They had failed. The world had come to devastating end. The earth had turned sterile, killing all life on the surface. Clouds blocked out the sun, trapping toxic gasses and chemicals. The air was hot, almost un-breathable. Storms swept across the land, blowing the toxic fumes enhanced by the massive cloud formations. Anything caught on the surface with the storms, died without any form of treatment.
The survivors, the few that had survived anyhow, took to the underground. Sewers and basements were the only safe places, but more were being built. Supplies, such as food and medicine, were scares, let alone weapons for the creatures that evolved on the surface. Beetle swarms and predators colonies formed in the toxic air, bringing about an even greater danger to the survivors than starvation. Frankly, surviving one day without an incident was a miracle. Still, tensions were high amongst the survivors.
She ran through the manmade tunnel. Her beat up black trainers splashed through the water as she ran. The water splashed over the hem of her tattered pair of trousers, soaking them.
The tunnel had been added on from a sewage pipeline, linking pipelines together. They had managed to install lighting system throughout the tunnels. Wires and cables ran along the wall with lights installed every few meters throughout the tunnel. Along with the lighting and limited power cables, they'd also install an intercom system to alert the tunnels of incoming storms. The items used for torches were needed elsewhere, but light managed to seep in through the main sewage tunnels, from the surface. Latches and covers had been installed for the toxic storms, to prevent the air from seeping through the tunnels and poisoning the people.
She came to the linking tunnel and turned left. She could hear voices yelling ahead of her. A crowd had gathered, as they often had when fights broke out. And like in the past, no one tried to stop them, merely further them along. By the look of the fight, it was intense. A large group had formed around them, preventing her from looking into the main ring of the fighters.
She pushed her way through the crowd to the inner circle. That was when she found him, fighting again. He was on the far end of the circle, facing his attacker. His lip was split and bloody. Fresh dirt streaked his face and hair. His black shirt was ripped over the sleeve stitching.
She shook head in disappointment. "Damnit Becker."
The second man in the circle slammed his fist into Becker's face. Becker's head snapped to the side, dropping to one knee. The man slammed his knee into Becker's chest, forcing him into the tunnel wall behind him. Becker grunted in pain, but kept fighting. He grabbed the man's foot and tossed it aside. The man swung his foot at Becker's face; Becker brought up his arm and blocked the kick. He shot up from the ground and punched the man in the stomach. The man grunted in pain, doubling over. Becker rose to his feet, watching the man. The man straightened up. He swung at Becker, only to be blocked. But the man quickly swung up his knee, slamming it into Becker's chest. The air was knocked from his lungs. Becker dropped to the ground, breathless. The man kicked Becker in the ribs whilst he was still on the ground.
Time to step in again.
She burst from the crowd. She grabbed the man's shoulder. "Enough."
The man didn't even look at her. He threw her hand off his shoulder, throwing her to the ground.
She hit the ground and looked back up. "I was trying to be nice." She rose from the ground and leapt at the man. She threw her around the man and grabbed her wrist. She leaned backwards, pulling him with her in the choke hold. The man tried to free himself from her grasp, but it failed.
"I said, enough." She hissed.
Suddenly the alarm sounded through the speaker system. Everyone looked to the tunnel ceiling. She released the man, throwing him to the ground. "Close the covers! Everyone put their masks on!"
She moved to Becker and pulled his mask over his bleeding face.
"I didn't need any help, Jess." He muttered.
"Stow it Becker." Jess snapped.
The crowd quickly dispersed. Men and woman scattered to cover the tunnel hatches. Several pulled on homemade masks to prevent inhaling the air. The red sunlight filtering through the openings died out, leaving only the dim power torches. Everyone stayed motionless as the roaring sound of the storm approached.
"Here is comes." Jess warned.
The tunnel was washed over with the roaring sound of the storm winds. The loud noise echoed through the tunnels. The latches and covers rattled from the fierce windows. Small waves of dust filtered in through the coverings. Everyone stayed perfectly still, waiting for the storm to pass. They stared up at the latches, watching for them to hold.
The winds slowly died, ending the short storm. The rattling covers and latches ceased. The dust stopped floating through the covers. The tunnels fell silent as the storm passed over them.
Jess rose from the ground, still looking at the ceiling. She slowly pulled her pink mask, made from an old shirt, from her face. She took a few breaths of the air, testing the toxicity. She nodded. "We're okay. Get back to work."
The crowd rose from the ground and dispersed from the area.
Jess looked down at Becker, who was still leaning against the wall, clutching his ribs. She sighed and held out her hand.
Becker looked at her hand, but didn't take it. "I had it under control."
Jess snorted. "Right. I saw how you were handling it. On your back in pain."
Becker pushed himself up using the wall. He pulled odd his mask. "I didn't ask for your help."
"No, but you certainly need it." Jess replied.
Becker turned from her and started walking through the tunnel.
Jess followed him. "How many fights has this made in this week alone, Becker? Five? Seven? God forbid thirteen?"
"Leave it, Jessica." Becker growled.
"No! I won't leave it! Do you have a bloody death wish?" Jess demanded.
"Enough." Becker snapped.
"What you can't muster up the courage to leave the shelter you have to find a way to kill yourself in the tunnels?" Jess called. "And you called yourself a soldier?"
Becker spun around faster than Jess had ever seen him move in three years. She barely managed a gasp before she felt his hand on her throat. He pushed her back against the tunnel wall. Jess gasped, grabbing Becker's hand. She looked up at him. Her fury matched his. Becker's fist was clenched tightly, raised by his head, ready to hit her.
"Go ahead." Jess managed. "Hit me."
Becker blinked.
"I dare you to hit me Becker!" Jess choked out.
Becker slowly lowered his fist.
Jess took the chance and jammed her knee into his stomach. Becker quickly released Jess, gasping for air. He dropped to his knee, doubled in pain. Jess dropped beside him, gasping for air. She massages her throat and coughed.
"Look…I know…the past…three years has…hasn't been easy…but that…that doesn't give…you the right to…to throw every ounce of…humanity you have left…out the window." Jess managed.
Becker groaned and leaned against the tunnel wall.
"You're not…the only person…who lost someone." Jess explained. She coughed again. "Everyone in these…tunnels…lost someone. But they…they haven't…resorted to…to fighting at…every turn."
"Stow it Jessica." Becker snapped.
Jess turned and slapped him, hard. Her hand stung painfully, but she ignored it. Her glared viciously at Becker, her eyes brimming with tears. "They were my friends too, Becker! I lost them too! But you don't see me picking fights or becoming a catatonic zombie bent on suicide!"
Becker looked up at Jess.
"What would the others say if they could see you now?" Jess whispered.
Becker turned his head from Jess.
Jess snorted bitterly. She rose to her feet and shook her head. "Okay, Becker. You win. I'm done saving your arse from the others and from yourself. If you want to die so much, the go up top and fire off the few rounds you have left. I'm sure the predators can be more helpful to you. You might even show a bit of gratitude toward them!"
Jess turned and stormed off through the tunnel. Becker watched Jess storm away. He caught the movement of her hand to her face briefly.
so obviously not a happy fic here. yes all will be explained. yes there is a reason Becker is an absolute $^&#$ here.