The dreamers (Working-title)

Chapter 2: Murray

I run.

It's all I've ever really done, no more so than now. Here I am at the front of the group, I just have to assume that what I discussed with Trish and Robin is correct as I lead this group down endless winding corridors. I know that this place used to be a television studio. I couldn't really tell you what they filmed here. I haven't watched TV in what feels like years.

These corridors are white and blank, but they're not featureless. I can see a large variety of doors, each one home to another studio like the one we just came from. There are a host of green rooms and dressing rooms as well.

We make our way down several flights of stairs and back out into the final corridor before I hear it. Them.

That sound of heavy boots, intimidation tactics. Several odd buzzing sounds. Sometimes it's hard to remember that they're people in suits and not just one big entity, hungry, looking for people like us.

I hear gunshots behind me, I turn to look as Trish takes my place at the front of the group. As our people come around the corner of the stairwell, I see the device being carried by Tark, Jess and William, I'm concerned a little that Jed and Thalia aren't carrying it themselves like they usually do until I spot them holding hands and running just behind. Jed guiding Thalia as best he can and Thalia leaning into him whenever there's another gunshot. Adam passes me in the wheelchair being pushed by Chloe but she calls out to Aisha to take over. Aisha, who's closer to the back of the group rushes forwards and takes over from Chloe. Chloe then draws her knife out and makes her way to the back of the group.

And there they are, the A-Team, Chloe with her knife, Robin with a crossbow, Jason with a smoking gun in his hand and Becca, brandishing a sword. Becca has another gun in her pocket and I know they'd happily give it to me if I asked. I could be a part of that group.

Suddenly the Texan calls my nickname, "Hey, muffin man!" I hate Tark. "Take my place!"

"Why?" I ask, still hoping to make my A-Team debut

"Well, I assume we're gonna go outside," his life is kind of on the line here so, as much as I do hate the guy, I take his place.

The device is heavy, at least I've got William and Jess to help me carry it. It's then that I realise that Tark was doing all the work. He had to, Jess is only small and William, as strong as the hooks look, can't carry much. I can only hope that Tark is done soon.

I see Tark slip his gloves on, a set of tinted goggles, an overcoat, his tatty hat, some kind of bandanna thing in front of his mouth. It's then that he notices he's not wearing shoes, he's got socks on and I figure that's probably enough but he pulls out a pair of boots from his bag and hops back and forth as he slips them on and zips them up.

"Alright, muffin man," his voice is somewhat muffled now but I know that's what he said, "let's switch again,"

After giving the device back to Tark I make my way to the back of the group again. Then I see it. Them.

They're dressed in their normal get up, black suits, black helmets, it's all clearly bulletproof. They're carrying their giant equipment over their shoulders, aiming as best they can. There's only so much They can do in the corridors, I'm glad we picked this route.

I notice that one of Them has a hole in its helmet, about the size of a bullet, well done Jason. Also this probably means that They, or at least their helmets, aren't completely bulletproof. Unless it's just that specific helmet, to give us false hope. Those are the kinds of mind games They play.

Suddenly one of Them fires. A large, shimmering ball of energy leaves the barrel. It floats quite quickly towards Jed. He has no idea that something's about to hit him because he can't hear it so I call out to Thalia, "Left!"

Thalia pulls Jed towards her and over to the left side of the corridor. The energy ball hits the wall and it fizzes away, spreading up and down simultaneously. I realise they weren't trying to hit Jed at all. "Sprint!"

I sprint and make it past the growing line, in the haze I can only make so much out. Trish has opened the door at the end of the corridor, the light filters in. Jason, Becca and Robin all turn and sprint across the line.

Chloe is just a second too late.