Wraith

Tycoon Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Gordam was a lot like Megalopolis, Wraith realized as she passed swiftly through its outskirts following the path of the rail. There tended to be bigger gaps between the buildings and the average height of the buildings was greater, but she could traverse the rooftops with the same ease and speed she used in Megalopolis. She even spotted a couple of Users on patrol. Mindful of the need for stealth, Wraith gave those a wide berth and concentrated on moving silently. Soon she had reached the rail station and she crouched briefly in the shadow of a civic water feature to check for observers. It was a bright night with a nearly full moon and that made the shadow nice and dark for her.

I can't see or hear anyone nearby, Wraith decided at last. It should be fine to meet the Captain and the others here. She glanced briefly up at the abstract twisting monstrosity that shielded her. If nothing else this thing should be able to provide cover; but I suppose I had better start scouting out a better spot to regroup and organize our assault. She remembered the Users that she had seen on patrol and frowned slightly. If the Tycoon is actually here and as much of a threat as he seems to be, of course.

Wraith reluctantly left the fountain's shelter and started searching for a safe place to strategize. She started off looking within the station itself, but ended up rejecting the three rooms she could get into as too open, exposed and obvious. Most Users don't have my speed. If someone does think to look for us, then they'll know that the only way we can get from Megalopolis to Gordam in a sensible amount of time is by the rail. This station is the first place they'll look.

A thought struck her and Wraith went back to the station entrance and began to study the street itself. What about the sewers? I only know that they are big enough to walk in because that's where Tuttle patrols. Chances are, it won't be an obvious place for anyone to look for us. At least, I hope not. She spotted a manhole cover at last and moved to check it out.

This looks big enough that Donner should just about be able to squeeze himself through, she decided. I don't know where the actual sewer entrance is in Gordam, so it will have to do. Kneeling, Wraith checked once more for observers, got her fingertips into the sides of the cover, and heaved. After a moment, the cover popped free and she barely caught it before it fell to the street.

With its release the unforgettable miasma of the sewer began to seep out into the street and Wraith made a face. I wish my mask kept more of the stink out. Steeling herself, she cautiously lowered herself into the blackness and found the ladder with her feet. I don't have a light, so I can't explore, but I know Tuttle always keeps a torch on him. It wouldn't surprise me if the Captain did too. I just need to check that I can close us in again so that there is no sign of our presence. Wraith grabbed the manhole lid with one hand and carefully fitted it into place above her.

For a moment, the blackness was so absolute that it almost had a cloying physical presence. Then Wraith's eyes adjusted and, looking up, she could see a couple tiny pinpricks of lighter darkness at the edges of where she knew the cover was. Reaching up to the lighter areas she discovered that where she had grasped the manhole cover there were now small indentations from her fingers and it was these that she had seen.

Wow. I've never crushed steel before. I knew I was strong, but I didn't realize how strong. Wraith considered the manhole cover for a moment longer. Maybe when we've sorted out what is going on, I can send Sergeant Harris to buy it from the city for his trophy wall. I think he'd like that. She smiled briefly at the thought, then turned serious again.

All right. I got to Gordam before the others, I don't think I was spotted, and I found a place to hide. The Captain also wanted me to try to locate either Flare or Donner's Messenger friend. She frowned. That's going to be a little tricky when I don't know what either of them look or sound like.