The next day Clara and Adam get Katlyn back home to the Green Zone, and back to her house. While making the transition back from the Red, Grey, and Green zones Katlyn has learned so much about the essentially class divide between them: The Green lives a pretty privileged and safe life, the Grey has a lot of discrimination and oppression under the thumb of the occupation forces, while the Red is basically the wild west with no real rules, and the only certainty is that someone is gonna die eventually. The faces of the people and children, along with the pained expressions of the injured NVR members stay front and centre in her mind the whole trip back home.

They pull up in front of the house and Katlyn walks up to the front door thinking of ways she can possibly help at New Town while she walks in the front door. When she enters the kitchen she is greeted by the sound of someone clearing their throat, the sound making her jump slightly.

"Where have you been?" The familiar voice of her father asks with a firm tone.

Ah shit! Really? The one time he's home he has to be now?! Fuck!

She hesitates to answer because she knows that tone he's using, and she knows a grilling is coming.

"I was out with Clara." She says, hoping to say as little as possible.

"And where were you that you couldn't answer your phone? I texted you, called you and you didn't answer either." He says with his hands folded in front of him, staring her down with narrow eyes.

It's common knowledge that the Red Zones are dead zones for cell phones, the only form of long range communication is by radio. She knows she has to approach her answer carefully or else things will get far worse than they already are.

"We went to Nathan's to watch movies, and play some games. Guess I didn't hear my phone. Sorry dad." She explains with a calm tone but avoiding eye contact.

She tries to keep the cut on her right arm out of sight knowing if she has to explain that she won't be able to come up with a good enough story for that. He looks at her intently for an awkwardly silent moment.

Okay. Just be careful. We've had an increase in insurgent activity lately so just make sure you are somewhere safe if you can't get home." He says with a calmer tone and expression.

Does he mean the convoy that was delivering food?

"I will, dad. Don't worry. I'm gonna go shower now." She says as she gets ready to head upstairs.

As she walks out of the kitchen her dad asks her if she'd like some breakfast when she's done, she says she would and thanks him as she goes up the stairs to get a change of clothes before showering. She enters the shower letting the water rinse the dust and dirt from New Town off, she winces in slight pain when the water hits the cut on her arm.

Damn that hurts! What activity is he talking about? The only thing I can think of was that food convoy... I guess they wouldn't know it was full of food and medical supplies but still...

She spends a short while in the shower before getting out and inspecting the cut on her arm while she dries off, with the cut freshly cleaned it's not all that visible making her feel more confident she can wear a short sleeved shirt without having to worry about it being easily seen.

She heads back down stairs where the smell of waffles being made hits her nose immediately, a smell she's missed. She knows how to make them herself but her dad has a way of making them she's never been able to replicate. She walks into the kitchen and notices he's changed out of his uniform finally. The two sit for the first time in days to have a somewhat normal breakfast together, and Katlyn enjoys a real breakfast after the absolute craziness of the last few days. The fresh, crispy, and fluffy taste and texture of the warm waffles is a welcomed delight.

The feeling quickly fades when the image of the girl from the roundup enters her mind, and the thought of the subpar food people in New Town are eating while others are going outright hungry. It's not hard for her dad to see the sudden expression change on her face,

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" He asks before taking a bite of food, she takes a moment before answering.

"It's nothing. Just thinking about something I heard the other day." She replies with a low tone.

He asks her what she heard, clearly interested in what it is, she knows now she has to be careful what she says to avoid revealing what she knows.

"Just a rumour about the last raid. That the report was faked, and the claims the Insurgents didn't surrender isn't true and saying they did try to give up." She explains before taking another bite of her food.

HIs expression changes for a moment, obviously shocked by what she said but his expression changes back to his neutral face. Despite his quick recovery the change was enough to tell Katlyn what she was afraid of: that her dad knows that the public report is fake, and he knows something about the real report. He takes his time eating before saying anything.

"Where did you hear this?" He asks, trying his best to stay composed.

She tells him it's just a rumour she heard going around,

"Well, it's bullshit! The Insurgents are fanatics who'd rather die for a ridiculous Cause. " He snaps, putting his fork down suddenly.

Katlyn says, and does nothing to show any kind of response to his change of tone and composure. This is enough to convince her that what Serena said is true, the document is real and truthful.

She finishes her breakfast and clears her dishes and gets ready to go meet with Nathan who has been messaging for since the curfew hours went into effect last night but of course she didn't send the messages.

She grabs her same leather jackets that she's been wearing for the last few days and leaves the house, and makes her way to Nathan's house that is just a couple streets over. While she walks there she starts trying to make sense of everything she's learned the last few days.

Okay so the raid was legit but the truth behind it isn't: the truth is they killed the rebels but why? To scare people? Possibly. New Town is both a Resistance hideout but also a safe haven for refugees either escaping, or being forced out of the Grey Zone. Holy fuck this is insane! And there's still how Clara got mixed up in all this, and what's the deal with Adam following her around like a puppy.

A question she'll have to get answered at a later time given she knows she will have plenty of questions coming her way momentarily as she arrives at Nathan's house. She walks up to the front door, and knocks on it. She hears muffled steps from the other side of the door, the door opens and she just walks in, before Nathan can even say anything she says,

"If my dad asks me and Clara were here with you yesterday hanging out." Hands in her pockets walking inside.

"Good to know. Hope we did something fun at least. And nice to see you too by the way, Kate." He says with a semi sarcastic tone in response.

She walks over and sits on the couch, waiting for the questioning to begin. He sits down at the opposite side of the couch, and she was right: the questions begin.

So you wanna tell me why we were hanging out last night? And why you couldn't even answer a text last night?" He asks.

And so it begins.

"I was out with Claire and her friend last night, and we ended up staying out longer than we thought we were." She explains, trying to not give too much information.

"What were you guys doing that could have kept you out past curfew?" He asks with a curious tone.

Ah shit, can't say I didn't expect him to ask that.

"We uh- we went out to the Grey Zone to do some volunteer work." She said avoiding eye contact with him,

She starts to feel worse and worse due to the fact she's lying to him, and it's showing slightly.

"And you couldn't tell me because?..." He says with a hand gesture, she simply tells him it was very last minute.

Without saying anything she knows he doesn't believe her especially since lying has never been her strong suit, but he doesn't say anything about it other than,

"Okay." Her expression suddenly changes, eyes narrowed with confusion not expecting him to just say okay. She expected more persistent questions but for him to just let it go like that is... odd for him. Katlyn feels a vibration from her jeans pocket, pulling out her phone she sees a message from an Unknown person.

What the hell?

Unknown: Come to the safehouse now. We need to talk.

Safehouse? Who the- Serena? No, why would she risk contacting me? Adam maybe?

She answers back saying she'll be there as soon as she can. She puts her phone back in her pocket while standing up,

"That was Claire. She needs me to help her out with some forms for school." She says trying to hide the fact she's lying again.

Technically it's not a lie. She does plan on going to school. At least that was the plan.

"I'll come with you. I'm going into town to pick some stuff for my mom anyway. That's not a problem is it?" He asks after standing up with her.

"Uh sure... that's fine, yeah. Totally." She says nervously,

Ah fuck, fuck, fuck! Fuck!

The two leave the house and Katlyn is anything but calm: her posture is very tense, and tight while Nathan is walking beside her. His eyes glance over to her and he can see she's tense, and nervous about something. The whole walk to the bus stop is awkward silence, which for these two is very unusual and Nathan notices it.

"Something wrong, Kate? You've been quiet the entire way here and frankly it's freaky. Usually shutting you up is impossible." He says with a slight chuckle,

"Yeah no, I'm fine. Just had a crazy few days, and a lot on my plate to say the least lately." She says vaguely, avoiding looking at him, letting out a quiet sigh.

He knows there's more going on than she's saying, he can see it, he gently rests his hand on her shoulder giving it a light squeeze.

"You know you can talk to me, right? About anything." He says with a soft tone.

The touch and his words makes the tension she carries in her shoulders lessen and her heart that was pounding with nervousness relaxes.

"I know. Thanks, Nate." She says looking back at him with a slight smile, he smiles back at her.

The bus arrives and the two take their seats, and the bus begins its drive into the city. Nathan is sat in the seat next to the window, and she is sitting next to him with their shoulders pressed up against each other. She looks over at Nathan slightly trying to avoid catching his attention and for a moment she has a moment of peace: her mind stops racing, her anxiety though still there isn't as present as it was.

Life has gotten so complicated lately, but at least I can have this moment to breathe. He's always been there for me. No matter what stupid thing I did, or trouble I got myself into he's always been there to see me through it... no matter what I can't get him involved in this. I won't let him get involved.

The bus arrives at its usual stop and passengers empty the bus while a handful of others get on. Katlyn starts to make her way in the direction of the Cafe, and Nathan heads the opposite direction. The two agree to text the other later when they are free, and go their separate ways. Or so Katlyn thinks: Nathan lets her get a fair distance ahead of her and follows her.

There's something she isn't telling me, and I'm gonna find out what.

He follows her through the slightly dense crowd of people as she nears the front of Alice's where Clara and Adam are waiting for her. Of course he recognizes Clara but can't help but wonder, who's that guy?. He knows he was telling the truth about meeting with Clara, at least answering one question but leaving so many others unanswered. Knowing his mother won't be home until later that night he decides to follow them as they leave the front of the Cafe.

He follows them for several blocks, colour coded street signs marking the districts and the Zone they are in. He does his best to avoid being seen doing his best to stay out of sight as the crowd of people begins to thin out as they cross into the Hastings District, part of the Grey Zone. He follows them down the same streets Clara and Adam took Katlyn down originally, feeling less and less at ease as they pass several homeless people wearing tattered and dirty clothes, some coughing making Nathan almost jump out of the way to avoid the coughs.

What the hell are they here? Katie said they did volunteer work here yesterday but she just said she was going to help Clara with school papers. Maybe they had work to do here and are doing to forms here-

He turns the corner into an alley and comes to a dead stop when he sees the NVR tagging on the walls.

This is a Resistance tag! Why would they be entering this area?

He hesitates debating on what to do: follow them, or leave. After a tense moment of conflict he chooses to leave with haste back to the Green Zone. His mind is a buzz with confusion and questions about why they so casually entered what is essentially Resistance territory.

The three of them enter the apartment where Serena is waiting for them, the kitchen counters filled with packages of bottled water, and boxes marked MRE's, Katlyn's interest is peaked by the amount of food and water present.

"I see you got the message. Thank you Adam." Serena says as they enter, Adam nodes his head in response.

So she did have him message me, makes sense.

Even though she understands the reasoning behind Adam being the one to message her she doesn't yet know why Serena asked for her in the first place. Serena gestures an invitation for Katlyn to sit with her at a folding table that was set up. Katlyn takes a seat across from her, increasingly curious.

"I know you only got to see New Town yesterday but I have an offer for you. A chance to help make a difference." She says with her hands folded together on the table.

Katlyn asks her, what kind of chance? trying to contain the little bit of eagerness she has. After what she saw in New Town she does want to help.

"You've seen what we are fighting for with New Town, but not everyone is lucky enough to get there. We are doing a Hearts and Minds Mission today: Adam, and other NVR volunteers are going to be distributing food and water to people in the Grey Zone. You are being given a chance to go with them and help." She explains, Katlyn's expression clearly shocked by the offer and opportunity.

"Absolutely! Whatever I can do." She says with a hint of enthusiasm, very willing to go with them.

Serena is happy to see her willingness to take part in the mission, she gives Adam the directions to where they'll be going: a light industrial area near the edge of the Grey Zone to avoid any potential issues.

Katlyn gets up from her seat and sees Clara leaning against the wall grinning, and she knows that Clara is especially happy that she's going with the others.

"You nervous?" Clara asks Katlyn.

"Pftt! Me? A little bit." She replies with a nervous chuckle.

"You'll be fine. I have faith in you." Clara says with a slight smile, tapping Katlyn on the arm.

"You aren't coming?"

"Clara has another assignment today. Usually she handles the food deliveries but she's needed back in New Town. I'm doing food delivery today." Adam says while walking over to them.

Katlyn isn't the happiest by the news given she doesn't know Adam well, and he hasn't exactly made the best impression on her lately and Clara can see the displeasure on Katlyn's face. Clara asks Adam to give them a minute.

"I know Adam can be a bit to handle but once you get to know him he's a good guy. Give him a chance." She says trying to convince Katlyn that it'll be okay.

Katlyn reluctantly agrees to give him a chance and do the delivery with him, with the matter settled Serena orders everyone to get ready and for the supplies to be loaded into the van. Once loaded the crew make their way to the edge of Grey Zone near a light industrial area where a new homeless encampment was set up recently.

Adam, Katlyn, and four other NVR members are sat in the back of the van, Katlyn notices two of them are armed with pistols strapped to their hips. Adam is carrying a pistol as well, Katlyn understands despite this being a Hearts and Minds Mission there is a need for protection. Adam notices in the corner of his eye that Katlyn is eyeing up his pistol.

"You ever fired one before?" He asks, making her gaze shoot away from his weapon.

"A couple times. My dad taught me the basics." She replies knowing her answer might not be the best given what her dad does.

Adam scoffs at her response, and mutters under his breath striking a nerve with her.

"You have a problem with me say it to my face." She snaps with an irritated tone.

Adam sighs avoiding looking at her, not even giving her a passing glance as he pulls an AK-47 out narrow space behind a thin wooden wall built inside the van, he goes over the weapon making sure it's operational and loaded before putting it back into the space.

Wow he's gonna act like that? This guy really just has it out for me. What a douchebag. "Give him a chance" she said. Yeah right.

The crew eventually arrive at the encampment that has been setup on an abandoned parking lot surrounded by chain fencing and surrounded by small low density industrial buildings. Some people take notice of the van and have mixed reactions: Some act like it's a passing vehicle, while others what with interest especially when the van stops in the back of the lot near an abandoned mechanics shop. The sliding door of the van opens and the first people out are the armed escorts, many people close by react with fear seeing these armed people getting out of a van.

"Don't be around! There's no need to be afraid!" Adam says as he exits the van, his NVR armband making an appearance.

Upon seeing the armband a small crowd starts to form with overlapping chatter, and murmurs from the very mixed reactions but mainly just people being curious as to why they are here. Adam gestures for Katlyn and the others to come forward. The two volunteers exit the van while Kalyn stays inside pulling an MRE box and pack of water to the edge of the van wall where it's just out of sight, and begins handing the volunteers an MRE pack and a couple bottles of water each. The crowd grows bigger as people realize they are here to help, and the atmosphere that was once tense is now relaxed and energized.

"Please form an orderly line, and come get your food and water." Adam says as the other NVR member gets out of the front passenger seat of the van and stands next to him as the crowd gets closer to the van.

People start to push up closer to the van with a few pushing each other, Adam quickly gets the situation under control reassuring the people there is no need to fight and that there is plenty for everyone. Katlyn watches the soft, and calm approach he takes with these people and sees the compassion in his eyes. Despite the initial pushing the handout goes well with people forming proper lines, and patiently waiting for their turn to take the supplies from the female volunteers who smile at the people as they come and go. The volunteers, unlike the escorts, aren't wearing masks to give the people a soft, and welcoming expression to see as opposed to the serious piercing eyes of the Fighters who are protecting them. Katlyn seeing the grateful expressions gives her a warm feeling knowing that for at least today, and the next couple days these people will get to eat, making her reflect on how lucky she is to have it living in the Green Zone.

Katlyn can't help but smile as she sees people smiling as they receive the food, a smile Adam gets a look at as she looks back to see how she's doing, he grins slightly but doesn't let it show. As calm as things are, a loud sound catches Katlyn's attention, the sound gets louder and louder: it's the ground of approaching trucks. Katlyn stands up to get a look over the crowd to see: Army trucks, and an ATTF Humvee.

"Shit! Adam!" She shouts, watching soldiers in riot gear armed with batons and pistols form a two deep line at the end of the street.

Adam looks up at her seeing something is wrong, she steps up beside her and sees the soldiers steadily advancing towards them.

"This is the military police! You must vacate this area immediately! I repeat, this is the military police! You are trespassing and must vacate this area immediately!" A male voice says over a megaphone as the soldiers start pushing up more.

People start pushing and shoving each other as they begin to flee but not everyone runs, some try to push into the van to grab whatever they can, knowing the volunteers to the ground. Adam and the others try to help them up while also keeping them out of the van. In the midst of the struggles a single gunshot is fired: Adam pulled his weapon to force the people away. The soldiers, clearly surprised at first, take cover and pull their side arms out.

"Fuck! I didn't want to do that. We gotta go! Now!" He yells as the escorts help the volunteers up.

"There! NVR! Fire!"

Gunfire rings out as the soldiers shoot at the van from half way down the street, Adam and the escorts fire back at them trying to avoid being hit. People scream while running for anything that can be used as cover, some getting hit in the crossfire. Rounds bounce off the van just inches from Katlyn's head. Everything is happening so fast she can barely think straight. Katlyn yells out, swearing as the shots continue.

One of the escorts helps one of the volunteers up to her feet and gets her going towards the van while shooting to protect her, he's struck several times in the chest before falling to the ground. Katlyn reaches out for her as the van starts to pull forward, she grabs the girl's hand and pulls her in as she yells out in pain. Adam throws himself into the van followed by the last volunteer and escorts.

"Get us the fuck outta here now!" Adam yells as he grabs the AK, and fires it out the door striking several soldiers as they try to advance into cover.

As the van tries to get out of the lot, and gunfire continues Katlyn leans the girl against the van wall, As she does the girl groans in pain, breathing heavily.

"Hey! Hey, are you okay? What's wrong." Katlyn asks, shouting over the gunfire.

She looks her over trying to see what's wrong, she notices the girl's hand over her side and a small pool of blood forming, oh my god!

Katlyn tells her to lay down, helping her lay down, guiding her down with her hand on the back of her neck as the girl groans in pain. Katlyn lifts up her shirt just below the chest to get a better look: blood pours out onto the van floor.

"Help! I need help!" Katlyn yells while putting pressure on the wound.

The girl screams in pain as Katlyn puts pressure on the wound, her breathing becoming laboured and wheezy. The second volunteer grabs a first-aid kit pulling out gauze. She moves Katlyn's hands and starts packing gauze into the wound, Katlyn watches in shock and horror as the blood continues to pool around her. The girl struggles to put her hand up, reaching out towards Katlyn wheezing and gasping. Katlyn takes hand, and slides over next to her looking into her eyes: seeing the fear in them as tears run down her face.

"Hey! Hey, you're gonna be okay. Alright? You'll be fine. We're gonna get you to the medics at New Town, and they patch you up." Katlyn says with a calm voice, trying to reassure her and keep her conscience.

The girl's breathing becomes more shallow with deeper wheezing, her life starting to fade from her eyes. Katlyn tries her best to keep the girl awake and with them.

"Hey, no! no don't do that1 Come on stay awake! Stay awake." She says with a more frantic tone, carefully nudging her to try and keep her awake.

The girl slowly goes limp, eyes partly open enough to see the life fade out of them, the once tight grip in her hand loosening and releasing. Katlyn stares into the lifeless eyes of the girl as the second puts two fingers on her neck checking for vital signs. She exhales deeply, putting her hand over the open eyes and closing them.

She's- She's dead?...

The crew returns to New Town, heads and morale low after the incident. Katlyn remains silent as she gets out of the van followed by Adam. NVR Fighters are waiting for them along with medics who remove the fallen volunteer, and begin treating the others for their injuries. Katlyn crosses her arms while breathing heavily, her knees and legs feeling weak, stomach turning. She collapses onto her hands and knees and vomits, coughing afterwards. One of the medics goes to check on her, but Adam tells him he's got her. He puts his hands around her, and helps her up.

"Come on, let's get you home." He says with a soft tone, slowly getting her on her feet.

Adam barrows one of the vehicles the NVR uses to get between the Zones, and takes Katlyn back home. A localized lockdown was put into place but only where the shooting took place, and resources diverted there making it easier for them to enter the Green Zone. Once Adam reaches Katlyn's neighbourhood she asks him not to take her home, she asks him to take her to Nathan's house not wanting to be alone. The car stops in front of the house, Katlyn thanking him before getting out of the car, don't mention it.

She approaches the front door, arms crossed, hands tucked under her arms out of sight. She knocks on the door, hand stained with blood shuttering. Nathan opens the door not expecting to see Katlyn,

"Kate, what are you-" He stops when he sees the expression on her face: eyes light red, tears streaming down her face as she starts to sniffle.

She walks up and puts her arms around him, sobbing uncontrollably, he grabs her and tries to calm her down. His words being drowned out but the sound of her wailing, tears soaking into his shirt. Her fists clenching the back of his shirt while she cries into his chest as her legs give out underneath her. Nathan slowly goes to the floor with her stroking her back while holding her close, clueless as to what happened or what possibly could have happened. He says nothing, just holds her and lets her cry into him as much as she needs to.

Brothers and sisters, you've been living in the shadows, you are not alone. There are those of us who see you pain, who've felt your pain. Your time will come where you will no longer have to live in the darkness of oppression. Stay strong, and believe in the Cause.