“What about the other drone?” I gesture toward the lifeless body in the ground. The blood has stopped spreading and has begun to cake.
“We will toss it over the walls to the Cabras,” she replies as though she has done that many times before. Perhaps she has. That makes chills run up the nape of my neck. It’s so savage.
“Okay,” Is all I can muster. I grab 13 by his arms and drag him out of the house.
The streets are empty and dark. The air is cool and causes me to shiver from time to time. I welcome it since I don't want to be spotted dragging 13, and the crisp air keeps my body from overheating. After a couple of miles and what seems like an eternity, the stadium rises before me.
I drop 13 outside the massive structure and weave my way to my bedroom. The few scientists I pass are too deep into their thoughts to even notice.
My body can already feel the soft embrace of the bed before I open my door. I slide under the covers, and my body falls into deep, comfortable rest. My mind stays awake long enough to conclude that I will do whatever I can to stop the Ragnarok. After everything Martha told me at dinner, I have a responsibility to fight for those who can't.
CHAPTER VI
The thump I hear is so quiet that it takes me a few moments to realize that it's coming from my door. Against my body's plea, I force myself out of my bed and stumble to the door.
As soon as I turn the knob, the door flies open, and 13 pushes his way through. He closes the door behind him.
The little sleep that was lingering in my head flushes out. I am aware and ready for the barrage I've undoubtedly earned. Stepping back to create some distance, I bring my fists up for defense. I don't have it in me to fight, but I can at least try to protect myself.
“What happened last night?” 13 says with mild confusion as he sits on my bed.
I'm stunned. “What do you mean?”
“I woke up outside of the stadium. I remember tracking you with 886 to a small house. The rest is a bit of a blur.” He looks at me, and I can see that he is as lost as I am. The look in his eyes is much different than in previous days. A depth that wasn't there before.
“886 must have turned on you. I found him choking you, so I shot him.” I take a stab in the dark with this lie. I want to protect KJ's family, so I hope he accepts this as gospel.
“Really?” He looks at me. “I feel different. Like my inside is both burning and cold.”
I immediately recognize that feeling. It's what I felt after I was shot. After I came face to face with death. He's turning. Just like I did. I must have choked him to the brink.
That must be how we turn. That's how we'll turn others. We need to get them close to death. Get them to understand what life is. 13 will be a tremendous ally in this. I can't wait to tell Farouk, but first, I have to get 13 to understand what's happening.
“That sensation you feel won't go away. It will get stronger. It will make you question everything. It will make you question yourself, your purpose.” I tread as lightly as I can with my answer, keeping it broad because revealing too much will confuse him more. He needs to find his way through it himself, as I did.
“It's like my head won't turn off.” He stands. “I'm drowning with questions and information.”
“I went through the same thing after I was shot. Be patient.” I place my hand on his shoulder. The simple fact that he lets me informs me that our roles have changed. He will answer to me as long as I help him through this.
“Okay.” He looks at me.
“Don't tell anyone about this. They won't understand. You also have to do your best to act the same. If anyone sees you behaving out of character, they will kill you.” I'm grateful 13 was the first to change. His experience and seniority will help us, as all the other drones respond to him. There aren't many people that keep an eye on him.
13 steps to the door. He composes himself and puts on his best impression of his former self.
“Let's meet at midnight tonight. Same place you woke up this morning. I'll answer any questions you have and explain more.” I know that by then, his senses will have experienced a broader spectrum. He will understand more of what I have to say and what is happening to him.
As he walks down the hallway, I take notice of how barren it is. The scientists must all still be asleep, which means Farouk is too. He never showed me where his room was, so I don't know where to find him. I can't wait around until the next time he decides to talk to me. I have to let him know.
Above the door, I see what looks like writing above the arch at the end of the hallway. I grab the metal table leg and make my way to the arch. After checking to make sure I am alone, I take the table leg and find a blank space to carve my message. Next to the spot I chose are some faded letters that must have been painted centuries ago. The wall has crumbled around most of them, but I can make out the words OME LOC.
I stare at them for a moment, wishing I could read. It frustrates me, but I also don't have time to try to decipher the words anyway. All I know is that with Farouk's height,
