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Peaks considered. “Well, look at it this way. The Perdido Beach Anomaly, the FAYZ, was a massive blow to everything humans thought they knew. And the more we learned, the worse it got. What happened inside that dome was impossible under the laws of physics. Which means the laws of physics are either bullshit, or they are like computer code and can be hacked, or”—he shrugged—“or everything is an illusion.”
Drake nodded. “We’re their TV.”
“The Dark Watchers?”
“Whatever,” Drake said. “Brittany Pig says they’re gods, right, Piggie?”
The mouth on his chest gnashed and a whispery voice, speaking in gasps, said, “Gods of hell, not heaven.”
“See? She’s fun to talk to.”
I’m going mad, Peaks thought. I’m going absolutely insane. I’m in a cave decorated with crucifixion victims, chatting with a serial killer who feeds crackers to the girl who lives on his chest.
“So,” Drake pushed, “what happens if civilization crashes and burns?”
Peaks shrugged. “Then we’re back to evolution, survival of the best adapted, the most fit. People who adapt survive; those who don’t, don’t.”
Drake had lit a collection of twigs and now had a small fire going. Peaks watched the smoke rise. There was another opening to the cave, that was clear, something that acted as a chimney.
“What is it you want, Drake?” Peaks asked.
“Me? Just my usual fun.”
“That?” Peaks nodded toward the hanging bodies.
“And more. See, thing is, Tom, I can’t be killed. Everyone’s tried. But somehow I just keep coming back. It’s kinda weird until you get used to it. Like when Brianna chopped me up and scattered pieces everywhere. I reassembled. Then Sammy boy burned me to ashes. But there was a chunk of me left from Brianna’s work, and that’s all it took.” He shook his head as if remembering better times. “I didn’t have, you know, thoughts or anything. But when that last piece of me started to grow, well, pretty soon, bam, I was back to being me. Me and Brittany Pig. So, see, I’m not worried about adapting or evolving or even surviving.”
“So, you won’t be going to college,” Peaks said, deadpan.
Drake showed wolfish teeth. “I’m a simple boy with simple needs.”
“Torture. Rape. Murder.”
“Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it. You know that guy, that rich tech guy who disappeared a couple years ago? That’s him.” He nodded at the crucified man. “Day one he offered me a million dollars. The next day he offered to give me a billion dollars.” Drake smiled, enjoying memories. “What are you after, Peaks?”
Tom Peaks thought it over. He’d been a respected and powerful man. He’d had a family, a career, things he liked and cared about and enjoyed. But that was all gone now.
“Survival,” Peaks said. My God, he thought, is that really it? Is that what it’s come down to? From running HSTF-66 to praying for mere survival at any cost . . . in just a week?
Drake laughed. “You aren’t me, Peaks. I can’t be killed, but you can be. Sooner or later they’ll get you.”
>
Peaks wanted to argue, but something inside him was crumbling like a stale cookie. He felt sick, sick down to his soul. He had lost his family . . . his career . . . his meaning in life. He had shocking power as Dragon, but he knew what assets the government had, and he knew Drake was right. They would find him and they would kill him.
“You don’t even know how to process this, do you?” Drake mocked. On his chest, Brittany formed a leering, metallic grin. “You’d have lasted about six weeks in the FAYZ. Caine Soren would have had you licking his shoes for a hunk of boiled rat. You think you’re all bad-ass with your Godzilla thing, but you barely survived Dekka and Shade Darby. Be glad ol’ Sammy doesn’t still have his powers. Wimp.”
That insult caused a flare-up of pride, and Peaks almost said something. Almost. The truth was, he was scared. Scared of the future, scared of what he’d done. Scared to death of Drake. He now truly understood Dekka’s extreme reaction when he’d first told her Drake was alive.
But along with the sneers, he sensed that Drake was looking for leadership. Drake had no plan, never would have any plan, beyond his next murder.
“We need the same thing they need if they are to survive. We need chaos. Without chaos, the government will eventually prevail. This has to become a fight of all against the government.”
Drake raised an eyebrow. Brittany slavered.
“Without a complete breakdown of civilization,” Peaks said, “we will all be hunted down, one by one.”
“Uh-huh,” Drake agreed. “I’ll bet you could use a drink with a bit more kick.” He whipped his tentacle out and came back with half a bottle of vodka. “Here you go. Liquid courage.”
