Misplaced 6, part 4.

Patrick and Nick stared at Ruth, unable to believe what they had just heard.


"So that's why you went off?" Patrick said. "But why didn't you tell anyone you were going?"

"I didn't know if I would be brave enough to actually do it, and I didn't want to look a fool," Ruth said. "And- I thought someone would have wanted to come with me. I went alone because I knew it was risky and I didn't want any of you to be in danger. I mean, we couldn't afford to loose other people, but I don't matter very much."

"That's not true," Patrick said. "And now you may have saved us all- you can't say you don't matter."

"I'm not so sure," Ruth said. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now. I just hope the rest of you can get away safely."

"We can't just leave you to-"

"You've got to go," she said urgently. "Or you'll never get away. Do they know about us- about how we got here?" Nick shook his head. "Then don't tell them. I've heard them talking, and it scared me. They're only concerned about their own survival and they'll do anything to ensure that they have the best chance. They won't care about what they do to the rest of you."

"But what about you?" Nick asked.

"Kath said I should have thought of that before running off, and she was right. I'll try not to tell them about the cave or the radio, but I don't think I can keep it up for very long if...you know what I mean. You'll have to get the stuff and get back through quickly, or they'll attack you. If I were to run away with you they'd attack now, and we wouldn't stand a chance. You've got to go."

Nick looked at Patrick. "She's right. We've got to get that equipment first, and get the injured to safety. Once we've done that we can work out a rescue plan." Patrick looked back at Ruth, but before he could speak Ernest came hurrying over and they saw that Emma was returning with Kath and the others. For a moment Ruth caught Ernest's eye, and thought she saw sympathy in it, but it was only for a moment, and she wasn't sure. Had he overheard them? Well, it was a risk they'd have to take.

"Well?" Kath said, looking at Nick and Patrick. "I thought we made it clear that you guys were to stay out of our territory?"

"I told you," Ruth said. "They didn't know. It's not their fault."

"Collective responsibility," Emma said.

"Is that really fair?" Nick replied. "We didn't even know she was thinking about it, so how could we have stopped her?"

"But why did she come? And how come she- and both of you, for that matter- seem, well, different. When we left you Ruth was injured and barely conscious, and you, Mick, were a gibbering wreck! What's going on?"

"I don't know what you mean," Nick said. "When you left, we were still in shock from the crash and the attack, but now that's past, and we've recovered. So has Ruth. As for why she came, that's a question for her. I can't answer that."

"Nor will she," Emma said. Ruth glanced at Ernest out of the corner of her eye. He was watching her. He knew something, he must do from the way he looked. But he didn't say anything.

"We were all in shock, back then," she said, remembering from her dreams the sheet terror of the crash and the attack. "We were all scared of what was going to happen. But that doesn't mean we have to go on being hostile- can't you guys agree to co-operate with us?" She looked hopefully at Ernest. He had stopped Kath from summarily shooting her earlier, and now he seemed to be keeping their secret for them. She hoped that he might listen to her appeal- if anyone could stand up to Kath, it would be him.

Kath laughed scornfully. "Well, you two might as well get lost if you've got nothing else to say," she said to Nick and Patrick.

"Can't Ruth come with us?" Patrick asked.

"You said it wasn't your responsibility that she trespassed," Kath said. "So it's up to her to take the blame. There's something you're not telling us. So she stays here, and if any of you trespass again, we'll kill her. And I mean it." Looking at the expression on her face, they had no doubt about that.

"Goodbye, Ruth," Nick said. "Hope to see you again soon."

"Goodbye," she said, knowing that was unlikely. Patrick looked at her uncertainly.

"Go on," she said quietly, but he could see a tear in her eye. He gave her a quick hug.
 
"Goodbye," Patrick said, "And thank you. For everything."


"Goodbye," Ruth said, smiling. They turned to go, and didn't see the tears trickle down her face.

The tears weren't just from fear and sadness. Whilst she had meant everything she said in urging her friends to leave her behind; part of her, of course, had been secretly hoping that they wouldn't. She didn't blame them, of course- it was the sensible thing to do. This wasn't a time for heroics- more lives than hers were in danger. But it was just too much for her.


"So they've abandoned you," Kath said sarcastically. "Aww. And I'm sure you thought they'd rescue you. Well, life doesn't work like that I'm afraid. People are selfish. So I suggest you help us, because you're at our mercy."

Ruth looked up. "If I help you, then you'll kill my friends, all the people you once called friends. And I'd know I was responsible for that...I'd have become as bad as you."

"Better than being dead," Kath said, holding up the gun once more.

"Is it?" Ruth asked quietly. "I told my friends to leave me. I want them to escape. If it costs me my life, then I'm willing to pay that price."

"Really? Are you sure that's not just bravado?"

"I hope not," Ruth said quietly. "And I'm afraid that I will soon find out."

"You're right to be afraid," Kath said menacingly. She was standing close to Ruth, threateningly close, enough to make Ruth flinch backwards. Part of her was already wishing that she had chosen to escape with the others.

Kath laughed. "Scared already? Later on I'll make sure you're really afraid."

She needn't bother, Ruth thought. She was already terrified. She had done the right thing, she knew, in telling the others to go. But now she felt so alone.
 
 
The story continues...