Markus. His name was Markus. And he was undoubtedly the leader they needed.

When they returned from the successful raid, with a truckful of blue blood and crates of parts, the feeling was absolutely, overwhelmingly euphoric.
They did it. And not only did everyone return unharmed; new androids followed to join them in Jericho, awakened by the stranger's hand. Simon had never seen anything like this before; a simple touch, a few words, and it was as if a whole new world suddenly opened in front of them.

He appreciated it in some strange way. He was glad they didn't have to experience what they did to deviate; or rather, in order to see things for what they were. In order to feel. For most of them over there it were the most painful moments of their very existence at the time; both physically and mentally.

His thoughts drifted away to the past, his own time before everything. The family he belonged to. Or.. with?- No. He couldn't let himself think this way.
He had to run. He had to run before they realized, he had to run to save himself, no matter how much it hurt. He was convincing himself that the pain was only a part of his program, some emergency solution, with the last of its might trying to keep him where he was supposed to be. But it was too late now. He had to try forget.

He had spent a good few hours moving the crates, helping distribute the parts and tend to the damaged deviants under Lucy's command. She didn't show it much, but she was relieved; being the one responsible for repairs but not having the means to do it was a heavy weight on her shoulders. Now, even if she couldn't save everyone.. She could at least keep them alive for longer, let them be conscious and free on their own rules, and it was good enough of a solution.

Now he was back in his usual spot, this time sitting on the steel floor by the pillar, head leaned back and eyes closed. The LED light on his temple was circling slowly, as if it were indicating a pulse he didn't have.

Markus... It seemed like he really know what he was doing. As if everything was following a plan even he himself didn't know he had. He didn't hesistate to take the matter in is own hands, following his ideals and not giving in to the pressure. (He smiled softly, remembering how disappointed North was when he refused to act violently in the warehouse. She hardly ever considered other paths, which was understandable.. But it was the first time someone told her no in such a definite way.)

And when it came to North, and Josh... He was worried. Both of them were trying to convince him to take their path, and Simon wasn't sure how well is it going to work out. Having to choose constantly like that could be a strain. After all, until now there weren't many decisions to be made.

He opened his eyes, allowing them to take a look around. The atmosphere in Jericho changed completely. Now, you could feel hope. Markus kept on giving orders here and there, to move around the crates and boxes, and to prepare the place in case more androids were to join them. Simon smiled to himself.

He knew the newcomer won't stop here. He could only wonder what would come next, though.