Code Reaper: Mega-City Crimes Sci-Fi Novella by E. L. Strife

Author:E. L. Strife [Strife, E. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The stone beneath my feet is a strange sensation. I’m used to crumbling concrete or steel, maybe a hand-woven rug if I’m lucky. I leave behind the stench of smog and hot plastic for a dank, earthy smell that nudges a primal part of my brain.

The stairwell swirls downward, seeming endless. I count the steps between the levels. Stopping halfway down the fourth, I find a tall piece of steel in the stone that looks like an extra-long breaker panel. I lean closer.

A yellow LED blinks beside the panel, then turns green. The door clicks and pops open. I cautiously peer inside. Finding a second set of steps, I slip in and close the door behind me.

A flickering glow ahead makes me slow as I descend. I peek out along catwalk of stone and iron that looks down at a grand hall I can only assume is the sanctuary of the old cathedral. Candle flames dance, making the walls look like they move. It’s a very different visual from the constant glow or flash of city lights. My eyes take a moment to adjust.

The area below me is empty. I’m not early by any means. I cross the walkway and descend to the sanctuary, keeping my steps as quiet as possible. I stick to the shadows and move along the exterior of the church, checking each room for patrons and members. I anticipate men and women in robes doing some sort of mantra but encounter no one.

Underneath where I came in, I find an old wooden door leading to another set of steps. Taking them down, I find another room lit up with candles and a group of people around a table at the far end.

“You must be Kaisha,” a deep voice says, stepping between me and the entrance to the room. I gasp and rear back in instinctive defense. He catches my arm before I can retrieve my shock baton from my pocket.

“You don’t need that here. I’m Sair, a former Code Reaper like you. Now, I reap augmentations from people. Tech is much safer outside of the body. Come, meet the others.”

“Thanks, but I’m not joining. I’m just looking for some information.”

“You will join in time.” He has dark eyes and skin that glow under the gold light of his glasses. “I remember the obligation of Divisiom. They’ll be onto you soon enough. We will be waiting. We will find you.”

I don’t like the promise in his words. “They won’t know where I’ve been or that I’ve been researching the secret society.”

“Sure, but any time underground has them investigating you.”

I think about my code-reaping den. It seems unlikely that they’d investigate my habits on a daily basis.

“They know you enough to know where you should be and where you aren’t. My guess is they probably already figured out that you’re not at your place.”

The idea is alarming. I’m eager to get back on track and make this risky endeavor worth it. If Divisiom has already figured out that I’m compromised, I need to ensure that I get what I came for.

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