The light casted upon the darkness made navigating through the sewers slightly difficult. The marching order was Nyssia in front followed bySamantha, Jane was in the middle with Io and Evelyn behind her. The floor was greasy and smelled of rot. Broken pieces of loose wall scattered about the floor. The sounds of rats filled Jane’s head with numerous diseases that they could potentially spread. She made small notes to herself to be sure to get a shower when this was over. Samantha, though disgusted by the smell, was fascinated to see the advancements of waste management. Io kept on the defense in case something were to pop out of nowhere like sewer alligators or flying rodents. Of course they weren't any real sewer alligators but that still didn’t stop her from her curiosity. Evelyn shined her cellphone’s flashlight and made sure nothing was behind the group. Nothing. Just as it should be. Nyssia on the other hand was marching to a tune in her head like she was a soldier going to war. She was ready for anything.
There is a big difference in being prepared to handle something and actually handling it. One can speculate and plan as much as they wish to but at the end of the day, you will never be fully prepared until you are actually put to the test. In school we learn the lesson and take the test. In real life you take the test and learn the lesson. The party did not expect nor were they prepared to handle what they encountered.
As they marched along, sounds of whimpers and whines gingerly echoed through the air. It was not long before the sounds were all around them. They came to a four way crossing with a small shallow pool in the center. Inside the pool, huddled together were a pack of wild, hungry dogs. Their fur was long and straggly with pieces of dirt and food stuck to them. One was limping slightly on its front left and another had a small part of their ear bitten off. They were unhealthy skinny to the point where you could see their bones beneath their skin. They bare their teeth in delight as the party emerged from the darkness.
The group backed themselves up. But they didn’t realize that the pack in front of them was merely the distraction as one of the dogs leapt from the shadows across the waters and tackled Samantha to the ground, biting into her leg. She let out a holler of pain and agony that only seemed to enthrall the other dogs. They saw their prey as weak. They saw their prey as a free meal.
Io let out a mighty roar that shook the dogs down to their core and she grabbed a hold of the dog who was trying to drag Samantha away from the group. With her might she latched her hands around the dog's mouth and ripped open the dog’s mouth, breaking its jaw. Samantha let out another cry as she shoveled away from the dog as Io picked up the dog and tossed it at the pack.
Jane bent down to examine Samantha’s leg. The wound was not as deep as she feared but she was bleeding. Nyssia shuffled back as Io stood between the dogs and the group. Evelyn looked around, making sure nothing else was going to appear from the darkness. The dogs barked at Io who in response decided to yell back.
“Get the fuck out of here, you mangy mutts!” Io screamed as she bent down and picked up a loose stone and threw it. The stone sailed and pegged another dog in the head, causes droplets of blood to spoil the water. The dog with the broken jaw whimpered some more and then started to run away. The pack took a look at their prey, wondering if it is worth it. They started to charge at once at Io.
Io saw the pack coming. She knew she couldn’t let anyone else get hurt and so she prepared herself. It would be three on one.She didn’t know if she could take all three at once. A shred of doubt hung in the back of her mind. But in that moment of uncertainty, as the pack came closer, Nyssia popped out and with the cell phone, turned up the brightness on the flashlight and shined it in the dogs eyes. The dogs wavered for a split second but it was the second Io needed.
Io leaped forward. She punched one dog in the face with enough force that its head smashed into the wall. It staggered from the shock. Io then punched the other dog on the far end, sending it sailing into the water, leaving the one in the middle. Io used the brief moment of distraction to even the fight but she was caught off guard and was tackled to the floor. The dog lunged at her neck, gritting its teeth and barking.
Jane was fastening a makeshift bandage for Samantha’s leg when suddenly a rat decided to land on her head. But it wasn’t just one rat, it was a bunch of rats. They started to funnel out of the little holes in the walls. The one rat that landed on Jane’s head, started to crawl through her hair. She stood up with fright and let out a scream of terror as she backed up and fell into the sewer water. Evelyn swatted at the rats that were running through.
Io gripped her hands around the dog’s throat as it continued to try and take a bite out of Io’s neck. Nyssia came up with a loose stone and smacked the dog in the head repeatedly. Blood speckled the floor as Nyssia cursed out the dog in Spanish.
“Puta madre, perro!” Nyssia cried as she continued to hit the dog until the dog leaped away from Io and took off running along with the other dogs. They were finally alone.
Jane surfaced in the water and let out a cry for help. Io got up and jumped into the water to help Jane. Evelyn finished the makeshift bandage for Samantha’s leg and helped her up. She let out a grunt of pain as she stood.
“Oh...ow. Shit” Samantha said in a soft tone as she looked at her leg. Sweat was coming down the side of her face as she breathed rapidly. Evelyn closely looked at her leg.
“You’ll be fine. Maybe need stitches and some good disinfectant. But you’ll live. Just breathe slowly.”
“But what of gangrene?”
“Antibiotics. Again you’ll be fine. You’re in the future. We’ll get you to a hospital when this is over.” Evelyn said as she waved her hand.
“Very well.” Samantha said as she eyed her leg again. The bandage was made from Jane’s coat that she wore over her blouse.
Io lifted Jane from the water and carried her back on the stone path and set her down easy. Jane took random swatts at her hair, thinking there were still rats in it. But there were none and she started to cry softly.
“Hey Red. It’s over. It’s okay. We’re all safe.” Io said in a comforting manner. Jane took a hard look at herself. She was soaked to the marrow. Her clothes smelled of sewage and she was missing a shoe. She couldn’t begin to fathom what types of diseases she had come in contact with but her brain made the attempt anyway. She started to make random whimpering sounds. Io leaned in and gave her a hug. Jane rested her head on Io’s shoulder while crying and making soft whimpering sounds.
“It’s going to be okay, Jane.” Io said. “The fight is over and we’re safe.” Jane looked up at Io and pushed herself away.
“I...am covered in garbage. I have lost one of my high heel shoes in this dump. I...smell atrociously. And you stand here and say I’m going to be fine.” Jane said in an eerily calm tone.
“Uh...Yeah.” Io said as she shrugged. Jane stood up with anger burning in her eyes.
“No...No! I am not fine. It’s not going to be fine. We are marching towards certain death and along the way we got attacked by dogs and rats. I knew it was a bad idea coming down here. I figured something bad was going to happen and here I am. Covered in sewage, smelling of feces and you bloody standing there telling me `It's going to be okay’?” Jane said with a bit more of a fever tone. Her hands started to shake with frustration and irritation. Everything that has happened to her has finally reached a boiling point. The jail, her boss, the flash drive, the gunman, the lights going out. Everything. And then she said the one thing that not even Evelyn had heard Jane say.
“Fuck you!” Jane shouted. Suddenly everything got dead quiet as Jane’s voice echoed throughout the sewers. But then something else happened. Something small clamped on Jane’s waist. It was Nyssia. She was giving her a hug. Jane looked down and blinked. Her irritation slowly dissolved and was replaced with the embrace of a child. Jane then smiled and then looked up at Io.
“I’m sorry, Io. I should not have said that.” Jane said in an apologetic tone. Io place her hands on her hips.
“Feeling better, Red?” Io asked. Jane returned the comment with a slight nod.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Nyssia, dear child.” Jane started in a more calm tone than previously. “You did not mention to us that there were wild dogs down here.” Nyssia let go of Jane and looked up at her. The only reply to that comment she gave was a shrug and a confused look upon her face. She didn’t know either. Of all the times Nyssia had been down in the sewers this was the first time she had seen wild dogs.
“Probably got spooked from everything going up above us, Parker.” Evelyn said as she leaned over and picked up Jane’s missing shoe that was floating nearby. She handed back to Jane, who was pleased at first and then wore a look of disgust as she shook her shoe loose of any water or raw sewage. With a deep breath and a steady look on her face Jane slipped her shoe on and readjust herself.
“You’re like a smelly old Winston Churchhill, Parker.” Evelyn commented. Jane just gave her a slow blink and took a few steps forward. The joke brought a tiny smile to Jane’s face but she was still revolted at the idea of falling into the sewer waters again.
“Well...as some think we said during the second world war. Keep calm and carry on everyone.” Jane said. Nyssia jumped into the shallow pool of water and looked around. She knew where she was and she knew where to go. She pointed to the group where they needed to go from there. As the group moved forward Nyssia pulled on Io’s hand and motioned for her to bend down.
“I am a wizard.” Nyssia whisphered to Io with a grin. Io let out a small snicker and happily agreed.
Though their adventure has had a shaky start, it was far from over and everyone knew it. Suddenly off in the distance they saw light shining through the darkness. As they approached they discovered a rusty ladder leading up towards the light. Nyssia took charge and was the first one up the ladder. When she reached the top she pulled out her little screwdriver and wedge the manhole cover loose and slowly pushed it aside. There was a sound of glass breaking along with Nyssia saying, “Opps.”
“You alright up there?” Io called out.
“Yeah. I just broke some kid’s glass marble.” Nyssia said.
Next was Samantha being assisted from behind by Evelyn due to her injured leg. All that was left was Io and Jane. Io motioned for Jane to go up first. Jane looked at her with a suspicious look. Jane stepped forward and climbed up the first rail. She then looked back at Io with a subtle smirk.
“Please tell me you are not planning anything while I climb.” Jane asked. Io raised both eyebrows.
“I ain’t a pervert. Go on. I’ll keep watch.” Io said as she folded her arms and turned away from Jane.
“And if I should happen to fall into your arms, you’ll be there to catch me?” Jane said as she started to move up a few more rails. Io scoffed.
“Come on, I ain’t gonna let you get yourself hurt.” Io said boastfully.
When Io reached the top she looked around and realized they were in the parking garage where Jane parked her car the day before. The whole place appeared to be mostly empty with only a few cars and a few vans. Io looked down at her feet and saw what Nyssia called a marble. It was a tiny broken glass wand with a little coil of metal wrapped around at the tip. Io didn’t know what it was but she knew it definitely wasn't a marble.
Io looked back up at Jane who was looking at the broken glass with concern. She looked back up at Io. There was worry and doubt on her face.
“Hey lovebirds, knock it off, okay? We’re in enemy headquarters. Plan your date later.” Evelyn said sarcastically as she stepped in between the two. Jane let out a sigh as she reactively pinched the brow of her nose. Evelyn had a point and this worried Io. She wasn’t sure if her bolstering and bravado would do well here. In the war of fists vs guns, guns usually win and Io hated guns. She wasn’t sure if she was going to survive any of this and the encounter with the dogs came pretty close. To Io, that was all dumb luck and it made her feel embarrassed. And now here they were, going into the unknown.
Nyssia ran over to the large vent they hid in earlier and started to unscrew the grate. The sound of the grate scratching across the pavement resonated throughout the empty garage. No turning back now.
“We go in here and then we sneak sneak our way around.” Nyssia said as she shoved the grate to the side and crawled inside. From up above the group, the lights gently flickered.
“Well, that can’t be good.” Evelyn said as she walked towards the large vent.
It all happened so fast. In a blur the side doors burst open and from inside spewed forth a small group of armed security guards, each holding a black submachine gun. With their tactical gear decorating their bodies they swarmed the group. One of the men shouted, “Civilians!”.
Jane was the first to get shoved down onto the ground. She let out a scream as the guard twisted her arms behind her back and tightened her wrists together with large white zip ties. Anger crawled up inside Io. She cried out, “Jane!” as she tightened her fists.
Samantha let out a cry as she attempted to pivot from where she was standing. Pain from her leg shot up throughout her body and her knees buckled. She fell to the ground hard. Another guard swopped down onto her like a hawk snagging a field mouse. Within seconds her hands were restrained behind her back.
“Run tiny!” Evelyn shouted at Nyssia from outside the vent. Nyssia took one look at Evelyn and scuttled away deeper inside the vent. Evelyn saw a guard approach her in her peripheral vision. She reached over and gripped the grate and in a continuous motion swung the grate at the guard. Sounds of breaking metal and bone can be heard as the vent grate clashed with the guard's head. The guard dropped to the floor dazed. Io leaped into action and grabbed the fallen guard and hauled him over. She took the guard's sidearm and held it to him as she took a few steps back using the guard as a shield from the others.
Another guard moved up to Evelyn and switched their submachine gun for a small yellow taser. Evelyn took one look at it and knew exactly what she was in for. Before she could react or say anything the taser shot two little metal barbs that struck Evelyn in her chest. Voltage ran through the wires and Evelyn dropped like a sack of old potatoes. The guard held down on the trigger as others moved over towards Evelyn to secure her wrists.
The rest of the guards all had their guns pointed at Io who was shakenly holding the pistol to the guard’s head. She never held a gun before. She didn’t even know what she was doing. She was trembling with fear. Sweat formed on the top of her forehead and started to roll down. The gun felt awkward and heavy in her hand. She didn’t say anything. She instead tried to control her breathing. Her friends before her were restrained. Nyssia was gone. All eyes were now on her. A no win scenario.
“Untie...my friends.” Io said. Her words drummed out with fear and tension. The rest of the guards remained calm and still. Too still, almost like statues. It was starting to freak Io out.
“Not likely, my dear.” Came a familiar voice. A familiar man emerged from the doorway. He held in his hand a pistol. He wore a smuggish grin on his face as he looked about the rest of the group.
“Disappointing it really is.” He said as he leaned over Samantha. “You could have done great things.”
“Leave her out of it! Just...leave her alone.” Io shouted. The guard she was holding started to whimper.
“Again…” He started as he casually walked over to Io. “Not likely. You left here the other day with your lives. Unfortunately, that cannot occur again. Now we can do this a number of ways, depending if you are capable of such thoughts. One I can shoot the boy and yourself and then all of your little friends. Two I can shoot your friends then the boy and then you. Three you drop the boy and I shoot you and then your friends. Four-”
The man’s words were cut off by another man. Bronson emerged from the doorway. “Enough of that Mr. Rick.” Bronson called out.
Mr. Rick turned to Bronson. “Dr. Bronson. Coming down to the frontlines I see. It’s the same civilians as before and their little inventor. Letting them go would be a mistake.”
“Much like the police station. I expected better from your services.That was uncalled for.”
“Sir…” Mr. Rick said with a devilish grin. “You asked me to do a job and you paid me. I did what I was told.”
“You murdered people. Not going to do that here. Not now.” Bronson demanded.
“But sir…” Mr Rick said as he gestured over to Io. “I wouldn’t call that innocent.” Bronson looked at Io. His eyes flickered back and forth in deep thought.
“Hostages.” Bronson said. “I see hostages here, Mr. Rick. The National Guard has set up around the facility. If they know we have hostages. They won’t try and stop the experiment.”
Bronson reached inside his pocket and revealed a golden nugget
“Progress has been made, Mr. Rick. I can pay you upfront right now and more later.” Bronson said as he handed Mr. Rick the golden nugget.
Mr. Rick tilted his head and chewed on the thought for a moment and then that devilish smile crept back on his face.
“Very well.” He said as he turned towards Io. “Four you surrender now. Drop the boy, the gun and we all live.” He said in a calm tone as if he was just dictating items on a grocery list. Io took a deep breath. Her hand still trembled with fear and uncertainty. This was the same guy who they met at the police station and the one Samantha barginned with the other day so that they could get away. Io let her grip slip and the guard dropped to his knees and wiggled away. Io took another deep breath. Anger fluttered up inside of her. Her muscles were screaming to charge and punch the guy in the face. Her knees ache with tension. They were ready for action. Io looked towards Jane. Fear burned in her eyes as she looked back at Io. Io let out a sigh and relaxed her shoulders.
The gun dropped to the floor with a metal clunking sound. The next thing Io knew was what a taser felt. It wasn’t pleasant. She dropped to the ground and curled up into a ball only to have her arms stretched back out and restrained behind her back.
Mr. Rick examined the group.
“There was a child with you, wasn’t there?”
That one sentence caught the ears of everyone in the group. Io was the first to jerk her head up. Silence befell onto the party. They all looked at each other.
“The only child I see here is you, Ricky. What’s the matter? Jimmy beat you up too many times on the playground and now you feel like a big man cause you have a gun?” Evelyn called out. Her words were greased with an unusual level of sarcasm and she kept going. “I mean it’s okay to have a pencil dick. Lots of girls dig that. But you might want to lose the whole mommy never hugged me attitude. It’s a real turn off.”
Mr. Rick’s face flushed with anger. He marched over and kicked Evelyn in the head. Twice this has happened to her and she was expecting it. Anything to draw attention away from the fact that Nyssia got away. All part of the plan. Unfortunately for Evelyn, going unconscious was not part of the plan.
“Doctor Parker?” Bronson called out. Jane’s head bobbed up towards her boss. “I gave you time off. But here you are.I thank you for your efforts. I believe we can get right to work.” Bronson said Then his nose twitched a bit. “After a shower of course. You can use the facilities shower room.” Bronson said as he waved his hand at the guards. They marched over and lifted Jane up. A look of bewilderment was plastered on Jane’s face. She struggled a bit.
“Dr. Bronson…” Jane started but she was abruptly cut off by Bronson.
“Please my dear. We can discuss your promotion after you clean up. You smell foul.”
Jane was led out of the garage. Io looked around. Evelyn was knocked out and Samantha was holding back tears as the pain in her leg stung.
“Damn it.” Io said to herself as the guards slipped a black sack over her head and hauled her onto her feet.