CHAPTER XV
The light breeze that accompanies the new night dries the tears on my cheeks. The walls of the compound to my left tower over me. I can't believe Atom and I scaled them when we ran off into the city.
That day bonded him and me together, and that day would split us apart. It's why they sent me to Nairobi. It's what made me appreciate life.
As I turn the corner, the city intrudes on my view. I see now the distinct line that separates the ruinous congestion from the vibrant fields behind me. A juxtaposition of scenery on which the compound straddles the line.
The Great Pyramid looms behind the tall buildings of the city. Watching over the land as it has for thousands of years. It has seen the world change before it. What will it see happen next?
I stop before I reach the corner that will take me to the battered front of the compound. I take a deep breath, appreciating the dusty air, as it might be the last moment of calm that I have for a while.
My legs carry me around the edge, and I walk with new intent and focus toward the first break in the wall that I can climb over. A couple of drones are lifting a large piece of the border wall into place when they spot me.
“Stop!” one of them shouts, dropping his side of a concrete slab.
The other drone stumbles with his half and falls. This pulls the first drone's attention and allows me to jump over and into the open field.
“I said, stop!” The first drone shouts once more.
“Let him go. He's one of them.” The second drone overrules the first drone from his seat on the ground.
I don't look back and take my stride to where I can see 13 waiting for me.
“You good?” he asks as I get within earshot.
“Yeah.” I glide past him. “Come with me.”
I lead him to the pile of rubble that I had met Atom on earlier. I want 13 and Atom to meet each other. Maybe if Atom sees that another one of us has turned and learned to live, he'll be more compassionate toward our need for survival. I'm still holding out hope that I can convince them to abort the Ragnarok. That humans are capable of self-correcting if allowed to do so. 13 and I are perfect examples of that.
I chuckle when I take a seat at the top, realizing that I've been sitting atop a lot of mounds today.
“What's so funny?” 13 sits next to me.
“Nothing.” I look up at the sky. It's clear, and the mood is nowhere in sight. “What did Farouk talk to you about?”
“He said that you would be dealing with a lot of things here and that I should take charge of the other Integers.” He looks up at the sky as well, but only for a moment. He seems more intrigued with the compound itself. “I was here for months before they sent me to Nairobi, and I don't remember any of this.”
“Really?” This surprises me.
“Yes. It's almost like all the memories I had before I turned are gone. If I even had those memories to begin with.” His eyes dart around, searching for a connection.
I try to think back as well, but I can't recall a single thing that happened in my life before an outsider shot me while I was protecting Atom. “Maybe we were never intended to have memories. It would make us more compliant to orders if we didn't have previous memories to draw decisions from.”
“I suppose.” His shoulders drop with disappointment. “So why are we here?”
“Atom is coming to meet me up here. I want you guys to meet.” I reply.
“Why?” he asks with a hint of disdain.
I don't get a chance to answer because I spot two figures walking toward us.
“He's a good guy. You'll like him.” I hear Atom's voice say to the second figure as they reach the pile of rubble.
I get a better look at the second figure as they step up. His body is the same build as Atoms. Muscular and athletic. He must be another one of the Genesys. His hair is black, and his skin is a shade darker than mine, quite similar to Atom’s. It would be hard to tell them apart if it weren't for their face and eyes. Atom's eyes are rounder, but his face is longer.
When they reach the top, their eyes focus on 13. I guess neither Atom nor I expected extra company. I put my hand on 13's shoulder. “This is 13.”
“Hey.” Atom reaches out, and 13 shakes his hand. He motions toward his companion. “This is Cal.”
“What's up?” the other Genesys smiles. He and Atom take seats next to me. 13 and Cal sit at opposite ends.
“So, 13, were you at one of the bunkers?” Atom asks. It's a weird way to break the ice.
“Yeah,” 13 mumbles.
“He was with me. He had been there since the beginning.” I look at Atom. I'm not sure he would understand how old 13 is.
“What happened to your eye?” Cal blurts out. Atom gives him a look. “What? I'm curious.”
I don't mind the question. I have come to appreciate my flaw. I smile. “It's okay. I was shot.”
“Protecting me,” Atom adds with a smile.
“What about your scar?” Cal looks directly at 13. When I look at 13, I can tell that he isn't going to be as open about sharing his battle wound.
“What the hell, Cal?” Atom raises his voice at Cal. He might be a Genesys too, but Atom calls the shots. Atom looks at us. “Sorry about that.”
Cal stands up and heads down the rubble pile and back to the compound before I can respond.
“Where are you going?” Atom yells after him,
