Chapter 105: A Day Prior To The Barge
Kain set up a meeting with everyone. Both the Awakened and the ’normies’. It was the day before the agreed-upon time for the barge to collect them.
He hadn’t told anyone the reason he decided to leave the Sanctuary. It was not a matter of not trusting. It was more of a test than anything else. Would they be willing to follow without knowing the reason?
He didn’t doubt the Awakened. The people he doubted were the ’normies.’ After being excluded, they didn’t ask questions. They simply did their duties.
Kain could see the questions, anger, and hurt simmering in their eyes. Under all the obedience, he could see their defiance. As the month came to an end, they didn’t bother to hide it.
They had a certain disregard for Kain. He said nothing, only watching them become more and more arrogant. A hint of disdain sparked in Kain’s eyes when he saw them.
Now, at the meeting, they sat separated from everyone else.
"We’re here today to go over any concerns," Kain began. "First, let me say, no one will need to worry about food. We will be taking food with us. Should there be an emergency, with food or otherwise, any of you can come to us.
Second, remember to keep anything you learn to yourselves. We can help the people on the barge, but do not teach them anything. Unless you plan to have more competition in a few years.
We will not be entering as refugees. I will negotiate quarters for us to stay. While not as luxurious as what you know now, we will see what happens. If nothing else, I’m sure we can share rooms.
Third, you do not answer to Captain Gene. Even on the barge, you are still a part of Nightfall. No one has the right to order you to do anything. Again, we can assist if we so choose, nothing more."
He finished speaking and left the floor open for others to voice their opinions.
"Are we taking all the food in the inventory?" Ian asked.
"We won’t. But as long as you want to eat something, Amelia and I can provide it," Kain said with a knowing smirk. "We will give the barge another shipment, and we will have a shipment of our own."
"You said we can help. Does that make us allies with the barge?" Jaylin voiced this question.
"Allies? No. We don’t know enough about them to be considered allies. We are simply...accepting a ride," Kain replied. "If they turn against us, kill everyone."
A sharp intake of breath sounded in the room. It was Hannah. Kain turned to look at her.
"It seems someone disagrees," Kain said deadpan. He looked at the Awakened, "Do any of you disagree?"
The room was silent. Kain continued. "Snuffing out a human life is different than killing a creature. You’ve all seen me kill. I have never held you to the same standard. If you wish to save, you may save, but those you save are your own responsibility. They have nothing to do with Nightfall.
I have no intention of running a charity. I don’t intend to save anyone. If people want to join us, I need to see their capability, not their fragility. I acknowledge saving someone for their usefulness."
Marcus made a sound before he spoke. "You’re looking for useful people. If we find someone useful, are you willing to recruit them? Even if they are criminals?"
"Criminal or not, if you are useful, I will accept you." Kain’s steady voice filled the room. "The world is no longer the same. People who were considered murderers before could become heroes. Mad scientists become resources that people scramble for.
As long as they don’t harm Nightfall or the people in it, I will accept them."
Once again, silence descended on the group. It wasn’t heavy, but it had finality. Kain’s intentions were taking shape.
It had been months, but their morality hadn’t changed much. It was both a consequence of the distance between people and the comfort they shared. They have forged bonds with everyone in Nightfall, and that collective honour has temporarily blinded them to the ravenous nature of people.
But the barge would be different. That comfort would disappear slowly. Tensions will rise. It is unlikely they will see eye to eye at all times with the refugee and the barge leadership.
He was looking forward to it.
His gaze met the seven sitting by themselves. "Do any of you have questions?
He waited.
"My only question is, why do we have to leave?" The number one spokesperson, Dillon, was the first to ask.
"No one has to leave. I’m not forcing any of you to leave. Nightfall is leaving. If you consider yourself a part of Nightfall, then you will leave with me. Those who do not belong to Nightfall don’t need to leave."
The answer wasn’t what they were expecting. Dillon and his group wanted a definitive answer. Now, it seems that they would not get one.
There were no other questions after that. Or, it was better to say no one voiced another question.
Kain didn’t push anything. Whatever plan they had was their own.
"So..."
Before Kain could say anything else, a voice drifted in from the open window.
The constant shouts of ’hey’ and ’help’ made their way into his ears and possibly the ears of every Awakened in the room.
Looking out the window, Kain saw the person making the sound. It wasn’t just one person; it was a family of three.
A man, clothes hanging loose off his body. A woman who was just as rumpled as the man and a small child, who looked like she had seen better days.
He was knocking on the wall, desperation sweeping through his voice. He looked at the building as if it were his last hope.
Others found windows close by to take a look.
"Is that...?" Jaylin started, squinting, trying to place the man’s face.
"It’s the tuna guy," Ian responded cheerfully.
Kain looked at them, unsure of who the tuna guy was. He waited for them to tell him who this person was.
Quickly and concisely, they recounted the story.
"So, he either didn’t eat it or he ate it and survived." A hint of interest flashed in Kain’s eyes. He turned to Jaylin, "You decide. You’re the one who told him to come. Do you want to let him in?"
Jaylin pressed her lips together. She hadn’t thought much when she told them to find her last time. She hadn’t even given any instructions about how to find them.
Now, he found them, and she couldn’t help wondering whether this person would be useful.
She glanced at Kain. He was waiting for her decision. His gaze held no coercion; it was calm and steady, waiting for her to make the decision.
She sighed. She didn’t answer directly. She left the room and headed towards the elevator. That was answer enough.
Behind her, Ian and Paige followed.
