Chapter Twenty-One
Wobbles Below
“Adara, glad indeed to see ye here, uninjured,” Dreng said. His clothes were ruffled and there was evidence from the dust and torn cloth on the knees of his trousers, that he had fallen more than once.
“You have been through much?”
“Nay more than the rest. A few scuffles broke out amongst the crowd. We had to cuff a few noggins to gain order. Yer Santy sent me in to hae my dressing changed.”
“How is the wound?”
“Better for the healing spray the doc put on it.” He looked at my bro, who was staring at the medi station where a nursey sat tip-tapping upon a comp. “The laddie looks as if he is about to burst.”
Indeed, Deogol’s eyes were bulging somewhat from the effort at peeking at said device. He bit his lip and walked towards the nursey. “Oy, Bro, stay where I can see you.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said and went to the medi station.
The nursey continued to tap away. My bro stood over her, twitching, no doubt keener than keen to log in and do whatever it is he does on there. She tapped some more then the screen went blank. The nursey growled, poked the keypad several times, when nowt happened, she hit the side of the thing so hard that I thought it would fall off the table it was on. She sat back and folded her arms.
“Huffn’ hell. Typical. The thing expires just when I needed it most.”
Deogol leant over her shoulder. “I can fix it.”
“For real?”
“Yep.”
“Then do,” she said and stood.
He sat in her place, shoulder twitched, then hit a few keys. The comp started up again.
“You are a wonder. How did you do this?”
“Just know how the thing works. Can I assist in any way in exchange for some time on the comp?”
“Yeah, sure. I need to access a couple of info files, then it is yours.”
She narrated medi stuff I did not understand whilst Deogol tapped. When she had gleaned the info she wanted, she left him to peruse said device on his own.
“He seems content now,” Dreng said.
I nodded then turned my attention to what was occurring outside. Safe in the knowledge that my bro would be going nowhere now that he had his paws on a comp, I walked to the great window by the exit door and looked out. Dreng joined me. After a sec, we both sighed.
The square was all but empty except for the S.A.N.T.S. that stood in each corner. Two were in the centre by the fountain that was shaped like a bluebell. Santy Breanna and Orva stood at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Auditorium.
It was a strange sight to see the plaza so deserted. Most days folk bodded about, sat by the fountain, chatted and the like. Or went to the food provision store, Museum, infoforum, or to work in the seed counting place, school, and municipal buildings. Still don’t know what they do there, but folk have to occupy themselves I suppose. Now they were crammed into this room fearing for their lives.
“Dreng, did you hear many heavy footsteps a few secs ago?”
“I thought I did and believed the Agro army were all but upon us.”
“Strange that all is now quiet. Do you think they have retreated?”
“Does nay sound like something an Agro would do.”
Every part of me wanted to go outside and talk to Santy but knew that if I did, not only would she be furious, but I could end up caught in a fracas. I thought best not to so I bit my fingernails instead.
My hands began to shake. At first I thought I was suffering from delayed shock, but when my feet began to shudder, I knew that something was most severely amiss. I glanced around.
The whole place trembled.
Folk wobbled and grabbed onto each other. Tables bounced or tipped over, and lights crashed to the floor. Dreng touched my arm. We looked outside. The S.A.N.T.S. headed towards the fountain. They too were more than unsteady on their feet.
I fell backwards when a great rumble caused the floor to quake. Dreng helped me up then went to the aid of the medi staff, who were gathering the injured to move them to a safer spot up on the stage area. In case any of the decorative columns were to fall. I went to Deogol. He continued to tap on the comp, seemingly unaware of the rumpus around him.
“Bro?”
“What?”
“What gives?”
“Shhh, go away. I am busy.”
I would have given him a slap of being so insolent, but the shuddering that had us all a-quiver, stopped. For a sec, there was silence, then folk began to blabber and fuss. Those not too badly injured noticed that the docs and nursies were securing the sickliest on the stage. A sure indication that something bad was to occur. They began to head for the platform, but there was not the room. Scuffles broke out.
I took it upon myself, being the only one there who was recognisable, to go to the top of the steps and give out some sensible advice. Stuff not that dissimilar from what Santy Breanna said at Puritytowers. I waved my arms about to get their attention, when that didn’t work I gave forth a most excellent yell that caused everyone to cease their whining and look to where I stood.
“It’s Adara. Catcher of Birds. The girlie from the parade,” someone shouted.
“The caller? So it is.”
“Look, she really does have six fingers on each hand.”
Not again. You’d think with all that was going on, they would have other more important things to talk about. I waved my arms about again, and this time, they listened.
“Folk, please, if you will try to keep as calm as can.”
“What is happening?”
“Not sure.”
“Is it Agro?”
“Again, not sure.”
“Maybe it’s a quake?”
“Nah, not likely.”
“Then what?”
“Like I said, not sure.”
“Hey, Adara?” Drysi’s sissy voice.
“Yep.”
“What do you want?”
“Erm, for folk to, you know, not all try and fit on the stage. It’s somewhat too small to contain the vast numbers that are here. Just before in Puritytowers, a similar incident occurred and did not turn out too well, so if you would…”
“Who put you in charge?”
“Well, no one.”
“So why should we do as you wish?”
“Erm, because…I think that…”
“I’m not taking orders from you.”
Drysi folded her arms and stuck out her chin like a bub that wants more but cannot have any. I was at a loss as to what to do next as folk began to argue and push each other, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Mayor Eldwyn. He whispered into my ear, “Just got here. Things are not well without. Below our feet are rumblings I am concerned with. Let me handle these confused folk.”
He walked top the top step and coughed most loudly. All turned to him. “Good Cityfolk, it matters not the least if Adara is in charge, what she says is goodly advice. I would recommend that you all stay in the centre of the room where there are fewer objects to crash down. The stage area should be left to those who are injured and need medicare.” His words soothed the crowd. Mine, it would seem, only agitated. He turned to me. “Admirable of you to want to help, but best leave it to ‘dults. More authority if it comes from those who have it.”
A gentle reprimand that I heeded. My newfound VIP status had quite gone to my head. I smiled thinly.
Dreng came over, slapped my back and gave me a thumbs up sign. I went back down the steps low of head and stood behind Deogol. I peered over his shoulder and tried to make out what he was up to on the comp. As soon as he became aware of my presence he snapped the down the lid. “Should you be using the comp that belongs to the meds?”
“They said I could.”
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing as embarrassing as you.”
“Oh, right, guffaw, guffaw, little bro. So tell.”
“There is a blabber amongst us.”
“Who are ‘us’?
”
“There is one who knows things of use and has told them to the Agros.”
“How do you know?”
“I accessed the Agro site. There is info about the S.A.N.T.S. Also, some underground tunnel system. Does Cityplace have such a thing?”
Huff and then some. “Erm. Well.”
“Thought so.” He smirked. I wiped my somewhat sweaty face.
“Deogol, this is serious stuff. Find out more.”
“That’s what I was attempting to do before you halted my progress.”
“Who would have this info and leak it?”
“Only folk I can think of would be those in Authority and perhaps a S.A.N.T.”
My mind flip-flopped like a dead leaf in the wind. The one last safe haven gone. Worse, Agros could be under our very feet. I ran from my bro and hurtled towards the exit. Dreng stopped me by flinging out his arm, catching me in mid - flight. I wriggled from his grip. “I must go to Santy and give her some important info.”
“Nay it is safer in here.”
“No, it is not, that is what I must tell her.”
My job is to keep ye safe and unmolested.”
“Under the circumstances, I believe your job is invalid.”
“Until given instructions otherwise, I will continue to carry out my duties.”
He stood in front of me and every time I stepped to the side to escape, he blocked my way. His loyalty to his assignment was admirable, however, the impending threat of Agros swarming up from the caves below like giant malicious ants, negated his heroics in the extreme. “Listen Dreng, if I give forth some secret info, will you let me pass?”
“That would depend on the info, lassie.”
“Well duh.”
“Tell and I will decide.”
“Deogol has discovered that Agros have…” I stopped in mid-sentence. A thought occurred to me that if there was a blabber, it could be anyone with access to Authority info. Even Dreng. “They have a new way of getting into Cityplace without our knowledge.”
“What? How?”
“Erm, not really sure.”
“That is the top secret stuff ye need to tell yer Santy?”
“Pretty much.” Now, if he were the widemouth, then he would let me go for sure. I waited for him to answer. He screwed up his eyes, wiped his chin and shook his head.
“Nay, not good enough. That info is redundant. My guess would be that those outside would work out Agro infiltration from another source if they do nay attack in the expected way.”
“Please let me go.”
“Nay,” he said and stood before me like a tree. “Okay Dreng, what if I were to tell you a real secret?”
He bent close. I kneed him in the nads then legged it to the exit. I flung open the door and raced to where Santy was chatting with the other S.A.N.T.S. “Santy, Santy!” She turned ‘bruptly. I rested my hands on her shoulders.
“Easy Adara, what gives?”
“Deogol,” I said, panting heavily.
“Is he gone?”
“No, he has discovered that Agros know about the tunnels.”
Pulling away, she put her hands on her cheeks. “That would explain the rumblings below.”
“What are we to do?”
She motioned for the City S.A.N.T.S. to gather around her. I walked over, but she waved me away. I stood apart from them, so could not hear what they discussed.
There came a kaboom from the direction of the Auditorium. The S.A.N.T.S. turned as one bod and ran for the place. Santy took my arm and we too legged it. Orva was the first to arrive at the top of the steps. She threw open the door. We followed her in.
What a sight!
Folk lay on the floor bruised and cut. Tables and chairs were upturned, there were cracks in the walls, ceiling and vast columns. Smoke billowed up from fissures in the floor and the back of the stage area. Docs and nursies carried the injured to ground level.
I strained to see Deogol. Santy rushed past me. She threw furniture this way and that searching for my bro. I went amongst the crowd, who were screaming and crying. Eventually, I found Dreng slumped against a column. He had a cut on his forehead. Blood slid from it and his nose. I knelt next to him. “Dreng?” His eyes flickered open and he put his hands over his nethers. I smiled, he did too.
“Glad ye are not hurt.”
“Wish I could say the same. Can you move?”
He nodded and I helped him up. It was not easy having one of his size lean so heavily upon my arm. I tottered a bit and almost fell when he pushed his full weight on my shoulder in order to stand. He wiped the blood from his face. I handed him a wipe from my pocket. He cleaned his big mitts, looked around for a sec then threw the soiled cloth onto the floor. All my instincts as a Citydweller, urged me to pick it up and dispose of it in a correct location. Nope. Things were changing. I was too. I left it there and felt oddly good.
“Is it Agro?”
“Yep, think so.”
“Do ye know where they have come from?”
I felt ashamed that I thought he could be the blabber and told all that I knew. Dreng took a step back. “Some secret. Not surprised ye were loath to give it out. I must go and help.” Without looking at me, he strode into the mass of bods that scrambled and stumbled around the room.
I lengthened my neck and saw Santy hugging a wriggling Deogol. I pushed through folk until I came to them. Santy let go of my bro with one arm and used it to pull me close. She squeezed us both until we squeaked, then let go. “No one is safe here. It sounds as if the Agros are blowing up the tunnels after they have come through them.”
“Why would they do that?”
“So that we cannot escape.”
“Santy, I am a-feared,” Deogol said and clung onto the medicomp.
“We must leave. Now.”
“To where?”
“Goldenagehomes?”
“Erm, what?”
“It is far away from the hub of things and has its own medicare centre. The last place the Agros will think to look.”
“Don’t think the oldies are going to be too keen.”
“Don’t ‘spose they will.”
I looked at the folk all fearful and brutalised. They lived soft lives. This turmoil was for sure, unsettling. My gut twinged. I moaned. Then I felt a tab being pushed into my palm. “It will quell the cramps,” Santy said. I swallowed it down and waited for it to soothe my pulsating innards.
“There are over a five hundred bods here and who knows how many more will come from the other side of town. Goldenagehomes is of a largeness to be sure, but all these folk will cram it to capacity.”
“It will be cramped, but for a short while only.”
“Hope so.”
Orva waved to us from the top of the stage. Santy went to her and they became engrossed in some sort of deep in conversation. After a few more secs of furrowed-brow chat, Santy came down. “We need the mayor to gather folk together.”
“He could be anywhere.”
“Give one of your piercing shouts to call him forth.”
Standing on tiptoe, I opened my gob and coughed. Too much muck floated around the room for me to get a clean lungful of air. Santy handed me an oxycan. I sucked from it. This time, I was able to shriek the attention of one and all. The folk ceased their bewailing and turned in our direction.
When all was quiet Santy said, “I do not need to tell you that this place is no longer safe. We must go to Goldenagehomes. Take whatever you can. Make your way there as soon as. Is Mayor Eldwyn here?”
“I am,” he said and pushed his way through the crowd.
“Mayor, goodly indeed to see you are unscathed.” He was too. Not a speck of dust or slight scratch about his bod. I thought it oddly, but well, he was the mayor and this was not the time to dwell on such matters. Although, he did give me a look quite dark before straining his neck to search for something, or someone.
“Do you require my assistance?”
“Yes. Do you have transport avail
able to take those that cannot walk?”
“Indeed, yes, of course. I have my own large Limo. I will drive them myself.”
“A noble gesture to be sure.”
Also, redundant. He would have been more use here. His quickness to leave this place was suspish.
“The least I can do, given the circumstances.” He addressed the panic-stricken folk. “Please wait for the sick to be organised for transportation. Then go to the safety of the Oldie sanctuary. I shall go next with those that need the least care. The Firstaiders and docs to take the more sickly in any vehicle they have. I take it a S.A.N.T. or two will accompany those on foot?’
“To be sure. I myself will do the honours with the aid of one more,” Orva said. Dreng nodded and stood beside her.
I wondered why Santy did not volunteer. I gave her a quizzical look. She leant close to my ear. “I must stay and keep back the Agros. You take care of Deogol.”
“Why must you stay?”
“I know their tactics better than anyone here. Go to your bro, comfort him.” I squeezed her hand and went to Deogol. He tried to go to her, but she was already at the top of the stage with the other S.A.N.T.S.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Irked Oldies
There was a tap on my shoulder. I turned my head. Orva and Dreng stood beside me.
“Glad that you are to accompany us.”
“Still hae nay been instructed to do otherwise, lassie.”
I laughed. Deogol frowned. “You do realise that your so-called assignment is now void, under the circumstances.”
“Ay, laddie, your sis said as much too. It wi just my jest,” Dreng said and ruffled his hair.
My bro gave him a stormy look and backed away. “I do not enjoy contact with others apart from my immediate family.”
“Sorry, my mistake. Will nay do it again.”
Coughing to get rid of the awkwardness, I pointed at the docs and nursies as they ushered out the very sick. “I guess we should be getting to Goldenagehome, now that the poorly are out.”
“Indeed,” Orva said. “Let us go.”
We walked towards the front door. All came too. I became uneasy at being followed so close-like by so many, and feared that they would panic and rush for the door like they did in Puritytowers. Thankfully they did not and we went outside into the darkness that seemed so strange. Once in the open folk began to murmur and jostle. Some activated lightsicks, others simply complained about the injustice of it all. Drysi’s whiney voice floated through the rest. “Can’t I go home. I want to get some clean clothes to wear?”
Whisper Gatherers Page 14
