ALURA

So why were 99.9% of us incompatible with ourselves?

PIERCE

It's because in order to have a positive reaction, the host copy needs to have type AB Negative blood. That was why during it's prime, only a select few were allowed to be hosts while others could be taught minor paths.

(to Alpheus)

Hey, what's wrong?

alpheus

If what you're saying is true there is no way, no way at all, that Isaac's alive.

AVERY

And why is that?

ALPHEUS

My Mom was AB Negative, but he's A Negative, just like Katja.

AVERY

That's impossible. Unless he's dead and that image Pierce saw was just a projection.

PIERCE

There is a third result. Through dark rituals, forbidden techniques, others have survived.

avery

And Isaac's definitely the poster child for that one.

THE CAR ROUGHLY STOPS, THROWING AVERY AND ALURA FORWARD A LITTLE. PIERCE BRINGS HIS HAND OUT JUST IN TIME. ALPHEUS HAS HIS HAND QUICKLY WRAPPED AROUND AVERY'S SHIRT.

AVERY

What the hell!

ALPHEUS

Listen, you little twit. We know. All of us know what kind of monster my Dad is. You don't need to rub the salt in at every chance you get.

AVERY SMIRKS.

AVERY

So we're reverting down to name calling, are we? Isn't that tactic a little too close to Isaac's nature?

ALURA

Avery, stop.

AVERY SITS BACK.

AVERY

It's not my fault that he can't stand the truth.

PIERCE

That might be true, but he's right. You need to refrain your outbursts.

AVERY

Oh, so you're taking his side now?

PIERCE

I am just saying that everything single thought inside of that head of yours does not need to be broadcast because we heard you loud and clear the first dozen times.

AVERY

It's better than keeping all those thoughts locked up inside like you.

PIERCE DOESN'T RESPOND. ALPHEUS LOOKS OVER AND SEES A BIT OF DISCOMFORT IN PIERCE'S EYES. HE STARTS THE CAR AGAIN.

ALPHEUS

Look, the only way we're going to get through this is if we stop this bitching. I'm not even going to go the direction of working together, but directing our anger at each other isn't going to solve anything.

AVERY

(grumbles)

Agreed.

ALURA

Then it's settled, right? We can talk about something else besides diseases, J'kih, and corporate stupidity?

PIERCE

Like?

ALURA

Anything. Seriously, you've been at it since we got out of those pods. How about shopping?

PIERCE

The closest mall is almost empty. Most shops are probably either looted or emptied.

ALURA

Well, what about the smaller towns?

PIERCE

Aiden?

AIDEN

(intercom)

She might be right. Some were evacuated to shelter posts, and if they left in a hurry, there might be supplies left.

AVERY

Or someone else might have thought of it before us and ransacked the place.

ALURA GIVES AVERY AN ANNOYED LOOK.

AVERY

What? I'm just saying.

alura

Sometimes, you can be the most pessimistic, egotistical ass hole I know.

PIERCE

No, that's most of the time.

ALPHEUS

If not all.

THEY LAUGH.

AIDEN

(intercom)

OK, bonding time's over because I'm about to hit the highway towards the city. Where to?

PIERCE

Do you know of any smaller towns? We should take a look. Unless anyone is up for scavenging apartments.

alura

It's like being cockroaches or rats. Plus there might be someone else living there that doesn't want the company.

AVERY

Now who's being the pessimist?

ALURA PUNCHES AVERY IN THE ARM.

AIDEN

(intercom)

There's a place three miles north of here. Factory town. We used to go there for wholesale bulk.

ALPHEUS

Then onward for eggs and apples?

AIDEN

(intercom)

Not that kind. Processed foods. You know, the kind that doesn't go bad in a few days?

ALPHEUS

Ah. So onward to Twinkies?

ALURA

God, sometimes you can be more of a dork than me.

PIERCE

Yes, but at least we're not arguing.