Descent into the Abyss

Chapter 19

"How long were you thinking of staying here in our community? We could always use another telepath," Sarah asked as the three of them stood near the entryway to the house.

"Honestly," Marcus began, stepping up to the door. " I don't really know. Once we found your colony, I still don't have an idea about what to do."

"At the very least, we'll be training to improve our strength," Kou remarked, Marcus nodding. "We still have a long way to go."

"Alright, sounds like a good plan. We have multiple blocks cleared out that still remain uninhabited," Sarah responded mentally. "Get a good night's rest and we'll introduce you to the community more tomorrow morning. You shouldn't be bothered, depending on where you decide to sleep."

"And if you will," Kou began, Sarah already nodding in acknowledgement.

"No one besides the two of us will know the truth about you or what happened. Society is rebuilding itself and is too fragile to be told information of such a massive scale."

Marcus agreed wordlessly, noting the evening sun. Hours had passed since he had first walked in the door and met with the Doctor and her husband. As would most people, the two of them had a plethora of questions that required answers. In return, Marcus and Kou asked their own questions, many of which the duo answered without hesitation. Much like Kou had stated back when he first made contact with Debra's mind, this world was no longer the same world that existed before they went into the stasis chamber.

"I'd- We'd appreciate that, Doctor," Marcus replied, reaching for the door.

As he gripped the doorknob, a knock echoed into the hallway. A twist and a pull put Marcus face to face with Debra once more.

A look of surprise, an awkward pause, and an uneasy smile met him as she stood there waiting.

"I was just leaving," Marcus reasoned, stepping out as she took a step back.

"Leaving?"

"Yeah, gotta find a place to crash tonight. The Doctor said you guys had a couple city blocks that were still empty. Figured I'd get some sleep there," Marcus answered, turning back towards the duo in the doorway. "I'll be back in the morning for the meet and greet."

Derek glanced to the Doctor, waiting for her smile and nod before mimicking her actions. Turning back, Marcus nodded once to Debra and turned towards the vastness of the unknown, stopping.

"Head straight to the edge of the gardens, then turn left and everything beyond the red buildings is open," Sarah told them as she noted their sudden halt.

"Thank you," Marcus and Kou replied, a small smile on his face.

Stepping away into the colony, Marcus watched with awe as the nightly rituals of these people began. Streetlights flickered to life, the silence of the evening becoming filled with the energy of the nightlife. Doors opened almost on cue and individuals began congregating in the streets. As Marcus walked by, more than a few conversations stopped cold, the eyes of those speaking staring.

"It seems that not everyone is as welcoming as the Doctor," Kou remarked, Marcus nodding in silent acknowledgement.

A few streets later, after another dozen cold encounters, an older man waved towards him.

"Hey! I haven't seen you before," the man yelled out with a friendly smile. "Are ya new 'round here?"

"Yeah," Marcus replied, smiling himself. "I came in earlier today with Greg's group. They found me out there."

"Ah, okay. Come on over here and sit down," The man suggested, waving to follow as he turned.

"I was actually about to find a place to sleep," Marcus explained, trying not to sound rude. "Thank you for the offer though."