The frenzy within the drone bay dissipated. Those smart enough to escape did so with the drones Mikhail controlled until all that was left was Rafe, his mother, and Mikhail - his arms still buried to the elbows, his features downcast, his expression blank. It was like looking at a waxed version of himself, and Rafe didn't like it.
The citadel fed on Mikhail, much like a parasite. Rafe couldn't imagine the balls it took to volunteer to become one with a machine. How can he stand to lose himself?
Then again, wasn't Mikhail lost the day Rafe returned? And this was why. This symbiotic relationship with the citadel was the root and cause of all their secrets.
Not the only cause, though. The citadels were a product of their past, a past that wouldn't let go. Did they really want to return?
One thing was for sure. The citadels needed to go.
His mother pursed her lips and folded her arms, tucking her hands. "Cowards. All of them. Even your sisters fled."