One Deadly Night

Eight

Sweat trickled down the sides of Jon's face as he continued to probe each section in hope of finding an air pocket.

So far, nothing.

Two hours have passed, and he wondered how much longer he should do this.

Any chance of breathable air after this long was practically nil.

Glancing up to the sky, he froze.

Something weird was going on with the sky.

Sharp, bright red and orange lights streaked across the starless sky. Not at all like the aurora borealis where those lights shifted like softly blowing curtains – no, these cut across the atmosphere like bolts from an intense lightning storm as if attempting to rip the heavens into pieces.

The radio on his waist erupted to life with crackling static.

"Oh, for crying out loud, Brad – go already!" Jon mumbled as he brought it to his lips. "Luggs, you better not be at the station still –"

"This is Captain Sal Hornbrooks of the US Air Force calling Gallatin Station. Over." An unfamiliar voice interrupted.

With a raised eyebrow, he answered. "This is Gallatin, Captain, how may I help you?"

"Gallatin, we're enroute to the station, ETA 30 minutes. Over."

"I'm not at the station. Is Arnie there per chance, Captain?"

A pause before another voice sounded over the air wave. "Where the heck are you, brother?"

This brought a smirk on Jon's lips. "I've received the call for a 10-50 at the Beaumont Fall, North Wilderness."

"I suggest you wrap it up, Ranger. When we arrive, you're leaving with or without them!"

The call suddenly cut out.

"Arnie?" He pressed on the button, but nothing happened. The radio was dead.

**

Skye's breathing grew more labored as she struggled to push through the packed snow.

She'd gone about six or seven feet, but she couldn't tell if she was headed in the right direction. All she knew was that she had to get as far away from those bugs as she could.

She stopped and listened.

No hissing or clicking sounds. Just silence.

She hoped that was a good sign.

Resting her head against the snow, she closed her eyes.

She needed a break.

Her head was spinning like crazy, and there was a painful heaviness on her chest.

Opening her mouth, she tried to take a deep breath but the muscles in her chest contracted, and she went into a coughing fit.

The sharp pain brought instant tears to her eyes.

"Momma." She whimpered.

**

Jon was studying the angry-looking sky when something caused him to hold his breath.

Did he hear something from below?

He went down to his knees and pressed his cheek against the cold surface.

Nothing.

Did he imagine it?

Clearing his throat – "He-e-y! Can anyone hear me?" He yelled as loud as he could.

Again, nothing.

"He-e-ll-oo! Is there anyone down there?" He tried once more.

No sound or movement from beneath.

He turned and sat down – shaking his head.

It was no use.

They were gone.