14

 

Koch’s army stands in a loose semicircle, glittering with holo rigs and neon armor. Ellison’s soldiers forms a jagged wall behind them, silent and waiting. Sanctuary Six’s negotiators hover at the edge of the encampment, clutching their tablets like shields.

The gangs stand with me — the Sons of Odin, the freed slaves, the prisoners, the refugees who survived everything.

"You’ve suffered. But Sanctuary Six will forgive you. I will forgive you.”

The gangs laugh — a low, rumbling sound that spreads through them like a sickness.

Koch flinches.

He tries again.

“Juan, listen to me. You’re a hero. You’re a celebrity. You’re loved. You’re—”

I step forward.

The gangs laugh louder.

Ellison’s soldiers shift uneasily.

Koch’s voice drops to a whisper meant only for me.

“When I get you back,” he says, “I’m going to rebuild you. I’m going to make you better. I’m going to love your new personality.”

I laugh.

It bursts out of me — sharp, wild, unstoppable. The gangs join in instantly, hysterical, unhinged. Their laughter fills the valley, echoing off the rocks, bouncing between armies.

Koch stumbles backward.

His celebrities retreat. His soldiers tighten their grips on their rifles. Ellison’s troops look ready to bolt.

Maya watches from Sanctuary Six’s outer wall, her holo feed locked onto me. She hears the laughter through Ruby’s channel. She knows exactly what it means.

It’s time.

Ruby whispers in my skull:

Juan…

‘I know.’

Koch’s voice breaks.

“Stop laughing! Stop it!”

The gangs only laugh harder — a chorus of men who have already accepted death.

Maya detonates the explosives.