"Ellie, I wish that I could tell you how everything would be okay..." Kareem began as he looked up at the sky, That somehow, we would make it through this and everyone could see each other tomorrow, and that Athan would be there to greet us with his stupid fucking smile and bad jokes." A slight pause choked it's way into Kareem's throat before he resumed his talk, "But, I don't think that is going to be possible Ellie. Paislee has a chance, but it's a slim one. Athan... He gave his life for you to have this chance, for all of us to have this chance. So do me a favor Ellie, and don't ever question if you're worth all of this ever again."<br/><br/>Kareem's angry tone made Ellie flinch, though she resisted the urge to hide away from him. The sounds that strangled the background were enough for Ellie to stay rooted to her spot anyhow. "I think they've just about got things under control here," he stated before letting out another exhausted sigh. Ellie followed Kareem's example, her red eyes following trails of smoke that swirled into the sky.<br/><br/>There was silence for a few moments between them, though the area still rumbled and shook with whatever was happening down Midani Street. "Did you call them in?" she suddenly asked, curious as to how Kareem managed to get such connection. "I saw the way you looked at that synth. You knew her..."<br/><br/>While the young woman's voice was soft, it was firm with belief. The recognition Kareem showed towards the strange synth had not been missed by Ellie's paranoid eyes. It was strange to see a synth that looked part machine, not that Ellie hadn't seen it before--it was just very rare.<br/><br/>As she waited for a response she pondered how the whole ordeal would be explained. She knew Marqu would some how get out of any sort of consequence. That was just how it was with members of the New Bastiel. They could do whatever they wanted and pretty much would get away with it.<br/><br/>It wasn't unheard of to have Marqu get away with brutal atrocities. He had harmed dozens of people, free and chained. His particular fondness was the tears of little girls. But still....to basically level an entire block? Could he manage to get out of this too? Not to mention that Paislee and Athan were very well-known and respected. Certainly he had crossed some sort of line...<br/><br/>Ellie was pulled out of her thoughts by Kareem's answer.