Chapter 16

They stopped in their tracks when another patrol appeared from the street, blocking their exit. It turned and spotted them, drawing its weapon.

“Get on your knees, and put your hands on your head!” it instructed.

Jazun swallowed. The android came closer to them, keeping its weapon aimed at Jazun. A red pinpoint of light danced on his chest. Jazun raised his hands slowly in defeat. Lena stood next to him, but spotted movement above the advancing android.

From the shadowy heights above them, a robed figure dropped stealthily, landing directly behind their captor. It wielded the cruel trident that Lena had seen in her prison. With a swift motion, it hooked the weapon into the back of the android. A brilliant blue and white bolt of lightning briefly consumed its victim before withdrawing it. The patrol dropped directly to the ground, producing a thin, black veil of smoke from its fried components.

“How did you…?” Jazun asked.

She lifted her mask to reveal her dark face. “You said check in every five,” Moja answered. She sheathed the telescoping rod back to its compact state with a quick flick of her hand. She eyed Lena questioningly, but did not take the time to ask why she was still with Jazun.

“Come with me, they will soon be on this location. I believe I found where Andie might be.” She lowered her mask and routed them through the labyrinthian innards of the industrial city. Through twisting corridors and down a concealed flight of stairs, the ground opened to a hidden passage. This path led further downward to an even lower level of the undercity--a hidden grove of decadence and crime. They descended, lower into the secluded district, finding a guttersnipe’s redoubt. Down here, no androids patrolled. Lawlessness ran rampant in the streets.

Before entering, Moja completely removed her mask. An android would draw more attention than a human. The area was crowded compared to the undercity above them. Low hanging wires draped from the short, industrial ceiling. Lena stayed close to Moja and Jazun. In this dense hole, shops were set up side by side, in the tiniest of recesses, selling their counterfeit or stolen merchandise. “Blank” androids hung in a ramshackle shop, being sold by a dodgy-looking man. Dingy floodlights and flickering LEDs of all colors were the only source of light in this dank pit.

Before Lena could react, “Diamond dust,” was whispered into her ear by a passerby. Lena spun to see who had spoken. He peeked over his shoulder at her. He motioned her to follow him to make the transaction.

“Are you absolutely sure your guy is down here?” Lena asked.

“Knowing him, he will be where there is absence of surveillance.”

The entirety of this unruly neighborhood spread an area of about 6 city blocks. The blocks themselves mostly featured illicit commerce, while the surrounding walls housed the inhabitants. The shelters were nothing more than enormous, discarded shipping containers. Ceiling clearance allowed them to be stacked at a maximum of two, sometimes three, high. Residents reached upper levels by climbing ramps laid within unstable scaffolding.

“How are we going to find this guy down here?” Lena asked. “All of these houses look the same.”

Moja answered, “A bar is a good place to start. Keep your belongings close.”

None of these establishments marketed any name or sign. It all functioned as a constantly moving and stirring entity. The denizens knew where anything could be found in this secluded society.

Occupants stared them down as they searched for any indication of a bar, saloon, or café. They were marked as outsiders. Moja noticed an open bay door where few people came and went. She directed them to the shady establishment, intent to find answers within.

A foul, smoky air permeated the inside, and a handful of gruesome individuals eyed them as they entered. Harsh music played through speakers hidden by plethoras of junk inlaid within scrap metal walls. It was dark, save for a few bright colored alcohol advertisements hung up haphazardly behind a bar. Lena followed close behind Moja, keeping her head down for the most part. She dared not make any eye contact. Her boots stuck to the ground as she walked over flattened trash.