ISBN: 978-1-67801-816-0 Tunnels By Vic Otazo Prologue It all started with the advent of the Age of Aquarius in the year of the 21st century. With the Age of Aquarius came robots for combat, drones, and flying aircrafts made by ordinary citizens, microchips embedded in people's foreskins, and all kinds of technology that made me think they had it easier back then. They said that people lived in abodes and went to service for a job they did not love and yet came back to their dwellings however great or small, and used this small thing that left messages for people on other ends of the earth. And all you had to do was push a button on it? I wonder what it was. They said as time went on the war started by the ISIS bandits broke nations apart until the lands became tilled once more. They said we were part of an experiment by the government. They said now we are going to be sent to Mars if we can't escape. And we are only a testing ground to escape this underground world of tunnels. I call it the wrath of the Christian god. Others say it’s true. I say it’s because the American government was Christian and their god did tricks to people behind their backs. For one, it’s possibly the year 3012, and I was born into an experiment. Chapter 1 "I'm wondering what Prescot will make us do tomorrow? Honestly sick of walking around this crazy tunnel complex? I mean don't you ever wonder why we are here?" George said as he reclined in his make shaft co-ed room. "I don't know but this is one hec' of a dangerous place to grow up in." Will remarked as he didn't understand why he was brought up this way either. "All they do is give us orders and we have to do it or else. I mean I heard Tiffany, Prescot’s personal assistant, say there was a different world before civilization became ruined. I just hope we're not guinea pigs is all." George questioned everything yet obeyed tenaciously. It was contradiction about him. "Look we got to slee. I can't stay up talking to you all night in your bed laying there while I gotta get to work for the man. Get some sleep will ya?" Will was peeved at George. **** General Prescot came pensively and swiftly through the metal barricaded entrance of his secret room inside his cell. Prescot's cell penned "The Ice Shaft" felt just like it. Its cold breeze forced him to wear his worn out black coat with his favorite black Captain hat. The General made sure his network in the underground tunnel complex would do as he said for the outcome of the whole. And that was to make it out of there before seized by the aftermath government operating on Mars. And through his techniques in sorcery and former PSI intelligence he garnered from military booklets, etc. and he just knew that was the goal. His "Ice Shaft" enclosed shaft boasted books of all kinds of studies. Ranging from the arts, to the hard sciences, to the pseudo-sciences, and the how to books. These books belonged to the people who lived before them yet were carried over after the war by way of loot and thievery. It seemed he couldn't get away with such things, but Sir General Prescot's cunning tactics gave him followers, blind followers. The kind that need help in exchange for service. And that was how he did it. "Tiffany, please call my boy Walter from cell five and tell him I need him to go and bring me a telephone. It does not have to be in excellent condition but it needs to work. I will make sure this telephone will be a prototype to eventually connect us to other cells in my network." "Yes Sir Prescot." Tiffany his only confidante and loyal secretary took orders from him like a door mat. Never once did she complain, wince, or not make him the coffee as he wanted it. But she did speak behind his back in a vague manner if asked a question by the boys. Yet she never gave a fact that didn't need to be given unless commanded by the General. Walter walked through the hall-like tunnels. Lonely as they seemed. He longed for a soul mate and never understood why he was born into this ugly world. He longed for beauty but couldn't attain it. It was dirty and metallic down there. Brown and regimented. Walter, standing at 5 foot 6 wasn't exactly the tallest man but he was the "solider" with the bravest heart. That's why he was disposable to Prescot. Prescot knew the one with the most heart could always make a way. Even if it could cost him his life. Chapter 2 Tiffany walked out the barricaded "Ice Shalt" door and into a wooden and cemented hallway. You could not tell your way out but only had to have known which way you were there by way of mouth. And there is only one way in and one way out. Tiffany made her way into the "boys" room, its 84 ft by 50 ft wasn't the most comfortable place for about 10 guys crammed into a place but it gave them a sense of belonging. Tiffany entered in wearing a sweatpants and a loose sweater along with a case of water which she dropped for them in the corner of the room. "Hello boys, its me again, make sure your bed is nice and ready and you are ready for service if need be. Prescott is asking that you do your usual routine, which is 150 sit ups on rotations of two, 25 push ups and switch up to one arm, and your aerobic routine which consists of jogging in one spot and your jumping jacks. If you need water you can grab a bottle over here in the corner." Tiffany nurtured the poor guys that didn't have anywhere else to go. "Ok Walter I'll be needing you today on an errand." Tiffany motioned to Walter as he was changing into his athletic wear. "Yes Tiffany, I thought you wanted to take me someplace private, is that what you want?" Walter's coy smile and come-on seemed extremely stupid to Tiffany but she knew he didn't know any better. Maybe I might ask you to be with me if you weren't such an idiot in front of the guys. Tiffany thought to herself. "Okay Walter not now. Come with me, Prescott wants you for a run." "Gawd not again!" Walter complained for he seemed to be picked the most. "I was wondering what we'd do today but I wasn't picked again. So shut your whining, I'm bored." Chance felt slighted as though he wasn't cut enough to be picked for missions. "Yeah and don't complain, you ain't got no other place to be and he is feeding you down here, get to work man!" George interjected. "At least you doin' something." George tapped him in the arm. "Whatever man, I'm just bait." Walter left the room with Tiffany and they proceeded back to Prescott. **** Another day another experiment. All is well on Mars but all is dangerous and dismal on earth. Earth is not much but dearth after the wars that broke out in the year 3000. The war at this point turned to the all too catastrophic war that ruined earth just as much as you could expect a meteorite impact. The common people who went underground ended up becoming cannibals or committed suicide because life could harbor anything without help from the sun. The water parched and life just gave no more. The government did go underground. This government known as the Pacific and Atlantic Union of the Americas knew about this impending war through various historical prophecies and prepared for it. The PAUA did not know for certain whether other governments followed their lead since connection between them halted at an instant drop of an atomic bomb of supreme proportions over the earth by an egomaniacal dictator in the middle east. The government knew it had to get out of the earth. One way was through their spaceships they put under the earth in a secret cover operation. And take experimented humans from the tunneled cells under the earth. The government knew of Prescott's tunnel network. And although they believed Prescott had good intentions to attain freedom. That didn't matter to them. PAUA sought his resources and his men to test life on Mars. They figured he did half the work. Now if they could only exert force at the right calculating move. Chapter 3 "Will I don't know man, I don't trust my life underground. We are living a bad lot. I kind of trust Prescot cause he's all we got, but what if someone overpowers us , then what we gonna do?" George felt weary over his soldier life without much answers. "I know what you mean. I feel sorry for us actually. We don't have wives, we don't have a home. Our past generations screwed it up for us man! Now we gotta deal with taking orders by Prescot." Will empathized with George and felt somewhat defeated in taking orders all his life. "Its like, what happened to my parents? You know, I bet they abducted us and we can't say nuthin." George knows his life isn't typically normal like it used to be for the Americans before PAUA took over. "Yeah man, just makes my stomach churn. I wish we could escape. But then how we gonna feed ourselves? I wonder what life is like above us. All we know is by what they tell us. What if its paradise up there and we're living in hell?" Will seemed to be cynical about Prescot's motivations but he still wanted to do something to ease his boredom. "Yeah, well I just feel like a guinea pig in a cage today. I can't believe Walter was chosen for the third time?! I just wanna get my legs working. Tired of playing card games after working out all day with you man, you my homie, I know but shoot I need to work too." George's honesty was appreciated by Will. "I feel ya bro." Will understood. **** "Right over here Walter you know," Tiffany motioned for the "Ice Shaft." "Sure do Tiffany." Walter stated. Prescot coiled his chair to the right fitting and turned around behind his desk. "Okay Walter you're going to make an easy run this time for us." "Yes sir and what would that be?" Walter felt uneasy but ready as always. "Well we have to get a telephone from a certain cell in this underground world you understand? See I will give you the right information you need in order to obtain it. The goal is that I make more prototypes of this telephone from the 21st century which is easier to rebuild and create a communication network with it underground. "Yes I understand." He really didn't understand, he just did as he was told. "I don't think you understand. Let me tell you. The PAUA has got a system they've had for years. They can outdo us at any given moment. If we create a vast network of rebellious cells they won't be able to target us as efficiently and take us as hostages. Now follow this map, Tiffany was instructed by me over the details of how to find one in another cell. And if you think you are going empty handed think again. You'll need this book: Advanced Astronomy Handbook. Take your wits, and take this as well, a stun gun in case you need it when encountering thieves. And don't forget come back with the telephone. Its a point I can't stress enough. Ok Tiffany show him the specifics on the writings. Thank you." Prescot had to explain it the way it made sense to him because he felt if they knew the importance of it, they'd be better off completing the mission. "Okay, let us take a look at it Walter." Tiffany said. "Sure!" Walter hadn't a though to worry about but understood he was just a body of work. "Okay, so this map details the exit route out of our cell. And how to get to this certain spot figured by the mark X. At X you are to ask for a "guard of the telephone." And if they ask tell them that Prescot sent for you and you have something they want. He'll most likely then take you into an area of interest where you can barter for the phone. Give them the book and if they ask about it, give them this note by Prescot, it has a note for the keeper of the book. That way they will give you the phone. You're probably wondering what he is sending you on this trip to guide you, well its a compass again. And the compass will direct you to southeast. If you ask anyone where "Target 5" is located they'll know and they ask for anything, you know the drill. Just wing it and trick em into giving you the info. And if you have to give anything in exchange, here's a few items; a clock, a watch, and a walkman. For some reason, people still listen to music after the apocalypse of the war by ISIS, makes no sense. Got everything?" "Yes I did but can I have you?" Walter remarked jokingly. "No Walter, nice try." Tiffany felt amused but shut that comment down quick. "Okay, but what bag?" Walter said. "Here you go, its all packed up and don't lose this map nor note. Remember stay away from any government official. You'll know by their cleanliness, fatness, and color of coats." Tiffany remarked. "I know, I know." And just like that Walter left the "Ice Shaft" for work. Chapter 4 In the year of 2070 ISIS networks encompassed almost every nation of the earth. Not only was this terrorist militia a threat to any nation it operated in, it gave rise to nuclear blasts which created a thick cloud over any nation it could its grip on. Slowly over the years the West could not contain their control and this led to a nuclear war in which one country's strike over the USA led the world into chaos. Countries that depended on the United States of America for currency and trade were left to trade with selfish communists and hunger parched the people of third world nations. The remaining military complex that was left underground in case of disaster became the Pacific and Atlantic Union. Various cells underground in tunnels tried to calculate ways of surviving the human species and colonizing on Mars. Their hope: to cultivate humans on an experiment to Mars. The blast hit the earth like none before it. It left the earth in a fog and haze, Americans died in less than an hour. The remaining inhabitants on earth eventually died of disease, violence or hunger. Their only seeming hope: the tunnels underground. **** With his protective stun gun, the Astronomy trade book, and his map Walter felt determined to make it to the cell of where the needed watch would be. He thought about Tiffany. Walter seemed to be a block head. Just caring for things he shouldn't care about especially when danger is around the corner. As he made his way, he noticed a dead rat. The rat's length startled Walter. Damn! That thing is huge! Walter almost panicked by its vermon but quickly moved on. As Walter made his way through a dark and dank tunnel with a diameter of 28 inches he had to almost bend in some tunnels. These tunnels were the left over tunnels from a war in the early 21st century. At least that's what Will told him, his fellow "soldier." Fuck! This grime is seriously giving me the creeps. Just another ... looks like 3 miles. Walter lit his papers underground with a lighter that Prescot managed to refill with charcoal liquid he received on a trade. I should get in Tiffany's boots before I die in one of these stupid runs. Walter didn't seem to take too much interest in the line of work he was born into. Well Tiffany's all we got. I'm surprised Prescot hasn't impregnated her or anything. Oh geez that's a horrible thing to say for the poor lady. Seriously why the fuck didn't I get born someplace else. What is god anyway? Ah who cares. At least I'm not in a shittier place. Walter walked fast past the garbage and gnats talking to himself to keep himself entertained and alive. Chapter 5 Prescott made a visit to the quarters of the soldiers. He knew that the only way to keep his boys in line is to train them on a routine basis. And as far as Tiffany was concerned, keep her busy and happy with her requests. She has no choice, she is surrounded by men. "Okay boys, I am going to assign Will and George on an exercise run. Tiffany told me you two were acting strange and restless." Prescott exclaimed. "Yes sir" They both said the same thing at the right time. "Very well, I want you two to take an unexpected run to find any other networks that I am unaware of. Tell them I have a collection of how to books for survival to get us off this underground grid and possibly re-establish ourselves outside of here on poor mother earth. And tell them I have rare collectibles. And let me know what they have in return." Prescott made his point clear. "Yes sir! We will hunt for any other networks as you say and do as told. If we find a network, we will notify you in due time." George is the more obedient one, but surprising at times. "And I will work with George sir Prescott." Will didn't want to but had to. "Oh and take these they will guard your life." Prescott gave them each a flashlight and a bag of weapons which includes two grenades, a hammer, a small bat, a pocket knife, and a pistol. **** "Sir I have to say this is an impressive collection of books. I don't know how you have the time to sit and read through all this, calculate your next plans, and train those poor soldiers." Tiffany's souther drawl had a calming effect on Prescott. "I like to think I need them for survival. What else , Tiffany?" Prescott always felt Tiffany is a little too nice for the job but he was all he could find to keep the men fixated and nurtured somehow. She stood about 5'6, wore the same outfits of pant suits, and blouses and always had a smile on her face in this rough place. She strengthen the people there in a subliminal way. "Well I thought you know, you could use help in learning the material?" Tiffany adapted to his behavior and reactions. That was how she presented herself. A survivalist of all means too. Tiffany came from a place of the government unbenounced to anyone there. Prescott figured she might be a Pacific and Atlantic Union's dreg of an overlord's daughter. But he wasn't sure. She just appeared as a teen having nowhere to go underground. So he took her in, raised her, and she treated him as a father figure slash mentor. And that is how her relationship with Prescott entailed. The other men knew she was in it for survival as well but they didn't really know where she came from. "Well if you wanted to finally learn something, why don't you read this book here? Prescott rolled in his chair and took off the book "How to detect lies without a polygraph" "Hmm .. that's interesting. How could that serve us here?" Tiffany felt intrigued. "Well simple, if we capture an attacker and I do not know whether he is telling the truth you can be confirmation or second guess. Plain and simple." Prescott thought he knew everything. "Okay I'll be reading it from now on." Tiffany took the book and went to her own room. It had nothing but a bed bunker, a refrigerator, papers she wrote for Prescott, maps to figure out the location of the other places around the cells, ink from his Ice Shaft, clothing containers, and her devotional bible. Although Prescott wasn't keen on her having that in her cell, he knew it gave her comfort and strength to carry on. So he didn't mind. And it did comfort her. She prayed to an unknown God to carry on. And wondered why Jesus didn't come back? Sometimes she thought it was the end of days. The very last end of days. Chapter 6 God how am I going to find this lady with this stinking map, the map is getting humid in here! Fuck! okay go left, ah there's what he mentioned - some mine cargo cart left over, ok now right... What Walter failed at directions he made up for in grit. It still wasn't time to get to the rebellious connection that had the telephone. **** I am so fucking peeved at this fucking receiver , its giving no signal. I await Walter's return with the telephone so I can apply my hand at making prototypes. I should have told the damn boy to pick up scraps along the way. Shit! He's about as dumb as my next soldier. We need to survive out of this hell hole in order to escape Mars. That is not a hospitable place for anyone. Dirt , dirt, and more red dirt. Heat and heat and more heat. I'd fight till death. "Hi sir one of your soldiers would like to speak with you?" Tiffany mentioned. "Bring him in, who is it?" Prescot questioned. "Its actually Will sir." Tiffany replied. "Okay bring him in." Prescot expected a complaint. "Hello sir thank you for having me here. I have come for a request." Will felt uneasy but needed to breathe out of it from his chest. "Okay Will what is your request?" Prescot sensed something in the air of discontent. "I request that you let me and George look for land outside of the tunnel so we can report back to you what our finding is and we can move forward from here sir." Will manned up as tough as he could as a poker faced soldier. "Will if I let you do that how do I know you will abandon us?" Prescot wasn't an idiot but he did want to experiment as that was on his mind for some time anyhow. "You can expect as certain times to be back or give a way of our word through a receiver." Will thought if he can convince Prescot of his constant contact that Prescot will have a certain power over them. "Maybe. But that won't happen until I have a receiver that works. For now you will have to wait until Walter returns. He has a working receiver that he will bring, its a telephone but I can turn it into a two way signal." Prescot's answer left Will with a stubborn will to get out of this place. **** Ah I found it! Okay shit this place is so bare there is nothing here. How does she even have a telephone? Hmmm I wonder what she knows. I think she wants that astrology book because she wants to get the fuck out of here and not bother with gadgets and crap! "Hello?! Anyone there?! I've come from Prescot a rebellious cell I am his soldier, can anyone here me? I am here for a trade we are in it to escape like you guys." Walter attempted a friendly impression. "Yes come in. My boys are out of my cell they are looking for a way to a living soluble edifying place to live. What have you brought for me? My name is Anoushka nice to meet you. Now what is that book bring it closer so I can give you an exchange. Prescot used to work in the military and heard that I was living in a rebellious network as well. HE found some muscles very well. I cannot see very well what is it?" "Its a book about Astronomy it delves into the basics of Astronomy so you may find your way outside of this place with the help of your soldiers. Do you have anyone here? How can you do this yourself?" Walter seemed worried for this poor woman. "Don't worry for me boy. They'll come back they have to be fed." Anoushka knew her place. "Now I see you have the book give it to me." "Okay but Prescot requests that you give him a telephone." Walter didn't wince on words. "No need to be firm, here here come here. The phone is here." Anoushka opened the cabinet door and handed him a phone that belonged to the 21st century. It had the electronics embedded that Prescot could make use of so he took it and put it in his bag. "Very well I must be on my way." Walter felt the need to hurry. "Fine but be wary of something." Anoushka added. "Yes what is it?" Walter replied. "Its the Pacific and Atlantic Union soldiers... They might have taken a few of my men but I won't let them take Prescot's. Prescot put you in dangerous territory. Be ware, hurry on." Anoushka shut the door and hid her whereabouts with moss on the entrance. Walter ran as fast as he could back with the phone and his map.