Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 56: Pride and Guilt

Connor leaned back against the wall of one of the several conference rooms in Zion, listening as Eli and North gave Clara a rundown of what had gone on since her initial capture. They told her about Samuel and the council's unwillingness to help with the rescue, then their several conversations about electing a new leader since. Clara just listened, face neutral and distant.

"You need to talk to them," North said. "They won't listen to any of us, especially Samuel."

Clara said nothing, just nodded.

"They're going to replace you if we don't do something." North's voice rose.

She still stayed silent, fidgeting with the edges of her sleeves.

"Why won't you say anything?" A hint of irritation entered North's words. "They're going to replace you."

"Let them." Clara looked at her, face still neutral as she spoke softly.

At her words, Connor's thirium pump stuttered, and he felt a cold flicker of surprise course through him. His brows furrowed as he studied her, analyzing for any indication of her mental state. She looked and sounded so serious, almost emotionless. But what she'd said wasn't like her at all. He nearly said something, to ask for clarification, but North cut in before he could.

"What?" Confusion and hurt flashed across the android's face. "You can't mean that!"

"I do." Clara's voice was calm. Too calm. "If it's what they want, then why should I fight it? If they'd rather someone else lead, who am I to stop them?"

North scoffed. "You're giving up. After everything, after all that talk about the hope and peace of this place, after everything you've done to protect it, you're really going to abandon us. Just like that?"

Clara remained silent, and she wouldn't meet North's eyes.

North continued, speaking low and harsh. "Typical human behavior. As soon as it gets hard, you just pass it off to someone else like a coward."

"Hey!" Eli cut in, stepping partially in front of Clara. "Don't you talk to her like that! She has enough to deal with right now, and she doesn't need you adding to it."

"Well, someone has to say it!" North's voice rose, face twisting in anger. "She's clearly not thinking straight!"

"Of course she's not thinking straight." Eli matched North's tone. "What else would you expect? She's been through hell! She needs time."

"We don't have time!" North stepped forward, trying to push past him. "She needs to get her head on straight and do something! She's the only one who can."

"Back off, North." Eli blocked her path, folding his arms across his chest as he stood protectively in front of Clara. "Just leave her alone. She already gave you her answer."

"Well, it's a bullshit answer!" North threw her hands up, face twisting in anger. "I won't accept it! She can't seriously mean that!"