Free Minds

Chapter 112.

   I took notice of how Dorian stiffened at Rav's question, something I understood because as simple as this question appeared, it was far from that.

   Fixing the Neuroskel was a major achievement, no doubt, but it also put us back to square one, in that, Zavolonians, Tali and other unknowns had reverted to being mind-controlled without the threat of death, just like they were before Camila went all serial killer-y.

   At the same time though...

"We kind of have an advantage," I told Dorian and Rav. "We have the Neuroskel–now fixed– with us. As already established, this device is the powerhouse of the mind control devices in everyone's brains. All we have to do is figure out a way to destroy it without activating the other devices' self-destruct systems."

"Have any ideas about how to do that?" Rav raised his brows. "Because we need one fast. I bet Speck will soon notice that it's been over an hour and no one's brain is exploding. He'll know that we had something to do with that and return here for the Neuroskel."

"Which is why we have to find a way to get out of here," I said. "He can get the Neuroskel if he doesn't know where we are."

"Well, getting out isn't a problem." Rav jerked his thumb to the assembly pod door that Camila and Speck had left open. "But where can we go and figure out how to properly destroy the Neuroskel in the devil's playground without him catching us eventually?"

"By getting out here, I don't mean just the assembly pod and hiding somewhere else." I shook my head. "I mean getting out of Zavlon."

   Rav gaped at me like I'd grown too heads. "You're joking, right?"

"The Yunies' weapons are still in good shape," I quipped. "We'll have to put up a fight but that doesn't mean we can make it. Like you just said, we can't figure out how to destroy the Neuroskel if we stay here. Also, we need to get Dorian as far away from Speck as possible."

"If I seem to recall," Rav stroked his chin. "We've been knocked out before being brought to any location. The only routes we've seen are from identical hallways that always stretch to nowhere. How on earth will we find our way out of this maze of a Tunnel, not to talk of Zavlon? And even if we somehow find our way, do you really think we can get the Neuroskel past the swarm of Yunies that we're bound to meet? Our weapons will only get us so far."

   I scowled at him. With that attitude we weren't even going to make it past the door that was literally opened for us.

"Dorian," I faced him. He would understand. "Could you tell Rav that every minute spent arguing can be spent thinking of ways to destroy the Neuroskel as we get out of Zavlon?"

"Could you tell Beth that we don't have to engage in some suicide mission?" Rav turned to him too. "That we can figure out what to do right here?"

   Dorian spared neither of us a glance. Instead, his furrowed eyes were fixated on the floor. This position, though, did not deter him from addressing both of us.

"We don't have to go anywhere to figure anything out," A sigh followed that statement. "Mr. Sacury's message was very clear, guys."

   I scoffed. "Was he?"

"He said I am the one who can stop this."

"All he did was put a target on your back," Rav said.

"His message didn't even expressly establish that you're immune. We had to find that out from Speck." I added. "Also, it didn't say how your immunity can help everyone else."

"Actually," he twiddled his thumbs. "I think I've been able to figure out that last part."

"In doing that, were you also able to decipher how you won't get hurt in the process?" Rav asked.

   I'd never say it out loud, but this was a very valid question. One that, by Dorian's crestfallen expression, he did not have an answer to.

   That was all Rav needed to know to say, "We're not doing it. Not if you won't be safe."

"There has to be another way," I shrugged. "A way which will not involve you getting hurt."

"You two haven't even heard what I have to say!" Dorian grabbed a handful of hair. "Sacury was the one who helped Speck create everything. No one could have come up with a better solution to all this than him. If he knew any other way, he wouldn't have hidden it from us. I'm not saying there's no other way, but we all heard Speck. He could launch his plan any moment now. We can't afford to waste time looking for solutions when one is staring us right in the face."

   But you could get hurt, is what I had to bite my tongue from blurting out. Because he was right. Although it didn't seem like it, we had all we needed to end this once and for all. Also, I couldn't bear the thought of returning to the motel and spending another few days, weeks–who knew really– thinking of not only another solution but also another plan to get into Zavlon. Not to mention another set of weapons I'd have to make since our confiscated will never make it back to us again.

   Most importantly, I was tired of living this way. I wanted my old life back; to go back to Ridgeton, back home and not have to lie to my mum anymore. And I wanted the same thing for Talise, Minji, Landon and the many others under Speck's control.

   And the evident exhaustion on Rav and Dorian's faces showed I wasn't the only one.

   I channelled my focus to Dorian. "You're sure you've found a way to use your immunity to save everyone."

   He nodded toward Rav and me, his grey-blue eyes blazing with all the certainty neither of us needed translated to words to be convinced.

  Resting hand on Dorian's shoulder, Rav said, "Then let's listen to you, brother."

   And this time, we really did.

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