The Last Colony

Part 31

Mark had the worst sleep of his life. They had taken up resting in a dusty old stone mausoleum in a church graveyard. The building was strong, but the place was cold and depressing. Dead flowers sat in small vases along the grey colored walls of immortalized graves. The metal benches lining the aisle center were about as comfortable as War's torture devices. On top of being cold and uncomfortable, the noises from outside kept him awake. The only comfort was that Kenny didn't appear to sleep at all either. He only made sure Mari was nestled comfortably on the floor with his jacket. The rest of the time, Kenny was standing by the only entrance to watch the iron gate with observant eyes. Just before dawn, Mark couldn't take it anymore and asked him curiously. "I don't mean to pry... but you mentioned that your mom works in a lab? And the Horsemen mentioned that your partner spoke of a cure? Is it really true?" Kenny kept his eyes on the gate but crossed his arms as he told him honestly. "I'm not the best person to ask. I'm just a soldier. My partner knew better than me. He was one of the scientists. My mother is part of the research team working to find a cure. Last I heard it was rough going... So, don't get too excited."

Mark tensed a bit, saying coolly. "Your scientist told Famine that the Colony had a cure. Said he was told to say that... Why would he say that?" Kenny's eyes finally turned away from the gate to look him the eyes. Kenny's expression was grim as he answered. "Because of people like you. You're suspicious of me. I get it. I've seen more than my fair share of crazy people posing as something they are not. But it has also kept good people from seeking us out. They don't trust us. So, they stay hidden. We bend the truth a bit to bring them out. To help them." Mark narrowed his eyes on him, dryly commenting. "And their infected loved ones that you lie to about this 'nonexistent' cure? What do you do with those people?" Kenny stared at him blankly, replying very softly. "Don't ask questions that you already know the answers too. We are doing our best to save who we can. It's not easy and I don't like doing it... but we are going extinct. We have to at least try to preserve ourselves."

Mark brushed his bangs away from his eyes, mumbling out softly. "I just don't think it's right to spread false hope like that. It only spreads more pain. Besides, you don't know what you've done. The hornets' nest you've kicked with this propaganda stunt." Kenny tilted his head back, grumbling out with disappointment. "I agree, but I'm just the muscle. The scientists make all the decisions. As for the Horsemen, I know how dangerous they are. They've been attacking colonies up and down the west coast. They are getting more followers than us by the day. We've been expecting them to come for us any day now." Mark clenched his jaw nervously but covered his unease by saying darkly. "Ya... Well, while you 'pretend' to have a cure. They have one." Kenny's arms uncrossed, blurting out in shock. "What?! How do you know this?" Mark waved a hand, dismissively muttering out. "They kidnapped us on the road. We got out... but two of our group are still prisoners there. During my prison time with War, I overheard them interrogating your partner. Along with a few interesting phrases."

Kenny moved off the wall, telling him seriously. "Are you positive that is what you heard them say?" Mark locked firm eyes on him, seriously retorting. "Ya. Like I said. You have no idea what you've done. By claiming to have a fucking cure, you have put a damn target on your backs." Kenny scoffed lightly, excitedly telling him. "If what you say is true. Then we need to get you to my mother. This could change everything!" Mark shot him a concerned look, replying sternly. "Did you not hear what I just said? You've gotten their full attention and that's NOT a good thing!" Kenny smirked back at him, saying confidently. "That might be so. But we've been expecting them anyway. So, let them come for us. We'll be waiting. Hell, you might even be one of the people that could help us steal it." Mark swallowed anxiously. Would letting this stuff slip hurt his chances of getting Sean back? Mark glanced to Mari's sleeping body and felt a knot form in his throat. Had he already made things worse by running off with Mari?