Survivors

They covered the shaft entrance with some branches to stop the light shining out of the top. The light wasn’t a problem at the moment but they were pretty sure that as it got darker the light would look like a torch pointing up at the sky. When they were sure that most of the light would be blocked they set off down the tunnel. Holly couldn’t stop herself grinning, it felt so good to be right.

The tunnel was dry, quiet and cool. After about one hundred meters it started to bend to the left and drop steeply. A couple of surveillance cameras hung from the ceiling, but it was impossible to tell if they were working or not. After another couple of hundred meters it turned sharply to the right and ended suddenly in a large dark green door. The remains of a broken key pad hung on the wall, several wires were twisted together while others hung limply.

“Looks like someone forgot their key” said Joe grinning.

Luke reached out to the large silver handle on the door and pulled it down. There was a click and Luke pushed the door away from him. In front of them was a large room that was full of computer screens, key pads, and all sorts of computer gizmos and whatnots. Their eyes were drawn to the one computer screen that was working. The screen was divided into nine little boxes , with each one showing a different view of the corridor they had just walked along and the woods surrounding the shaft they had climbed down. There was no way that their arrival was going to be a surprise to anyone who had been watching.

“Listen” said Holly holding up her hand “I can hear someone whistling”.

Sure enough they could hear a little peepy reedy tune coming from behind another door on the far side of the room. As they watched the door the sound of the whistling got louder. Then the door handle began to turn, there was a click and the door swang open. Frozen to the spot they watched as a tall skinny man with the biggest shaggiest wildest beard and maddest matted hair they had ever seen walked into the room. He should have been threatening as he was dressed in scruffy combats, had an angry red pock marked scarred face and most worryingly a huge pistol hanging from a holster on each hip. But even when you’re carrying big guns it’s hard to have any substantial air of threat when you’re carrying a tray of tea cups, biscuits and a large tea pot covered with a lime green tea cosy.

“Salutations, little friends. So glad you made it” said the man smiling. He spoke as if he’d been expecting them and he’d known them for years. “I’ve brewed a pot of tea, if you’d like some” he went on as he bustled across the room and put the tray down on one of the tables.

They stood looking at him open mouthed as he happily poured himself a cup of tea.

“Well?” He asked, holding up the tea pot.

They still looked at him dumbly unable to fashion any sort of reply. It was like being in some really weird dream where you can’t get your thoughts straight enough to even think properly. But this wasn’t a dream! They were stood halfway under a mountain, in a room that was clean, warm and lit by electric lights being offered tea by an amazingly hairy man from a tea pot with a green tea cosy and a couple of huge pistols. Things do not get much weirder than that!

The man looked from one to the other still smiling. All of a sudden the smile dropped from his face and he looked hugely embarrassed.

“I’m so sorry” he said “It has been such a long interval since I played the congenial host to my humble abode for any visitors on the road of life. The normal pleasantries have become strangers to my tongue and custom, so much so that in the excitement that has accompanied your visitation I have neglected even the most basic introduction ritual. So let me rectify the omission and formally announce myself to the gathered throng. Salutations and greetings, my name is Bretnel Stobesworth-Browne, and may I take this opportunity to formally and cordially welcome you to this modest dwelling that I call home. Though previously it went under the auspicious title of the Government Research Facility Long-Barrow Down”.

During Bretnel’s speech the kids kept looking at each other in utter shock. Mouths opening and closing like a trio of startled goldfish. When Bretnel finally finished he beamed broadly at them and wiped his hand on the back of his combats. He then stretched out his hand and strode purposefully towards Luke, who backed off slightly. They stood looking at each other for a few seconds before Luke cautiously reached up with his own hand. Bretnel grabbed it enthusiastically in a surprisingly strong grip and shook vigorously.

“And by what title shall I address you young sir?” Beamed Bretnel

“L..L..Luke” said Luke in a voice he almost didn’t recognise as his own.

“Delighted to make your acquaintance! And you?” Asked Bretnel approaching Joe.

“I’m Joe” said Joe, who suddenly found himself grinning and shaking Bretnel’s hand with as much grip and energy as he could muster.

“And finally” said Bretnel turning his attention to Holly “Who is the beautiful lady in our midst?”

Holly felt herself blush a little and then start to giggle “I’m Holly” she said.

Bretnel reached out and and took her hand, but instead of shaking it he raised it, with an overdramatic flamboyant flourish and kissed it before bowing deeply.

“It is a pleasure to meet you young lady” he said “Now then” he smiled “With all the introductions complete, who would like that cup of tea and perchance a chocolate biscuit?”.