Ascent: (Book 1) The Ladder (12 page)

            He moves his palm away to see his skeleton. It looks as it did before. Joe motions to see his musculature. The fibrous tissue has a few dark spots on it. They look like bruises. He then looks at his vascular system and notices very few of the green lights that were there before. He looks back at Scraggle for an answer but thinks better of it.

           
I wonder what happened to them
.

Chapter Seventeen

            Except for Scraggle, Lauren is the first to wake up. She opens her eyes to the bright tube lights of the room. Sleeping on a stone floor would normally be uncomfortable but after years in the Bunks, it’s just another night. Fortunately the Remedy makes it a sleep-filled one. She sits up then leans back on her hands, knocking something aside. She looks behind her to see a wrapped item on the floor. There is one next to everyone.

            “Eat that,” Scraggle tells her. “It will provide all of your nutritional needs.”

            Lauren picks it up and opens it. The rectangular bar looks to be a mash of different things, most of which Lauren has never seen before. She smells it first. The smell is sweet and most definitely like nothing they’ve eaten before. Eyes widen after the first bite out of the bar. Most of the food they’re given in the Eatery of the Mines has a soggy texture to it. Rarely tasteless but certainly not what any of them would call good. But this has several flavors and all of them good. The chewy bar sticks her teeth together.

            “What is this?” Lauren asks with a mouth full.

            “We just call them nutrition bars. They were helpful for people who received no break during the day. They can be eaten while on the way to anywhere.” Scraggle explains while twisting out a kink in his back. “I will have to reacquaint myself to sleeping in comfort again. Too many years on a dirt floor.”

            “Where can I get one of those?” Lance sits up and looks around the floor to find the nutrition bar next to him. He opens the wrapper and doesn’t bother smelling it before taking a bite. He smiles at the different flavors.

            “Hey, thanks for helping me down there. All of you.” Lauren says to Chris, Katya and Lance.

            “Don’t mention it.” Katya sits up and grabs her nutrition bar. “There’s already too many boys, here. Can’t risk losing one of our own.”

            The four of them laugh at the comment.

            “He got us out.” Katya turns to Joe who lays by the black wall.

            “Yeah. Then he stuck me with a needle. I’ll have to get him back for that,” Lauren teases.

            Dina, Marvin and Gary wake up and eat their nutrition bars. Marvin and Gary giggle at how good it tastes.

Scraggle walks to the back wall where Joe lays. He puts his hand on the wall and his image appears. Moving his thumb reveals his skeleton. He grimaces at the slight spinal curvature. The old man exhales, annoyed. Years sleeping on a dirt floor have not been kind.

These children will likely have the straightest spines in the world after developing on such rigid surfaces
, he thinks. He looks down at Joe.

            Lauren walks up to Scraggle and whispers. “Can he sleep a little longer?”

            “We must be moving.” The old man walks away from the wall and opens another panel on the white wall with the couch. It is filled with nutrition bars. He grabs a hand full then tosses a few to Lauren.

             She catches two of the bars while the others fall to the floor. “But we’re out. We have time now. It’s ok to let him rest a little longer.”

            “Take as many of these as you can carry.” Scraggle ignores her as he rushes to stock up on other supplies. “The Steps await.”

            “I always thought the Ladder was the way to the Surface.” Dina speaks with her mouth full.

            “What is this place? When do we get to the Surface?” Katya opens another nutrition bar.

            “There isn’t time to explain,” Scraggle says as he stuffs a pack with Remedy, antiseptic and more nutrition bars.

            “We’re not leaving till Joe’s awake so you might as well tell us,” Lauren says matter-of-factly.

            “Yes, Marion.” The image of the same well dressed man from before appears on the black wall. Dorian sneers. “Tell them everything.”

            “Dorian. I’ll be seeing you face to face very soon,” Scraggle says.

            “I do hope that all of your new friends make the trip with you. Climbing so high can have so many unfortunate consequences.”

            Chris, Lauren, Katya, Dina and Lance all stand alongside Scraggle to get a better view of Dorian. Marvin and Gary stay seated on the floor.

            “What does that mean?” Lance asks.

            Chris looks at Lauren. “Who is this guy?”

            “I’m a little envious actually,” Dorian continues. “So many new wonders to behold. Even for you, Marion. The Column holds such secrets and new additions.”

            “What have you done with my design?” Scraggle demands.

            “You remember the Overseer.” Dorian smiles.

            “That simpleton is the reason I am down here.”

            “I seem to recall your situation being far more complicated than that. He took your fine design and made it flawless. You children are in for such treats.”

            “What have you done, Dorian?”

            “I demand perfection, you know this. And really, Marion? Algorithm Modifiers? Such basic technology. And speaking of…Good morning, Dreamer.” Dorian mocks Joe who slowly joins the group. Dorian looks down and activates a panel on the wall. A large cabinet door opens. Inside are flat, clear pouches full of a clear liquid.

The kids walk to the cabinet. They can feel cold air inside it.

            “What is this?” Lance asks.

            “Do take as many as you can. Remember, children. On the surface it’s important that you stay hydrated.” Dorian disappears as the image returns to the black wall.

            “Take as much as you can carry.” Scraggle tells the kids as he puts pouches in the pack. “I do not know what awaits us.”

            The kids follow his lead and pocket what they can.

            Dina opens one of the pouches and takes a sip. “It’s just water.”

            “It has special minerals that will help replenish you when you need it,” Scraggle explains. “And knowing Dorian, you will most likely need it.”

            “Any more of those packs?” Lauren asks Scraggle.

            “These will work.” Katya pulls a cushion out from its cover.

            Lance walks to the couch and follows her lead. They grab more water pouches and drop them into the makeshift bags.

Dina stares at Scraggle then looks at the others. “Where do we get clothes like that?” Everyone notices Scraggle’s clothes for the first time.

            “That’s not what you wore in the Mines,” Joe says.

            Scraggle takes a moment before relenting with an exhausted sigh. He walks to the other side of the sofa and opens a panel on the wall. Another door opens, revealing a closet with uniforms of different sizes hanging on a rod.

            “I’m afraid there will be nothing in there for the little ones.” Scraggle points to Marvin and Gary.

 Lauren walks to the closet and finds the two smallest uniforms.

            “Got any cutters?” she asks Scraggle while the others change out of their old clothes and into the new ones.

            Scraggle pulls open a drawer inside the closet and hands Lauren a pair of cloth shears. She takes the shears and the uniforms to Gary and Marvin and begins to make rudimentary measurements before cutting the pant legs and sleeves to make them a better fit for the boys. The clothes are a gray color with black lines traveling down the waist and the sleeves. On their front is a symbol. A small [ I ] with a black triangle above it.

            “What is that for?” Katya points to the symbol on Lance’ uniform.

            Lance looks down then sees the same symbol on Katya’s uniform. He shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders.

            Joe grabs a uniform and brings it to Lauren who is just finishing up cutting the clothes for Marvin and Gary.

“Put these on, you two,” she tells the youngsters.

“Here, this one will probably fit you.” Joe hands her another uniform.

            “Why, however did you guess my size?” She jabs him in the shoulder. “That’s for sticking a needle in my arm.”

            Joe rubs his shoulder but he grins.

            “What’s so special about these?” Chris looks over to Scraggle.

            “They’re waterproof,” Scraggle answers.

            “That’s it?” Lance replies.

            “They’re also insulated from low levels of electricity,” Scraggle continues.

            “We could have used that earlier,” Joe tells Scraggle.

            “What do you mean?”

            “We found the missing Warden. It’s The Guard.”

            The old man laughs at the realization. “Of course. It never occurred to me. Not once. But that makes perfect sense. It didn’t go missing. It was directed to stay down there to continue watching over the prison—pardon me. Watching over the kids.” Scraggle shakes his head. “I should have deduced such a thing.”

            “It doesn’t matter. We’re done with the Guard and we’re done with the Mines. What’s next?” Katya asks.

            “We get out of here,” Joe says.

            Lauren finishes putting on her uniform. “Which way?”

            Scraggle points to a door on the wall. Joe approaches it and puts his hand on the black surface beside it. It looks exactly like the cell locks in the Ban. A white light blinks then changes to a steady red. He tries again only to achieve the same result.

            Joe turns to Scraggle. “Why isn’t this working?”

            “What do you mean?” Scraggle asks. “The nano machines will allow you to override locks. That is their entire purpose.”

            Joe tries again and still the door does not open. “Well, they’re not overriding anything.”

            “Are we trapped?” Marvin asks.

            Lauren looks back at Scraggle. “I’m not going back in the Mines.”

Chapter Eighteen

            Joe puts his hand on the black panel. He tries pushing into it but still nothing happens. “No one’s going back in the Mines. And we’re not trapped. What’s going on?” Joe looks at Scraggle.

            “What did the Warden…the Guard do?” Scraggle asks though he already knows the answer.

            “He electrocuted Joe,” Lauren tells Scraggle.

            Scraggle places a hand over his eyes. “Not good. This is not good.” He walks to the black wall and motions for Joe to join him. “I need to see your vascular system.”

            Joe places three fingers on the wall and the image of his red veins appears.

            “So few still active,” Scraggle mutters. The green lights are far fewer than they were. Scraggle reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black box. “Try not to move. This might hurt a little.” He places the box on Joe’s neck and sends a shock into him.

            Joe jumps back and the image on the screen disappears. “What is that?”

            “I told you not to move.” Scraggle grabs Joe’s hand and places it back on the wall. “Three fingers, please.”

            Joe reluctantly does as asked and the image reappears this time with no green lights. “Where did they go?”

            Scraggle grabs Joe’s wrist, preventing him from moving. He shocks him again. Joe side steps. It’s as far as he can go while Scraggle has a hold of him. They both look back at the image and the green lights are back. Still there are far fewer than before.

“Once more, I think.” Scraggle shocks Joe one more time and more green lights appear. “Still not enough.” Scraggle tries to shock Joe again but nothing happens. “I told them to put more power into these devices. We must hope that will be enough.” He motions for the door again.

            Joe walks to it, rubbing his neck and not taking his eyes off the sneaky old timer. He places his hand back on the flat, black lock. The white light blinks before turning to a solid green. A thud sound is heard and the door stirs. Joe takes his hand off and another thud sounds off. Joe looks at everyone, confused.

“Leave your hand on the lock,” Scraggle tells him.

Joe touches the lock again and the same thud goes off, followed by the door slowly rising. It stops suddenly. The stop is accompanied by a loud clicking sound. The opening is barely enough for anyone to squeeze under.

            Scraggle rushes to the door. “It will be tight but it will do.” He lays on the ground.

            “Wait,“ Lauren says, stopping Scraggle. “You two go first.” She points to Marvin and Gary. “We’ll be right behind you.”

             The young boys run to the door.

“You’re coming too, right, Joe?” Marvin looks up at Joe.

The Dreamer smiles and nods. Marvin and Gary pass easily under the door. Dina and Katya slide under next. Lance shoves the makeshift packs behind them before dropping down and squeezing through the opening followed by Chris. Scraggle shoves his own pack to the other side. He lays down and tries to get through. It’s a very tight fit for him.

            Lauren tries to push the old man while Lance pulls him from the other side. They finally manage to get him through the small opening.

            “See you on the other side,” Lauren tells Joe before she drops down to slide under the door to join the others.

            “Come on, Joe!” Marvin yells.

            Joe releases his hand and lays down but the door immediately starts to close. He tries to squeeze under but it’s already too late. He moves back as quick as he can to avoid being crushed. Confused, he rests his eyes on the door lock before placing his hand back on the black surface. The door rises again. It stops in the same place as before. The same loud clicking noise emanates from it. Lauren lays on the ground and reaches under the door.

            “Try again. We’ll pull you through.” She waves her hand.

            “The door will not stay open without someone to hold it open.” Scraggle calls out from the other side.

            “We’re not leaving him!” Lauren barks.

            “Of course not. I still need him,” Scraggle says. “We will find another way. I promise.”

            “Joe, come on.” Lauren tries to convince him. He quickly drops to the floor and tries again but it’s no use.

            “Joe!” Marvin’s yell is cut off by the door sealing.

            Joe steps back and looks around the room. “Now I want a shovel,” he says to himself.

A hissing sound grabs his attention. He spins around to see an odd human image on the wall. The image is warped and wavy. Random colored squares pop up all over it. It’s clear that someone is there but it’s impossible to see what the person looks like.

            “I can give you something so much more than a shovel, Dreamer.” The voice from the image is also distorted, but the words are just understandable.

            “Who are you?” Joe asks.

            “We’ve all been watching you. Those of us above. I didn’t think Marion could succeed in the DREAM machines. But here you are. Though you remain incomplete.”

            “What does that mean?”

            “You are of great interest and so it will be a fantastic experiment to see how you develop.”

            “Develop?”

            “You should know that you have a few fans up here. However there are those that are afraid of you. Afraid of what you can do.”

            “I just open doors. Why would anyone be afraid of that?”

            Laughter comes from the image. “You will learn. You must rejoin your friends.”

            “I can’t get the door to open all the way.”

            “Remove your uniform jacket and place a full hand anywhere on the black wall.”

            Joe looks suspiciously at the image.

            “You can trust me,” the distorted voice tells him.

             Joe removes the jacket and drops it to the floor. He puts his hand on the wall and two silver spheres appear at the top and bottom of the wall to his left. A blue electrical bolt arcs from the top sphere to the bottom one. The two spheres roll towards Joe.

            “Do not move,” the mystery person on the wall tells him.

            The spheres get closer to Joe. He can feel the static in the air. “What are you doing?”

            “Call it a jump start,” the voice says.

            Joe is hit with the electrical arc. The bolt causes him to stiffen and shake before the spheres disappear back into the wall. Once they vanish, his body stops shaking.

            “There. Now let’s take another look at your vascular system.”

            Joe moves slowly to the other side of the black wall. “I’m tired of getting electrocuted.” He puts three fingers on the wall and his vascular image appears, showing more green lights traveling throughout his veins.

            “Now you are ready to learn the rest,” are the last words spoken as Joe watches the distorted image disappear, returning the wall to black.

            Joe moves back to the door and puts his hand on the lock. It blinks white then changes to the steady green. The thud sounds off as the door opens. It makes its way up halfway before stopping, bringing about the loud clicking sound.

             Joe looks back at the black wall where the image just was before releasing his hand and letting the door slowly close. He ducks down as he walks under the door and into a hallway. The door falls to the floor behind him with a thud.