Hal Spacejock 7: Big Bang by Haynes Simon

Author:Haynes, Simon [Haynes, Simon]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: novel, spacejock, sci-fi, humour, science fiction comedy, series, science fiction, comedy novel, scifi, humor, comedy
Publisher: Bowman Press
Published: 2014-03-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Hal and Amy set off together, working their way around the perimeter of the big square cavern. The first wall was the one the digger had burst through, and Hal played the beam on several fine jets of water which were spraying around the machine. Fortunately there wasn't too much of it, but there was no time to waste and they moved on quickly.

The next wall was bare from one end to the other, but the wall opposite the digger had a circular hole with a tunnel leading away into the darkness. Hal shone the beam down it as far as he could, but the light was too dim and he couldn't see the end. "It's a possible at least," he said.

Amy nodded. "Come on, let's check the last wall."

They did so, and here they came across an alcove with a teleporter. Hal found the control panel and scrolled through the recent history, nodding to himself as he saw a batch of shorter addresses. If all else failed, they might be able to teleport to safety … or at least somewhere a little less dangerous.

Having completed their circuit, Hal and Amy returned to the middle of the cavern, where Clunk was still digging around in the crates. Hal told him about the tunnel and the teleporter, then asked the question uppermost in his mind. "Did you find any more food?"

"No, but I think some of these spares will fit the digger. I may be able to upgrade the forward scanner, perhaps even improve the efficiency of the —"

"Good. Excellent. Er, what about something to drink?"

There was a loud crack nearby, and they all heard the sound of running water. Hal aimed his light at the noise, and as he played the beam on the big red digging machine he saw water coming right through the vehicle. Sprays of it were spurting through widening seams in the hull and more was cascading out of the cabin through the open hatch.

"Looks like I'll be getting that drink after all," remarked Hal.

"This is serious, Mr Spacejock."

"Especially for the Navcom."

They were silent for a moment or two as they watched the stricken digger spewing water.

"Well, I do still have that backup," said Clunk at last.

"Good, because we might need her again." Hal shone his light at the spreading pool of water in front of the digger. "Okay, what are our options?"

Clunk rubbed his chin. "I recommend we teleport out of here."

"If the teleporter works."

"Why don't we take the cars?" said Amy. "We could drive along the tunnel we found. They look pretty quick, and we should be able to outrun the flood."

"If the cars work," said Hal.

They both turned on him. "Okay, what's your plan?" demanded Amy.

"My plan? You want to hear all about my plan?"

"Yes, any time now would be good."

Hal glanced around the cavern for inspiration, and he was about to admit defeat when it came to him. "My plan is sheer brilliance."

"I can't wait," said Amy."

Hal ignored her, and patted the nearest crate.

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