It takes a long time to explain everything. I tell all about BioMod’s technology, Genetic Engineering, and the science of it. Most people have heard about BioMod and their impossible seeming experiments, and don’t find it that strange after hearing the explanation.

A couple people are still terrified of Soren and don’t believe the story, they glare at him with wary eyes, clutching their weapons tightly.

Meanwhile I’m scrambling to figure out my next step. BioMod is after Soren, and they’re somehow tracking him down. I need to get away from the Stand so I don’t lead trouble to them. I don’t know where to go.

I don’t know how to protect Soren. We may have to really hide. I really need to talk to Soren and figure out what he knows, I can tell there’s things he’s not telling me.

I thank cougar for letting us stay, and collect our belongings.

“You’re leaving?” Says cougar with surprise.

“I’m sorry but I have to. BioMod is after Soren and I don’t want to lead them to one of your bases. I need to go somewhere really hidden.”

Cougar nods with understanding. The curly haired woman with the sword comes to shake my hand.

“It was nice to meet you, Esroherif.” She says, and even gives Soren a nervous smile.

“I never learned your name or call sign,” I point out, “I want to remember you.”

“I go by TacAnatak. Hopefully we will meet again.”

I thank the Stand members again, put on an air mask, and slowly back out the open door. It feels wrong to leave the Stand, wrong to leave the wrecked room and bodies on the floor. But I have to. I tear my eyes away and quickly march off, pulling Soren behind me.

“Listen Soren, this is important,” I say under my breath as soon as we’re out of earshot, “The game has changed. Cover your face, don’t speak to anyone, and stay close to me. We’re going to be living out of the Camper for awhile.”

Soren doesn’t say anything, his eyes are wide and he clings to my hand. He hasn’t even had time to recover from the fight yet.

“It’s gonna be alright,” I assure him, “We’ll restock the Camper, charge it up, and then disappear. No one will find us.”

“But Petra,” pants Soren, “What's going on? “

“Shhh, don’t worry about it.” I say, stopping him for a moment to brush his hair over his face.

When we return to the camper I find that it’s self-charging system is still functioning and it’s returned to 86% battery. We have a water purification system but no more water to go in it. I don’t want to go back into the city and barter for a jug of water.

Where can I get free water? Wait. A thought crosses my mind and I smile. Me and Soren get in the Camper and strap in. I turn on the solar powered computer system and check the map. It’s about twenty four hours of driving to my planned destination.

I start the engine and take off, trying not to think of my Stand allies I’m leaving behind. I head the Camper north as fast as it goes and turn my attention to Soren. He is silent as usual, staring out the window at the city below us. Parts of the city are on fire and there are sprays of machine gun fire in the distance. A cold shiver runs into my heart and a whisper of fear slides into my mind. I feel it coming. There’s going to be trouble ahead. Maybe war.

Soren is looking at my face like he can read the fear. I try to smile at him but it’s painful.

“Soren, just trust me and we’ll be okay.” I tell him. He looks down and shakes his head.

“No. I can’t go with you. I won’t put you in danger.” He murmurs.

“You will go with me, I am not leaving you alone if it’s the last thing I do.” I am prepared for more fighting and hiding, I will protect Soren from BioMod. Soren is rocking back and forth, biting his nails and looking about anxiously. I know there’s something he’s not telling me. Something important.