Free Embattlement: The Undergrounders Series Book Two (A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel) by Norma Hinkens Page A

arguing about what to do,” Trout says. He hands me the binoculars, a somber look on his face. “Just say the word and I’ll go after her.”
    I flick him a grateful smile. “I know you will. I’m just not sure that’s the best thing. They can see she’s a little kid. But they might start shooting if they see you.”
    I study the darkly-clad figures as they move around on the top floor of the crumbling building. They observe Izzy for several more minutes as she totters across the debris in the direction of the city, and then three of them disappear back through the doorway.
    I rub my fingers around my temples, willing the stabbing pain to go away. I wish I could be sure they were Undergrounders. If they’re Rogues, and one of us goes out there after Izzy, they’ll shoot to kill without question. I take a deep breath. It’s risky, but it’s better to take the risk than do nothing at all. And it’s mine to take. It’s the only way to find out who we’re dealing with, and still give Trout, Jakob and the others a fighting chance to blaze a trail out of here if they have to.
    I grab my pack and pull out the closest thing to white I can find—a dingy gray sweatshirt that’s falling apart at the seams. I shake it out and tie the frayed sleeves to a stick. Tucker wags his tail expectantly. Reluctantly, I signal to him to stay.
    “I’m going after Izzy,” I say, handing my pack to Trout. “If they start shooting, I want you and Sven to get the others out of here right away. Head straight for the wilderness.” I lock eyes with Trout. “Don’t come after me, no matter what.”
    Jakob grabs my arm. “I’ll go with you.”
    I shake my head. “Panju needs you here.”
    Jakob’s eyes cloud over. “It’s too dangerous, Derry. We should make some kind of plan first, at least find a vantage point to cover you from.”
    “If they won’t shoot a child, maybe they won’t shoot a girl either. They might think I’m her sister.” I lean down and ruffle Tucker’s neck and gesture to him to lay down. “You’re in charge of Tucker until I get back.” I can’t meet Jakob’s eyes. If I don’t make it back, he’s the only other person I can trust to take care of Tucker now that Owen and Da are gone.
    Sven frowns. “I have the best chance of reaching Izzy and bringing her back safely. I can outrun all of you.”
    I shake my head. “No. You’re a definite threat. They’ll shoot you on the spot, and clones aren’t bulletproof. I learned that the hard way.” I finger the pouch with Mason’s ashes in my pocket and blink back a sudden tear. I promised myself I’d give Mason a proper funeral when the time is right. I’m not sure that time will ever come, but at least if I die, I’ll die with a part of him with me. “I’m the one insisted on bringing Izzy here, and I’m gonna see this through, however it plays out.”
    “What if they take you hostage?” Trout asks.
    “Wait for me until sundown. If I’m not back by then, head for the wilderness. You still have Won and Rummy as bargaining chips.”
    A flicker of doubt crosses Trout’s face. He rubs his one-knuckled finger, frowning. “Panju won’t make it to the wilderness.”
    I throw a quick glance across at the motionless figure on the stretcher. “I know. I’ll be back with help as soon as I can.”
    He exchanges an uncertain look with Jakob. I know what they’re thinking. If I don’t come back, Panju will be dead before nightfall.
    I tuck my hair inside my collar and reach for my gun. I accused the Council members of being a pack of cowards for abandoning Owen, but right now fear is wreaking havoc on my mind. I’ve put myself out there as a leader, it’s time to pay the piper.
    Jakob’s eyes glisten with emotion. He reaches down and rubs Tucker’s head. I swallow hard. It’s a subtle signal, telling me they’ll both be all right. I turn away and grip my makeshift surrender flag in both hands.
    “Good luck.” Trout pats me awkwardly on the