The Apostate Trials

Chapter 14

Hugo was the first to offer an actual reasonable opinion. "As cruel as it sounds, maybe we should all just put it to a group vote. No one's going to willingly comply to giving their life so that the rest of us can survive, but that doesn't make the orders we were given any less true. This is something that needs to be done."

A few of the others had been nodding long before Hugo even finished; Miles was among those who didn't. "We can't decide who lives and who dies at the drop of a hat like that. We're people, man. Civilized. Not the animals they want us to become. We have to look at things from a civilized perspective."

"Last I checked, voting is civilized."

"About as civilized as we can get considering the circumstances," Rosary added.

     Miles' point was made moot by another set of nods, but he wasn't prepared to let it die so easily. "Whether it's up to vote or not, killing one of our own, no matter how we look at it, is wrong. Back me up here, Noah."

     Noah had seen his fair share of death over the days, both animal and human. He's had to make his fair share of decisions, some of which he hadn't bothered to give a second thought─he couldn't. Not ever. No matter what. He had to keep moving forward, as far and fast as his legs would carry him, never looking back. That's all that mattered.

He heaved a weary sigh. "As much as I loathe the idea...I can't back you up on this one, Miles." And he watched his friend's eyes go wide, their soft blueness flashing simultaneously with so many raw emotions, the core of which Noah processes as betrayal. "Putting it to a majority vote is the safest and most efficient way. But we have to swear to each other here and now," Noah's bitter gaze seasoned. "No matter the outcome, we can't hate each other for it."

Miles felt his body grow warm despite the chillness that stung the air. "You all can't be seriously agreeing with this."

"What's got to be done has to be done. For once, I actually agree with the idiot."

Noah looked over his shoulder to spot Rylan standing above their huddle, his expression a grim one, almost saddened. Almost.

"How would any of you truly feel knowing you were the one people voted against," Miles continued. "What about you, Hugo? This is all your idea. Why don't you be a man and spare us the torture of voting?" Something about his statement caused Noah to hold his breath, awaiting Hugo's response.

Miles' idea actually made a lot of sense in the ears of all the others; fear took a hold of them, each quietly suggesting that maybe Hugo should really be the one to die.

     From the looks of things, he didn't appear all to excited by the shift in opposition. He slowly climbed onto his feet and casually strolled towards Miles. Then, as if a massive stroke of lightning, his fist landed hard in Miles' face.

     The brute struggled to stay on his feet as stumbled into the nearest wall, using it as support. Then he violently surged forth and tackled Hugo, sending him whooshing to the ground with a shaky cough, the air dissipating from his lungs.

     The way in which it all happened left many frozen solid in place for a short few seconds. Noah was quick on his feet and started fruitlessly tugging away at Miles' arm, but the brute didn't stop, the slugfest continuing, punches and elbows and kicks everywhere. One mix even struck him, causing him both a great deal of pain and anger.

     Much to Noah's surprise, Rylan quickly rushed to his aid, the two using every ounce of strength in their bodies to pull Miles off; he continued swinging, as if magically willing his arms to reach.

"This isn't the time for this," Noah shouted into his ear as loud as possible. The giant froze. "If we don't find a way to solve this, all of us are going to die in the morning! All! Do you not understand me?"