“I haven’t recharged my plasma reserves since we arrived. I released what I had stored on Earth.” My code is accepted, and a hiss sounds from the sealed hatch.
“I don’t want to die on this planet, Jareth.” She sounds so small, so defeated and it breaks my heart.
I meet her eyes as I turn the wheel, putting every bit of strength into the motion. “Trust me, Red, I won’t let that happen.”
These underground shafts, used in the construction of the entire city to funnel material and waste, will be our sanctuary, though that had never been their intent. Besides me, only a carrier would have the strength to open the seal.
The sky outside darkens, making the flashing red lights in the tunnel seem brighter.
Howling winds buffet the tunnel and small rocks ping against the surface. Even though the outside pressure is drastically less than Earth, a strong storm can still sling plenty of debris.
With a final twist and metallic squeal, I get the hatch opened and motion for Tilly to drop down. “Come on, you’re first.”
She quickly shimmies down the ladder, which is a couple of meters long. When she and KJ are safely inside, I wave the instructor over. “The boy next.”
Ryland no longer looks like a spoiled, bored child. His eyes are wide and his bottom lip trembles. “I want my mom.”
“This is what happens when you don’t stay in school.” My voice is cold. “Maybe next time you’ll behave.”
A tear drips onto his cheek. I know I should have pity for him, but compassion isn’t going to save the kid or protect my family.
From below, Tilly raises an eyebrow. “Stop being an ass, Jareth.”
“I don’t have time for this.” Roughly, I grip him under the arms and stick him in the hole. “Hold onto the rungs and climb down.”
He clutches at the metal but nods his head.
Tilly stretches her arms upward. “Come on, little guy. It’s going to be fine.”
Her voice must soothe him because he descends.
“You’re up,” I say to the woman.
She looks like she’s about to argue, but outside of the clear tunnel, the world turns to true night. Lightning streaks across the sky and vibrations tremble through the floor under my knees. Rocks continue pummeling the dome housing the aquarium at the end of the hall, the booms made louder by the narrow tunnel.
One particularly enormous stone slams into the wall a few meters away. A large crack forms, running horizontally at both ends.
“Go, damn it,” I shout, grabbing her upper arms and throwing her into the open hatch.
With one last glance at the widening crack, I follow suit, resealing the hatch with a hiss.
Need to notify Grandma so she can send help to this area. If that weakens the glass and depressurizes, we’ll be in major trouble.
****
EMERGENCY LIGHTINGkeeps us from being totally in the dark.
KJ whines and scratches at Tilly’s arms. She sets him to the ground but grips his leash.
The underground passageway is small, three meters wide and a fraction over two meters tall, barely giving the top of my head clearance.
“I’m scared,” Ryland whines.
“What did he say?” Tilly asks, her face a mask of worry.
“He said he’s scared.” I shoot a message to Grandma’s private link, giving her our coordinates. I think we’re going to be okay, but it doesn’t hurt to let her know where we’re at, just in case.
“Aw, poor kid.” She squeezes the boy’s shoulder.
