Page 114 of Us Defiant Few

“Don’t worry. I don’t take offense because I’d do the same for my people.” Penny straightened, cool respect in her tone. “It’s why we need your help.”

Takeshi crossed his arms, like the last thing he wanted to do was help, but the rest of their group crowded into the room. Despite the inherent distrust, no one interrupted Penny as she recounted her upbringing and their mission in Desert Spring.

Everyone stood in rapt attention, their eyes wide.

“So, everyone in this town is a clone? Even the kids?” Serene asked, all the color drained from her face.

“Except for you all. Yes.”

“Do you age? Can you…die?” Elise whispered, her voice rattled.

“Yes. We can die just as easily as any human, but we age slower.”

“Why was Khalani’s picture down there?” Takeshi’s voice cut through the air like the knife he threw. But his glare wasn’t aimed at Khalani, he pointed his ire straight at the Chief.

“I have no idea.” Penny shook her head. “I was never privy to those files. But if you’re worried about her being a clone—”

“I don’t give a fuck whether she’s a clone, human, or part animal,” he growled. “I want to know who put her picture down there.”

Warmth curled inside her.

She could barely live with herself if she wasn’t human. But Takeshi spoke like it didn’t matter.

“Father must have put her picture with the rest,” Penny said.

“Where is he?”

Penny hesitated, her throat bobbing. “I haven’t seen him since I left the lab. After what happened with Ansel and the Sinners, he cut off all communication with Desert Spring.”

Takeshi’s calculating gaze drifted to the floor, deep in thought.

“So what do you need us for?” Brock asked.

“The Sinners are attacking tonight,” Penny said. “We need your help to stop them.”

“Why should we risk our necks for someone who’s been lying to us the whole time? For people who aren’t truly human?”

Silence fell.

Penny’s chin quivered, and her eyes fluttered away. As if the wisdom Winnie had bestowed on her completely vanished under the weight of this conversation.

“Does it make a difference?” The words burst from Khalani before she could snatch them back. “What if I’m like them too? Would you all want me to die?”

Takeshi stiffened beside her, but much to her shock, Brock immediately scoffed as if it were a stupid question.

“You know we don’t give a fuck about that. But that’s because it’s you. I trust you. I don’t trust them or the person who brought them here.” He gestured to Penny.

“You’re still not getting it, Brock,” Khalani reiterated. “Where we come from or who brought us into the world doesn’t matter. These people could’ve let Winnie die, but they didn’t. They didn’t have to give us food and shelter, or watch over Derek, but they did. They protected us, knowing that we’re different from them. And if we turn our backs on them now, then I don’t think we should be called humans either.”

Silence persisted as everyone weighed her words.

They might disagree.

Even hate her for it. But she’d rather fight for her beliefs than thrive in silence.

Serene’s eyes glistened as she marched forward and threw her arms around Khalani.

“I don’t care what picture was down there. You’re forever my sister, and I’ll follow you anywhere.”