"We are the contingency plans," She said, her attention fully on her. "The Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu are both strong in Earthrealm's defense, but their numbers are still small compared to those in Special Forces, and thus far you and Johnny were the only ones capable of defeating Shinnok." Well, there was the Elder Subzero, if the stories were true, but he wasn't exactly an ally now. "He might not like that we don't obey him in all things, but I think he found it a small price to pay."

Frustrating to be sure, but if there was one thing she was good at, it was compartmentalizing.

"The only good thing that came from all of this was," She forced something of a smile. "You and Johnny finally strong arming me into getting counseling."

And given how infamous her mother was for being stubborn, Cassie should well imagine how that was like.