This Conspiracy

Chapter 35

Author stuff: I'm sincerely hoping I handled all of this well.

Again, trigger warning for sexual assault and blood at the very end.

Chapter 35

In Which The Gladers (And The Readers) Learn Of Ash's Fate

The Gathering room wasn't big enough for everyone, but they still managed to squeeze all the Gladers in – except the redheaded girl who was stored in the Slammer and a couple of Baggers who had to watch her. It was uncomfortable to stand so close to so many others. It was important, however, for them all to be present.

He stood with his fellow Runners, closer to the back where it was less claustrophobic. The Keepers all stood behind Nick, as did Ash  – whose hands had been bound – and Adne – who looked ready to faint as she clung to Flossy. Flossy, oddly enough, was sporting a gnarly bruise on her left cheek, and she was standing proud, patting Adne's hand occasionally.

Archie met her eyes, raising his brows. She simply lifted her chin higher. He gave a little snort.

"Thank you all for coming," Nick said, his hands resting on the divider between him and the Gladers. "I know that this is a lot to ask of many of you, but it is important that you all be present to hear this.

"Myself and the other Keepers have been preparing for something like this to happen for quite some time, since Flossy arrived, if we're being honest. I just hoped it would never actually come to... this. I know the Keepers feel the same way.

"Very early this morning, Ash was seen sneaking out of the Homestead. Particularly, leaving the girls' room." A murmur rose up from the gathered Gladers as they straightened and looked at one another. Everyones' minds were going to the same thing. Nick raised his hands to quiet them. "I won't go into full detail of the events that transpired to save the parties involved any further emotional distress. And I'm sure you are all aware of what I am implying.

"It is in direct violation of rule number two, never harm another Glader. We are all aware of that, correct?" A chorus of agreements – spread out and quiet as they were – were called out. "And we all know what that means. I am saddened to say that Ash has been sentenced to Banishment."

No one said anything. They all looked between the girls and Ash. All of them were trying to comprehend what was happening.

Archie felt his world start to tilt. He braced his back against the wall, using a support beam to keep himself upright. He thought he heard Justin ask him something, but he brushed it off.

"We have decided to leave it to you to vote on whether he goes tonight or tomorrow." That got a cry out of them. No one quite wanted that burden placed on them. Archie could see why. The Keepers obviously had their reasons. It was more than enough knowing the exact details of... what had happened. To decide when a friend would die? Shuck.

That was messed up.

Nick called for order once more, his voice drowning all of them out. Only when everyone had silenced themselves, was a call for votes given.

He felt bile rise to the back of his throat. He swallowed and closed his eyes. He didn't want to see the outcome. He couldn't see the outcome.

"Tomorrow?" Nick said.

Archie held his arm firmly at his side. Tomorrow or today? Was that really the only choice they had? Yes, yes it was. And it was horrible.

"Alright. Today?"

His hand rose in the air. And he felt his stomach twist into so many knots, they would never untangle. A moment of silence passed as Nick counted. The world around him held its breath and waited.