Deviants

Chapter 91

Kate

Raevon steps from her office while the morning outside is still dark to see all of us already gathered in her living room. She takes a deep breath before walking into better view of everyone. Everything about her manner is different and yet familiar. She stands tall and confident, but she doesn't smile. In fact, I haven't seen her smile since escaping I.O.E.

"I know you're all probably confused about what will happen next," she starts, "but the safest thing for all of us is to split up and never see each other again." I look around at all my friends, the most important people in my life. My heart aches to see Irene's face. She was the smartest of us all and now knowing that she could read minds makes her so much easier to understand. I suddenly realize that I'm staring into gray and gold eyes that stare right back at me. My heart slams against my chest and I quickly look away from him, my cheeks burning. I focus back onto Raevon.

"It's the easiest way to stay off I.O.E.'s radar, but I've known of agents that became unstable while in isolation. The next safest bet would be to split in pairs."

"What about our families?" Scott speaks up.

"Your families won't be targeted unless they are Deviants of if they are a sure way to get to you. They are being watched right now, so I advise you not to give I.O.E. any reason to approach them. Give six to eight months to the latest before you try to contact them again, and if and when you do try to contact someone, be sure that it's with caution," Raevon says.

"Have you created new identities for everyone here?" A Deviant asks, one that was in the base long before the students at Stonegate University.

"I have. Each individual in this room will get a fresh start with a new name, birthdate, locations, and a chunk of cash to get them started. I haven't yet added locations to anyone's papers. It's best if you all do that yourselves. Do not share your destination to where you are going with anyone else." Raevon says firmly.

"I would like mine right now," the same Deviant says. Raevon motions to her office.

"Find your I.D., add your birthplace and current destination, print out your papers and only your papers and bind your own passports," she says. All the Deviants that were in the base for years stand up, only a few of them looking like they are pairing together. They each take turns in Raevon's office to complete their new identities. Raevon looks back as the rest of us.

"Has anyone heard of the prisoner's dilemma?" She asks. I look around as most everyone shakes their head.

"It's a way to pin partners in crime against each other," Amee speaks up. Everyone looks at her. She looks slightly bored. "When one or both partners are caught, they are separated and each interrogated. They are both charged with extreme consequences, but each are offered the same bargain. If they rat out the other, they are promised a lessen of consequences." It's quiet as everyone takes in what Amee said and what it means.

"The prisoner's dilemma is the reason each of you should pick a partner that will have your back," Raevon says. "No matter what."

"But we aren't criminals," one of the students comment.

"That won't matter to I.O.E.," Amee snaps.

"I.O.E.'s interrogations don't involve jail time or fines," Raevon says. "They are much, much worse. They will break you if you let them. And don't think the police can save you, don't think the FBI can save you. I.O.E. is above all of them and if you go to them for help, that's the quickest way to end up in the hands of I.O.E." The doom in the room seems to settle on everyone at once. I glance at Amee and Jesse, feeling torn between them. And between Johnny. I've had Amee in my life since I first arrived at the Stonegate Orphanage. What would I possibly do without her if we were cut off from each other? And I'm not even completely in control of my ability yet. And Jesse's always had a cool head since he first discovered my ability and I know I can trust him. And Johnny... my heart hurts as I try my hardest not to look at him. I was miserable at the thought of never seeing him again. I'm still miserable without him at my side, but can I ever trust him again?