Dogfights

Dogfights - Sewer (Chapter 5)

A harsh clamor sounded as a manhole above was forcibly pulled aside. The disturbance echoed across the dark void below. Kane slipped through the opening and landed on his feet with a thud, grunting as he landed on pavement. Darkness met him then for the sun had never seen this place. A harsh cool breeze drafted throughout the chamber, creating a sharp whistling noise that pierced the soul.

Kane took out a small flashlight. A beam of light appeared, pushing back the darkness. The sewers were large, about the height of two men, stretching far enough forward so that the light coming from the flashlight could not find an end. Kane looked up. He spotted a low-emitting fluorescent light perched above him which only barely pierced through the unnatural dark haze. The artificial intelligence had told him to follow the lights. He had little choice but to obey.

Kane began his journey slowly. It was a different world here, in the sewers. Life was all but absent. A horrible smell emanated from all around, so potent Kane could hardly breath. It burnt into his nostrils, feeding into his head and making him feel sick and disoriented. But he kept on, resilient. This was his path now. He hoped that the A.I. had not betrayed him, had not simply fed him into a trap that he could not escape from, hopelessly stuck in this maze.

An hour had passed until Kane finally happened upon a section where the sewers split. Three paths were now before him, none looking any safer than the other. The dark made it impossible to see down. The dim lights above ran into the rightmost pathway. Kane continued to follow the trail.

Soon he came upon debris from what seemed to be the remnants of a crude city. He passed through a hollowed-out home. Discarded books lay scattered along the floor of the sewers. A lone toy sat nearby, worn from use. Life had once existed in this dead place.

Kane frowned as he approached another fork in the road. But when he looked above to follow the familiar dim lights only shadows met him.He contemplated his next move as his eyes scanned each entrance. He had taken the rightmost tunnel before. He would have to repeat the pattern.

Another hour passed. Kane knew he had finite time and one shot at his mark. The Kenneths were not known to be at one place for long. Soon Saul would be gone, and with him Kane's chance.

The nothingness continued. Slowly Kane began to notice that something was amiss. The sewers were becoming smaller, the walls closing in around him, heightening claustrophobia. The stench was even more potent than before, prompting Kane to cough and gag. He quickly recovered and then squinted into the distance.

A clattering noise followed by shuffling stopped Kane in his tracks. He turned, using his flashlight to search where the noise had originated. There was a blur of movement, to the side.

Kane shined the light upon the poor soul. The thing was completely naked. Pale skin wrapped around its thin bones. Cloudy eyes stared in terror at the intruder and its yellow teeth were bared in a deathly snarl. It scuttered off like a primeape, crouched over and breathing heavily as it ran from the light.

Frantically, Kane took out his pistol and began searching for the creature. It had disappeared into the shadows, away from sight. He spotted a metal door not ten feet in front of him, indented in the walls of the sewers, slightly ajar. Kane pondered his next move. It was obvious that this was not the path he was supposed to follow, but it was too late to go back now and he was not sure if he could retrace his steps. Kane would have to be hopeful that these tunnels led to the mudpits. He took a deep breath and then went forward, further into the darkness.

The walls continued to close in. Silence was long abandoned. The sound of feet moving and low, hushed voices was heard all around, penetrating concrete. Kane's heart was pumping fast now. Few who found themselves lost in the sewers returned.