Clair and Kit look at each other and walk toward the shelter stepping into the line as the soldiers slowly work their way through the line, the lettering above the entrance reads,

"WELCOME TO PETRA"

Clair raises her eyebrow, she knows she has heard that name before, but where? As they get to the front of the line the soldiers look at them and hold their hands out,

"ID please," The soldiers ask and Clair nods, grabbing Kit's and her ID and handing it over to the soldiers. The one taking the ID stares down and nods,

"Occupation?" The soldier asks

"Scientists," Clair says and the soldier's face lights up

"Wait really?" The soldier asks and smiles pulling them quickly inside

"Here I'll take you to Leela and Devika, they're the leaders of Petra" The soldier leads them to a church and nods to the soldiers standing guard.

Clair and Kit look at the church, look at each other, sigh, and walk in. Upon entering four people stand in the center room clearly in an argument, taking a glance at the group, there's a priest who is trying his best not to get involved, a female soldier who seems to be arguing with a younger woman who looks to be in her late 20s, and a woman who appears to be in her late 30s. The soldier yells at the younger girl,

"What the hell are we even talking about Devika, he was infected this discussion is petty and senseless!" The solider crosses her arms and Devika speaks up,

"Last time I checked, murder is still murder! He could still speak! He was sentient! Caritas, you should agree with me! You're a man of God!" Devika yells and looks over at the priest, Caritas. He solemnly shakes his head not wanting to get involved. Devika looks over at the other girl,

"Leela...You can't be okay with this" Devika looks at Leela who looks down ashamed

"I was trying to protect you sister-" Leela starts talking but Devika cuts her off

"No, was I just a fool to believe you'd obey the principles you've been purveying?" Devika starts to tear up and pushes her way out of the church right past Clair and Kit.

"Are you okay?" Clair asks as she leaves and Devika just mumbles,

"Welcome to Petra, land of liars, just like the snake," Devika says and Leela yells out after her,

"Devi! Sister just-" Leela starts but Devika just walks away Leela sighs looking at Clair and Kit,

"Sorry, you two had to hear that. My sister is a bit vocal, I am Leela the leader of this shelter, and you must be the scientists?" Leela asks and Clair nods before speaking up,

"Yeah we were told to come straight here I'm Clair and this is Kit, but we're also looking for someone. Cecilia Alpay and her daughters, Asu and Sadie. Can you take us there?" Clair asks and Leela nods and turns to the soldier,

"Sreya, can you give me the resident list?" Leela asks and Sreya nods pulling out a clipboard flipping a few pages and handing it over.

"Alright yeah we can lead you there, first let me introduce you to the team. So you met my sister, Devika, she helps me out around here but has certain opinions about infected people. This is our lead soldier, Sreya. She can help you with supplies you need for research or any security problem. And this is our priest, Caritas." Leela finishes and Clair waves to them, Kit just nods their head at them.

"As for Cecilia, she's-" Leela's eyes drift to the doorway, and she trails off, narrowing her eyes. At the door stands a man, a very well-built handsome man. His jet-black hair contrasts with his bright, piercing blue eyes. He smiles and looks at Clair and Kit before turning his attention to Leela.

"Leela, you didn't tell me we had such amazing guests here!" He says and Leela walks up to him rolling her eyes,

"Now is not the time Malachi, what do you want?" Leela asks and Malachi drops the carefree attitude and looks at her.

"Devika is trying to scale the wall again, I can lead these two around if you want to..." Malachi notices Kit staring at him and he winks, Kit chuckles nervously and looks away. Leela sighs and nods looking at Sreya,

"Okay, let's go Sreya. Sorry, Clair and Kit. We'll pick this up another time." The two of them leave, and Malachi looks over at the priest, who narrows his eyes at him and walks away.

Malachi smiles and looks at the two,

"Don't mind him, Caritas is a bit eccentric. Here I'll show you around the town. So, Clair and Kit, lovely names" Malachi smiles and walks out of the church. Kit smiles and Clair scoffs,

"So it's Malachi hmm?" Clair asks and Malachi nods as he starts to walk with them

Clair turns to Kit and raises an eyebrow, Kit shrugs and they continue to walk through the town, Malachi pointing out all sorts of shops and buildings. As he gets to the residential area Clair decides to ask about the argument earlier and Malachi frowns,

"Well, there was a guy here who was attacked by a creature, and I guess the bites from the creatures can cause people to mutate. The man showed no signs of hostility but he did turn, the soldiers and Leela decided to kill the man to avoid the risk of spread." Malachi sighs and looks pained,

"It breaks my heart, but I'm just a citizen here, can't say much about it." Malachi continues and Kit speaks up,

"Yeah we get what you mean, we lost our friend to that mutation," Kit says and Malachi looks at them with pity in his eyes and he nods.

As they arrive at a house he points at it,

"This is you both, two bedrooms, two baths just like all the other houses here. If you need anything I am five houses down, Take care you two. And be careful." Malachi smiles sadly and walks off. Clair looks over at Kit,

"I don't know if we should trust Malachi or any of the others. We're here for Cecilia and her daughters. Let's find them and get out of here and return to Brock and Charlie." Clair says watching Malachi walk into his house.

"I think you're paranoid Clair, But didn't Brock say we need an army? This is the perfect place to find one." Kit says and Clair nods but seems apprehensive.

"Clair? Kit?" A voice calls from behind them and they both turn around and see Cecilia smiling and waving. She runs up to them and gives them both a hug,

"I'm so happy to see you guys are safe, Is Boran waiting in the house then, the girls really can't wait to see him" She laughs

Clair feels a punch to her gut seeing how hopeful she is. Clair's voice starts to crack and she clears he throat,

"He...he's not here" Clair manages to whisper out, Cecilia's smile falters a bit but returns to normal,

"Oh, he's on his way then? I can't wait to-" Cecilia trails off seeing the look on their faces,

"I'm so sorry Cecilia" Kit says

"He was a hero, he saved a lot of lives he-" Clair starts but Cecilia staggers backward shaking her head as the tears start to fall,

"No...No! He can't be! He has to come back! He said he would!" Cecilia falls to her knees and cries, Clair rushes over and kneels to her. Cecilia shakes her head and stands up wiping her tears.

"I just need a bit, thank you...for telling me...I need to...tell my kids" Cecilia runs off.

Clair sighs and Kit sits on the steps of their new house. Kit looks up at the sky and shakes their head,

"This situation is awful, but we have to stick together Clair. Always and forever." Kit looks over at Clair and Clair smiles and nods.

"Always and forever," Clair says sitting next to them

They enter the house and get accustomed to their new home, the next morning they hear knocking at their door, Kit groans and throws a pillow over at their bedroom door, Clair is already up and drinking coffee, she perks up and walks over to the door opening it and seeing, Caritas the priest. He smiles and speaks,

"Good morning Clair, I just want to welcome you to the community! Just so you know my Church is open at all hours, I live there with Leela and Devika so if you need anything just swing by!" Caritas smiles and she smiles friendly.

"Thanks, Caritas and I'll tell Kit as well," Clair says and Caritas smiles handing her a Bible,

"Well, I marked a few passages you might be interested in. If you have any questions just let me know." Caritas waves and walks away.

Clair sets the Bible down walks over to Kit's bedroom and raises her hand to knock on their door but stops herself, they need this sleep. Clair sighs and walks away writing a note on the table telling Kit that she's going for a walk.

Clair takes a deep breath and steps outside, as soon as she does, she comes face to face with Devika who looks at her ashamed,

"Oh hey. Uh, I just wanted to say sorry for the other day. I didn't mean to be rude I was just pissed off" Devika looks at the floor and Clair nods,

"It's okay, It isn't my business anyway" Clair sees and looks over to the side seeing Malachi walking up the road and waving at them, Devika smiles and waves her expression instantly lighting up and running over to him. They talk and walk in a different direction. Clair rubs her forehead and shakes her head starting her walk.

After about thirty minutes she enters a restaurant and sits at a table ordering some coffee and grilled cheese. As she's sipping she hears the door opening and Malachi sits at her table smiling.