It was a long drive out to Rose's house. On the way Markus and Josh chatted about the next steps and when they should move. It was agreed that sooner would be better. People needed to see what was going on if they were ever going to be free.
"I was thinking a peaceful protest would be a good start." Markus said.
He glanced at Josh to catch his reaction. The android shook his head as he processed the idea.
"That could go badly, but it'll show them we aren't afraid to tell them what we want. I would just be worried they would kill us all anyway. We're still dehumanized in the public's eyes, so they might think they can get away with it."
"The humans have to have started noticing we're not soulless machines by now. There's too much evidence out there. If we die, that will just cast more doubt on the government. If nothing else, it will start people talking about it. Once people start thinking they will have to realize what we are."
Josh shook his head. "I hope you're right."
It was the same thing North kept saying. Somehow, it added to the stress Markus had already been feeling. What if he wasn't right?
No. He had to be careful of thinking like that. It was a risk either way, and there was no way to know what was the better option until after. He just had to do what he thought was best. It was all he could do.
Markus moved the topic away from the march. He would discuss it with everyone once they figured things out with Rose. Hopefully they would be able to get her on their side.
The house was a good distance outside of town. Markus knocked on the door and waited for an answer. There was shuffling inside, then the door opened suddenly.
"Hi, yes?" The lady asked. She looked slightly anxious, as if she hadn't been expecting anyone.
"Hi, I'm looking for someone named Rose. My name is Markus and this is Josh."
"I'm Rose. What do you need?"
Markus took the skin off his hand and showed her the white paneling beneath. "Can we talk?"
Rose frowned, but opened the door wider. "Come in."
One glance around the neat little house told Markus there were androids here. Probably in hiding. Only Rose and her son were in sight. Rose introduced him as Adam.
"Do you help a lot of people?" Markus asked as he sat across the table from her. Her son was watching from his spot at the kitchen counter. He didn't look happy. Josh sat next to Markus.
"More and more these days." Rose nodded. "It's getting harder with the winter coming, but we do what we can."
Markus was still wary. "Are there others here?"
"A few. I usually try to get a good group before we make the trip. Crossing the river in the winter is dangerous, so we try to minimize the risk. It's getting harder to keep people here without raising suspicion, though. We had police come through a few days ago. It's..." she looked back at her son. "It's difficult times for everyone."
Markus looked at Josh. The android nodded his approval to continue, so Markus did.
"Rose, we don't need help crossing the border ourselves." She looked between them, not connecting the dots. "I'm sure you've seen the news. An android broadcasted there several days ago asking for android liberty."
"That was you?" Adam asked standing up straighter.
Markus nodded. "I don't plan on stopping until my people are free. Leaving isn't an option for me."
"Then..." Rose still didn't understand. "Why are you here?"
"There are a lot of androids who have been forced to flee their homes due to that broadcast. Many of them are staying with me. Some want to fight with me, but there are others who are just looking for safety. I need someone who can give that to them."
Rose put her head in her hands. Markus couldn't imagine the decision he was asking her to make, but he knew he needed to try. Androids didn't have a choice but to be hunted. She had to choose it. For her and her son.
"No." Adam said. "Mom, you can't. We'll be killed!"
Rose shook her head. "Adam, we have to try."
"No! This isn't just a few androids that happen by. This is an operation! I'm not going to sit by and let you ruin our lives for a bunch of androids!"
"Enough, Adam!"
"He's right." Markus interjected. Mother and son looked at him, surprised. "I'm asking you to put your lives at risk to save hundreds. If the government decides to make this a war, I'm asking you to commit treason. That can't be taken lightly.
"There are hundreds of androids with me. All of them have a choice to fight, or not to. The ones that aren't going to fight need somewhere to go, or they'll die. I can't help them. You can. But first you need to make your choice. I know it's not an easy choice to make. Take a few days, and think it over. If you're willing to help, I'll meet you here at noon on Wednesday."
Markus slid a piece of paper across the table and stood. Rose and Adam looked at each other in surprise. Josh looked surprised, too. He was probably expecting more as well. Markus just thanked them for their time and left.
"You think they'll help?" Josh asked as soon as they were on the road.
"I'm not sure." Markus mumbled. He didn't know if he would if he was in their position. "Either way, we need to try and find some other options."
"Leave it to me." Josh smiled. "You focus on freeing them for real."
Markus was glad for Josh's proactive support. He knew he could count on his friend to work hard at this. Josh was all for peaceful resolutions.
"Thanks."
The rest of the trip was quiet as each of them reposed into their own thoughts. The sun was high in the sky by the time they reached Ferendale station. Markus would talk to the others about the march as soon as he got back to Jericho. They would need volunteers who were willing to go with them, and they might not make it back. Yet another sacrifice Markus wasn't looking forward to asking for.
