The Collapse of Mankind

Chapter Nine, TCOM Part II

Ellie paced up and down the hallway, chewing on her nails.

Ellie: We can't do this. Surely. We can't.

Alexis, Nicholas, Cisco and Sophia sat around the small table in the kitchen. Joshua and Madison stayed out of the situation, sitting on the floor next to Violet laying on the sofa, still unconscious. Cisco twirled his knife around in his fingers.

Cisco: El stop pacing! It's driving me in-fucking-sane.

Ellie stopped, walking over to the table and slamming her hands down on the wood.

Ellie: We need a plan.
Cisco: We do.
Ellie: We can't let him just have Alex.
Nick: Well...

Ellie glared at Nick.

Ellie: Nicholas.
Nick: Sorry, sorry. Not the time for jokes.
Sophia: How about... if we bring Alex. And hand her over. And then attack. He won't expect it.
Cisco: No because-

The group all looked at one another, realizing how good of an idea that actually was.

Ellie: Soph that was... actually a good idea.

Sophia smiled widely. She felt smart and important.

Alexis: I'm fine with anything. As long as I don't... y'know... die.
Ellie: We could never let you die.

Alexis smiled at Ellie. Joshua stood up and walked into the kitchen.

Joshua: Is there anything I can do to help? I know we only just met. And Maddie and Vi won't be much help with the state they're in. But I'll do anything.

The group looked at one another.

Alexis: Honestly I think your help would be great. Carter doesn't know what you look like. He doesn't even know you exist. So if you stayed in the woods and behind cover, you could be a huge help if we needed you.
Joshua: I'm willing to do it.
Cisco: Great. That's great. Thank you.

Cisco sighed.

Cisco: And if we all make it back alive...

Cisco stood up from his seat and walked over to the cupboard under the stairs. He rummaged around and brought out something wrapped in a cloth. He slowly took the cloth off and threw it back in the cupboard. Cisco slowly walked over to the table and placed a bottle of crisp wine in the middle of it.

Cisco: We deserve a little treat. Don't you think?

At this point, everyone's mouths were open in shock.

Ellie: Holy shit. Where did you get that?

Cisco smiled to himself.

Cisco: In the cupboard, when we first got here. I was saving it for something special. And I guess coming back alive is pretty fucking special.
Nick: Oh hell yeah.
Cisco: But. We better get some sleep so we're prepared for whatever the hell is coming tomorrow.
Alexis: You're right. We better sleep. It's getting late.

Cisco looked up at Joshua.

Cisco: You can sleep down here with Madison and Violet. I'll bring down some spare blankets and pillows so you don't freeze to death. Let us know if you need anything for either of them. Or even just an extra helping hand.