CHAPTER 20

DRAINAGE

Central Lake – Conservatory Chamber

The crew clustered around the lake that John and Jing had found. The water feature was still flowing, just as they had seen it before. The water was smooth and clear. John was standing at the water's edge with his helmet closed.

'All my seals are good. I think we're good to try this,' John said over his comms.

'Remember John; the release was located right next to the ID plate,' Jing said back

John gave a thumbs up and walked into the water.

'Watch your step,' Jing added, 'remember the drop-off.'

'Yeah, don't worry, I've got it covered,' John replied.

Jing looked behind him as the rest of the crew took positions around the pond with their side arms out.

Jing pulled out his tablet, which was showing John's camera feed. John was making his way gingerly down the drop off that lead to the water filtration system.

'Careful now, John.'

'It's rather difficult, but there seems to be some grip. It caught me off guard last time,' he replied.

John walked toward the pillar of equipment in front of him.

'Visibility is a lot better this time around,' John said.

'Yeah, just don't fall again. The release we're looking for should be around back,' Jing said.

'Yep.'

John moved around the back of the pillar. The ID plate showing the system's origins was now visible, beneath it was the small hinged box. John reached to the side of the box and opened it up. Inside there was a valve control.

'This looks promising,' John said.

'That's what we're here for. Give it a turn,' Jing instructed.

Jing watched as John turned the valve slightly.

'Anything?' John asked.

Jing looked up and at the surface of the lake. There didn't seem to be anything happening.

'I don't see anything, try a little more?'

John turned it more, then he stopped. 'I feel current, it's exerting a force on me.'

'Can you see the source?'

John turned around, and Jing saw through the camera slits that had opened in the sloped floor around the pillar of equipment.

'Yeah, I see the source,' John said.

'I see them too,' Jing looked up, he noticed the surface of the pond was now showing signs of movement, 'It's having an effect.'

'What now?'

'I think now we just hurry up and wait.'

***

John stood at the bottom of the lake as the water drained out. He had opened the valve a little more and had grabbed hold of the equipment on the pillar to keep himself stationary. The force pulling on him from behind him was appreciable.

'How are you doing John?' Jing asked.

'Holding in there. How's the lake?'

'Draining fast,' Jing answered, 'though we've spotted a few animals milling about. I think the Guardian realized what we're doing.'

'That's a problem.'

'It could be.'

John looked at the valve, he bit his lip and opened it even more. The water was trying to pull him off his feet. He kept his grip firm.

The surface of the water was now visible, rushing down. The force against him lessened, and the surface passed over the top of his helmet and continued downward. He let go of the equipment and popped open his helmet. He looked up the slope. The rest of the crew were making their way down. John could now clearly see a path on the slopping floor that had a grip assisting texture worked into it.

'Now what?' John asked.

'We figure out how to get the door open.' Jing said, moving for the pillar.

Before he could get started with anything, the door slid open. The seam between the two halves of it separated until it showed a second door just behind it.

'Oh, two doors. Must be in case there's a breach,' Jing said, 'wouldn't want to flood the lower floors I suppose.'

John moved into the open area and saw a control panel next to the second door, he looked at it and pulled down on a switch. The second door slid open.

The crew clustered around the opening, it led into a long hallway lit by strips of light along the corners of the ceiling. Sam and Victor took the lead, and everyone else fell in behind.

John looked down the hallway and saw it branched off not too far from them. There were a few insets along the wall.

Probably for more doors. Maybe we'll find a computer access. Or Ise, he thought.

Daniel stumbled and leaned against the wall. John stopped next to him.

'You all right Danny?' He asked.

'Just a little tired is all. Thanks for checking,' Daniel answered.

John nodded and helped Daniel get steady on his feet.

John noticed Sam glancing back at them.

They came to the split in the hallway. It split to the left and to the right, leaving them with two choices. They all stopped.

'We're going to split up again,' Sam said, 'Maintain comms contact. We're looking for two things, a way out, and our lost Advocate.'

'And the Linkal pilot?' Victor suggested.

'If you find him, stop him, otherwise, he's low on the list,' Sam said, 'Victor, you're with me, we'll go right. The rest of you go left.'

'Right captain. Come on you two; we've got an advocate to find.' John said, motioning to Jing and Daniel.

They cut to the left and started down the passageway.