INfusion 47 ebook - Summer 2012 - NMIT

INfusion 47 Summer Edition ‘12
markings. Zach and the other men poke around, searching for other hidden
cavities. Simmons, drunk on the idea that something valuable is buried there,
considers the promotion he’s convinced he deserves.
The chamber is dim and expansive. It is considerably wider than the
narrow tunnels they passed through earlier. The dank odour of mildew rises
from the earth around them. To all of them, it smells like the stench of death,
though no one openly acknowledges this. The only light comes from their
torches, and a glowing trickle of what appears to be phosphorus.
‘Simmons!’ Kipp’s voice reverberates through the crypt. ‘I don’t think we
should be here. These markings ... they must be from the Cali. I think they’re
warnings.’
‘Boy, I’m getting real tired of this.’ A grin spreads across his face — the
mark of self-righteousness. ‘In fact, I’ve decided it’s in our best interests to
purge you from this team. The second this shift’s over, I’m nominating you for
a transfer. You can sully one of the other teams.’
Kipp sighs, accepting the hopelessness of the situation.
Zach approaches Kipp. From over his shoulder, Zach examines the Cali
markings. ‘Hey … ’ he whispers. ‘I — I’m on your side. I believe you. I got a bad
feeling ’bout being down here.’ He forces a laugh. ‘Call it miner’s intuition ... ’
Kipp’s heart leaps in his chest. To him, Zach’s words are a confirmation:
Team Charlie is trifling with things that don’t concern them. ‘What can we
do? Simmons doesn’t care about anything but uncovering damned treasure.’
Zach gives a half-smile. ‘Look, I don’t think we need to worry. He’ll get
bored once he realises there ain’t nothing here.’
‘What makes you think nothing’s here?’
‘Oh, something’s here. I’m absolutely sure of it ... You see these markings?’
Zach gestures to the Cali’s graffiti. ‘They’re like cave drawings. I believe
this, here,’ he points to the hexagonal splash of paint, ‘represents this room ...’
Kipp nods. ‘Yes! You’re right ... And this,’ he runs his finger along the
wall, ‘seems to suggest there’s a hidden cavity. And these — these are definitely
Cali warriors. Look at their expressions! They’re frightened. Terrified, even.
Something’s sealed in here. I’d bet my life on it.’
Zach raises his finger to his lips. ‘I — I know where that is ... That hidden
cavity? I found it earlier.’ Zach draws Kipp to his size, their backs to the
others. ‘It’s in the corner of the chamber, sealed by a rusted metal grate. No
one knows about it but me. But I’ve covered it up. If we keep quiet, no one’ll
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find it. Simmons will give up eventually. He’s hardly the most patient—’ Zach
stops.
‘Who needs patience,’ a voice cuts in, ‘when you guys’ve got such stellar
detective skills?’
Kipp spins around. It’s Simmons.
‘We—’
‘Save it. When we get back to the surface, both of you will be up for performance
reviews. “Dishonourable discharge” sound good to you?’ Simmons
rolls his head and cracks his neck. He is still smiling. ‘Now, show me where
this grate is, and don’t even bother trying to stuff me around — no one’s leaving
until I say so.’
* * *
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