Joshua

It had happened. Joshua had been sent back to the New York Mothership to rejoin the Fifth Column Resistance. Only this time was different. He remembered his time on Tabula Rasa. The last thing he remembered was finishing up his clinic shift at the Southern Clinic and heading to the compound for a warm meal. He had been looking forward to seeing Wanderer and finding out about her day. There was a lot of things he had been looking forward to doing with Wanderer that would never be now.

"If you keep up with that look, you'll be found out before this is all over." A chill ran down Joshua's spine upon hearing the voice and as he turned his head to the left, he saw David. Living and breathing David looking very serious, stern even.

Before Joshua could answer, David continued with what he had to say. "You have to get off the ship."

The phrase hit him hard. He knew what he was supposed to say. I'm not running. Only he couldn't find his voice to say them. If they were having this conversation, it meant that today was David's last. Soon Joshua would be standing over him, skinning him until he took his last breath.

"You're too important. The Column needs you," David continued just as if Joshua had spoken the words. He walked ahead of Joshua so as not to draw suspicious eyes to their conversation.

"You'll carry on and so will the others." The first time, it had come out forcefully, angry even, angry with David for suggesting what he was suggesting. Now, it was a barely audible whisper. He felt sick just as he knew he would feel later in the day if it continued on its current path.

"No, you cannot be sacrificed," David countered. "No matter what." Turning to face Joshua and point a finger at him to emphasize the faith he had in his own belief of Joshua's importance, he started "I won't let it..." But when he turned and saw Joshua's face, his own softened a little. "What's the matter, Joshua? You're better at hiding your emotions than this." He was whispering as his eyes darted around looking for anyone watching them. This was a very dangerous time for the Fifth Column. More importantly, he didn't want anyone to suspect Joshua of anything. As far as David was concerned, he would do anything to protect Joshua. Joshua was in Anna's inner circle, one of her most trusted advisors. He knew things that would help the Fifth Column turn the tides and win.

Before Joshua could say or do anything, David had run off either scared by an interested eye or convinced of his plan. He probably wasn't even sure what he would do exactly just that he was right and Joshua would be preserved. Joshua, however, knew exactly what was going to happen.

Instead of gathering the other medical staff, Joshua hurried after David.