Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. I am however thankful to the team that created them.
Sorry for the short chapter. More to follow soon.
"You know doc, I'm not really the outdoorsy type. Trees make me nervous" grumbled Kate as she brushed another branch out of her way. "Roads doc that's how normal people move about, not this blasted overgrown goat track."
"Yes thank you Kate" replied Magnus as she trudged ahead of the smaller woman. "I understand your aversion to being outside of a major city, but we must investigate this alternate route. My plan is to locate a tunnel through this warren which would provide us with a virtually undetectable route back to hollow earth."
"I get that part of the plan, but why me. Isn't this like Biggies super supreme holiday destination? It would be like a visit home, or a catch up with family opportunity."
"Actually he prefers to holiday anywhere there is a, how does he phrase it, a wicked right hand wave that peals across the sky" stated Helen turning back around and focusing once again on navigating through the forest.
"Will then, you know he loves the great outdoors, he's practically Ranger Smith he loves it that much" continued Kate.
"With Henry I'm afraid, checking out another route under an abandoned subway. The original underground rail line has been built over several times. We suspect that there could be a way through one of the collapsed tunnels."
"You mean we could have been there. I love train lines Magnus, deep dank places beneath the subway. I live for that stuff. After sewers that is" continued Kate, her voice rising in disbelief. "Why is it us traipsing through a leafy green forest with chattering birds, it's just not natural."
Magnus glanced up at the trees, enjoying the change of scenery. With a wry smile she turned back to Kate, "Look on the bright side Kate, if we find this route you can be back in the city within a day or two and I can send you on a mission in some dark and gritty alleyway hunting dangerous abnormals. You may even get shot at."
"Now you're talking doc" beamed Kate.
Helen smiled at Kate, her gaze lingering for longer than necessary. Her intense blue eyes focused on the younger woman.
The stubborn side of Helen that in her early years allowed her to defy convention was also evident in Kate. The plucky young woman had thrived in the darker side of the world that Helen moved in. And in a way Kate reminded her a little of herself. She found her captivating and a joy to watch. She had yet to be disappointed when Kate tackled a challenge and was constantly surprised at the innovative ways she found to complete her missions. In fact, the more divergent Kate's thinking and actions the harder it would be for others to monitor the Sanctuary's actions.
Whilst the way she came to be at the Sanctuary was a little unconventional, she had been a welcome addition to the organisation. Helen found herself seeking out the young woman's company on many occasions and more often than not, of late she sought her out just to engage her in conversation on topics unrelated to the Sanctuary. Over the years when someone piqued her interest they would invariable become lovers. Yet this time, Helen held back.
'So how will we know what we're looking for at this lake' asked Kate?
Helen's thoughts were interrupted and she turned to continue their trek, all the while explaining geographical surveys and land formations to Kate as if she were interested.