Exodus (The Fall of Haven)

by Justin Kemppainen

  Olivia gasped, covering her mouth, and Desmond clenched his jaw. This was not what they'd expected. Death and rebirth, repeated unto insanity?

  No, this wasn't going to be allowed. Tearing his eyes from the impossible, frightening, and miraculous sight, he drew Olivia in for a tight hug. Every part of him wished he could spread word of this... this recruitment of Nigel's army, but escape would've been impossible.

  They'll have to find out for themselves, Desmond thought, tears in his eyes. He drew back, smiling at his wife and clasping hands. "I love you," he said, drawing one of her hands to a grenade on his belt and grasping one himself.

  She smiled at him, and all worldly concern melted away. "I love you, too," she said.

  The shouting of surrounding cultists didn't penetrate their final moments together. Pins were pulled without hesitation, and if they'd have spent one tiny moment to look, they'd have seen fury on Nigel's face.

  But one tiny moment of elsewhere attention would've been too much time apart. A flood of memories, joy and sorrow, crossed their thoughts as they gazed into each others' eyes. A good life, Desmond thought, viewing the same satisfaction from his wife.

  With pride and love in their hearts, Desmond and Olivia embraced, one last time.

  Chapter 14: Harmony

  Dozens of OHU members, led by Isaac, trekked through the streets of upper-Haven. They carried no weapons, and they made no attempt to hide themselves.

  Several individuals were uncomfortable, angry at the chosen course of action. Isaac guessed many would like nothing better than to put a bullet in his head and attempt to seize command of the OHU.

  However, enough individuals agreed with him. They chose the only option which could result in survival for the greatest number of people. A few of those who objected actually abandoned the OHU and everyone, gathering a few possessions and moving off to somewhere unknown. Isaac didn't object; he made it clear that no one would be forced to follow him.

  In spite of ill feelings, not many held strong objections. In truth, numerous people expressed relief at the choice. Too many years of against-odds fighting had filled their lives. It wasn't enough to struggle in vain, to be driven into hiding, hunted and killed.

  They'd had enough.

  With Isaac at the front, the high-ranking members of the Old Haven Union marched through the streets, crossing through the barrier, past the ever-blaring propaganda. They knew sentries had to be watching, but no one opened fire, yelled for them to halt, or made any attempt to slow their progress.

  They marched, fearless and ready to accept whatever fate befell them.

  ******

  Michaels and Malcolm crossed paths with Rick and Kaylee not long after leaving Gottfried's care. The researcher was shocked to see them leading a few hundred civilians through one of the exit points, the occupants of the school having evidently fled.

  "I suppose my warning isn't exactly necessary now. A shame I wasted this time," Michaels had said upon moving over to Rick, who walked with Kaylee.

  Initially, Michaels thought perhaps his first statement may have been too callous, as the pair provided no response of any kind, hardly acknowledging his presence.

  With one look at the despair on the many faces of the crowd, it became obvious that something terrible had happened. Rick and Kaylee remained stoic, and Quinton muttered a gladness to see Michaels alive, but a somber shroud had descended upon the entire group.

  Those schoolteachers are gone. Oh dear, Michaels thought. He asked Rick and Kaylee where they were, but again he received no response. Annoyed, he continued to hassle them until dragged aside by the old man.

  "Leave him alone. Got a lot on his mind."

  "Who doesn't?" Michaels replied in a harsh whisper. "What I have to tell him is of the utmost importance, but he won't even look me in the eye!"

  The kid, Cass, stepped over. "Seriously doc, just shut up for a bit." She featured a frightened and despairing attitude.

  Michaels scowled and opened his mouth to scold the child, but her appearance gave him pause. Sighing, he relaxed a fraction and dropped his voice. "Fine. At least tell me why everyone is so dismal."

  She did.

  "Dear lord..." he whispered once she finished speaking.

  "Yeah..." Cass closed her eyes, wiping a tear from her cheek. "I don't know how they're managing. I can't think about anything else; Desmond and Olivia were such good people..."

  Michaels couldn't imagine what the two survivors felt, rescued against their will. Kaylee held Rick's arm and leaned up against him, a new but not unexpected development. He thought of Claudia, closing his eyes for a moment.

  "Come with me if you like," he said to Cass and Quinton. "I'm going to speak with them now. It's very important."

  "No, you go ahead. Me and the kid'll stay here. They don't need to be overcrowded right now." The old man waved him off.

  With Malcolm trailing behind, Michaels migrated over, and the researcher stepped in front of Rick and Kaylee, blocking their path. The pair stopped walking, both staring at Michaels with blank expressions.

  "I understand what you've been through tonight was difficult," the former Citizen began, seeing no reaction, "but I'm afraid things will get no less so. I have discovered something important, something equally amazing and terrifying."

  Rick's face displayed no interest, but at least he seemed to be listening. He's not trying to shove me out of the way, which I suppose is good, Michaels thought.

  He launched into his findings, the potential for immortality they all likely bore in their blood, and the renewed threat Nigel and his people represented. Rick's face changed little during the brief explanation, save for a slight frown. Kaylee listened as well. Upon hearing of the immortality, she cursed Nigel's name and stormed off, moving toward the old man and the young girl.

  "Finished?" Rick asked when Michaels stopped speaking.

  "Yes, but what now do you intend-"

  Rick shoved his way past the researcher, making a slight hand gesture for people to continue. Michaels was about to object, to begin flinging insults when Rick turned back for a second and motioned for the former Citizen to follow.

  "Sorry, don't mean to be rude," Rick said, passive. "If what you say is true, it's more important than ever that we keep moving."

  Oh, Michaels thought. I see. He opened his mouth to repeat his question, but Rick interrupted.

  "There's only one thing I can think of doing right now," Rick said. "A couple of things, but they're related."

  Michaels listened, allowing him to speak.

  "Escape's the best shot, but tunneling doesn't seem very plausible right now. So..." Rick wilted, sighing. "We have to reach the Institute and see if we can shut the field off."

  A chill swept through the researcher. "How can you think this possible?" he asked. "The defenses up and down the spire have annihilated anyone who's tried. That's assuming Isaac doesn't shoot you on the spot, or do you intend to assault the Institute with this pitiful little-"

  "Stop talking," Rick cut him off, a hard, threatening edge in his voice.

  Michaels obeyed, eyes going wide.

  "I don't have all the answers. I don't get why people think I do or why they'll cast themselves into hell for that belief." Rick didn't look at the former Citizen while speaking. His tone contained harsh, bitter emotion. "This is the goddamn best I can do."

  Swallowing hard, Michaels tried to find something to say.

  Rick looked over at him. "If we don't get out soon, we're all going to die in the most horrible ways. If what you say is true, it'll probably be more than once. Now more than ever is it important for us to find a way out, and this is the only option we've got. Maybe if Nigel spends a few days preparing, we'll have time to make it work. If not, we need to consolidate a defense. Going to the Institute covers both options."

  Michaels was surprised to find himself in agreement. He gave a nod.

  "Good. You're probably the only one who knows much about the Institute, so I'll
need your help."

  "Not only," Michaels jumped in surprise to hear Malcolm speak, seemingly for the first time all evening. The creature had been silent for so long, Michaels had all but forgotten about him.

  Rick favored Malcolm with an inquisitive expression.

  The creature considered his words. "Not only him. Me. I will help. I know the place. I know its secrets."

  Nodding, Rick said, "Good."

  Michaels asked, "What about Isaac?"

  "Whether it means surrendering or beating him to death..." Rick replied, his voice hard. "I'll do what's necessary."

  ******

  Word of the OHU approach reached Gottfried's ears less quickly than he'd have liked. However, none of the Inquisitors sent with equipment had returned, and the loss of so many helpful eyes and ears left him with less opportunity to catch wind of news.

  Implications raced through his mind, and Gottfried immediately ran to Davidson's office, cursing when he discovered his industrious leader already departed.

  No weapons, no sign of threat or fear. They're walking, and no one is stopping them. The messenger's report played over and over in his thoughts, followed by possible implications to outright speculation.

  All of the variations came down to two distinct possibilities: surprise attack or surprise negotiations.

  Considering how they appeared unarmed, how Davidson was likely engaged in setting up a place to halt their approach and have them covered from all sides, and how the OHU had fewer combat-capable individuals than the Citizens to begin with...

  "A surprise attack appears unlikely," he murmured. Perhaps they wish to create a truce of some kind. Gregory Michaels did express his warning to them as being met with a mixed reaction. Perhaps they feared little chance of survival alone.

  Gottfried found himself desperate for more information, lamenting the likely loss of too many faithful Inquisitors yet again. The organization had already lost much of its roster, and it seemed unlikely to recover.

  The High Inquisitor chastised himself for such pointless worries in this time of crisis. Many things are of greater concern. The principles of the Inquisition and its body can be rebuilt.

  For the first time he could remember, a wistful smile crossed Gottfried's lips. The thought of a stable society, a stable world in which he could recraft the policing body to represent higher utility and efficiency. None of Julian Wresh's idiotic power-mongering: a clean entity dedicated to perfecting the balance between freedom and control.

  The idea held so fresh and compelling to him that he had to regain his bearings, walking without direction for a few blocks. Sadly, the time it took to alter his course brought rationality back into full swing. The prospect of rebuilding society and one of its functions only mattered if enough people stayed alive.

  Or sane, he thought, considering Michaels' talk of immortality and endless death. The prospect of youth and freedom from lasting injury had its appeal, but...

  His thoughts trailed away upon catching sight of a gathering of Citizens. Gottfried drew his walk into a brisk jog.

  In time, he spotted the tall, thin form of Davidson, flanked by several imposing and well-armed guards. Behind these were a large number of regular soldiers, all geared up and ready for a fight. As the High Inquisitor neared, he could see weaponry sticking out of the windows in the flanking buildings for several blocks.

  It appears Davidson has the situation in hand. Hopefully he handles this well.

  Gottfried picked through the crowd, frowning at the couple of individuals who tried to block his path. The guards gave him a wary eye but allowed passage.

  "I expected you sooner," Davidson spoke. "The loss of your Inquisitors is difficult, is it not?"

  There was no reason to be dishonest. "Yes, most difficult."

  "I fear I hold no great sorrow for your... loss. As you are aware, I am not fond of the Inquisition, but any deaths are... regrettable."

  Gottfried gave a nod. "Thank you, sir." The sympathy was a bit unexpected, but the High Inquisitor found himself genuinely grateful he received even that much.

  "Your analysis of this situation?" Davidson kept his gaze upon the empty street, stretching before him.

  The Citizen leader didn't bother asking if Gottfried knew the circumstances, but it was just as well. The High Inquisitor thought he could hear the sound of numerous, distant footfalls. If they're getting close, we won't have much time to speculate, he thought. Out loud, he said, "Two concrete possibilities exist. One is foolhardy."

  Davidson nodded. "Yes... a battle would go poorly for them. A truce may not progress any better, but I won't make such a decision lightly."

  "Your intent?"

  Tapping an index finger on his lips, Davidson replied, "I am unsure. Slaughtering them may be the most expedient choice, regardless of their objectives."

  A twinge of tension set in Gottfried's jaw.

  "Hm." Davidson said, glancing at the High Inquisitor's small reaction. "I assumed you would find this course unfavorable."

  There was no denying it. "It seems unnecessary," Gottfried said.

  "It might be the best option for morale, and it contains the least risk. Our foes... forever crushed?"

  "We live in uncivilized times, to be sure," the High Inquisitor replied, "but are we to descend into barbarism? Our predecessors ruined this city in such action. It would be a shame to repeat their mistakes, even in the name of expediency."

  Davidson put on a thoughtful expression.

  "Regardless," Gottfried continued, "the Old Haven Union, whatever remains of it, may not be our only hostile party."

  "Then you believe the arrogant researcher who you allowed to escape so easily?" the tall man raised an eyebrow.

  Gottfried ignored the jab. "It's not a matter of belief but of prudence. If they are a portion as formidable as has been reported, they could pose a serious problem. If they ambushed and killed my Inquisitors..." he trailed off, clenching teeth.

  In the distance, a mass of individuals began to take shape. They moved with purpose and without hesitation, growing closer with each moment.

  Davidson drew in a deep breath. "I admit... the report of former Citizen Michaels caused some concern, but I have difficulty appreciating his word."

  "Obstinate and arrogant he may be," Gottfried said, "but in my experience: honest to a fault."

  "Hm. You may be right," Davidson replied, folding his arms behind his back and turning his attention to the approaching crowd.

  Nothing more was said while a large number of OHU members continued forward. The man in front was the one called Isaac, an individual not terribly bright in the High Inquisitor's opinion. Gottfried hoped he wouldn't be quite so idiotic as he'd been in their previous encounter. He appeared to have a good start at least; the man carried a long pole, the top of which bore a scrap of white fabric.

  Isaac stopped several paces away from Davidson. A silence hung in the air: heavy, thick, and permeated with a deadly tension. Gottfried drew in shallow breaths, knowing full well how little it would take to create a bloodbath out of this meeting. A sense of hatred permeated the vicinity as well, but to Gottfried's surprise, few of the soldiers he could actually see wore it openly.

  Davidson and Isaac stared, sizing each other up. Moments dripped by, and Gottfried wondered idly if the OHU leader intended to speak.

  "Good evening," Isaac said, answering the High Inquisitor's question. "My name is Isaac, and I am in command of the Old Haven Union forces."

  "Citizen Jeremiah Davidson," the Citizen leader responded in a cold tone.

  Isaac bowed his head. "We've come here carrying no weapons, marching under the sign of truce. We've been recently told that a problem is rising which threatens everyone in the city. I assume the doctor has reached and informed you by now as well?"

  Davidson gave a nod.

  "Good." Isaac cleared his throat. "Then, it is in the spirit of mutual gain which we offer to you, first and foremost, our services in an alliance to fend off
this problem. Second, in the goal of continued survival for all individuals in Haven, far beyond this and whatever other evils plague us here, and as a show of our good faith..."

  Isaac swept a glance across the Citizen soldiers, both on the street and those in buildings. He turned back to Davidson, taking in a deep breath.

  "We also offer our unconditional surrender."

  ******

  "Halt! Who goes there?"

  "Cram a sock in it," Kaylee said, stepping forward with a scowl on her face. Though still in mild shock and feeling heavy sorrow for the sacrifice of Desmond and Olivia, she knew a lot of work needed to be done.

  The sentry blinked, surprised. "Oh, it's you..." his eyes widened, viewing the crowd stopped a few dozen feet behind her, "...and two hundred other people?"

  Kaylee waved at him to lower his weapon. "OHU takes any who ask and are willing to work toward freedom, right?"

  "Uhh... I guess, but there's really-"

  "So what's the problem then?" Kaylee folded her arms.

  The guard scratched his head. "Nothing, I suppose. The higher-ups are out right now. It'd be nice to ask Isaac about this, but..."

  Kaylee narrowed her eyes. "Where did they go?"

  "They went to negotiate a truce and surrender with the Citizens."

  "Come again?" Her eyes went wide. Oh, Rick's gotta hear this, she thought.

  "Yeah. I don't get it, really, but it seems we can't hold out on our own anymore. Probably wouldn'ta been a problem if Sergei was still alive."

  Her mind whirled, wondering how Isaac could have possibly come to such a decision. "Who knows?" she said in a distracted tone. "Maybe he's right."

  "Sure. I mean, maybe. I guess if I didn't think it was at least a little right, I'd have taken off with the others."

  "Others?" Kaylee asked.