by Aaron Denius
“Alright, settle down,” 13 speaks up.
I walk through a couple of the Integers and toward Atom and the Genesys in the field's center. “You sure you want to do this?”
“Yeah, we are!” Cal, the Genesys that met us on the pile of rubble, shouts. Most of the other Genesys shout 'yeah' after him. This is the first that I've gotten a good look at all of them. Each one with unique and distinct features. Different faces, skin tones, hair and eye colors. The diversity the scientists used in creating them is a direct contrast to the carbon copies they built us drones to be. I look back at my team and their varied hairstyles, and I'm thankful for the bit of individuality we have.
“You better believe it.” Atom pulls me from my thoughts.
“Very well.” I look at all of them, each a perfect physical specimen. The scientist did not forget a single thing in their design. “The rules are simple. First to three scores wins. Get the ball completely into the other person's pit by any means necessary, and we don't stop for injuries.”
Atom looks over his team and back at me. “We're ready!”
“Suit yourself.” I toss the ball at Atom and smile. “You guys can start.”
I step back to join my team, each one of them ready to let off a lot of pent-up aggression. I look over at the sidelines and find Brianna looking at me. She nods at me, and I return the gesture, giving her the cue to start the plan.
“When do we start?” Atom yells from his half of the field.
“Now!” I shout, and charge right at him. My shoulder bores into his stomach, and he drops the ball. He falls, and I pin his shoulders down with my knees so he can't get up. “You okay there, Atom?”
He smiles and grabs my neck. Before I can react, Atom flips me over his head and to the ground. His sheer strength surprises me, and I realize that it's going to be impossible to hurt any of them.
I jump up to my feet and chase after him. He's about to reach the ball, so I dive at his legs and clip his feet with my outstretched hand. I pop back up as his face slams into the dirt.
Scooping the ball up as I run, I look around and spot no other obstacles, so I score with ease. I walk back to Atom as he picks himself up. “Give up yet?”
“No.” He spits the dirt and blood from his mouth.
“Good. The next round starts the second you grab the ball.” I smile and jog back to my side of the field. When I look toward the sideline to find Brianna, I don't see her, so I know she's started. Now I have to buy her time with this game.
When I get back to my team, 93, the Integer with the longer hair, speaks up. “They are all too strong. We can't hurt them.”
“Keep trying,” I reply.
“They're coming,” 13 interrupts.
The Genesys run at us in a wedge formation with the red-haired female as the ball carrier in the middle. They've left one of the darker-skinned Genesys to guard the pit. “13, 93. You two go after the ball carrier. Everyone else, pick one and do what you can.”
We take off, and I head right at Cal. I feel my history prevents me from hurting Atom, but the pretentiousness I get from Cal rubs me the wrong way, and I think I could unleash my full rage on him.
Our bodies collide, and we fall to the ground. Our hands push against the other's face, struggling to get the upper hand. He pushes off me, but before we can engage again, a large crack and a scream grab our attention. 93 has jumped on the leg of the red-haired Genesys and broken it.
By the time I stand, the dark-skinned Genesys has left his position, flinging 93 by his hair into the ground. With a handful of hair, the Genesys kicks 93 in the head.
Light applause from the few drones watching the game lets me know that 13 scored, but I'm more concerned with 93. That kick could have killed him. I run over and join the other Integers that have encircled him.
When I look down at him, I can see that his head no longer appears to be attached to his neck. His chest rises and falls, so I know he is breathing, but I'm not sure he'll survive.
“Make way,” an older voice commands. I move and see Dr. Peters and two drones run up to 93.
Dr. Peters checks 93's vitals but gives no indication one way or another to know what his fate might be. He signals the two drones to pick him up, and they rush him off the field.
“I'm going to kill them,” I hear one of the Integers murmur. Others state their nefarious intents in agreement.
I let my gaze follow Dr. Peters to the sideline, and then I search for Brianna. She's not back yet. “We're going to let them score.”
The Integers quiet down and stare at me. 13 steps forward. “But we can win.”
“I don't care about winning this game.” I look them over. “We need more time.”
“Genesys!” Atom and the Genesys yell from the other side of the field.
“You heard him. Let's go!” 13 yells for me.
We turn and charge at the Genesys once more. They are in the same formation as before. We engage in individual battles and don't make it easy for them, but they score after a few moments.
I run over to our pit and take the ball out. The Integers hustle over to join me. I see that Brianna still isn't back, and I need to keep as many scientists as I can on the sideline watching so they can't become suspicious of her.
“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 b
e 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 to head over to Atom and the group of Genesys.
After the rest of the drones are gone, I turn and head over to Atom and the group of Genesys.
“What does he want?” I hear the Genesys standing next to Atom say.
“Don't know,” Atom responds, and steps away to meet me.
“Good game, Atom.” I extend my hand. I truly am impressed by how well they all picked up the game.
He grabs my hand. “Yes, it was. Thanks for letting us do this.”
“You got it.” I smile. “Listen, do you have time to talk?”
“Sure. Give me a second.” He looks back at his group and jogs over to them.
I look around the field to see that most of the spectators have walked away. I didn't see Brianna return, so I hope she didn't come across any trouble sneaking the ammo to Petros and his group.
When I turn my head back to Atom and his group, I see the Genesys retreating. “Do you mind if we walk?”
“Sure, where to?” Atom responds.
We walk toward one of the outer walls that are still in ruins. The rubble still blocks much of the new barrier, and I know that this will be a good access point for tomorrow's attack.
“I'm going to be sore tomorrow,” he says to break the silence.
“Yes, you will be.” I smile at him.
“So, what's up?” he asks.
My mind searches for the right words to say. This is the last chance I have to convince him to side with us on the Ragnarok and stop Dr. Anfang's plans. “Well, I…”
We reach the compound's edge and climb up to the top of one of the rubble piles. When I look out, I see that there’s a lot going on. Multiple Flyz hover in the air, and some shots sound in the distance. It makes me concerned about Brianna's safety. There wasn't that much activity when I was in the city yesterday.
“Want to run to the pyramid again?” Atom asks. He's looking out toward the massive structure in the background.
I smile, then take a deep breath to lean into my question. “Is Rene still going through with the Ragnarok?”
His smile drops to a frown. “Yes. I don't know when, though.”
“Do you think he would reconsider?” I ask one last time.
“No. Rene’s mind is pretty set,” he states.
“What if you asked him? He'd listen to you.” I need to push as much as I can.
“I've tried. Many times. Honestly, I kind of agree with what he's doing.” His face looks surprised by what his lips spoke.
“That's what I was afraid of.” I look off toward the pyramid.
“I'm sorry, 80.” He genuinely means it.
“It's okay. Please understand; I don't want to die.” A tear streaks down my cheek. Right now, we might be sharing this moment as friends, but tomorrow he will be my enemy. My heart aches at the loss of this friendship, but I need to survive. I need to help others survive.
“I know you don't,” he says, his voice trying to comfort. “I don't want you to.”
“But if Rene sets off the Ragnarok, it will happen,” I spit out.
“Yeah.” He looks out toward the pyramid again; tears fall from his eyes. After a few minutes of silence, he stands. “I should probably go back inside.”
“Alright,” I breathe out without looking at him.
Atom puts his hand on my shoulder. “You are a great friend, 80.”
I look up with a smile. You were a great friend, I think to myself. He climbs down the rubble pile and walks off.
“Atom!” I yell after him. He stops and looks back up at me. I glance toward the city and apologize in advance for what is to come tomorrow. “I don't want to die. Please understand.”
He walks off. After a few more moments, I step off the rubble pile, but before I can sneak back to the barracks, a silhouette in the setting sun catches my attention. Brianna walks right at me, not caring if one of the drones on watch spots her.
I run toward her to be her alibi in case they see her.
“Where are the other Integers?” I look around.
“I convinced Petros to hold them there and use them when they attack to give them some better and more trained fighters.” She keeps walking, heading toward the compound.
“That's smart,” slips out of my mouth.
She stops and looks at me, offended that I would think she wouldn't be capable of smart decisions. “I think I've figured out who the mole is, but I need to check a couple of things out first.”
“Who do you think it is?” My curiosity has gotten the better of me.
“Not now.” She looks around. “Come to my room later. I will let you know once I've confirmed my suspicion.”
She walks away, leaving me alone in the open field. I run through my plans for the night and head back to the barracks. When I arrive, I tell 13 to collect the rest of the Integers and meet me in my room. They all cram in, and I have the one in the back shut the door behind him.
“We're missing four,” 13 says.
“They are in the city and will be attacking with the outsiders.” I look around at the group. “What about 93?”
“He didn't make it,” 13 answers. The mumbles among the group tell me that this is also news to them. Some look to be second-guessing their role in the fight to preserve their life.
“Quiet down, and listen closely.” I stand on my bed. “This is the fight for our lives. The fight for the lives of those that can't fight for themselves. Our sacrifice might mean that others get to live, but if we don't fight, we will all die.”
“What do you need us to do?” 13 responds for all of them.
I look at the dozen faces looking back at m
e. A far cry from the thousands of Integers I had following me in my dreams. Nevertheless, they will each fight until success or death.
“You two.” I point at the two Integers nearest the door. “Patrol the open field. When you see that most scientists have gone to bed, find Dr. Rene Anfang's room and kill him.”
The Integers slip out the door to enact my orders. The rest turn their eyes to me.
“The rest of you will be following 13's orders.” I look them over. “Go gear up and prepare yourselves for a tough fight.”
13 and I watch them leave the room, and when the last one shuts the door, he turns to me. “What do you want me to do, 80?”
“Use your instincts.” I step down from the bed and place my hand on his shoulder. “Right before the start of the attack, I want you to storm as many of the drones’ quarters as you can to stop them before they can join the fight. The fewer we have to fight, the better chance we have to succeed. After you've done what you can there, join the fight at the ramp.”
“What about you?” he asks.
I smile. 13 is the only person I feel I could call a friend. “First, I'm going to warn Paz so that she can take herself and Pocket to safety. Then I'm going to try to join the fight in five different ways.”
13 laughs, and I join in. It's nice to have this light moment before the darkness that will accompany the next few hours.
Before I can do anything more, 13 pulls me into a hug. “Thank you.”
“For what?” I pat his back.
“For giving me life.” He lets me go and heads out through the door.
I look around at my empty room and take a deep breath.
It's time.
CHAPTER XVIII
I grab a rifle from the corner and leave my room. Then I head around the back, past the fenced-in hangar, to the exterior parts of the scientists' quarters. There is a calm wind tonight, and the stars speckle the dark sky. I place my hand on the scanner by the door and enter the hallway next to Paz's room.
The door opens right after I knock, and Paz smiles when she sees me. I look around her, and under a pile of blankets is a sleeping Pocket. I place my rifle by the door, step in, and close the door behind me.