Chapter Fifty-One – Caught

"Naru!" Mai cried, gripping his arm tightly as they were jostled by the crowd of androids. They'd finally found a group in the sewers willing to talk to them. Things were getting bad above ground. A new curfew had been declared, and androids were being grabbed in the streets. A movement was starting in Detroit, and the androids in the local area were planning on storming the local concentration camp to free their brothers and sisters. They had to stop the executions. They'd been talking about how to do that when the first drone had appeared. Mechanical pre-recorded instructions told them to stay where they were as blinding lights filled the darkness.

"Mai." Naru replied with a grunt, pulling her against his chest and holding on tightly. The androids were running. Yasuhara had been separated from them, carried off into the crowd. Naru held Mai tightly to stop the same happening to her. He looked around. Many androids were fleeing into the tunnels, gunshots already ringing out. They were surrounded. Naru gritted his teeth as he looked around. Other androids were heading up the ladder, but more shots sounded from above and many fell back down, blue-blood dripping from their foreheads. "I've got you." Naru murmured protectively as he held her close and looked around. We're surrounded. He cursed inwardly. Keep Mai safe. His objective reminded.

"Naru, you have to get out of here! They'll kill you!" Mai cried as she looked up at him. Naru nodded his agreement and held her close. They'd kill Mai too. They believed everyone down here was an android, they wouldn't hesitate. They may have killed Yasuhara already, he didn't know. He ducked down with Mai against his chest as shots rang out.

"Nobody move! Surrender and you will not be harmed!" A muffled voice ordered, a few of the androids dropping obediently as others desperately tried to flee. Naru had no choice. All he could do was obey the order and pray they were telling the truth. For Mai's sake. He remained kneeling with Mai cradled against his chest, holding her closer as a bright light shone on his face. It was a torch attached to the top of a rifle.

"Alright, on your feet. Move." The voice ordered. Naru made no objection as he stood, being careful to keep his own body between Mai and the muzzle of the gun. He staggered as an impact hit his shoulder, making him stumble a little. "I said move." The man repeated, and Naru obediently followed Mai to the ladder. At the top more men waited, forcing a line of androids into the back of large armoured trucks.

"Wait, you can't! This girl is." Naru cut off, stopped by Mai's hand on his arm. She shook her head, and Naru had no chance to say more as the rifle butt connected with his cheek, bruising the skin there. It couldn't feel pain, but it was enough to show the men weren't messing around. Mai trembled as she joined the line with him. He couldn't let this rest. He had to let them know somehow. Mai was human. He couldn't allow her to get caught up in this. For now, though, there was nothing he could do. He held Mai tightly as they joined the crowd of androids packed into the van. It was tight, and Mai squirmed uncomfortably. They could barely keep their balance, but with so many bodies pressed together they couldn't fall down either. Naru did his best to shield the human with his body, hoping she didn't get hurt.

"Here, let me help." A kind voice offered, a female unit using her arms on Naru's shoulder to create a small bubble of space for Mai. She was a pretty unit, with clear blue eyes and blonde hair in a ponytail. She was a secretary unit, a very early model. Naru braced his hands on her shoulders in return with thanks as Mai remained pressed against his body.

"Where are they taking us?" Mai asked fearfully, Naru's jaw tightening as he met the blue gaze of the android across from him. He didn't want to say it, so he simply leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Mai's head. Whatever happened he wasn't going to let Mai get caught up in it. Once they realised their mistake the soldiers would let her go. She was human after all.