“I’ve got a kid, man. I can’t just leave him,” Andrea said as she felt like bringing that up would be appropriate by now.

  “You’ve got a child?” Gem asked doubtfully.

  “Yeah, that’s just what I said.”

  “Where is he then?” 

  “He’s at a group home,” Andrea said with a hint of annoyance in her voice, not feeling like giving an explanation as to why.

  “Can you get him out?” Gem asked without any further questions. 

  “I don’t know. Probably not if I asked nicely.” Andrea shrugged.

  “But if you didn’t?”

  “I can’t just kidnap him.”

  “You just told us that he is your kid,” Gem said, maybe not really grasping the situation or she just wanted to be encouraging.

  “Yeah, so what do you suggest?” Andrea asked with a feeling that Gem already was plotting something. 

  “I suggest that if you want to leave Earth before it and you get marinated in toxic waste, kidnapping would be a good choice.”

  “I don’t know, man.” Andrea rubbed her temples. 

  “Jeez, this is starting to get a little too much for my old heart,” Timothy said as he sat down on the couch.    

  “We don’t have much time. I can help you get your child, but you have to decide if you want to do it now.”

  Naturally, Andrea wanted her son Victor to be safe but she also got second thoughts about the end of the world theory Gem had brought to their attention. If the timeline Gem had given them was accurate, there wasn’t much to lose by taking Victor out of the group home. On the other hand, if it wasn't and the cops found out that Andrea had taken her son, she would probably be sentenced to prison and never be able to see him ever again. Having all these thoughts running through her head gave her a headache, or maybe it was the alcohol. Either way, she regretted having that much to drink.

  “Okay, let’s do it. But if what you’re saying turns out to be wrong or something, I’m gonna kill you.”

  “Trust me. You said that you thought I was right and the situation hasn’t changed in that short amount of time. But we gotta go now,” Gem said. 

  “Now?” Andrea questioned. 

  “Yes now.”

  “I’m not done with the changes yet. Should I join you guys?” Timothy asked from the couch where he felt very comfortable. 

  “No, I think we're good," Gem said and turned to blonde girl. "Ehum, you… what’s your name again?”

  “Andrea.”

  “Andrea, you’re going to take the lead and show me the way and then you gotta get your kid out fast. We want to be out in the open as short as possible. I could only see one droid from the window although there probably are more patrolling the streets, but you can leave that to me. Does this sound good?”

  “Sure,” Andrea said as she didn't have a better plan in mind.

  “And yeah, if you see anyone, robot or human, just try to avoid them and take a detour if needed.” 

  Gem took out two guns from her kitchen cabinets and fastened them at her belt.

  “Is that really needed?” Andrea asked.

  “Ready?” Gem asked back without answering Andrea’s question.