“We need more time,” I tell them. I'm trying to recall the strategies I used when I was a drone that took time. “Single-file line. Weave. I'll take the ball. When I yell, you roll at their legs.”
The Integers do as I say, and we execute the weaving passes to perfection, keeping the ball away from the outstretched hands of the Genesys as long as we can. I know that won't last long, so the next time the ball hits my hands, I yell, “Now!”
My entire team drops down and roll at the legs of the nearest Genesys. This clears a path for me to the pit, and I run slow enough to be caught from behind. I look to the side as Atom's arms wrap around me, and I throw the ball to 13 as Atom tackles me to the ground.
13 catches the ball in stride, but the injured red-haired Genesys has hobbled near him and launches herself at his torso. The impact knocks 13 to the ground and sends the ball back toward Atom and me. Before I'm able to stand, Atom grabs my arm and flings me away.
He grabs the ball, and after a series of passes, they score. I'm not sure we let them win that point. They earned it. The scientists on the sideline erupt in cheers. Though the number of spectators has grown, Brianna is not among them. Was she captured? Did the Integers I sent with her get her in trouble?
Before any more thoughts on Brianna's whereabouts cross my mind, a commotion draws me to the center of the field. Cal and 13 are throwing punches at each other. By the time I arrive, the two fighters have been pulled apart. Their faces are red with rage.
I step up to Atom, who has also reached the scrum. I smile at him. “You having fun?”
“You guys created an insane game.” He smiles back.
“Oh, we didn't come up with it. Grant and Rene did to weed out the weakest among us. We just learned to enjoy it,” I educate him.
“It's two to two,” he says, changing the subject.
“Yup. Next point wins.” I smile and push him to the ground. I wink and head back to my pit.
The Integers are all waiting for me. 13 is still fuming from his fight. There's no more delaying the game. “Let's go win this!”
They all scream except 13. He's hyper-focused. “Single-file line. 80, keep the ball and stay behind me. Everyone hold the line until they engage, then two of you peel off to the sides.”
13's determination is scary. This must be one of the strategies he used to use. We do as he says and take off for the opposite pit. The Integers in front are knocked back by a couple of the Genesys and are engaged in their battles, anger trumping adrenaline on both sides.
Two of the Integers peel off to opposite sides of the field and are met by other Genesys. The count seems off—Atom is left alone in the field, and 13 charges right at him. With the ferocity 13 has pushing his adrenaline, I'd be concerned for anyone but Atom. I know he will be able to handle this.
I don't know what I expected him to do, but I'm stunned by the sheer strength and athleticism that unfolds. Atom plants his feet and jumps over 13. Twisting his body as he flies above him, Atom reaches down to grab 13's head, and with his momentum, flips and flings 13 directly at me as he comes to the ground.
The crowd gasps, but I remain aware enough to sidestep 13's body. Ahead, I see one of the Integers that peeled off running alone. I chuck the ball in his direction, and he out-jumps the injured red-haired Genesys for the ball. With nothing but an open field between him and the pit, the Integer trots for the game-winning point.
Before he gets there, a blonde Genesys jumps out of the pit and slams her shoulder into the Integer's stomach. The ball falls loose, and she picks it up. The Genesys pass it back and forth to each other.
13 and I are on our feet, ready to attack, when two Genesys knock us back to the ground. Though I never spent time with her, I recognize Ev from my previous stay at the compound. She has the same complexion as Atom, but her light eyes and dark brown hair are hard to miss.
“Go, Atom!” Ev screams.
The ball sails over our heads toward Atom. He's running alone toward our pit. I leap back to my feet and take the best angle I can to try to catch him. Atom grabs the ball, but one of the other Integers launches at him and sweeps his legs.
Atom falls to the ground, and the ball rolls in front of him. I'm about to reach him when he punches the ball toward our pit. The ball bounces and rolls, and I adjust my angle to stop it from scoring.
I dive for the ball, ready to smack it off to the side, but as I'm falling toward it, I choose to give Atom one last gift as a friend. My hand falls to the side of the ball, and I let it roll into the pit.
The spectators erupt in a raucous cheer as the Genesys push through the Integers toward the field's center. I stand to receive my team near my pit.
When 13 arrives, I can tell that he knows I let the ball go in. “Why did—”
“Don't,” I stop him, and look at the rest of the dejected Integers. “We did not do this for the win. We did this for our future. 13, go check on 93. The rest of you go rest up. I need you at your sharpest in the morning.”
They all walk off without a word. I watch their spirits pick up as they head back to the barracks. I smile to myself and turn
