I nodded. “Go ahead.” I wasn't sure I was ready to hear it but I trusted Joshua, more than anyone else in this town.
“At this point I think we should consider Margo's suggestion. If you and I travel to the other two towns, and rally to get them to join the five cities, maybe we have a fighting chance.”
Elsa stepped outside, wrapping her arms around herself. “Listen, Olivia. You know I would never consider doing anything that would hurt you. The Chancellor is overwhelmed with what to do next.” She came to sit down on the other side of me. “I know he worried you, talking about doing whatever it takes for answers, but he's just stressed.”
“I'm sure that's it.” I wasn’t convinced.
Elsa sighed, “Jaxon was right. If we can meet the other rebel towns outside of our five cities, there might be something to it. It's possible they have their own technology and scientists. We need more than just ourselves as weapons. Didn't you once tell me Haven had a technology center? Perhaps they have a stash of weapons hidden there that we could use.”
Joshua nodded. “Yeah, it was pretty sophisticated, but neither of us knew much about what was inside. Now it's probably flattened with the rest of the town.”
“Maybe,” Elsa shrugged. “Or maybe not. You both left and didn't see the damage after the government came through. It's possible some rebels survived. Maybe they joined up at a nearby rebel camp.”
“What are you thinking, Elsa?” I could see her mind ticking away.
“I may be smart but I need another scientist or doctor on staff to help me sort through the data.”
Joshua frowned. “I thought there wasn't anything?”
Elsa sighed. “There is, and,” she paused. “There isn't. The more I think about it, the more I'm trying to understand the differences, but it all looks the same. I'm just not sure I'm looking at it the right way.” She saw our confused looks and continued. “I'm by no means a medical doctor, let alone a reproductive specialist. It's highly possible I just don't know what I'm looking for.”
“Joshua and I can take the car, drive back east towards Spade and Torv.” Though we didn't have the map in our possession, I suspected Collins had taken it the night we had been brought into the city and pulled from the vehicle at gunpoint.
“I don't think that's a good idea. If something were to happen to you…” Elsa glanced at Joshua, wanting him to back her up. “You're too important, Olivia.”
Whatever he was thinking, Joshua held his tongue.
I opened my mouth to object. “Elsa, I appreciate your concern but Joshua and I are capable of taking care of ourselves. We made it across the Gravelands on our own.”
“You were lucky,” she acknowledged. “Just, consider sending someone else in your place. Margo or even Cate. We know how much you like her.”
I rolled my eyes in disgust. Ever since Cate had played a nasty trick on me, stealing my clothes from the shower stall, I hadn't forgiven her. It was hard to forgive someone who had intentionally acted hurtful and didn't regret her actions. Though I was thankful to have heard her punishment for the month was cleaning the toilets of all the buildings. It had certainly kept her away from me while Joshua and I continued our ability training.
Mason poked his head out the front door. “Meeting starts in five minutes. You know the Chancellor hates when anyone is late.”
“We'll be right in,” I answered, pushing myself off the ground and dusting the dirt from my clothes.
Joshua grabbed my hand. “Wait a sec,” he whispered to me. Elsa turned around.
“I'll be right in,” I gestured for her to go inside. She rubbed her arms to keep warm and headed into the building. I turned around to face Joshua, waiting for him to tell me what was on his mind and so important it couldn't wait.
He leaned towards me, brushing a strand of red-blonde hair behind my ear. The dye hadn't been able to keep up with my growing locks of blonde.
“Joshua?” I asked, knowing we were needed upstairs in three minutes. I didn't see why what he wanted to discuss couldn't wait.
“I don't want to lose you.” His words were soft but held so much meaning behind them. I felt my heart constrict at his words.
“You won't.” I smiled, leaning in to plant a soft kiss to his cheek. “I know you're worried and probably thinking about what Elsa said but you and me—we can read each other's minds. That's important if we're going out there,” I reminded him. “If for a moment we can tell each other something that could save our lives, it's worth it.” He had to know I was right.
“It's
“I know.” I smiled. “I'll be fine. The rebel alliance will be glad to see us. Trust me.” How could I have any doubts? We were stronger and tougher than we'd been last June when we'd come to Haven. Nothing could touch us. I wasn't worried.
He sighed, thinking it over. “Maybe.” I could tell he wasn't convinced but he was trying to appease me. That would have to do for now.
“Come on.” I grabbed his hand, leading him inside and up the staircase. We were the last to arrive and quietly headed towards the oak table, resuming the positions we had prior to the break.
Chancellor Collins met my eyes. “Now that we have everyone back, I believe we should take a vote on our next course of action. All those in favor of an alliance with the far outer cities, raise your hand.”
I lifted my arm, as did Joshua. Jaxon's arm shot up in the air, along with Elsa, Maya, Margo and Mason. “That's seven to four,” he remarked.
Hazel sighed, “Can I make a suggestion?” She wasn't one to speak often in the weekly meetings.
“Go on,” Collins gestured.
“I'm not opposed to sending scouts to recruit the farther cities. I do however have some concerns about them finding out where we're from, our abilities, and the fact we have Olivia here. I would love to think we could trust every rebel camp, but I think it's safe to say that not everyone believes in the same cause we do.” I wondered where this side of Hazel was coming from. She hardly ever voiced her opinion about politics and the government system.
Collins nodded slowly. “Exactly my thoughts. Many of the outermost cities prefer seclusion. They have formed their own small alliances between the towns, but prefer to shove their head in the sand when it comes to matters of right and wrong.”
I frowned. “You can't say that! You've never met them. You're making assumptions about people based on what?” I didn't understand where Chancellor Collins got his opinion on some of the rebel cities. He'd never been to Spade or Torv. He'd never set foot in Haven. He was willing to be allies with his local neighbors but not the rebels further away? It made no sense to me.
“On the contrary, I was from a town outside of Haven. I know their politics and I don't believe things have changed in fifty years.”
What town had he been from? What was he talking about? “Well it's too bad for you because our vote won,” I reminded him coldly. Maybe I was acting childish, but I was irritated with Collins. It was hard to let some things go, especially after he had suggested making a test subject out of me!
Collins nodded, knowing as much. We were a democracy. “Okay, okay.” He gestured for everyone to settle down. “Three of you will head east and scout out the rebel towns. I would like an alliance, but more importantly we keep our own information safe. Do you all understand me?” There were no interruptions. Collins had found one thing everyone could agree on. “No talk of the procedure or of Mindonsiphan. No indications that you have any abilities outside of the usual realm of what you are capable of. No discussion of our plans for infiltrating the government cities or the towns,” he clarified.
“Fair enough,” Jaxon responded. “What three are you sending?” I could tell he wanted to be one of the three to go. He was leaning forward, antsy in his seat, waiting for the news. Jaxon had always been a leader. Even in training exercises he held the group together and instilled teamwork. I wouldn't mind him coming along with me to the eastern rebel cities, as long as he wouldn't take Joshua's place.
The Chancellor took a long moment, thinking it over, “Jaxon you'll be leading the team with Margo and Mason.”
“What?” I objected, standing up. I was appalled. “I want to be on that team! I've been out east, I know what
