Don yelled and pounded at floor. At the spot where he knew the door was. No one was opening. He continued until his hands start to hurt and he lost his breath. Then he sat down and leaned against the building. He will wait here, they have to leave their shelter once. In about 10 minutes door opened. Bax has appeared and just gave Don a sign to enter. Road downstairs passed in silence. When they entered the main room Gen and rest of their crew are standing in line. Gen was the one that started the conversation.
-"So, you have changed you mind?"
-"Yes, I want to help him."
-"Aha.. Why?"
-"How do you mean why? He is improtant in you mission to destroty the core. If core is destroyed you will leave and I could continue with my life."
-"Oh yes? Are you sure that's the reason?"
Don looked at Bax who was still standing next to him.
-"Uhm, yes of course, what other reason could I have?" Please don't tell that you know im lying, please..
-"Okay then, I am asking because, you see, we don't need you anymore."
-"Why would you say that, you have an injured friend there."
-"No, we don't... Not anymore."
They moved aside and there was empty capsule. No one inside.
-"What happened? Where is he?"
-"He died. About half an hour before you will come back."
No. No no no... Fuck! They won't let him use the core now. This was his mother's probably last chance.
-"I am sorry..."
-"No. You are not. Don't lie to me."
-"I'm not lying. I tried to save him, remember? And I am back ready to risk my life for him."
-"Yeah, sorry but you are late. I would ask you to leave now and forget about this place and us."
"No. I mean..." Bax looked at him fiercly, the look that was saying shut the fuck up, don't you know who are you speaking to. Don caughed and tried again. "Listen... All my life I am hiding but I want to spend my life helping people. You now that better than everyone, right Bax?" Bax just looked down like he was thinking about that night when Don saved his life in that alley. "Gen, I came here and did everything I could to save him. That's more than any of you or other races have done for any human, ever. Now my mother is dying, and yes, I lied to you. I came back because I want to save her. Sorry, but this is a reason I am willing to sacrifice my life, not for your friend. Again, I am sorry about him, really, but there was nothing I could do."
Gen was furious at first, now he just listened what Don had to say.
-"Human, leave this place."
-"But Gen please, I.."
-"Shut up, leave this place and wait outside, we have to talk about you."
Don wanted to say something more but Bax placed hand on his shoulder and pulled him towards the door. When they came out Don wanted to punch the wall until he doesn't feel anything but on his way back inside Bax turned around.
-"Don, I will stand behind you, but can't promise anything, what it is, it is."
-"Thank you Bax, I appreaciate it, really."
Bax nodded and went downstairs to vote for his mother's destiny. Of course if he survive the radiation and if it gives him the right ability. Too many ifs, but in the end, he doesn't care, he is ready for anything.
Don was sitting outside nervously for 25 minutes. Then the door opened and one of creatures he doesn't remember name called him inside. Downstairs all creatures were standing in circle. Gen pointed at the middle of it. Okay, Don should probably stand there. He walked slowly and when he stopped at the center of circle made of their bodies Gen said something on their language before looking at Don.
-"We all discused your request based on cirqumstances but everyone gives his own vote. Now we will decide."
Gen raised his arm and said -"My vote is No." He said that with looking directly in Don's eyes. Don knew that means I can't forgive you for my friend's death. The creature right to the Gen raised its hand and said -"My vote is No." They went one by one voting from left to right and only yes was from Bax. After voting they turned their backs on Don, all except Bax who showed him the exit.
-"Gen I told you, this is her last chance, if I leave now.."
Gen turned around and looked again at Don, it felt like he can see his soul.
-"You were his last chance! You refused! Leave now while you can leave alive!"
Don turned around and start running upstairs, to save his life, get some air, to scream... When he was outside he punched the wall so hard that the pain and sound told him immidiately that his fist is broken. Probably on few spots. He fell on the ground and closed his eyes while holding his broken fist. He proved again that he is useless. His mother will die and if anything goes wrong, without their engineer, the whole life on Earth could vanish. Nice job Don. He turned on his side so he could get up when he saw someone's boots. He looked up and saw Bax.
-"I did everything I could down there. Gen was so angry and... Sorry."
-"I know Bax, I know... But it is over, I wish you luck."
-"Over? It's not over. I owe you my life and you will get to that core even if that means I have to die beacuse of that."
-"What? No, Bax, I won't let you become traitor beacuse of me."
-"I am alive beacuse of you. You are the reason I have a chance to see my family again and I will repay my debt."
-"Bax, I.."
-"Enough. You will be here tomorrow at dawn."
-"Okay, thank you. Should I bring something?"
-"Just yourself and be here on time please. Actually, take some painkillers with yourself. You will listen every word I say. That's the only way we can do this."
-"At dawn. Here. Painkillers. Got it."
-"Go now." He turned around and went back inside.
Don got up, cleaned himself from the dust from the ground and headed to hospital. This broken fist must be treated before he comes back. While passing next to the building where his apartment is he stopped for a second. No, he don't need anything. The fist is priority now. On the reception was an older lady with glasses.
-"Hello Ma'am."
-"Hello son, what do you need?" She probably thought that Don was either drug user or drug diler. Comming at this time in hospital can't mean anything good.
-"I fell on my arm from my bed." He knew she wont buy excuse like that, but what was he supposed to tell.
-"I see. Go straight there and second door on the left."
Don already knew where he needs to go of course. He did his internship here. He knocked on the door and dr. Marckizio opened. He was surprised to see Don.
-"Don? What are you doing here now, whats wrong?"
-"Hello dr.. Well. my fist." Don raised his already big and blue fist.
-"It's broken on the first view. Lets check where."
-"Of course."
Doctor did an x-ray of his fist and they looked at it together. He broke three bones. The rehabilitation will be longer than he thought, of course. Doctor gave him some painkillers for tonight until he buy some and put a cast.
-"You know everything, you are one of better students that I have met here."
-"Thank you doctor."
-"Take care of yourself."
-"Yeah. I can't promise you that."
-"I know it's not my buisness but whatever you involved yourself into. You are a good boy and there is bright future in front of you. Don't waste that."
-"It's not up to me this time but I will try, thank you once more."
Don left the doctor's office before he could said anything more. God, he did't involved himself with some gang, he entered a whole new world. Shity world as far. He said good night to the old lady on his way out. On the way to the apartment he remembered Kaylee again. Where is she, why didn't she came to tell him whether she found her aunt. She must be fine. She and Alex deserve some peace and happiness. When he came home he went for a bed. He hoped that Kay, his mom and he are gonna be fine. Some sleep is essential if he wants to survive tomorrow. Few hours later he woke up with his hand hurting. A lot. Damn, what is he going to do for a next 15 hours. First three hours he just watched TV, then he called his mother, she came home and said its fine, but he could hear that she isn't. Their conversation lasted for an hour. Great, now he has even stronger motive to save her, but 11 more hours to spend. Luckily someone knocked on the door. Don opened and Kay jumped and hugged him. She was obviously happy, that's great.
-"Don! Happy to see you finally, sorry I didn't came earlier."
-"It's okay, please come in. Where is Alex?"
-"Oh, he stayed at home."
-"Home? Glad to hear that."
When she sat on sofa he offered her something to eat and drink. She asked for some juice only. Don brought her juice and some snacks. Then he sat next to her.
-"Okay, tell me everything."
She talked about finding her aunt. About how they found her and she was so surprised. Poor woman even didn't knew about her sister's death in this chaos. She gladly invited them to stay and offered them everything they need. This last week they just spent resting and finding new school for Alex. She came here when she had first chance. Then she asked Don about his week. Firstly, he thought it would be best to lie, he didn't wanted to ruin her mood. She was finally happy but lying to her seemed unfair and honestly, he needed someone to relief. She was sad again. Damn Don. They talked for hours. First she tried to talk him off that plan, saying it is suicide. Later she understood and offered to come with him. Even in this circumstances spending time with Kay was so pleasant that when he looked at clock it was half past 10 PM.
-"Kay, I have to go now. As I said, you can't go with me. Not this time."
-"But what if it hurt you badly, you will need me."
-"No, Bax will handle it, he owes me that."
-"I understand but.."
-"It's okay, I know what I am doing. What I am getting into and what are it's risks."
-"How can I help then?"
-"You can't. Go home and be with Alex. I promise you I will come back."
-"You can't promise that. You know you can't."
-"I keep my promises. You know that better than anyone Kay."
-"I will be here tomorrow, better for you that you are here when I come. If you die there I promise I.." Her eyes filled with tears. Don hugged her and kissed her forehead.
-"We will meet here tomorrow then. Bring pizza or something."
She smiled a bit through her saddness.
-"Of course."
Don escorted her to the door.
-"Keep Alex safe."
-"Sure, see ya tomorrow then?"
-"Yes, of course."
She leaned and kiss his cheek then turned around and left. On her way out she looked over her shoulder few times. Don prayed it's not last time that he sees her. After closing the door strong instinct to run for her rushed through his body. But he didn't. He changed his clothes, took painkillers that doctor gave him and headed in direction of Bax's hideout. Way there passed in a second. Thinking that you are maybe gonna die in an hour makes that hour like few seconds. Fifteen minutes to midnight. Five minutes ago he was nervous like hell but now he isn't thinking anymore about dying. He was thinking about his mother and promise he gave to Kay. He must survive this, he must come back alive. Soon the door opened and Bax called him to enter.