All but one headed towards the teleporter. Reuben stood at the entrance, allowing the crowd to leave him behind. He looked into the new floor and then back at the leaving Sixty. The scout saluted their backs before disappearing into the shadows of the stone cliffs. It was an entirely new terrain to explore. There was no way for the man to resist a poke around. Just a small one.

  Down in the Hall, the residents returned in a flash. Out of the teleporter, they came with praise for the quick way home. The good cheer was still strong as everything was organized. A bounty of drinks and food was purchased for the long stretch of tables pushed together. All the chosen meats fell under the purview of Warner and Malachi. The two men worked closely over the grills. Found as needed from the screens. Good smells filled the cavernous space.

  Soon the feast was ready and a long party followed.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  While there was the occasional dark conversation, laughter took over more often than not. They drank, they ate, and the Sixty even danced. Every effort was made to be merry. To celebrate and to forget that they would have to go back into the tunnels. Maybe tomorrow, or in a few days. Today was the party and The Pit was pushed to the future. They focused on their victories rather than the possible defeats of tomorrow.

  The Sixty celebrated life.

  High above them was a ghost. Beyond the one hundred floors. At the top of a tower on the surface, a cloaked figure watched everyone on screens. Carefully noting and calculating.

  In a monotone voice, they said, “Everything is proceeding favorably. End Report.”