Silver Lining - The Host fanfiction

Chapter 47 The Alien

“I was already yours –
The anti urge,
The mutilator of souls.”

- Jane Kenyon

Burns

 

I suppress the urge to glance back at Emma as I follow Droplets in the Morning Sun. I hope she is alright and that she’ll wait for me.
I couldn’t bear the thought of her getting taken again. They’ll know what happened. And this time they’ll destroy her.

It’s strange, seeing things from her perspective now. As long as I’ve lived, for all the lives I’ve experienced, I have never doubted that what we Souls did was right.
Now, I feel torn.
When I look at Droplets in the Morning Sun, I am talking to the Soul, the kind creature that doesn’t know hate or cruelty.
But I can’t help but look for the human inside.

What have we done?

I wonder, if the bodies still walk around, is it considered genocide?
A stone settles in my stomach.

“… can see, we have divided the sectors in Arrival and Departure. Every planet has it’s own ship too.”
I nod and smile, even though I’ve heard nothing of his explanation.
“So, Blue Ice Finder,” he says, “what brings you to the city?”
“I’m just passing through,” I say. For some reason, I don’t think it’s wise to tell him my exact plans and destination. “I was just curious how the Facilities operate. I’m terribly sorry for trespassing.” 
“That’s alright,” he smiles, “your name, if you don’t mind me asking, it’s from the Mist Planet?”
“Yes, it is,” I nod. I’m starting to feel nervous. What if he wants to introduce me to friends of his who were also Bears?
“Maybe you’re interested to see the ships that arrive from the Bears?” Droplets in the Morning Sun smiles.
I perk up. That would be interesting. “That would be nice,” I answer.
“This way then.” 

We move out of the Departure sector and head to Arrivals. He points at a large ship. A few Souls are busy unloading cryotanks. “They’ll be transported to the Insertion Center across the street where new bodies will be waiting for them.” He smiles at me. “The data on a Soul’s preference is also aboard the ship.”
“Are there enough host bodies?” I ask.
Droplets in the Morning Sun’s face turns serious “We don’t really use full grown bodies anymore. It has proven quite… unstable. Fortunately there are a lot of new born hosts available, but if we run out, the cryotanks will be stored in the Facility until a body becomes available.” 
“What do you mean, ‘unstable’?” I whisper.
Droplets in the Morning Sun leans over to me. “Some of the full grow hosts were… resistant. They fought back, trying to overthrow the Souls. The Healers don’t want to take the risk. If they capture full grown humans, they are only used for interrogation and then they are destroyed.” 
A cold fear takes control of my heart. This is what will happen if Emma is ever taken again.
She’ll be destroyed.
How could I ever have accepted something like that as normal? As a necessary good?
Droplets in the Morning Sun misunderstands my silence. He places a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. The Seekers are doing a great job. Soon, they will all be caught.” 
I feign relief. “That’s good to hear.” 
He smiles. “Do you want to have a look at the Control Center too?”
I laugh nervously. “That’s a very kind offer, but you already showed me so much. I don’t want to interfere with your Calling.” 
“It wouldn’t be any trouble. My shift ends in a few hours, you can come back if you like.” 
“I’d like that, but there’s somewhere I need to be. Maybe next time I’m in town.” 
“I’ll look forward to it. Just ask for me at the Center. Droplets in the Morning Sun. Don’t forget!” 
“I’ll remember,” I assure him.
“Goodbye Blue Ice Finder,” he waves.
I wave at him over my shoulder. Now I need to find my way back to Emma. It’s a good thing Souls are so organized. I only have to follow the signs.

I weave my way through the different sections until I reach the Dolphins. I check the ship that I pushed her in, but she’s not there.
My breath comes out with a panicked huff. Where can she be?
I whirl around frustrated. Did they find her?
I start walking between the sections. The place is still as quiet as it was before.
A relieved sigh escapes my mouth when I spot a familiar coat behind the next ship and I hurry towards it.
I grab her shoulder and feel her stiffen. Before she can scream, I place a hand over her mouth. “It’s okay,” I breathe, “it’s just me.” I turn her around and let go.
She places a hand over her heart and gasps. Then she slaps my chest. “You scared me!” she hisses.
I rub the spot where she hit me. “I’m sorry,” I say and take her hand. “We need to go.” 
Immediately her expression changes. “What’s wrong?” 
“Nothing’s wrong,” I assure her and I tug her with me to the car. “I just want to get away from here.” 
She nods and her fingers lock with mine.
“Did you put Sky on a ship?” I ask.
She nods again and eyes me concerned.
“I’m fine, really,” I say. I open the passenger door for her and she settles in the car. I move behind the wheel and turn onto the road.

“Where are we going?” Emma asks softly. She seems to be in deep thought about something.
“Back to the hotel to get our things,” I answer. I haven’t really though beyond that. I’ve just realized that no matter where we go, we’ll be in danger. Emma will be in danger.
“And after that?” Emma whispers.
I glance at her. There’s defeat in her eyes. Maybe she had realized it too.
“I don’t know,” I admit, “somewhere not so crowded. Away from Shipping and Insertion Centers.” 
Emma bites her lip. And then her stomach growls. Her face turns red and I laugh. “But we’ll go eat something first.”