A Not so Wicked Paradise

CHP 20: Thomas

I split my Runners into 3 groups and we went in different directions to cover the most area as possible. 

We had been exploring for two hours and hadn't found anything of relative importance.

But we couldn't turn back without something. Everyone was depending on us. As Runners, we had a responsibility to contribute to the Community. Finding anything that could help us survive would be great.

As I scanned the dense forest ahead, a shriek from my right alarmed me. 

I turned around to see what happened. I faced my group, but Danny was nowhere in sight. 

"Where's Danny?" I asked.

Marisa swallowed nervously and pointed to an opening  in the ground that had not been there 20 seconds ago.

"Is it a booby trap?" Carina questioned.

"Probably. We have to get him out of there." Garrett answered.

"Alright everybody, stay calm. Let me see." I walked over to the pit and looked down. 

It was pitch black, how comforting.

"DANNY!" I yelled down into the pit.

No response.

Shit. 

I turned to Garrett.

"Garrett, hand me the rope from your bag. I'm going down there." 

"You got it boss." Garrett took off his backpack and fished around inside for the rope he had packed before we left. He tossed it over to me. I tied one end around my waist and handed the other end to Carina.

"Can you tie this around the tree over there?" I asked.

"Yeah sure." She answered. As she tied the rope, Marisa turned to me with a worried look in her eyes. 

"Are you going to be okay by yourself Thomas?" She asked, concerned.

I smiled, "Of course, don't worry about me. If I'm not back up in 20 minutes Carina should run back for help while you and Garrett stay here."

Carina finished tying the rope and gave me a thumbs up. I took a headlamp out of my backpack and fastened it around my head. Then I tested my weight against the rope. Feeling confident, I backed up to the pit and began my descent into the darkness.