The Cold Unknown

Chapter 15 - Taking Cover

Markus had told everyone who had survived the attack to meet in an abandoned church building not far from Jericho, to reassess the situation and to rest. Apparently, someone had blown up Jericho in order to make the soldiers evacuate. So the church was sort of like the "New Jericho".

Kara said we didn't have much time until the bus left, but we could go there to take a quick breather. We sat in the old pews. This place is falling apart. I thought to myself. I kept looking around, but sadly, there was no sign of Luther.

Somebody else caught my attention though. Leaning back against the wall a little farther away from us, stood the one and only, Connor. He looked up, just as I looked away. He must've recognized us, because he started to walk over. Stopping in front of us, Kara and I looked up.

"I thought I'd killed you on that highway." He said. Oh... He wasn't frustrated we'd disappeared, he thought we'd died... Wait, he's here with the rest of us? Does that mean he is deviant like us now? "I'm sorry I put your lives in danger." Connor apologized, then bent down to meet my eyes. "I was just a machine, taking orders." He looked at Kara. "It wasn't really me." So he is on our side now! I thought happily.

Connor stood back up. "What are you gonna do now?" He asked Kara. "Getting Alice away from here is all that matters now. We have to catch the last bus. We might still have a chance to cross the border." Kara told him, and he nodded. "Well I hope you make it out safely." He looked to me again, and smiled. "You deserve some happiness, after all you've been through..." I smiled back. Then, I decided I should thank him, so I actually stood up, and hugged him.

Connor was surprised and a little confused. "Thank you, Connor. For saving Emma. For helping Jericho. For everything." He continued to look confused. "You know my name?" I nodded. "You are a hero." Connor then smiled, and hugged me back. "Well, thank you, Alice. For being so brave. Not many little girls could do what you've done. And I'm glad I was able to make you happy." He gave me a final squeeze, and then I let go, and left him to go back to where he was standing. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if Connor stayed with us. He seems really nice and friendly... I thought, as he walked away.
(A/N: We loved that, and you all know it.)

I sat back down, Kara softly smiling at me. Another person walked over to us. "I thought you'd be safe staying with us." He said. His voice was very familiar. I remember! He was the one that said where the exits were in Jericho. "I was wrong. You need to leave the city while you still can." He began to walk away, but Kara spoke again. "Markus," She called, and he turned back. Oh, so that's Markus!.. "Save our people..." Kara said, Markus giving a curt nod in return, then left.

I saw him walk over to Connor, and they talked for a little bit. Markus put a hand on Connor's shoulder, said something, then went to talk to others. I stopped watching him, and looked around. Still no sign of Luther. I thought, deflated. I also couldn't find the other YK500 I had seen, the one that looks like me. Maybe she didn't make it...

Suddenly, someone started speaking loudly. I turned to see Markus in the front of the chapel, standing on a box to be seen from afar. "Humans have decided to exterminate us." He began. "Our people are packed in camps right now, being destroyed." I hope Luther's not in any of them.

"The time has come to make a choice. One that very well may determine the future of our people." Markus continued. "...I know, I know you're all angry. And I know you wanna fight back. But I assure you, that violence is not the answer here." He's right. Violence only leads to more violence, until there is nothing but blood and ashes. And I should know, Todd was like that... I thought, agreeing. 

"We are going to tell them - peacefully - that we want justice. If there's any humanity in them, they will listen. And if not, others will take our place and continue this fight." Markus said. Some people looked disappointed they weren't gonna be going to war, but they all knew he was right. I just hope he can save us all.

"Are you ready to follow me?" Markus asked. 

People cheered wildly, pumping their fists in the air in agreement. Kara and I also cheered a little bit. Someone started chanting, and then more people joined. And soon all of us - except Connor, who still stood by the wall, looking solemn - joined in. "Markus! Markus! Markus!" We chanted. Markus, do this for all of us, do this for our happiness, do this for Connor, Kara, Luther, Ralph, the Jerry's, and for me. Win this fight, Markus... 

For freedom.