The Uli Rouge

[Malaclypse 666]

Reggie was amazed at the control the young girl Sylvia had over the Atrium, as she called it. The tunnel they walked through formed with amazing speed before them, and disappeared equally as fast into solid granite walls behind them. This was a technology unknown to even the most far-reaching researchers in the Sector. The implant which Sylvia carried would definitely have to be kept a secret from everyone, or she would rapidly become the most sought-after commodity within 50 parsecs.

The tunnel suddenly ended in a metallic wall, which also dissolved to reveal the inside of the elevator car which Reggie had escaped to begin this strange mission. Once all the party were inside the car, its wall re-integrated, and the car moved smoothly downwards to its lower terminus at another tunnel. A walk of 200 meters brought them to another seemingly solid granite wall. This time, however, a touch to an adjacent control panel caused the wall to move smoothly aside; and the party found itself a short distance from Alans underwater observation platform.

Alan, Kate and Spike looked questioningly at Reggie, and Spike finally broke the silence. Pops, do you want us to go back up the mountain with you? Id hate to think we just escaped one trap, only to see you walk back into another without backup.

Reggie glanced at Sylvia, who still seemed a bit agitated. She almost looked like a child who had just been caught with her hand buried in the cookie jar. He turned to his friends and smiled. I dont think that will be necessary, Spike. Your appearance would merely raise questions that might be rather embarrassing to our young rescuer here.

I shall tell Fiona and the rest that I encountered Sylvia at the Veranda, worried about her mother; and that I agreed to return to the Uli Rouge with her to alleviate her concerns.

I would ask that you contact Mal, and ask him to closely monitor the space surrounding Canaria for any further unannounced guests. Now that were out of that bloody mountain, Ill use my stunning new pocket watch to coordinate with V-MAX at the Veranda; and bring myself up to speed on events while Sylvia and I walk up to the Villa again.

Spike hesitated, looked at Alan and Kate, and then nodded. Done, Pops. he said, as their party turned and continued on to the central island.

Reggie then turned to Sylvia, and motioning towards a narrow stairway leading upwards, said Shall we?

Sylvia unexpectedly grabbed Reggies hand, holding it tightly. Oh, Pops! Thank you for keeping my little secret. If youre determined to go back up to check on Mom, it will be a lot easier to explain without your friends along!

Im not sure why Richard and DeSicev havent told Mom about the Atrium, but have let me have almost the run of the place. Maybe together we can corner their sneaky butts and find out just what the Thud is going on, mkay?

That we shall, my dear girl! said Reggie emphatically, as they climbed the stairs to the surface. There has been enough bloody intrigue around here for one evening. I for one have had my fill.

A short walk brought them to he beginning of the winding mountain path that led to the Uli Rouge. As they began their ascent, Reggie caught sight of a figure above them, moving in and out of the shadows obscuring the path as it descended. Within a few moments and a few more turns of the pathway, he could make out the rather tall, gangly frame of Jay Simon approaching them. And, Jay was whistling.

---