7. The Patriot Act

Complete story — includes the ending

Monroe is dug out of his grave by Rachel, having been heavily drugged to make him appear dead. He rehabilitates in a farmhouse outside of town. Dr. Horn, science adviser to the Patriots, arrives, having been drawn by news of Rachel's presence and strange happenings that have occurred since her arrival. With the help of Gene, Dr. Horn learns that Aaron was the cause of the strange happenings, including the spontaneous combustion of two soldiers. Miles and company are aware of Dr. Horn's interest in Aaron and conspire to help him escape town. Aaron won't leave town without his girlfriend, who ultimately agrees to come with him. Gene agrees to help Aaron escape, but is coerced by the Patriots into setting up his capture. On a hunch, Miles observes Gene aiding the Patriots, which devastates Rachel. When Aaron fails to arrive at the rendezvous, the Patriots realize Gene's cover is blown. They lock down the town and aggressively search house to house. Aaron and company make for a sewer line that leads out of town and barely escape. At the end of the tunnel, they are confronted by Patriot soldiers, but are suddenly helped by Monroe. However, in the fighting, Aaron's girlfriend is attacked by a soldier, triggering another nanotech attack by Aaron. As they walk to safety with Monroe, Aaron's girlfriend is terrified of him. Meanwhile, somewhere on the east coast, Neville and Allenford are hiding out as Jason wakes up. The drugs are being flushed out of his system, but Allen still questions his trustworthiness. After getting ambushed by Patriot cadets, Jason seems to betray both Neville and Allenford, but instead kills their attackers and offers the knife he used to his father. Allenford wants to try to reclaim her son in Cincinnati after Jason helps, but she is unexpectedly drugged by Neville. She awakens in handcuffs, and is questioned by Neville about the location of her husband. Flashback: Gene's cooperation with the Patriots is shown to stem from a Cholera outbreak that killed his wife. A member of the Patriots offers him medicine to save the remaining victims. The officer continues to supply the town with medicine in exchange for Gene's cooperation, which devolves into assistance with torture. Gene becomes disgusted at his role, and questions the motives of the Patriots, but continues to help.