I followed the group led by the male agent. We walked to the elevator and stepped on. I squeezed in next to Felix and watched as we headed to the 3rd floor. The elevator ride felt long. Everyone was quiet. I rub my hands together as they begin to feel clammy and I swallow, a dry feeling in the back of my throat. The elevator comes to a stop and it dings. The door opens and the agent steps off. We file out and down another hallway we go.
This floor looked similar to the one we were just on. Nothing stood out except that it was a bit cold. I rub my bare arms to regulate my body heat. I felt so cold without my wings to offer any warmth.
We walk down until we stop at an open door. The agent pauses and knocks on the doorframe, "Pardon the intrusion, but I have brought the others."
"Come in, come in." A slightly chipper voice speaks. Maybe another doctor? Or a nurse? Hailey steps into the room first followed by Rose and Felix. Wade and Bob step in next. I stood outside the room. I stare at the door and shuffle awkwardly. This seems familiar. Standing outside Tyler's door and too scared to step inside. Except, except this is for a completely different reason.
I let out a heavy sigh. The agent stands quietly next to me. He glances at me but doesn't speak.
"...I thought you said Ethan was awake?" I could hear him ask about me.
"Yeah, he-? Why are you standing in the hallway??" Rose turns and leans over to peer out the open door.
I hear the bed creak.
"Wait-! Don't get up!" The nurse? says.
The group shuffles to the side until Tyler towers in the doorway. He's bandaged around his midsection. His hair was cut kind of short, and his face.
I step back, reeling at the sight.
Claw marks. Straight diagonally down his eyes. Flashes of our fight dance in front of my eyes and I stumble backwards until I hit the wall behind me. I shake my head.
"Ethan?"
"Ethan! Ethan!! Wake up!! I don't want to hurt you!!"
"DIE DIE DIE!!"
I wince and cover my ears. Please, not here, make it stop!
I take in a short breath and look back at Tyler. He hadn't moved. He just watched quietly.
"...did..." I swallow and my mouth dries again. I try to wet my lips but it doesn't help, "...were you forced to do it?" My voice felt so loud to me. Tyler shifts in the doorway to lean against the open frame. He lets out a sigh from his nose and then tussles what's left of his hair.
The silence felt like it was beginning to choke me.
"No."
What.
Suddenly the silence is blasted away by my heart pounding heavily in my chest. The shaking returns at full force. Monster. Monster! He crippled me!
I slide against the wall, trying to scoot as far away from Tyler as I can get.
"Wait, let me explain." He reaches out to me and I drop to the ground, letting out a scream.
"Forgive me, Ethan!"
Again, he reaches behind me, and with one swift movement, my beautiful wings are laying down on the ground next to us. The pain. Oh, the pain!
I shift around until I get to a corner and race down it. Get away, get away! He'll kill you! Don't drop your guard!
The corner had led into a dead end.
Get away, get away!!
I clash through the window at the dead end.
Wait! I can't fly-!
I scream as I try to shift around in the air to grab back at the broken window frame, but I miss it. Fuck! I scramble in the air helplessly. ...maybe it'll kill me...
I hear the snap of wings and jerk to a stop in the air suddenly. I open my eyes to see Felix! He grabbed my arm and I dangled awkwardly. He immediately lands us out on the hot asphalt beneath us before I hug him tightly. I can't get any words out from how hard I start to sob. He pulls me flush against his body and shifts his wings to shield me from any prying eyes. He rocks slightly from side to side, "Sh, sh, it's alright."
I grip his shirt, "I-I thought-"
"You don't have to explain yourself." He cuts me off, "Take a few breaths, try to calm yourself."
"Oh my God-! Ethan, are you okay!?" Hailey calls from the window I smashed.
I feel Felix shifts his body. He must've turned to look back at her.
"Would you like to go back inside?" He asks softly. I shake my head no. The building was so claustrophobic. Felix moves his arms against my lower back and picks me up with ease. He keeps me flush against his body and carefully moves us out of the open and to a nearby sapling. He sets me down and then sits next to me. I lean against his shoulder and he just stares ahead.
It feels so peaceful, for all of two seconds. It didn't take long for a whole bunch of agents to come rushing out into the parking lot and surround us. Agent London was in the front of the group.
"I have to advise you to return inside." She speaks.
"And you brought an army of armed men for this sentence?" Felix huffs.
"...I don't want to return." I mumble.
"I think we are going to stay right here." Felix states.
"You need to return inside." London repeats herself.
"Why?" He asks, "It's not a big deal."
"It's not safe out here." London answers him quickly, "Any prying eyes could send information to the government looking for you if you are outside. Please, return inside."
"No." Felix stands up, "We will return on our own time." His wings flare behind him to give himself a much bigger appearance.
"You need to be concerned for your well-being. Your friends too." London says, "I don't want to have to force you back inside but trust me, it's for your own good."
"I'd be careful with threats." He growls at her.
"Please, Felix, trust me. It is not safe out here." She pleads.
"And I told you no. We will return inside when we are good and ready." He replies, his eyes begin to glow a bit brighter. London looks like she is battling with herself over this argument. She shakes her head, "I cannot agree to those terms. I need you both to return inside."
Felix chuckles, "What is this? A standoff? It's not like we are going to run away. Just to sit in the sun for a few minutes and we will return."
The men that had followed London outside cock whatever weapons they were carrying. My head snaps up and I shuffle slightly behind Felix, "What the hell?"
"What? You going to shoot us?" His demeanor shifts from the lighthearted banter to straight ice.
"They're tasers." London replies.
Felix glances down at me. I'm still shaking, I wipe my eyes, trying to gather myself. He lets out a heavy sigh and then pushes his hair back out of his face, a smirk drawn on his face. His skin changes to the black tar-like substance, "I've been waiting for this moment."
"It doesn't have to be this way, Felix, we are trying to help you and your family." London says as she, again, urges us to return to the building. Felix stands up and shifts his shoulders, a snarl leaks out of his mouth, "My family doesn't need help from another corporation. They are the ones that ruined it to begin with."
"...oh, yes, you must be speaking of Maria." She speaks.
Felix's demeanor changes. That name has so much power over him. He makes a bit of a fist, digging a claw deep into his own palm, "Don't speak her name."
London is quiet. From the look on her face, I could tell she was trying to determine her next move. Felix's wings shift ever so slightly and he leans forward. I jump forward and snatch the back of his shirt, "Wait-!" My voice squeaks out. He stops. His ears are pinned back against his head.
"...think about Hailey." I whisper, "She's still inside. If they are truly a threat, she is in danger."
He snorts but backs up as I tug his shirt. He turns and then he wraps an arm around my waist. He turns his head back to London. He doesn't speak but she seems to understand his glare. His wings thrust and pump, sending us up into the air. He carries me back to the window, where Bob eases me back inside. He moves me out of the way of the window and then steadies me.
Hailey rushes over to me, gripping my arms, "Ethan, what were you thinking??? You jumped! You could've been hurt or worse-!" She jerks me into a hug, "Are you insane!" Her arms collide with my upper back. I wince and shove her back, "Get off of me!" The pain flares and nearly collapse to the floor.
"Are you insane??" I hiss at her.
She gasps, "Oh my God! I'm so sorry! I forgot-!"
"Well quit it! I don't need your help! I don't need your concern!!" I shout.
I felt sticky and hot. I take in labored breaths, "...just leave me alone..." I stumble past them. I turn the corner and collide with someone. I step back to see Tyler. I step back further and bare my teeth at him.
"Ethan," His voice is tender.
"What!" I snap.
"Please, just let me explain-" He starts.
"No! I don't want to hear it! I can't believe you did this! I can't believe you of all people committed such a sin!" I spit.
"Ethan-"
"No!" I shout, the tears start.
"Please, just let me speak." He begs.
I stare at him, "...I don't want to hear your excuses. I thought you loved me."
"I do love you!" He defends.
"A loved one wouldn't maim me!" I glared at him before turning away. He reaches for me and I smack his hand away, "Don't you dare touch me!"
"...Ethan..." He tries.
"You broke me. I am half of what I used to be. If I ever see you again, it'll be too soon. Consider this over." I turn away and continue down the hallway.
I bite my lip. Stay strong, do not break. He broke you. It's only fair to leave his heart on the ground.
Once in the elevator and the door shuts behind me, I collapse. It felt like I was shot in the chest. The air was so hot. Everything blurred together. Did I really lose him? I gave my heart to him and he returned the favor by tearing off my wings? Who does that willingly?

How many days?
I look over at the tray of food that sat in front of the door, untouched. How long have I been held up in this room? I just want to go home. I bury my face into the pillow. It's cold.
The bed is so empty. It's so tiny...
There's a knock on the door.
"Ethan? It's Jack."
Jack? I haven't heard from him since we got here? Is that really him?
"What do you want?" My voice is hoarse. I haven't spoken to anyone since I locked myself away. I felt ashamed for snapping at everyone but I also felt torn over Tyler. Just the thought of his name twists the knife deeper into my heart, continuing to sever the feelings.
"I just came to check on you. Heard you've been in here for a few of days." He replies.
I can't think of anything to say and stare back at the wall. I hear the door slowly creak open, "Ethan..."
"...please go away." I pull the covers over my body. I don't want you to see me like this. I don't want anyone to see me. I'm so ashamed of myself!
"...I'm not going to leave, so you might as well come out from under the covers." He says.
His tone is gentle yet stern.
"Please, Jack." I beg.
"I said no." Jack replies, he jerks the covers off of me and I hear a soft gasp leave his lips, "How long have you laid here?"
I grunt in reply.
Jack moves around until he is in my field of vision, "Ethan, you can't just stay here and rot into the bed."
"Please Jack, go away. I embarrassed myself enough as it is. I don't need to add you seeing me this way onto that list." I close my eyes.
"I told you I'm not leaving. Now get up." He grabs the mattress and lifts it up, throwing me onto the floor.
I let out a startled yelp, "Jack-!"
I stare at him with wide eyes.
"...you didn't have to be so rough, Love," Mark's voice comes from the door.
"How else was I supposed to get him up? No one else had any luck getting him off his ass. He needs some tough love right now." Jack moves over and grabs my arm. He pulls me to my feet.
"Come on, first things first, you need a long ass shower."
He tugs me to the bathroom and I wince once he turns on the light. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust after laying in the dark for days.
"Come on, hop to it, Lazy Bones, we haven't got all day." He roughly starts to undress me.
"All day? What?? AH! That's cold!" I squeak as he blasts the shower.
"It's to wake you up!" Jack laughs, "You need to get the blood pumping!"
"Mark help!" I yelp.
"No can do, Ethan." Mark replies.
"What the hell is wrong with you??" I try to make sense of things as Jack shoves a rag in my hand before he starts to scrub my hair.
"I'm a grown man, I don't need help washing!" I push his hands away.
"Well get a move on." Jack says before he steps back out of the room.
What the hell is wrong with them?
I turn the cold water off and continue to shower with warmer water. I can't think of anything special going on that would make Jack so weird. It's like he turned into Felix for a few minutes with his strange behavior. Did someone light a fire under his ass and he decides to take it out on me???

"Feel better?" Mark asks as he steps over to hand me some clean clothes. I give him a nod as I rub the towel through my wet hair, "Yeah, a bit better."
"I'm glad." Mark picks up the dirty clothes that Jack had stripped me out of.
"What are you doing??" I turn to him after I lean against the sink to put my legs through my pants.
"Just gathering the laundry." Mark replies.
"You don't have to do that, I can-"
"It's fine." Mark smiles, "You've had a bit of a rough time. Let us help you."
"But I'm not the only one that had a rough time." I grab at his arm and he halts his movements. He looks at me.
"That's true, but sometimes we all need to care for one another. If one of us slacks, the others need to help with the weight."
I remove my hand and then look down at the floor.
"Ethan?" He speaks softly.
I glance back up at him.
"Don't lock us out. We want to help." He turns to the door and leaves me with his words. I turn to glance at myself in the mirror. My back looked hideously bare. I close my eyes and turn away from the mirror. All I have done is just turn into a mess. I've done nothing but make things worse for everyone. Would they forgive me? Do I even deserve their forgiveness?
"Ethan, get dressed, let's go!" Jack calls from the bedroom and I sniff, swiftly wiping my eyes before the tears fall, "I'm coming!"
I struggle for a few seconds with the shirt before I hurry out the door, turning off the light as I make my way out, "Woah..."
The room was spotless.
The bed stripped, the floor swept, the mess of dirty cups and plates were missing.
"...you didn't have to clean my room."
"Don't worry about it. It took all of like ten minutes." Jack waves me off, "Now, let's go! We have things to do!"
"Things to do?? What do you mean??" I ask as I stumble behind Jack. He grabbed my wrist and began to tug me along. Mark follows us with swift steps.
"Jack, slow down, please! My leg can't keep up with your brisk pace." I start to limp.
"Sorry, sorry," He slows down a bit.
"Thank you." I sigh, "What is the rush? Is there something happening?"
He turns slightly with a bright smile and then looks back in front of us as he opens the door that leads us into a huge room that was similar to the cafeteria back at the hospital.
There was everyone hanging around a couple of tables. Mark makes his way past us and goes to join the group.
Jack turns back to me, "Ready??"
"For what??" I asked him, giving him a look of confusion.
"Don't tell me you forgot." He says.
"Forgot??" I could feel the panic start to build. Forget? What did I possibly forget??? Was I so deep in my own self hatred I forgot something important???
He grabs my arm and pulls me closer to the table, "Well I bet every day has kind of blurred together since you joined our group."
"I lost track a while ago, how long has it been?? A few months??" I say.
"Actually since you joined it's been exactly 4 months." Bob states as he nudges his glasses back in place on his face.
"4 months? Hm, I would have guessed 2." I tilt my head and try to remember what month it actually was, "I think I was kidnapped in June?"
"That means it's October!" Hailey squeaks with excitement.
"Uh?" I frown and then count on my fingers, "Oh, yeah it does mean that."
They stare at me and I smile awkwardly, "What does that mean...??"
"It's your birthday!!" Rose yelps.
"Surprise!" The group hollers.
"My birthday??" I look at everyone, "Already...???"
"Yeah! October 10th!" Hailey hurries forward and grabs my arm, tugging me to the table, "It took a bit of convincing but Agent London finally let us order you a cake!"
I look down on the table to see a rectangle cake. It's vanilla with chocolate fudge icing. The writing is in beautiful cursive 'Happy Birthday Ethan!' with little icing balloons next to it.
"...how did you know when my birthday was??" I looked up from the table to scan the crowd.
"Some of Agent London's people were going over your file and I happened to pick up on some things." Bob says, he rubs the back of his neck kind of sheepishly, "We also bugged her to get you a gift."
"Cake and a gift??? You guys really didn't have to do that." I felt so appreciated that they decided to celebrate with me. I had totally forgotten that it was my birthday, honestly because I had lost track of time itself.
"Here, here! Open it!" Jack shoves the wrapped gift into my hands. He's nearly bouncing off the floor with excitement.
"Okay, okay," I chuckle at his enthusiasm. I look at the gift. The wrapped paper is a sort of plain grey with a slight glimmer to it. It looked fancy. I tear at the tape and paper until I get to a box. I shake it just a bit to try and guess but I couldn't really hear anything that would give it away. I set the box on the table and then pull off the lid. And there sitting inside was a brand new ukulele.
I reach forward and lightly touch it.

~Flashback~
"Here Sweetheart, I got you an extra special gift." Mom grins as she makes her way over to the Christmas tree and then pulls out the box I had been eyeing all morning.
"Ooh! What is it!" I jump up from my seat, super excited.
"Well open it!" She hands it to me and her excitement fuels mine.
I rush to open the box and find a ukulele.
"Now you have your very first instrument." Mom grins at me as I hug her tightly before going back to it and strumming the ukulele. I giggle at the sound, "I'm going to be a real musician!"

There was a loud crunch sound that made me look up from my homework. "Why is this stupid thing just laying on the floor??" I hear my stepmother grumble. I got up from the table and hurried around the corner to see that she had stepped on my ukulele.
"You broke it!!" I yelled.
"You shouldn't leave your stupid things on the floor where it can be stepped on!!" She shouts back at me.
~End flashback~

I pick up the instrument slowly and then fiddle with the knobs until it sounds in tune. I give it a strum and it makes me feel bittersweet.
"You said you used to be a musician, right?" Hailey asks and I look up at her, "Yeah, I was. The ukulele was my very first instrument."
"Can you play anything??" Rose asks.
"I dunno, I'm pretty rusty." I chuckle awkwardly.
"Oh, come on! Let's hear you play!" Jack pushes my arm lightly.
"I don't think I remember any songs." I reply.
"Why don't we eat some cake??" Mark chimes in, distracting the crowd from the gift and onto the dessert. I slipped out of the crowd and away from everyone. I sit down on an empty table and look down at the instrument in my hands. Can I even play anymore?
What would I play?
I shift the instrument up and then start to tune it again. I hum slightly to see if I could even remember the notes that went to the song. It slowly comes back to me as I pick the strings in a gentle manner. How did that song go? I wrote it when I was fifteen, I don't think I would remember the words...
Maybe it went like this...?
"(Verse 1)
Once upon a tender time,
Your love was my guiding light.
But now, I'm adrift, lost in the rhyme,
Of a broken melody in the night."
I stop briefly. No no, I shouldn't play. I don't think I could remember.
"What was that?" I glance up to see Tyler standing a few feet away. I feel a slightly bristle go up my back and I shiver, "...nothing, just a dumb song. I wrote it when I was younger."
"Dumb? I thought it sounded pretty." He replies softly.
"Pretty?? It's kind of weak." I shrug and fiddle with the ukulele.
"Do you remember anymore?" He asks softly.
"I..." I stop myself and then let out a sigh. It wouldn't hurt to see if I can remember anymore. I shift my sitting position and pick at the strings again. 'Just play to your heart's content.' my mom's voice rings in my ears and I close my eyes.
"(Chorus)
Lost in the wreckage of our story,
A tale of love turned to dust.
Every heartbeat a reminder of your glory,
In this symphony of loss, I'm left to rust.

(Verse 2)
We danced in the fire of passion's embrace,
But flames flickered and died away.
Now I'm stranded in this desolate space,
Haunted by the words we never got to say.

(Chorus)
Lost in the wreckage of our story,
A tale of love turned to dust.
Every heartbeat a reminder of your glory,
In this symphony of loss, I'm left to rust.

(Bridge)
I chase your shadow in the moon's soft glow,
But you're just a ghost in the mist.
In the silence, your absence screams to show,
That in losing you, I lost myself in the twist.

(Chorus)
Lost in the wreckage of our story,
A tale of love turned to dust.
Every heartbeat a reminder of your glory,
In this symphony of loss, I'm left to rust.

(Outro)
As the stars weep for what's been torn apart,
I'll cling to the echoes of our past.
But in this void where you once held my heart,
I'm forever lost, in a love that couldn't last." I glance back up to see any reaction. Tyler still looked as stoic as ever. I cleared my throat and set the ukulele aside, "Told you it was dumb."
"I still think it's beautiful." He says, "What was the inspiration??"
I lean back, kicking my good leg up on the chair in front of me, and shrugging, "I don't remember, fifteen year old me was going through a lot."
"Why do you think it's dumb?" He takes a very small step in my direction.
I fiddle with the hem of my shirt, "Well from a more professional perspective it's a really basic song. The flow is all over the place and the runs that I added just don't really belong in that kind of a slow song."
"It sounds like you were writing from a very passionate source." He replies.
"Maybe that's what you lose," I shrug, "The more knowledge I retained from school just made me realize I really didn't know what I was doing back then."
"Did you write anything else?" He asks.
"I wrote a ton of songs. Music helped me through a lot of difficult times. It's like I could whisk myself away to an entirely different world, just for a brief time." I reply, giving a sad chuckle at my memories, "Expressing myself was always easier through music. It was something that just made sense to me."
I look back up at him, taking in his appearance. He was dressed rather plainly, just a T-shirt and jeans. His face made the hairs stand on the back of my neck. Did I do that to him? In the fight.
"Ethan, I-" Tyler starts but he stops himself. He looks down at his hands, trying to gather his words I guess.
A part of me ached to hear him out. I wanted badly to know why he did what he did, but the other half of me was still so upset that the thought had crossed his mind and he went through with it.
"Ethan!" I turn to Hailey as she hurries over and grabs my arm, "Come on, you have to try this cake! It's amazing!"
"Oh, uh? Sure..." I glance back at Tyler. I can see there's a longing in his eyes. I don't know what expression I gave back to him before I turn and hop off the table to follow Hailey back to the crowded table.
Jack passes me a plate with cake on it. I take it and stare for a couple of seconds before I take a bite, "Mm, that's really good." I have to agree with Hailey's claim.
The door squeaks as it's opened and we all turn to watch as Agent London walks in, followed by a couple of other agents.
"I apologize for interrupting your party, but we really need to finish our paperwork. I need to speak with the Songbirds, we cannot keep pushing it to the side."
Wade crosses his arms over his chest, "What happened to waiting?"
"Look, I understand that you all went through traumatic things, but I have a job to do and I cannot just keep pushing it aside until you all decide that you're ready to answer the questions. The longer you wait, the more you might forget about the incident." She replies.
"Forget?" Felix asks, "You think we could forget something like that??"
Mark wraps his arm around Jack and pulls his close to his chest. A rumble makes its way from his chest, "Felix is right."
"I can't wait any longer. I need to speak with the four of you separately." She said.
"Separate?" Jack whispers.
"I don't think that's a smart idea. What if it triggers something, then what are you supposed to do??" Mark asks.
"We have measures in place for that." London answers.
"What kind of measures?" I inquire.
"Don't worry about it." Another agent answers and the crowd shuffles awkwardly. The tension in the room was beginning to suffocate.
"I have yet to speak to you." Tyler steps forward, "I can go first."
"Tyler, are you sure?" Bob asks. Tyler turns and gives a small smile, "Yeah, it'll be fine. It'll give everyone else a bit more time to hangout together."
"Tyler..." Agent London looks through her notes and then nods, "You are right, we have yet to get your version. If you insist on being first then please follow me." She turns to leave the room.
Tyler goes to follow her and I step forward to say something but the words die on my tongue and I just watch as he leaves.
I turn back to the cake and shove the plate away. I lost my appetite.
"Why do we have to answer her questions anyway??" Jack asks as he glances around the table.
"Something about making a case for us against the government to prove we're not a threat." Bob answers.
"Wait, they are going to take this before a judge???" I looked up at Bob, "It's the government, since when have they ever followed the law??"
"I have no clue." He shrugs, "It doesn't make sense. I'm not sure what they are trying to accomplish with this."
"Also judges work for the government. I don't think we could ever find one that would listen to our side of the story at all." Felix crosses his arms over his chest.
"The majority of us didn't have much to say to London as we weren't there during the destruction." Wade tilts his head as he thinks about it.
Jack leans over and looks at Wade, "How is your shoulder?"
Wade looks up from staring at the table, "Hm? Oh, my shoulder, it's fine. You barely nicked me."
"Barely nicked???" Hailey looks at Wade with confusion. He gives her a look.
"...Wade, don't lie to me." Jack says.
Wade sighs, "If you really want to know." He removes his shirt.
"Oh my God..." Jack moves away from Mark and over to Wade's side. His shoulder had very deep claw marks. They tore deep through his skin and down into the muscles.
"I did that to you?" Jack asks.
"It's not your fault, you weren't in the right state of mind." Wade replies, "Could've been worse." He puts his shirt back on, "Are you alright? I threw you pretty deep into the forest."
"I can't exactly recall." Jack tilts his head a bit and then shifts to lean on his other foot, "I can't remember. It just comes in small flashes."
"Terrifying flashes." I mumbled and then remembered that Mark had been trying to help. "Did you manage to get those people to safety??"
Mark looks over at me, "People to safety???" He closes his eyes as he tries to remember.
"What even happened to Travis???" Jack turns to look at Felix, "Do you know?"
Felix side eyes Jack but he keeps his mouth shut. He straightens his back and then sighs, "I'm tired." He turns away from the group and then walks towards the door, "If Agent asks, I have returned to my room."
He must know something the rest of us don't. And I'm not sure that Bob or Wade will be able to get an answer out of him.
Rose clears his throat, "So, Eth, did you like the party?" He gives me a pretty weak smile, trying his best to shift the tone of the room back to something positive but the damage had been done.
"Yeah, it was very sweet of all of you. I haven't celebrated in years." I smile back at Rose, "I really appreciate the gift and the cake."
"I don't think we should leave our fate in the hands of another corporation." Mark crosses his arms over his chest, he looks annoyed, "I'm sick and tired of being treated like an animal. To be caged and prodded because they don't understand."
"I have to agree." Molly speaks up, "The children deserve to live in a world outside of these buildings and restrictions."
Mandi had joined her best friend as they made their way into the room. They seem upset.
"So what do you boys plan to do about it?" Mandi asks, "You're not going to allow a new corporation stop you, are you?"
"What are we supposed to do?" Hailey turns to look at the two elder women.
"The NWO is trying to help us."
"Their way is only going to take a long time and drag everything out through the court system, which is almost guaranteed to be against us." Molly steps forward. She pulls out some papers, "I swiped this from a few agent desks. It's a map of the building." She sets the papers down on the table and sets the next to one another to reveal the map. "I don't think they plan on helping us or releasing us. I believe their plan is to keep us inside with the fear of the government trying to hunt us down and to completely erase everything that just happened with us because we were exposed to the public by Travis."
"We have every right to live in public, we are all citizens. We are people. We have rights!" Mandi smacks the table with her hand.
"The public won't view us as citizens anymore. The government is going to have a way to twist our story. Plus we didn't do ourselves any favors by destroying our paperwork." Bob sighs.
"We did that because we were under the assumption that we weren't going to be bothered. That the village was our final home. Travis took that from us." Wade chimes in. "Without papers, we aren't anything. We might as well be government property."
"Why don't we try to relax and figure this out after a few days? Trying to fix our solution without any proper ideas is just going to drive us in circles." I look at everyone, "Besides it won't be too easy to keep track of everything if not all of us are here to speak about our decision. Remember? We all agreed to make life changing decisions together."
"Ethan's right. Felix left and Tyler isn't here." Mark nods his head, "What we should do is try to gather as much information as we can about this corporation. Learn exits and response times to us leaving the building."
"In a week's time, we will bring this back up in a proper meeting." Bob sets our time schedule.