Hyper

Chapter 33 – Soldier On

[Location: Decontamination Depot t3rm1nu5 – Charlie and Linda’s Quarters]

Linda had no idea what an argon scrubber was, but she knew it had something to do with the compressor, so she figured it would be best to head in that direction. She bolted down the hallway, pressed a button on the wall and proceeded through the metal security door.

Running into the plant, her blood ran cold as she looked wide eyed at the destruction that surrounded her. Pipes and ductwork were littered about, and sparks ricocheted from exposed electrical wires. The potent smell of out of spec product burned the inside of her nostrils. Linda coughed a few times and spat on the grating.

Holy shit!

She was able to get her bearing from the crumbled landmarks and realized the compressor was one aisle down and then about one hundred yards over. She clenched her teeth and set out in a dead run to find her husband. Tears streamed down her cheeks, while her only thought was for her husband’s safety. Her love for Charlie pushed her feet faster, as sweat rushed from every pore.

Turning down the aisle, she realized some of the vessels in the tank farm had ruptured and tossed parts in every direction. She slowed and then stopped, as she saw mounds of steaming pipes strewn about in front of her. Her eyes darted side to side, trying to find a way around.

She moved to her right and slid underneath a heat exchanger that was hanging by a single leaking pipe. As she moved through the tunnel of debris, an exposed electrical wire above her touched an I-beam and sent a shower of sparks raining down onto her head. She closed her eyes and used her hands to protect herself as she soldiered on.

Ahead of her, she saw about twenty yards of open space. She ran forward, frantically looked around and screamed. “Charlie!” Her eyes darted back and forth across the rubble hoping to hear a response.

She cupped her hands around the sides of her mouth. “Charlie!”