![](http://steemit.bitcalm.mm.st/posts/stories/black/banner-widescreen.png)

---

**Previous Parts:** [1](https://steemit.com/story/@bitcalm/black-part-1)

---

Chase shouldered his way through the morning crowd. Beads of sweat ran down the side of his head, the cavern humidity worse than usual because of the number of people crammed into such a small space. It was a typical Wednesday evening: everyone was waiting to hear the news of the latest runs. Supplies were the best they'd ever been and whilst some indulged in the moment, most knew it wouldn't last; complacency could be deadly.

"Well if it ain't the aw'mighty Chase, late as usual! Them machines of yers tellin' you watta do now?", mocked Rex, letting out a bellowing laugh that suited his short, plump stature; those around him laughed along. Rex was one of the few that would rather enjoy the good fortune than think of the future. He used half his rations brewing ale, which made him rather popular among the grunts.

Chase ignored him. Grunts like Rex looked down on anyone who wasn't a grunt. He continued easing his way through the crowds, looking out for the other jumpers. Those who saw him coming squeezed aside, out of respect, to let him pass. As a jumper, Chase was part of the elite, those sent on the most dangerous missions. At 1.9 meters tall and ninety-five kilograms of ripped muscle, stepping out of the way was also also the safer option.

"Ally, when did you get out of the infirmary?", Chase said, as he wrapped his arms around her in a friendly embrace. She let out a painful gasp as pain shot from her side up through her left arm. "Sorry", said Chase, releasing his grip, "Not quite one-hundred-percent yet?"

Ally put her right hand on her side and rubbed it gently. "Being stuck in the infirmary for three weeks may have made me worse," she said, smiling. "I'll be ready to jump again in a couple of weeks."

Chase laughed. "Is Ade ready for you to jump again? I've never seen him so angry."

At that moment Ade entered the cavern and walked onto a small raised platform made haphazardly from old wooden shipping crates, placing some papers on a equally makeshift lectern. Almost simultaneously, the noisy echo of conversation in the cavern reduced to a gentle hum as everyone's attention convened at the same location.

"Yeah, he didn't speak to me for a week. I went to far, I know.", Ally whispered, with a hint of regret in her voice. "I think he's only keeping me on because of what I found, otherwise I'd be brewing ale with your friend, Rex". She winked.

Chase huffed disapprovingly. "I'm just glad you're ok".

<center>* * * * *</center>

At sixty-one, Ade looked incredibly young for his age, in spite of a full head of grey hair and matching chevron moustache. Dressed in a clean pair of light blue denim jeans, black combat boots and an army-green t-shirt, his athletic physique only added to the illusion. When he spoke, his silvery voice commanded the respect of everyone listening.

"Every Wednesday I stand here before you and tell you about the recent supply runs. For the past seven weeks each supply run has brought back at least twice it's quota; however, we all know this won't last.", he paused intentionally, taking a piece of paper from the lectern; suspension filled the already packed cavern. "And last week was no different!", he roared, holding the paper high in the air. Everyone in the room cheered with joy.

"There's more," he added, as the room quiesced as quickly as it had erupted. "Three weeks ago Ally was sent on a solo mission to The Valley." Again he paused for effect; everyone gasped. The Valley was well known. It was the first city they'd built, was now their third largest and home to their military intelligence base. Everyone immediately knew it was a miracle she was still alive.

"Now that Ally is out of the infirmary and with us today, it's time to share with you what she came back with." Another pause. Excitement was building on the faces of everyone watching, as if they knew what to expect but didn't want to believe it out of fear that it might not be true.

"We have the location of where the coders are being held. Our next mission is to rescue them!"

---

<center><strong>This is my first ever attempt at writing fiction. I'd really appreciate some feedback so I can improve.</strong></center>