The Grid Runner

Chapter Five

Priya walked closely beside Zan. She had tried to console him, holding him and crying over his da, while the others collected their things. Zan couldn't help but break into tears in the moment. She was a good girl, Priya. He was glad she was with him.

He thought about how his da never liked him hanging out with her, or any of the street kids. A part of him felt guilty, going against his wishes, but he didn't know what else to do.

Dallos returned after some time with a large case slung over his back, and told them they could set the drone up on the tower.

The large group of kids made their way through Moss Town, along the adjoining tunnels and pathways and further down into the main mid-level of the city, which was collectively known as The Top. The Pipeworks were so far above them now, just a collection of conjoining platforms and pipes. It all looked so small compared to the rest of the city. A huge chasm made up the gap between the Pipeworks and The Top, with many sections falling even further down to the main City. Zan had never been to the City on the ground level, but had heard stories and seen pictures.

They passed the shattered remains of a screen the Mayor used to talk to everyone. Some of them were hung up or attached to something, while others had hovered in the air. These were the ones that would have crashed down when the power cut. So much destruction... so many deaths, Zan thought solemnly.

Large fires burned at various places, lighting more of the surrounding city along with the battery-powered street lamps. The crackling flames were the only constant sounds, replacing the humming of machinery. All around, the city was still too quiet. Some people watched them from their windows, while some camped out in the streets, gathering and talking in hushed voices. Some arguments could be heard, many heated voices, their anger coming from the fear of helplessness and uncertainty. Every face Zan saw was scared and shocked. They passed several more gatherings with Eclipse Guards giving out speeches to calm everyone, but the kids stayed clear of them. Zan's stomach twisted, reminding him of the black armoured guards. Why would the Mayor want to kill da?

Wes and Edrund began a spirited conversation about what they would do if they had free reign of the city, while it was all up and working, and if there were no laws to stop them doing what they wanted.

Smoke rose from a shattered hole in a domed glass building, joining the billowing plumes rising from the various fires they saw.

"Ventilators," Zan muttered.

"What's that?" Marcin asked, walking beside him.

"All the smoke from the fires," Zan said. "The ventilators in the city are off. There's nowhere for the smoke to go, or to recycle the air. Why don't people realise that? We'll suffocate ourselves before our air runs out."

"Scared people are stupid people," Marcin said, shrugging. "I guess the Mayor doesn't want to come out himself to talk to everyone, and he can't talk to them on his screens anymore. People need someone to lead them and tell them what to do."

They walked in silence for a while, until Zan realised that Marcin was looking at him. He had a severe, troubled look, but then his face brightened into a huge smile.

"Remember when we broke into Ando Kenna's house while his family was away," Marcin said. "And we stuck anti-grav nodes on all their cups and books and everything we could find?"

Zan chuckled. "We watched them sitting there and wondering why things were randomly going up and down. And, you laughed so hard that you dropped the controller, and everything stayed floating."

They burst into laughter, keeling over. As he stifled his giggles, Marcin said, "What happened with us?"

Zan shrugged, kicking a rock absently. "I dunno. I think we just went in different directions. Stopped seeing each other so much."