Republic of Omisha

Chapter 43: Sebastian

What is she doing here? Sebastian thinks to himself. Hasn't she done enough?

By the look in Eliza's eye, he realizes that his expression must be harsh. He knows that he must keep up his looks as the rebels leader or else they will replace him. Since of Ekon's betrayal, everyone has been paranoid. They will easily turn on anyone.

Sebastian whispers under his breath so that only Eliza can hear. "What are you doing here?"

She freezes. She tries to speak, but no words come out. She becomes flush and her eyes search his frantically.

"Yes?" He barks.

Her eyes narrow and she swallows hard. "I'm here to put an end to the riots." Her voice is booming and commanding, like Sebastian remembered.

Shouts rise from the crowd. Her opinion is obviously unpopular. Yet Eliza holds her ground.

She always was feisty.

A shout rise above the crowd. "She's one of the school kids!"

Another voice answered. "She can't be trusted!"

Then left and right they were hurtling criticism at her.

"She was sent here to kill us!"

"She came to spread her lies!"

"She'll double cross us!"

"Seize her!"

With that last exclamation, the crowd thunders toward Eliza. Sebastian is powerless to stop it. They rush past him. She is quickly blocked from view as they restrain both of her arms and man handle her into the building.

It isn't until over an hour later that Sebastian is able to see Eliza. They didn't harm her, but she is currently held captive in a locked classroom that is guarded and is serving as her containment cell.

They let him in and he enters slowly, observing her every move. As he enters, she whips her head around. She may be sitting up straight, but there is unmistakable fear behind her eyes.

Sebastian has always been able to read between the lines with Eliza. She's never really tried to hide anything from him. She couldn't even if she tried. They knew each other as well as best friends... maybe even as well as siblings.

"Hey," Hey? He scolds himself. That's what you decide to lead with?

"You're alive!" She speaks up.

"Yeah, a lot has happened in the past two days."

Instead of replying, she looks into his eyes. He wants to look away. She's trying to read him. She's good at it and he's ashamed of what she will see.

"You had been gone for over an hour." Sebastian begins, explaining the answer to Eliza's unspoken question. "Lance and I went out to look for you. I was worried about you. We left Shyloh at the house, in case you came back."

Sebastian breaks her eye contact. He can't stand to hold her gaze. He blames himself for Shyloh and the Morris' death.

He has to change the subject. He has to talk about something else. Anything.

"Lance is actually the one who called you a traitor. He's spreading lies about you right now." He takes a long look up and down Eliza. "But what I don't understand is why you changed sides. I know that you'd never betray me, but why the sudden allegiance change."

He searches her expression for the answer. It's clear. She's on her own side. She raises her hand to her ear and points at an earpiece.

Sebastian decides to play along. He clears his throat. "It has been decided that you will be searched and held hostage. You cannot keep any gadgets on you." He takes out her earpiece. "That includes this earpiece. Who knows who could listen in on us with this."

He winks at Eliza and she visibly relaxes and gives him a grateful smile. She's free.

Sebastian hands the device to a guard and gives him instructions.