The World is After Us

Chapter 5

"Court in session," the judge says, banging her gavel. The room falls silent, and she looks around before speaking again. "It is under question whether these runaways should be released under strict watch, or imprisoned. First claim please."

Ander steps up to the floor, and smiles at both Jexton and I before looking and keeping his focus on the judge. 

"Ma'am, this boy, as you know, is my little brother. And this girl. . .her father is the reason all of this went down. He created the rememdium, and she wasn't being smart with it; not to mention that she was a German hideaway. Jexton took her in, and then ended up running away with her. The two went on a killing spree—"

"Now wait a minute!" I interject, and the judge bangs her gavel. 

"Order!" she yells. "No one interrupts unless it is your turn to speak! Ander, please continue."

"Anyways," Ander says, tilting his head at me, then shifting his weight. "A lot of people died at their hands. Maybe they were protecting each other, or maybe it was cold blood, but I know that neither one of them can come off as innocent. They had run off, they saved my life, but they also went against the rules. As much as I think they should not be imprisoned, they have been given an unlimited amount of chances, and they shuffled the cards every single time."

"I second that." a man from the benches stands and pleads before taking his seat once again. The judge hits her gavel and calls an order, then welcomes the next witness. 

Jexton slouches in his wooden chair and sighs. He then sits up so that he is closer to the microphone, then speaks. "Farrah and I have been on the run; there is no doubt about that, but we do have a good reason. You see, all Farrah was trying to do was get the rememdium to the CDC so that she could cure the disease that is killing all these innocent people. She was caught by me, and I was recruiting, so when I realized what she was, I took her in. And when I realized what she was doing, I let her go and decided to join her."

All seems to be going well, but I continue to listen closely to make sure that Jexton is not giving out any hidden messages. I wonder if he is going to tell the whole story, and so far, he is. 

"There were times where we played mind tricks on her, but this girl has saved not only Ander's life, but mine, too. We killed each other's parents. We fought together, and we nearly died together. And I know that I went against the rules here, because I was supposed to follow dad's lead and become a leader like Ander, but after learning everything about Farrah, and stepping into the shoes of those who aren't one of us, it made me understand. And that's why I didn't come back."

"Next statement, please." the judge calls, and my heart leaps as I realize that that means me. I clear my throat and sit up, and just when I start to think, my mind goes blank.

"Uh. . ." I mumble. Ander and everyone else's stares are making me incredibly uncomfortable, and I can't find the words to say. "Basically everything that Jexton said." I mumble quietly and Ander raises his brow.

"Elaborate, Farrah." he says, and I quickly look away from him. I would look at Jexton, but I can't see him from the other side of the judge.

I suddenly find my courage, and sit up further, leaning into the microphone and peering directly at Ander. 

"I just think that it's ridiculous that you're after me just because of my father—because of my ethnicity. I was carrying on a mission that he isn't here to complete himself because your father killed him. I am German. I may be rebellious, but that is only because you people are disgusting enough to kill innocent people because they don't want to follow your sick rules. . ."

I lean back in my chair and cross my arms over my abdomen. I shrug my shoulders, too. 

"Kill me. Do it. I mean, I've almost died so much already. If you want me dead so badly, then why don't you kill me already? Why are you people obsessed with torture? Why are you locking up innocent kids and killing all their parents? Why didn't you just throw me in there yourself, or why didn't your soldier just shoot me down when he saw me?"

"Farrah, stop it." Jexton says, but I shake my head. 

"No. I know they don't want you, Jexton." I say, then turn back to Ander. "You're just having him here with me so I feel more comfortable about what is to come of me. That's stupid. You've already taken everything from me: my mother, my father, my house, my dignity. You have it all, now you just have a body. So why don't you just finish this?"

Ander starts a slow clap that gradually gets faster. He stands still, and just claps like he had seen the best theater show in history. 

"Very well, miss Farrah," he says, finally halting the applause. "Very impressive. I am truly amazed. Is that all you wanted to get off your chest?" I don't move, but continue to stare at him. He looks up at the judge and smiles at her. 

"I think I have all the information I need. I would like to adjourn, if that's alright." the judge bangs her gavel three times, and soon the room is cleared of everyone except Ander, Jexton, and me. I don't take my eyes off of Ander. 

"You are a very smart young girl," Ander says, nodding his head. He begins pacing between Jexton and I, thinking about the right thing to say. "But you overthink too much. Nothing's gonna happen to you. I know you're tough, so I know you'll get through this." and with that, Ander spins on his heel and walks toward the door. 

"Get through what?" I ask. "Ander!" I yell, but he ignores me and continues walking.