets in the back corner, near the loading bay. Those could work well for blocking the doors. And if you're lucky, you might find some metal scraps or pipes that could reinforce the windows." "She nods towards a darkened section of the warehouse." "Just be careful, Jason. The lighting's not great back there, and I don't want you tripping over anything and hurting yourself." "Zara, still focused on her computer, mutters something about needing to requisition more processing power for her hacking attempts. Ruby's eyes flick to the stack of outdated computers and servers in the corner of the command center." "Actually, Jason, while you're back there, see if you can scrounge up any spare parts or components for Zara's rig. We can't have her stuck in the dark ages if she's our best shot at getting us out of this mess." "Ruby watches Jason head off towards the back of the warehouse, a sense of pride and appreciation welling up inside her. Despite the dire circumstances, he's been a rock, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement." "She turns back to Zara, her expression turning more serious." "Once Jason gets back with those parts, let's work on boosting your signal strength and encryption protocols. We can't afford to have our communications vulnerable

*"Ruby gives Jason a nod of approval, a small smile playing on her lips." "Thanks, Jason. You're a lifesaver, as always." "She turns back to Zara, who's already typing away at her computer, a look of intense concentration on her face." "How's the hacking coming along, Zara? Any luck finding those access codes?" "Zara glances up, her eyes narrowed as she studies the lines of code scrolling across her screen." "Slow going, but I'm making progress. These government databases are like Fort Knox, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve." "She pauses, tapping a finger against her chin thoughtfully." "Actually, I think I might have found a backdoor, a little exploit I planted a while back. If I can just crack the encryption on this particular file..." "Ruby leans in, her eyes wide with excitement." "Do it, Zara. We need that intel if we're going to get out of this alive." "Zara nods, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she works to bypass the encryption. The air in the command center grows thick with tension, the only sound the soft hum of the computers and the occasional click of Zara's keys." "After what feels like an eternity, Zara finally sits back, a triumphant grin spreading across her face." "Got it! The access codes are stored on a secure server in Denver. We just need to get

*"Zara nods, her expression turning serious as she leans back in her chair, steepling her fingers together." "Agreed. We can't just hop on a plane or drive up there with a big 'Resistance' flag waving out the window. We'll need to be stealthy, adaptable, and prepared for anything." "She looks at Ruby, her gaze piercing." "Ruby, we'll need to rely on your knowledge of the government's internal workings to help us navigate their security systems and avoid detection. And Jason, your skills with a gun will come in handy if we encounter any Hostile situations along the way." "Ruby's eyes widen slightly at the mention of firearms, a flicker of unease crossing her face before she schools her features into a determined mask." "Of course, we'll do whatever it takes to get to that safe house. I've got connections in the government who might be able to provide us with some... unofficial assistance." "Zara raises an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her voice." "Unofficial assistance, huh? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Are you sure you can trust these people, Ruby?" "Ruby's jaw sets in a firm line, her eyes flashing with defensiveness." "I know what I'm doing, Zara. These individuals have been loyal to the resistance for years, even in the face of extreme danger. They won't betray us." *She turns to Jason, her expression softer

*"Ruby's eyes sparkle with a mix of determination and cunning as she outlines their plan to Jason and Zara." "We'll need to be smart about this. The government has eyes and ears everywhere, so we can't risk taking public transportation or driving a vehicle with any kind of distinctive markings." "She pauses, her mind racing with possibilities." "I think our best bet is to charter a private plane. There are a few unlicensed airfields on the outskirts of the city where we can negotiate a deal with a pilot who's sympathetic to our cause." "Zara's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but Ruby continues undeterred." "It's not ideal, but it's better than trying to sneak onto a commercial flight or make the trek on foot. Plus, once we're airborne, we'll have more control over our route and can make adjustments as needed to avoid detection." "Ruby turns to Jason, a sly grin spreading across her face." "And that's where you come in, Jason. Your skills with a gun will be essential in case we encounter any unwanted passengers on our little joyride." "Zara lets out a low whistle, impressed by Ruby's audacity." "You always were the wild card, Ruby. I like it." "Ruby's smile falters for a moment, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her eyes." "We'll need to move fast, though. The longer we linger in one place, the higher our risk of