A hand on my arm stopped me. “V, don’t. Do you think he’d be here if there was any other way?”
“Dax, is it true?” Poe’s voice sounded from down the hallway and the Science Model’s face paled. “You were gone so long I went to the lab to find you.” She waved a stack of papers in his face. “What are these? Why would you even theorize a way to reactivate the implant in Oz’s head? You’ll kill her!” Poe’s shoulders shook, sobs wrenching from her throat. “Why would you do this?”
Dax reached for Poe, but she flinched, backing away. He lost it. Dark fluid welled up, spilling over his cheeks. “I’m sorry…I’m sorry…” he chanted, his voice desperate.
“Everybody fucking stop!” Oz shouted. I twisted around and what I found stopped me dead in my tracks. One look at her had Dax and Poe freezing as well.
Her lips trembled, blood pooling under her nose as she swayed. My hands grabbed for her, but she pushed them away. Hurt exploded in my chest.
Poe moved to wrap her arms around her, but Oz pushed her away, too.
“No more,” she yelled. “I won’t be the reason the rebellion falls apart.” With the back of her hand, she wiped the blood away. Then determination filled her eyes as she looked at Dax. “I’ll do it.”
And with three words, my world shattered.