Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 63: Together

Clara stared at the assembled androids, eyes settling on each council member in turn as she gathered her thoughts. She could feel Connor's stalwart presence behind her, his hand draped lightly over the back of her seat, a reassuring reminder that he was with her. Eli lingered in the corner, by the door, face fixed in a careful expression of neutrality. He knew her plan, and while he hadn't protested, she knew he didn't agree with it.

"Well?" Samuel looked at her expectantly. "You called this meeting, Clara. I'm sure we'd all like an explanation as to why."

A few others nodded in agreement.

"Where were you all day, Clara?" Concern flickered across Teri's face as she spoke. "What happened?"

Clara took a deep breath, maintaining a calm disposition, controlling her heartrate, her expression. She resisted the urge to look back at Connor, knowing it would betray her nervousness. She could not afford any indication of weakness. She needed to be strong and confident for her people, because if she couldn't be, then who could?

She exhaled slowly then spoke. "Cyberlife found me today."

There was a collective gasp as the council took in the words, alarm flashing across several faces.

"They offered me an ultimatum." She kept her voice even and neutral. "My life, my freedom, in exchange for peace." She took another breath. "They want to control me, and through me, everyone here."

"Of course you declined." North's words came unsure. "You wouldn't sell us out like that, not after everything, right? You wouldn't give up."

Clara nodded. "Yes. I declined. Cyberlife can't be trusted, so of course I wouldn't hand myself over willingly."

"You say that, but how do we know they aren't controlling you right now?" Samuel gave her a suspicious look. "You were gone a while. How do we know you're still yourself?"

Jinx, who had been near the door at the back of the room stepped forward. "I can vouch for her. She bought enough time in her encounter with Cyberlife's agents for my team to extract her before any damage was done." She held up her hand, retracting the synthetic skin. "Anyone who doubts, feel free to interface. I have nothing to hide."

"That won't be necessary, Jinx." Teri smiled at the other android. "Your word is enough."

Clara gave the woman a brief, grateful glance, then turned back to the group, sobering. "They did not succeed this time, but..." She hesitated, taking another breath. "But they know where we are now. They managed to steal information from someone on the inside, so they know where we are and the kinds of resources we possess."

"Then secrecy no longer serves us." Markus spoke softly, glancing around the table. "Hiding no longer serves us."

Outraged murmurs broke out, several members of the council turning to glare at the former revolutionary.

Samuel's voice rose among them. "Hiding has always been our way. It's the only way we've stayed safe this long. Surely there's something we can to do maintain the peace of this place. We have contingencies. They won't be able to get in."