"Any lock can be bypassed, one way or another." Montoya replied, as the doors closed and the party began its second descent. Further, but faster than before. "Some of the Inmates here specialized in such activities before they were apprehended. On central transport system may be more efficient, but we take no chances when it comes to containment of this facility's population, especially after recent events. During the prison-wide riot three months ago, our ability to remotely shut down and reactivate all elevators independently allowed us to separate and contain pockets of violence, even shepherd the rioters into areas where they would be easier to combat. Such measures saved this facility from total collapse. If we had just one central elevator block, and we were to lose control of who could get on and off, and where, to consequences could be disastrous."
The elevator began to slow, marking the final few seconds before their arrival at the Mid-Levels. They touched down near one of the Cell Hubs in the North Wing, over a mile away from the Industrial Complex at the heart of the Mid-Levels, thanks in part to the slanting descent of the elevator car. Trident squad exited from their cars first, and after ascertaining the the area was secure, gave the signal for the rest to come through.
"Our next transit station is further out." Montoya informed them as they filed out into the corridor. "It's a short walk, and along the way you'll have the chance for a somewhat less formal inspection of some of the living quarters for the Inmates."
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Over a mile south, Husky and Viper squads were touching down at the Mid-Levels too, although the uninitiated could mistake their location for another facility entirely. They had arrived at the main thoroughfare leading into the Industrial Complex, the beating heart of the entire facility. Inmates moved about here in far greater numbers, careful to avoid eye-contact with the entourage of Wardens (very few Inmates even knew Lee's name, and fewer still had ever seen him in the flesh, but they all knew who he was). Husky and Viper were far from the only squads here, Lee counted fifteen on patrol just in his current field of vision, as it should be.
The ultimate distinction however, between the Industrial Complex and the rest of the facility, was the heat. Even with the massive flue system and ventilation, drawing hot exhaust away to the surface and pumping fresh air in, both at a rate of hundreds of liters per minute, the temperature here was over 45 degrees Celsius, and oppressive. The noise too. The Lower-Levels were always humming the the tune of a thousand pick-axes striking rock, punctuated by the roars of heavy mining drills and blasts of dynamite, but these noises were offset by the vast caverns, where the sometimes seemingly endless darkness would feel like it was swallowing up any evidence of life around it, covering up the cruelty and toil within its walls, as if the rock itself was ashamed. The Mid-Levels were a less sympathetic beast. At peak levels of production, the entire Industrial Complex would gird its loins and bellow out its chorus of hammers, fire, and shrieking jets of steam. Lee had seen it more active than this before, the facility was still ticking over productivity wise, in its recovery after Borealis. The workforce had replaced itself quickly enough, Venture Horizon would never have a shortage of clients more than willing to dump their dirty little secrets at its door. The Industrial Complex had been the epicenter of the riot though, which meant that heavy structural damage had been sustained, which had not yet been fully repaired in some areas. Nevertheless, the visitors would receive quite a show.
"Husky squad will take point." he ordered Lt. Abreu. "This way."
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The path up that Nikolai had spotted before was indeed climbable, although it seemed like it might be steeper than it had looked. The drink at the stream had given Nikolai a little injection of strength, and he led the Free Men up with renewed purpose. It wasn't long before the caves were in sight, looking like they could offer ample protection from the encroaching night. Nikolai was careful not to let his guard down though. The caves were ideal, meaning that they were like as not already inhabited, and they had met few Beasts in their travels so far that were willing to tolerate a shared living space. Besides, the Free Men would be eager to eat something that wasn't berries.
Gregor was up front with Nikolai. Not quite at his side, but maintaining a respectful position just off his shoulder. Gregor's left arm was held in a sling, but in his right he still carried a machine pistol, aided by the strap over his shoulder, and he was a deadly shot even with one hand.
"There was a small village not far downstream." Gregor said. "It looked like it might be deserted. We may find supplies there."
"We may find death there as well." Nikolai grunted "I saw. Men do not leave their homes unless their homes are dangerous... We shall have to pass though that area on our way anyway. Tomorrow, when we are fresh, I will scout ahead with a few Men, to decide whether we search there, or sneak by."
They were a coming up to the cave mouths now. Nothing had challenged them yet...
A single howl split the air. Close, too close, and soon accompanied by a hungry chorus. The Wolves had caught up with them. Nikolai spotted the faintest rustling in the undergrowth off to his left. Taking no chances, he turned and fired a single blast from his shotgun. A death yelp told him he had found his target.
"GET INSIDE! NOW!" he bellowed, as the chorus struck up again.
