[url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/246624086/0/0]Table of Contents[/url] [i]Alexei caught himself dozing off again and straightened in the rickety old chair. It was still early in the day, but the lack of sleep was making it hard to stay awake. He was sitting in front of Ru’s house, keeping watch and waiting for the others to return. He adjusted Ru’s rifle in his lap and looked down the street, then let out a relieved sigh. Gwen, Ru and Markos were coming back down the street. Alexei stood, setting the gun down and checking through Ru’s open front door. Hayden and Natalia were laying together on the floor, talking or playing a game. Satisfied, Alexei turned back to his wife and friends with a smile. Someone had to try keeping some positivity in these dark days, and he knew the others had never been good at spreading cheer. “Howdy!” He greeted, “Y’all are back sooner than expected! What’s the-“ He cut himself off when he saw Gwen’s face. It was clear she was very upset. “Take Hayden home,” she commanded, taking a calming breath as she stopped in front of him, “He needs breakfast. I’m goin’ out to help dig graves.” Alexei moved closer and wrapped his arms around her, “What’s wrong?” Gwen buried her face in his shoulder and moaned, “It’s bad. I don’t know what’s gonna happen. We need to pack in case things get too dangerous.” “And?” Alexei whispered in her ear, knowing there was something else. She was too brave for the threat of the Fallen to affect her so much. Gwen separated herself from him and glared at Ru over her shoulder, her voice dripping with accusation, “This man won’t rest until he’s completely ruined his daughters life!” Ru’s face hardened, “I’m doin’ it for her.” “First you lock her in a cage!” Gwen seethed, “Then you go off to die an’ leave her parentless! I wish Natalia was still here to hammer some sense into that thick skull!” Ru grimaced but didn’t respond. “Get Hayden fed,” Gwen repeated before Alexei could ask what had gotten into her, “I’ll tell you what happened when I get back.” • • • Markos followed Ru into his room, closing the door behind them. Natalia was in her room, and had been told to stay away from the windows in case the aliens returned. The doctor hadn’t said anything since Ru had declared he was leaving, but Ru knew he would when he was ready. Words came slowly to Markos. No doubt he had been planning out what he was going to say. Ru didn’t acknowledge the doctor and went to his dresser, opening it and extracting his old satchel. He’d need to pack for the trip to see Lady Jel. Markos had been like a brother to Ru for as long as he could remember. They’d done everything together and knew each other well. So Ru was surprised when Markos said something he didn’t expect. “Gwen’s right.” Ru blinked in confusion, then fumbled for a response, “About what?” “Everythin’,” Markos answered plainly. Ru was silent, so the doctor continued, “She’s always been right. Traveler bless her heart, she’s the only one who never quit tryin’ to change your mind. We all know you’re doin’ your best to protec’ Nat. You’re a great father. But this isn’t what Nat needs.“ “What doesn’t she need?” Ru challenged quietly. “You goin’ to Fairmont,” Markos replied, “She needs you here.” “She needs me to keep her safe,” Ru countered, “And this town’ll be safer with Jel’s men.” “Jel won’t send help,” Markos muttered, stepping sideways, “You can’t leave Nat. Especially not now.” Ru set his satchel on the bed, “I know what’s best for Nat.” “You think you do.” Ru bristled, “You have no right-“ “WE RAISED HER TOO, YOU IDIOT!” The doctor’s face went red and drops of saliva sprayed out of his mouth. Taken aback by Markos’ sudden outburst, Ru fell against his bed frame. Markos almost never lost his temper. Ru slowly closed his mouth and straightened himself, watching as the doctor put a hand to his face to rebuild his composure. “You’re…” Markos muttered, “You’re her father, but we all helped. All the time we spent raisin’ her. We’re family. She’s like a daughter to all of us…” Ru took a minute to think of a reply, “Then you should be helpin’ me.” Markos scowled, “You always were stubborn. Think about what you’re doin’. What if you die? What if the aliens come back while you’re gone an’ we die or leave? Will Nat ever see you again?” “She will.” “You don’t know that.” Ru went back to the dresser, grabbing the strap for his gun. Later he would have to get the rifle from the chair Alexei had left it in. “She needs you,” Markos persisted, “Whatever happens, you need to be there for her. Someone else can go. Someone who won’t be abandonin’ their kid!” Ru pointed a warning finger at the doctor, “I am NOT abandonin’ her. I’m gettin’ help to protec’ her. An’ I’m gonna find a cure for her.” Markos processed Ru’s declaration and took a slow step forward, “Ru, you’re not plannin’ on goin’ to the old city, are you?” “After I speak to Lady Jel,” Ru confirmed with a nod. “No,” Markos forbade, “Idiot, no wonder you’re bein’ so stubborn! You can’t! If the bandits don’t kill you, the four-arms will!” “I’ll just slip in an’ out,” Ru said, dropping the strap by the satchel, “I won’t be noticed.” “You can’t go there! What about Nat?!” “I’m doin’ this [/i]for[i] Nat!” Ru shouted. Markos waved his arms in exasperation, “How is gettin’ yourself killed gonna help her?!” Ru’s voice dropped to a low growl, “How long has she got?” That turned the tables on Markos, and he stopped his offensive. Natalia’s health was a sore subject for both of them. The doctor brought a hand up to his forehead and rested the other on his hip, turning away from Ru. “You know she’s runnin’ out o’ time,” Ru reminded fiercely. He knew he was losing his temper, but didn’t care. Markos turned back to Ru, grasping for something that would persuade him, “She’s got plenty o’ time. Let her live a happy life. Be there for-“ “It’s gettin’ worse already, isn’t it?” Ru retorted, facing the dresser. “Technically, no…” Markos replied weakly, “The anemia-“ “You said she would reach fifty if she was lucky.” Markos slouched and planted both hands on his hips, taking a long pause before opening his mouth, “Most people-“ “I’M NOT BURYIN’ MY DAUGHTER, TOO!” Ru bellowed, spinning to face Markos directly, “And this is the only way I can stop it!” Markos averted his eyes, defeated. Ru went back to packing, rubbing at his watery eyes and pulling his good boots out from under the bed. Markos remained by the door, but Ru ignored him and kept packing. After several minutes the doctor spoke. “I’ll go instead,” Markos said. Ru’s head snapped up, “No. You need to watch Nat.” “You can watch her.” “I can’t let you go for me!” “Then let me go with you.” Ru was at a loss for words. “The Yegorov’s can watch her,” Markos reasoned, “She can move in with them. That’ll be safer. They’ll take good care o’ her. An’ if there’s an emergency they can go to Terry. He’s a good doctor.” Ru opened his mouth to argue, but Markos cut him off, “You can’t go alone. One person by ‘imself is bound to get killed. An’ you don’t even know what you’re lookin’ for.” Ru thought for a moment, then asked grudgingly, “What’re we lookin’ for?” “It’s a genetic disease,” Markos elaborated, knowing Ru had accepted his help, “If they found a way to cure it before the Collapse, it won’t be simple. You won’t be able to find anythin’, but I might. But you an’ I both know there’s nothin’ left to find.” Ru groaned, “I suppose there’s no point tellin’ you not to follow me…” “I can’t change your mind,” Markos rumbled, “Someone has to take care o’ you.” Ru made a bitter face and sat on his bed, “You better go home an’ get packed...” Markos mimicked Ru’s expression and grunted, “You stubborn fool. Now we’re both gonna die for her.”[/i]