Infinity zero: Efa

To the surface

The hustle and bustle of the cafeteria was not one of Kalebs favourite experiences. He much preferred the unused passageways to enjoy his meals alone. But he made a deal and that meant he now had to wait for Oliver in the most prominent spot and the worst in his opinion, the front entrance. having to endure the countless stares and remarks as others passed him by. And it wasn't long before a familiar voice caught his attention. Daliah loved the social hot spots of Prospect, but this was the last place anyone would expect to run into her.

'Long time no see' she said, leaning close into his space. Kaleb turned his head trying his best to avoid any eye contact. A sly smile glinted her lips and her hands extended to caress his face, 'why are you avoiding me?'

Kaleb pulled her hands down and carefully pushed her body away, enough that he could walk away. but as he turned to leave she grabbed hold of his jacket.

'Answer me, Kay' she demanded.

He let out a sigh and answered 'I prefer my own company these days'

'What does that even mean? is it because the director put you to work in the depths. you should stop sulking and just apologise, everyone knows you're her favourite'

'It means just that'

'KALEB!!!' a voice shouted from beyond the entering crowd. Kaleb caught a glimpse of Oliver running towards him carrying a large backpack. Daliah spotted the boy as well, 'oh really? seems like your habit for breaking rules hasn't changed.'

she lent in toward his ear and whispered 'You know if any of the officials find out your sneaking up to the surface again, it wont just be your station you need to worry about. But for a price I might just be willing to help?'

Two times in less than a week, the blows just keep coming. Kaleb turned around he had no patience for Daliahs games. 'what do you want Daliah?'

'Isn't it obvious? Meet me at the governors entrance in three days' she smiled as she turned to leave not even awaiting Kalebs response. Before she disappeared from view she shouted back 'Three days, Kay'. As she left Oliver arrived clueless to Kalebs predicament.

'so where are we going?

of course Paddy didn't tell the boy , Probably thought the Kid would freak out if he knew. Kaleb decided it was best to keep it quiet and let oliverfigure it out for himself. It also made it more entertaining for him. That and Kaleb didn't want to say any thing on the off chance that it ruined his entire day.Afterall Today was the day he had waited for these last two months and thanks to Paddy he spent the best part of a weekdreading it. 

so keeping quiet like gramps , well that's ok l packed for most occasions

Kaleb rolled his eyes and began to waK out of the atrium. 'Didn't the old man tell you to pack light' . Oliver hurried along behind , pushing through the oncoming crowd , he might have mentioned it , but better to be prepared. Kaleb highly doubted that much of what Oliver packed would be of any use on the Surface. of course he wasn't going to give away the big surprise'.smiling to himself as they reached the eastern side of the 6th floor. from experience it was the quietest and least guarded route to the surface. And best of all no Cameras. It was only when they reached the second set of ladders to assend to the next level, that Oliver clocked on.

'We're going to the surface!' he exclaimed, eyes wide with shock. Kaleb was already working his way up the ladder, but the boy who couldn't shut up until that point stood motionless at the bottom in silence. It made no difference to Kalebs plans if the boy chose to leave, however he picture old man Paddy in his mind and the weeks of harassment he would have to endure if Oliver left. He tilted his head to look down at the boy, deciding to take a gamble with his next choice of words 'Hey, you can either follow me or run back crying to your gramps. The choice is yours.' 

'I may not be as daring as you but Im no cry baby' the boy ahouted in annoyance, his voice echoing off the walls. Kaleb knew he struck a nerve with the boy, but he wasn't much of the begging type and he was itching to get to the surface as soon as possible. 'Good, but word of caution kid, nest keep the noise to a minimum unless you wanna get caught', Oliver took a big gulp before continuing to follow his fellow partner in crime. Everyone in prospect knew the laws regarding entry to the surface, anyone caught leaving without a permit was publically shamed, placed into solitary confinement for 6 weeks and received a social demotion. Further attempts lead to stricter punishments. Of course Kaleb knew first hand what was instore if they were caught and it was more than what people were lead to believe. But he had his reasons for taking the risks and his track record proved in his favour.

As they reached the final stretch to the exit Kaleb heard the clanging of footsteps coming from the corridor ahead. This wasn't good news, Oliver stopped in his tracks covering his mouth in an attempt to muffle any noise he might make. Kaleb motioned to lean close to the wall as the footsteps got louder, he mouthed the words ' trust me' and Oliver nodded in understanding. Kaleb closed his eyes to focus, when he opened them again they appeared to shimmer with motion. Like the sea. It wasn't long before the shadows appeared on the wall as 5 guards turned the corner, heading straight towards them. Oliver felt his life flash before him, the disappointment in his parents eyes and the punishment that would await, refusing to remove his hands from his mouth. He thought this is it game over.

But instead hearing the guards shouting 'intruders' and being tackled to the ground or tasered, which is how he had invisioned it in his mind, the guards simply walked past without even a glance in thier direction. He heard them laughing and making jokes as they walked out of sight and further into the depths.

Unlike Oliver, Kaleb had remained completely calm turning to the stunned boy beside his and motioning to remain silent. It only took two minutes to reach the damaged shaft that lead directly to the surface and once they reached the top, they were greeted by the constant cooper sky. The sun not even visible through the thick polluted clouds, and the soft flutter of grey ash made it seem as though the world was on fire. No-one here nor for the longest time has ever seen what the sky could truly be. At least beyond the photos and drawings of the ancient ones that survived.