A/n: sorry, guys, a levels wait for nothing, not even fanfiction. They're nearly finished now though, so I should be updating all my stories a lot more regularly from now on. Thanks for being patient with me.

Sim's First Law: More reviews mean more updates.

Chapter 12: Brin's Choice.

Brin sidled back into Logan's cell, interrupting the planning of his escape. He watched her carefully, trying to assess the effect of his earlier conversation with her.

"Hey, Brin," he said, favouring her with one of his trademark boyish grins.

"The person you knew… who was he?"

"You mean Sam? A friend of a friend. Why?"

"No reason, he just… sounds like someone I used to know."

"So what does the director want now? Another video?"

"No. She just wanted me to check on you." From the way she looked away, it was obvious to Logan that Brin was lying.

"She doesn't know you're here at all, does she. You came here because you wanted to. Do you want me to die, Brin?" Asked Logan, looking up at her, mild curiosity the only emotion in his face. She just stared into his crystal blue eyes, lost for words. No one ever asked her opinion on anything at Manticore.

"It's a simple enough question. Do you think I deserve to die?"

"That is not up to me," she managed.

"It could be, if the Renfro tells you to pull the trigger. Would you do it?"

The girl's face twisted in confusion and she began pacing, muttering to herself.

"I don't… the director… I must follow orders… I have no choice… duty, discipline, mission… emotions are weakness…"

"Brin, if you want to leave, I can help you. I don't intend to stick around and let Renfro blow my brains out. I can take you with me. And I can find your family."

"No one can find my family. Not even the Director, let alone you."

"But I have something she doesn't."

"What?"

Logan's voice dropped to a whisper. "Zack's contact number."

"You really know Zack?" Breathed Brin, looking like the scared nine-year-old she had been the first time she escaped. "You've known all along what I am?"

"If you mean do I know about manticore and the fact that you're an x5, then yes. I've met several of your siblings."

"Then why don't you treat me like a soldier? All the norms who know about us fear us…"

"You're as human as I am, Brin. Probably more. And you have to make a choice. Either come with me or repeat this conversation to Renfro so she tries to torture the locations of the other x5's out of me. Only one person can make that decision; you have to do it for yourself."

"I have a plan I'm going to try either way, but I'd like you to come. I think Lydecker's going to help me out as well, but he needn't know you're involved until we're both gone. I know Max and Zack and all the rest would be ecstatic to see you. Zack might even stop being such a pain in the ass."

Despite herself, Brin smiled a little. She could imagine Zack and Logan not getting along. Logan could almost see the thoughts scrolling across her expressive face now her guard was down. There was hope, then fear, then indecision, and then finally, Brin looked up into his eyes. In hers he saw determination, nervousness and an almost plaintive appeal. He met her gaze steadily, with strength and encouragement.

"No," she said, softly. Logan caught his breath. He'd been convinced the girl would choose to go with him when he gave her the opportunity to meet up with the other x5's. He glanced up to study her face closely as she continued.

"I don't want you to die. Please take me with you?" There was pleading in her tone; she sounded like a little girl. Logan was engulfed by a wave of relief and satisfaction, combined with an almost fraternal urge to protect her.

"You only had to ask, Brin," he said with compassion. "Congratulations. You've taken your first step back towards freedom."

At that moment, Brin felt ten feet tall. Approval from Logan was like having her CO commend her on a mission, only better. Because he praised her for making her own decisions, not following orders, doing as she was told. Maybe somewhere there was a place where she would be rewarded for being herself instead of punished.

Brin made a silent promise to herself. If necessary she would protect Logan with her life, because he had made her believe she was more than a soldier. As far as she was concerned he had her undying loyalty.

And she did not intend to have to change her allegiance again.

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