When Collin's done a stretcher appears, Fernandez and one other kind enough to build one for Andrew, realizing he needed special care. Helping her twin onto it, she strokes his hair just like their mother use to do and kisses his cheek, promising he was safe now.
"I want a guard on either side of him," she ordered, "Any of the injured are to be focused on and helped in whatever way we can. Those uninjured can walk on their own in the middle of the group. Fernandez you will be at the front of the group, leading the way. I'm going to stay at the back, make sure we have no stragglers. Radio me if there are any problems."
Returning to Vanessa, she lent the blonde a hand and they waited for the crowd to start shuffling forward once more, before walking at the tail end, giving enough space for the two of them to talk alone, while Dakota maintained a watchful eye on her group.
Nicki was with Willow when Collin found them. All three of them hugged, but Nicki got no alone time with Collin, Willow gluing to her brother. It wasn't unexpected after the week they had been through, so Nicki just gave him an apologetic look and stuck to Willow's side as the three walked with the rest of the group.
Hours past, and then more hours past. The sun was beginning to set when the group came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the street. Nicki caught sight of Dakota rounding the side of the group and tugged at Willow and Collin to follow. They split from the other captives, following their fearless friend forward. Ahead was a single man carrying nothing, yet standing in their path. Dakota spoke to him for a few seconds, then he moved to the side and the group continued, as if nothing happened. Minutes later they stopped again, but this time Dakota turned to the group, looking relieved.
"We are here!" she announced, although here was technically a four way intersection in the road, "We control this section of New York, and while it may only be a few blocks each way right now, its safe. We have snipers on every roof, and patrols. My men, you know what to do."
The rebels split from the orange suit jumpers, moving away in one solid group down the street. Those with injured people split off from both groups, turning directly into the building to their right and heading inside, taking Andrew amongst others in.
"That there is our medical facility, or at least that is what we call it. If you or a loved one is hurt, please go there," her voice boomed, loud and calm, "Now if everyone could follow me for a few more steps."
They went into the left corner building, which from outside looked destroyed. Inside however the main floor had been salvaged, and was busier than ever with people bustling about in the back end. One long desk was set up in the front end, cutting the back cubicles from the waiting area at the front. Six smilng elderly ladies sat at the desk, each looking pleased to see the arrivals. The two dozen captives and their small group filed in, filling the waiting room. Dakota again stood at the front, addressing the small crowd.
"These wonderful women here devote their time to helping newcomers settle in. We ask that you come in groups -if you are a family, or close friends you may come up together. If you have no one, please come up alone. They will ask you a series of questions, the first and most important, whether you wish to stay or not. We can sneak people across the border, into the western states where America still holds control. We cannot promise what you will find there or where you will end up, we can only promise to get you out. If you wish to stay, the fine ladies will give you an apartment key to one of our many available apartments, and a list of jobs we have. Please understand, we do not force people into jobs here, but we ask everyone chooses one by a week's time. We run smoothly when everyone chips in."
She stepped away then, moving to her friends who were off in the corner.
"I'll set you guys up with apartments in my building," she smiled, "If any of you have preferences to who you want to bunk with, it will help. We can't really afford to set everyone up alone."
"Willow, Collin and I can share an apartment," Nicki offered, winking at Collin when no one was looking.
"Do you have room in your apartment?" Iris asked.
Dakota nodded, "Yeah, I have a spare room, but I was going to offer it to my brother. There's a pull out couch too."
"I'll take it," Iris sighed, "I just don't want to be alone."
Dakota looked at Vanessa, smiling, "And I assume I will be graced with your presence too in my apartment?"
