An Imitation of Love (A Detroit: Become Human Story)

Chapter 15

Sebastien opened his eyes and yawned. His head was in Alexios's lap as his body lay across an old, wooden pew. They made it to the church the night before and Sebastien nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Alexios tried to make him as comfortable as he could in the old, decrepit church. Color him surprised when North came by with a thick blanket she managed to "commandeer" for Sebastien. Josh also came by with food for Sebastien after he managed to fall asleep in Alexios's lap. A few of the androids came by to express their sincerest thanks to Sebastien and Alexios. Had they not intervened, more of them would have been massacred.

Sebastien looked down at his phone and saw that it was a little after 4:00PM. He had slept for over twelve hours. Most of the androids around the church were sitting and waiting. Waiting for what, he did not know. He was just happy that he and Alexios were safe. The event of the previous night shook him to his core. He had never experienced such violence before. Such horror. Goosebumps formed on his body as he involuntarily trembled. Alexios wrapped an arm around his shoulders. The closeness soothed him.

"You don't have to stay with us," Markus said to them. He was standing in front of them, both hands behind his back. "You two could easily get yourselves somewhere safe, outside the crossfire." Alexios looked down at Sebastien who was deep in thought. He promised Sebastien that he would protect him, but last night was such a close call. He could've been killed. What if he didn't get to that soldier in time to stop him from shooting?

"I'm not going anywhere," Sebastien spoke up, confidently. "I want to see this through."

"Are you sure?" Markus asked, eyebrow raised.

"More than anything," Sebastien nodded. "After last night... I can't walk away from this. My humanity, all the things that make me human, won't let me walk away from this." Alexios pulled Sebastien in tighter.

"Understood," Markus simply said. "Keep him safe." He directed that statement to Alexios.

"With my life," Alexios responded.

"Hopefully it won't come down to that," Markus said and walked away. He headed off in another direction to speak with a few different androids. Some Sebastien recognized. The female android and the little girl she had been looking for. He was relieved that they were safe. He spoke with Josh, Simon, North, and then stopped to speak with an android who seemed a bit distant from the others. Sebastien remembered bumping into him on the Jericho. He recalled the leather coat and beanie hat he wore. He wasn't sure what they were talking about but it seemed serious enough.

Once Markus was finished making his rounds, he walked up to the pulpit. Although he was an android, Sebastien noticed how exhausted he looked. He knew the effect that this was all having on Markus. Any human this day and age would have faltered, but Markus was resistant. He had a mission. Freedom for his people at all costs.

"Humans have decided to exterminate us," Markus began speaking. "Our people are packed in camps right now, being destroyed..." Sebastien could do nothing but shake his head. Humanity will always destroy what it doesn't understand.

"Time has come to make a choice," Markus continued, "one that very well may determine the future of our people." Sebastien reached for Alexios's hand. What if Markus decided to fight fire with fire? The androids inside the church were going to follow his lead no matter what. If Markus didn't try to push for peace... where would that lead them? All of them?

"I know... I know you're all angry," Markus spoke. "And I know you wanna fight back. But I assure you violence is not the answer here." Sebastien breathed a sigh of relief. "We are gonna tell them peacefully that we want justice. If there's any humanity in them, they will listen. And if not, others will take our place and continue this fight." Markus looked at Sebastien and Alexios when he said that. They both nodded in unison.

"Are you ready to follow me?" Markus questioned the entire church. Cheers erupted through the silent church as the androids began shouting "yes", "yeah", and "Markus". Alexios and Sebastien stood up and cheered too. They were going to follow this passionate android on his quest for peace, equality, and freedom. Even if it killed them both.