"Do you think we can trust this Mr. Big, Miss?"

"Honestly? I don't know. He might actually need help. If he was able to get into the visual broadcasting system, he might have been the one who opened the door for us."

"Or activated the turret, Miss."

"Yes, that is a distinct possibility Onion. He may be luring us into a false sense of security before …"

I cut myself off as I realized something, we had an ace in the hole if this bear turns out to be an enemy. I grabbed my bag and got out my last remote and connected both it and my Pip-Boar to the computer system. Opening up Hackatron, I proceeded to create a new subroutine that would allow me to interface wirelessly between my Pip-Boar, the remote, and the computer system. I then remembered how my Pip-Boar can also detect my vitals and created a secondary subroutine. After a few minutes of programming, I had everything set up.

"Miss? May I inquire as to what you are doing?"

I got close to Onion and started to whisper, just in case this bear had ears in the room. "It's easy Onion. This computer can access the security system that controls both the doors and the turrets. I currently have the remaining four turrets disabled, and the doors unlocked. I threw together a little program that will let me reactivate the turrets and uploaded my location tag to them so that they, hopefully, ignore me. The same program, once triggered, will temporarily seal all doors that it is connected to. That way, if things turn sour, I can turn this facility's weapons on him."

"Miss, that seems rather dangerous. Unlike me, your identification tags are tied to your Pip-Boar. What happens if it becomes damaged, or worse, it fails to protect you against stray fire and you get injured or killed?"

"I actually thought of that too. Since my Pip-Boar has basic vital sign detection, I was able to create a small emergency sub-routine that basically told the security system that if my vitals are no longer present, the system overrides into full-on angry mode, along with disabling any safety protocols. The same will go if my Pip-Boar either gets separated from myself, or if it becomes damaged." I felt myself give a big grin as I told this to Onion. I was feeling proud of myself.

"I would rather you not put yourself into a position like this Miss. You always go into things blindly and you only manage to escape by sheer luck. I know you are an intelligent and capable young lady, but I am afraid that one of these days, your luck will run out; and if that happens, I am not sure what I will be able to do with myself."

My grin faded at Onion's words. He may be just a robot, but he has more heart that many of the mammals I have meet both inside Burrow 76 and out here. I knew I was brash, and that I tend to jump headlong into seemingly impossible ventures, but it's what keeps me going. I have the urge, the need to put myself out there, to help those who I can in any way possible. Yes, that has nearly cost me my life on a few occasions, but what's the point of living without some danger? No. I can't let these cancerous thoughts take over. Every time I put Onion and myself into a dangerous situation, I feel myself getting more and more addicted to it, to the rush of the moment. At this rate I may never be able to settle down, and that just puts us even deeper in danger.

"I'm sorry Onion. I have been reckless. I nearly blew you up at the theater, and every time I use you as a distraction, I risk the chance of losing you. You are still the closest thing I have to a family, and I need to start treating you more like that, including heeding your words in situations like this. We still need to talk to this Mr. Big fellow and hope that he really can get us out of here, but after this, I will plan my actions more carefully, and once we get to Hope, you and I will lay out our plans for the future, as equals."

"All I ask Miss is that you put your own life before others. You may want to help the world, but if you can't help yourself first, then everything else will not matter."

"Spoken like a true philosopher. Maybe I should call you Onion the Sage. No, that sounds more like ingredients for dinner."

"Very funny Miss. Shall we get going?"

I simply smiled and nodded at Onion. After this I needed to try my best to put myself before others. I don't know what the fates have planned for me, but Onion was right, even if I am destined to help others, I am useless to them dead. I took a deep breath, gathered up my stuff and headed left through the saner of the two room. I did not want to see those tubes again. I don't know who this Mr. Big is, nor what he is doing trapped here, but if I find out he was one of the animals responsible for those atrocities, I feel I may not be able to keep that promise to Onion. Let's just play it by ear Olivia.

The doors within the left room were open, and just like the map showed, they connected to the right side room and merged into a tunnel heading deeper into this facility. The lights seemed inoperable in the tunnel, so I turned my light back on and took a look around. The first thing I noticed was one of the security turrets on the ceiling. Thankfully I was able to disable them, otherwise this meeting would have been cut short. It said there were five total connected to that system. I wish it had a placement map so I know what to expect. I just hope I don't have to rely on my backup plan. Either of them.

Other than the turret, the tunnel was empty. It was similar to the earlier ones in design, only much larger. This could accommodate multiple large mammals at once, but unlike the other tunnels, these had no claw markings on in it. I did notice a small groove in the floor, and upon further inspection, it looked like it was some kind track, but for what? No time to ponder that, it will only cause me to become more sidetracked than I already am.

As we reached the end of the tunnel, I noticed that there was a massive door. Unlike the other ones, there were no windows on it, just a solid metal construction. The face of the door was illuminated by yellow lights, highlighting the words: Warning! Research Personnel Only. These doors still looked sealed. These must have been on a different security system. Like the others there was no access reader or keypads, but there was a large button with the words: Comm below it. I looked at my Pip-Boar, and that glitched dot was no longer on the edge of the screen, but rather right past these doors. It was still flashing in and out of existence, and it was still bothering the fuck out of me.

"I guess we ring the bell?"

I pushed the button and for a few seconds nothing happened. Then I heard a series of clicking noises, followed by the doors splitting down the center as they started to slowly open. As it opened, a thick white smoke started to pour into the tunnel. While it washed over me, I could feel a chill run through me. Not a 'bad feeling' chill, but a literal one. I could feel the surrounding temperature start to drop rapidly. I pulled my coat closed, but kept one paw on my gun.

"Welcome. I apologize for the cold but it's what we … I am used to."

We? Fuck, did he have others here that I did not know of? This better not be a trap. I casually checked my Pip-Boar and still only saw the one dot. Play it cool Olivia.

"Mr. Big I presume?"

"Yes my dear. I am glad to see another living soul after all this time. It has been lonely trapped here for all these years."

Now that I was standing mere feet from him, I begin to notice a few things. He was not like other bears that I have seen. He was much bigger than the ones outside, and by a good few feet too. He was wearing a black suit, but it had seen better days. Both elbows had holes in it, and there was a large hole in the chest as well, but it looked like it was patched over with a dark gray piece of fabric, making it stand out. His facial features stood out as well. While most polar bears that I have seen pictures of had those darkened circles around the eyes, his was much more pronounced and seemed to almost blend into those thick black eyebrows that seemed to hover on his forehead. The biggest thing that stood out was not just the deep, raspy voice, but the fact that whenever he spoke, his mouth never moved.

"How did you manage to get trapped here in the first place?"

"That, is a long story, and one that will have to wait. As we speak, mammals of unknown origin have gained access to this facility, and thanks to you deactivated the outer security system, they will reach us within a matter of moments."

"I was trying to make sure I didn't get killed! How was I supposed to know I'd attract unwanted attention?"

"I do not blame you, child. This was bound to happen. You simply accelerated the inevitable. What we must worry about now is our safety, only then can I help you to escape this prison of mine."

"You said that you had a request of me?"

"In all due time child."

I know that it was the last thing that should be on my mind, but I wish he would stop calling me child. I'd bring it up, but looking at him, he could probably snap me in half without any effort at all. Best to keep my mind on these intruders. I took in my surroundings. This room was the biggest of all of them. There were empty beds similar to the other one on either side. Hanging from the ceiling were arms containing various tools and equipment. I could see small tracts like the one in the tunnel lining the ceiling and the floor. It was probably how they moved everything. I still had no idea what this place was.

Besides the door that we came from, there were three more, one ahead of me and one on either side. They were the same build as the one behind me, all of them lacking windows. The door straight ahead was marked: Testing, while the other two simply had an A and a B on them, with the A door being to my left. I saw a few work stations and I checked for any working computer, but they were all either busted or lacked power. There were also tables placed along the outer walls of the room, each with typical scientific instruments. I found two data chips and pocketed them for later. I heard something faint and checked my Pip-Boar.

Sure enough, there was a set of dots heading our way from the corridor beyond the B door. It looked like six of them. If B.A.T.S. can kick in, I am sure I can take out at least three of them, but if they were heavily armored, I would be screwed. I really wish I knew what we were up against. Wait a second …

"Mr. Big? How did you know we were here?"

"This room is connected to all the monitor systems. However, after you disabled the security back there, my access has been limited."

"But you still have access here?"

"Yes."

The bear pointed towards a small console at one of the desks. I ran over to it and booted it up. Thankfully he had already bypassed the log in so I was able to make it quick. I searched through the system until I found the cameras. The monitor split into small squares as images started to appear in each of them, save for a few blacked out ones. Those were probably part of the security I already deactivated. Luckily they were not the ones I needed as I saw six figures run past one. They must have had a proximity detector because the screens that showed activity kept increasing in size, only to shrink once they ran out of its visual range.

These guys were heavily armed. Each of them was carrying a large rifle, and they all had body armor and helmets. They did not look like the typical gang members that I have seen so far. B.A.T.S. may be severely limited in this encounter. I saw them as they finally reached a door marked with the same B as the one here. Noise started emanating from past it. They were here. From the looks of it, the door was still sealed. My tampering must have only effected the outer doors, not these ones. As long as we don't let them in, we should be safe.

I kept an eye on them as I tried to figure out a plan. The cameras near door A did not seem to be picking up anything, so it would probably be safer to simply leave through there. I went to tell the others my plan when I noticed that the mammals outside door B were doing something. One of them, an otter, was using something that looked like a giant syringe to trace around the outer edge of the door. What was … oh fuck no.

If it was what I think it was, I needed to hurry. I grabbed the last mine from my bag and ran over to the door, placing it on the ground about a foot away. I pushed the button to activate it and then ran back to the computer just to see the otter finishing up. I accessed the security system, and thanks to the bear, it was not secured. I then proceeded to find the activation codes for door A. I was just about to hit the unlock button when one of the displays popped up after detecting movement outside the corridor that lead to entryway A. Fuck!

"Miss? Is there something wrong?"

"There sure is! We got a group of baddies about to break through to the right of us, and we just got new company to the left. Were surrounded."

"What about the door marked Testing?

Mr. Big's voice startled me, having briefly forgotten about him. "That would not do. In all my time here, that door, along with the facility exits have eluded my attempts to open them. That is why I thought you could help, child."

I saw a spark of light appear on one of the displays. I hated when I was right. At least I knew that something in the Jack Savage books were based on reality. We only had a matter of minutes before that thermite burned its way through the layers of steel. The other group seemed to be less equipped, closer resembling the thugs we had already encountered. They would probably be much easier to take out.

"Ok here's the plan. First, stop fucking calling me child! I am an adult. Secondly, I am going to open the door marked A. There are five mammals out there, armed with mostly melee weapons. That doesn't mean they are not hiding anything, but they appear to be much less equipped then the fuckers trying to melt the door. Mr. Big, you are, well, big, so I need you running point, but not until after I play my card. Onion, you need to be my eyes and ears, we are going in blind."

"Blind miss?"

I pushed a button on the terminal and all the lights in the room went out. A second later themonitors turned off. It was very dark, except for a few flashing lights scatters throughout the room. I turned my Pip-Boar's light on and grabbed a grenade from my bag. After checking to make sure that my gun was fully loaded. I heard a sizzling noise as the edge of door B started to glow from the heat of the thermite. It bathed us in a small glow, but I knew that wouldn't be for long.

"As soon as I open the security door, I will toss this grenade into the corridor. Hopefully that will buy us time to take them out. After that, we need to find our way out of this place."

"But didn't he just say the exits were sealed Miss?"

"Think about it Onion. According to the map, the only two surface exits are through corridors A and B. If we are being surrounded by foreign attackers in those same corridors, my guess is that they already managed to open them. I don't know what they are here for, but I doubt they will be expecting us."

"And if the doors have been resealed Miss?"

"Plan B."

"What is plan B?"

"I have no idea Onion. Haven't thought that far ahead yet, but you know me, it will probably be something completely unexpected."

"For you, or them Miss?"

"Umm … both?"

I think I heard a worried noise from both the bear and Onion. Sure I am going against Onion's very wishes that he just told me moments ago, but things keep happening so fast that it was hard to come up with more concise plans. Often I think I do my best under pressure, and there is sure plenty of that going around lately. I pressed the button on the grenade and held it there as I made sure everyone was ready. I turned off my Pip-Boar light and let my eyes adjust enough to make out where the door was, although it was much easier now that the glow from entryway B was almost enclosing the whole thing. It was now or never. I sent the open command.

Just like the main entrance into this room, the steel doors split in half as they slowly divided. Before it could open more than a few inches, I released the button from the grenade, waited two seconds, and then tossed it through the opening. I had used them enough to know that they had a six second fuse. It took almost two seconds to fly through the air so just as it went through the divide, it exploded, blinding us and causing an out-roar of screams.

"Now!" I yelled.

My eyes were starting to focus after the flash, but I was able to see the massive form of Mr. Big charging through the opened entryway. I heard loud thuds as he started to throw the enemies against the walls. I started towards the entrance with Onion on my tail. The noise ahead started to quiet, so I turned on my light and took a look around. The bodies of four wolves and a cheetah were laying on the ground. None of them were moving so I assumed the worst for them. Ahead of me was the giant polar bear, his paws stained red with blood. I was about to say something when a loud thud came from behind. The other team has breached the room. Onion told me to move but I held out my paw. Give them one second, just one …

An explosion filled the room as the mine went off. Now we needed to move. We ran through the corridor as fast as we could, not stopping to look behind us. For how large he was, that bear moved quick, but his motions were off. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was bothering me. After all this is over, I'll have to confront him about it. We reached the end of the corridor and just like I had hoped the entrance was wide open.

"This has always been sealed. I do not know what is past this, so be wary."

"How long have you been here?" I knew now wasn't the time, but I needed at least one of my questions answered before my head exploded.

"I … do not know. It has been a very long time that is to be sure. The question should really be, what am I doing here."

"That is one of many questions I have about you. Ever since I met you I have had this weird feeling."

We left the corridor and entered what looked like a cargo bay. There were large trucks lined upon along the sides, with wooden and metal crates of various sizes. I turned around and took a look at the door. We were finally on the correct side to see a large keypad. I interfaced my Pip-Boar with it and managed to find the override, causing it to close. Hopefully that would buy us time. I turned to continue to talk to Mr. Big when I tripped on something. Next to the door was a small metal box. I bent over and picked it up. It was slightly bigger than the mine and it had a small keypad with wires sticking out of it. That must be how they got in. I put it in my bag to inspect later.

"Miss! I detect movement!"

"Where at Onion?"

"There is another door twenty feet to your right."

Damn! This must have connected to both corridors. They were heading back up through entry B. I ran over to the door and connected my Pip-Boar to it. I managed to find the lock command but before I ran it, I took out another grenade and lobbed it down the hall before closing the door. A muffled explosion sounded on the other side.

"Ok people! We need to get the fuck out of here, now!"

We meandered through the scattered crates. Every time I passed one, it was almost painful not to stop and investigate their contents. There could be weapons, ammunition, supplies, or parts! Oh what I would give to build something, to sit down with a pile of scrap and just let loose my imagination. Fuck, bad Olivia! I can't do any of that if I am dead.

As we approached the other end of this storage area, we were greeted with a very large door. This must be where the cargo gets sent in and out of the facility. There was a large hole that had been melted through it. This must be where they came in. We were just about to reach the hole when we were greeted by four rather large rhinos that had just entered from the hole that was barely large enough for them to pass through.

"Um … hi?"

They stood there with their arms crossing their chests. They were heavily armored like the others, each of them wearing large metal plating across their chest and shoulders. Their legs and arms were covered by smaller metal panels, while they each had on a domed helmet covering all but their horn and mouth. I couldn't see any weapons, but then again I am sure they were weapons. I started to back up when I heard noise coming from behind us. The other group had gotten through the door.

"Can't we all be reasonable here? You don't know me. I don't know you. We can work out something."

I heard clicking as the group behind us cocked their weapons. Looks like they are not in the talking mood. I turned towards the group behind us, those rhinos were freaking me out with how still and quiet they were. In front of me was the otter and two badgers. There were no signs of the others, so I assumed my mine got them.

"Hand over the Corpse Engine now!" It was the otter that spoke.

Corpse Engine? What the fuck was that? "I think you have the wrong people, no corpses here."

"Don't play stupid with me rabbit. We have been trying to gain access to this facility for years and here you are, some stupid bunny who just so happened to waltz her way into this impregnable place."

"Funny story that, you see …"

One of the badgers released a bullet next to me. It was close enough that I could feel it whiz by, but thankfully it was just a warning shot or else I would probably be dead. These guys look serious.

"Look! I have no idea what you are talking about! I didn't even know this place existed. I was trying to avoid these flying fuckers when the ground started shaking and I fell down here. I am telling the truth!"

"So you were the ones who riled up the deathwings. I'm surprised you are even alive."

Deathwings? Was that what they called those flying creatures? I detected a small hint of fear, or maybe disgust, when she mentioned that name. Did fate deal me out of another one of those 'I should be dead' situations again? If fate is still on my side, I could use some help right about now.

I opened my mouth to start my own line of questions when Mr. Big walked in front of me. He started to talk slowly, as if choosing his words extra carefully.

"I will give myself up to you. We are all mammals here, and because of that, I ask of you to release these two, unharmed. They have nothing to do with this."

He was giving himself up? I still didn't know why he gave me the heebie-jeebies, but if he was willing to sacrifice himself for someone he just met, he couldn't be bad. I won't let him do this.

I spoke very calmly. "No."

"What did you say, rabbit?" The otter seemed taken aback by my interruption.

"I said, no. He will not be giving himself up to you, and you will not be leaving here with him."

"Child … Olivia. You do not know who or what I am. This is not your decision to make."

"Like hell it isn't! The one thing I have noticed about the wasteland is that it is filled with scum and degenerates. Despite this, there are some who stand out above them like a shining light proclaiming: 'I will not succumb to this darkness!'. Yes, I do not know you, but if you are willing to sacrifice yourself for a stranger, then I am willing to do the same."

"Very touching rabbit, but I wasn't planning to let you leave here anyway. You have seen too much as it is. I was going to make your death clean and quick, but now I think I may take my time and enjoy it instead. Get them!"

The badgers opened fire on me but Mr. Big managed to get in between, taking the bullets. The otter must have been caught by surprised and ordered them to stop firing. It seems they needed him alive. I can work with this. I pulled out another grenade, I only had two more left so I had to use them wisely, and pressed down on the button.

"STOP!" The otter yelled out at the sight of the explosive.

"Ok fuckers! I have a lot more where these came from so we are going to play a game. Winners get to live, losers don't."

"Miss!"

I whispered to Onion, "Quiet, just play along."

I casually glanced around until I found what I was looking for. Above each of the corridor entrances was a small dome. There were three turrets unaccounted for, and hopefully these are the two of them. The third must have been in the other corridor. While I spoke, I moved the grenade around trying to distract them, occasionally touching my Pip-Boar, trying to bring the remote command online.

"Ok, rules of the game. This grenade has been specially modified to emit a powerful airborne neurotoxin that renders anyone within five feet immobile until it explodes. However, the fuse has also been modified to extend its eight second fuse to twenty, allowing anyone time to deactivate it by pressing the button. We will play a simple child's game. Hot potato. Looser is the team who fails to push the button in time."

"Hah! I have never heard of anyone making a modification like that. You're bluffing."

"Really? Well see this robot? I made him, from scraps. I also took out an entire gang of Grey Quills by myself using a similarly modified explosive. Do you really wanna call my bluff and risk losing?"

One of the badgers leaned over towards the otter and seemed to whisper in her ear. Her smile faded fast. Guess word of my incident at the theater has traveled. Then again I was in a coma for almost a week from that. I just hope they buy my bluff.

"Ok, we will play your game. You three! Make sure that exit is blocked. I don't want these guys tricking us and escaping."

"Well, you're up first. Catch!"

I tossed the grenade as I lifted my other arm and activated the remote command. Both turrets came to life and started to fire. These ones were different, they were not using stun darts, they had live ammunition! The three were caught off guard as the turrets locked onto them that they forgot about the grenade. It landed in the middle of them and before they could react, it exploded, sending them flying in all directions.

"Mr. Big! Those turrets will ignore me and Onion, but you're a target!"

"I am not worried. Your selflessness has shown me that good still exists after all this time, and I want to make sure you can continue to spread that. Forgive me."

"What are you …"

The bear tore off the lighter fabric from his chest revealing a very familiar green glow. My jaw dropped as I saw a small shriveled rodent inside the bear! He looked much like that glowing ghoul that nearly killed me after falling into that sinkhole, but this one was not a flesh eating monster. He started to speak, and unlike the bear, he was actually talking.

"My dear child, this is who I really am. I wish I could tell you the truth, but that is a tale that I am sad to say will be lost to history. You remind me of my daughter's godmother, so brave and kind." He handed me a data chip. "Please, honor me as I am finally reunited with my daughter and gram-mama. Thank you."

I … I didn't know what to say. I knew I should say something, to apologize that these countermeasures were for him, that I distrusted him just because my gut told me that something was off about him. Stupid, stupid! I reached out to him but he moved towards the rhinos who were finally realizing that the shit has hit the fan. The green glow emanating from Mr. Big, the real Mr. Big, began to intensify as it bathed the room. I started to hear pounding noises I turned towards the doors but that wasn't the source. They were coming from inside the crates.

"Koslov, I was unable to save you, and I dishonored you by using you in such a way. If we meet in the great beyond, please find it in your heart to forgive me."

Metal crates started to fall over as the wooden one shattered. From inside them emerged … ghouls!? What the fuck was going on here! The rhinos started to charge us as I ran over to one of the trucks to take cover. The turrets might not be aiming at me, but once they trained on the aggressors, we would have been in the middle of it. I saw that the otter and her two companions were lying on the ground, blood spilling from their bullet riddled bodies. I heard groaning and shuffling noises as the ghouls started to go after the rhinos. Two of them were trampled by the larger mammal, but one of them, a weasel, managed to wrap it's decaying body around therhino's legs, causing it to fall forward.

Crates continued to burst open, sending what seemed like a limitless source of corpses into the still charging rhinos. One of them met Mr. Big, but it's horn was grabbed by the bear paws and it was thrown against the wall like it was some rag doll. The fallen rhino had finally gotten up and continued his attack. Mr. Big must not have seen him, because the rhino's horn impaled the back of the bear. I was enthralled by it all when Onion stabbed my side.

"Miss! We really need to go! The exit is clear."

"I can't just leave him like this!"

"He is doing this to save you Miss! Do you really want to let his sacrifice go in vein?"

"You're … you're right. We need to go."

I had to start thinking about my own safety more. My mind focused when I heard a small ticking coming from my Pip-Boar. All this green glowing was starting to create a deadly radiation field in here. If I didn't leave soon, I would be too weak from radiation exposure to help anyone. I made up my mind. We started to move from truck to truck, moving as quick as we could without attracting any attention. The coast was clear as we made it to the door. I looked at Onion and nodded before making a bolt to through the exit.

I tripped over something as I made it through the hole, causing me to tumble forward just as something exploded behind me. The shock-wave of it pushed me further away. I looked back and saw that it must have been trapped, just in case anyone left prematurely. The explosion caused concrete that was set above the door to collapse down, sealing it off. There was no way back in, or out.

I sat there, wanting to hit myself for abandoning him like that. It felt wrong to worry about myself when someone else, no matter who or what he was, was about to die. I wanted to start crying, but my eyes just burned. I don't know if it was from the radiation, the cloud of dust from the explosion, or if I was slowly getting accustomed to this world's cruelty. I won't let him have died for nothing. I will honor his wish and find more like him. Good souls to take back this fucking wasteland from its corrupter's.

"Miss? We should get going. My scanners show it clear up ahead, but they might have backup coming. We shouldn't risk it."

I looked back at the debris and whispered, "thank you."

We were still underground, but this tunnel started to decrease in width as it slowly increased in elevation towards a large open space where I could see faint light. We walked carefully, paying attention to the Pip-Boar's sensors, and trying to get my mind off of my thoughts. I kept thinking that there could have been another way. Just some way to save us all. Nomatter how many times I played it in my head, that was the obvious choice. Fuck logic.

The tunnel finally opened up into the surface, and we were greeted by the night sky. The clouds in spots had disappeared, and I could see the light of the starts trickling down through the open sky. We were standing at the edge of the ruined park that surrounded Little Rodentia. Looking behind me I saw in the distance the crumbling walls of the rodent city, but what caught my eye was a large statue that stood over the tunnel we just exited. It was surprisingly still in good shape. It depicted a lion, complete with a large mane, holding one paw up and the other out. In the extended paw was a smaller statue of a rodent, and in its paws it was holding one side of a banner, with the lion holding the other side. I clenched my paws in anger as I read it.

Burrow-Tec. Helping to Secure the Future of all Mammal-Kind!