Title: Ghost Town - the alternative universe rewrite
Chapter: 12
Author: squeezynz@free.net.nz
Rating: PG
all the rest, see chapter one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The vent was becoming impossibly dark. They had managed to negotiate their way down a series of duct-work until they were near the ground floor hallway. From using the various openings along the way to guide them, they had come via a circuitous route to reach the lobby, but the light was failing and Mark was becoming concerned they'd miss the vent in the darkness. Steve had managed most of the obstacles, only his labored breathing an indication of the stress of the journey. The noise of his crutch had become a familiar sound in the eerily silent heating duct. The only other sounds had been the occasional muffled earthquakes as one of the Giants passed a wall or skirting board that they were behind. They had heard Lizzie's voice on more than one occasion, signalling that she was no longer being kept in her room, making their escape that much more vital to their survival. Valerie had faired only slightly better than Steve, her head now pounding with fatigue and nerves. She had felt dizzy on more than one occasion but kept the symptoms to herself, not wanting to slow down their progress. Now, as they paused to check their position through another dusty vent, she put a shaky hand to her head and pushed her hair away from her face, her breathing shallow. Mark and Steve had left their gear with her as they went to peer out into the darkened area outside the slats of the grill, so Valerie took the moment to close her eyes to ease the pounding in her head. She felt faintly nauseous and shaky, her legs definitely trembling. Without conscious volition, she started to slide down the metal wall of the duct, her bottom hitting the floor before she realised her legs had given out. With a faint sigh and her eyes still shut she slowly toppled sideways, coming to rest with her head partially pillowed on the coil of rope. A little further along, Mark and Steve continued to discuss their options, unaware of Valerie's collapse.

" We don't know that Dan is still a prisoner, he could have got away, somehow,"

" Even if he did, we don't know whether he managed to connect with Fitzhugh or Barry, or find Betty," Steve rubbed a finger over his upper lip, feeling the bristles starting to roughen his skin. " I don't think you stand any better chance of finding him on your own."

" But you stand a better chance of avoiding capture by staying here, in the house." Mark tried to read Steve's expression in the dim light, his own face striped by the shadows cast by the bars of the vent. " I could leave the house, search for Dan and the others, and be back by the morning, without you or Valerie being put at risk."

" And I say we stick together, it's too far to travel to the town, it would take all of the night, and even you need to rest sometime,"

" I'd travel faster without you and Val to worry about," Mark stated baldly. Steve nodded his understanding.

" Normally I'd agree, but with everyone scattered its even more important than ever that we stay together." Steve shifted slightly, easing a cramp in his leg. " For now, we need to find somewhere to spend the night..... is it my imagination or is it getting hotter in here ?"

" I'd noticed that as well, I'm surprised that Ackman needs to turn the heating on, its not exactly cold."

" It means we can't stay in the duct much longer, we need to scout outside this vent before it becomes too dark to see,"

" You stay here, I'll only be gone long enough to find us somewhere for the night," said Mark, moving through the slats before Steve could open his mouth to protest. Flattening himself against the wall, Mark looked along the wall in both directions. He could see the back door, way off in the distance, the last of the evening light illuminating the glass inserts. The stairs were to his right, appearing like a mountain, its summit lost in the gloom. His feet sank into the pile of the carpet as he made his way along the wall, passing under a half table and fetching up at the base of the first stair. He could see a light under one of the doors leading off the hall and hear muffled voices. Feeling the floor slightly vibrate, he came to the realisation that a Giant was moving about, possibly about to exit the room opposite. Mark headed back to the vent at a run, reaching the slats and squeezing through just in time, the door opening wide and casting a bright beam of light onto the floor where he'd so recently stood. Twisting around he watched as Ackman left the room and walked down the hall away from the staircase towards the front of the house. The light from the room he'd so recently left spilled into the heating vent, casting harsh shadows. Mark could really feel the heat now, beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead as he swivelled around to find out where Steve and Valerie were.

Looking down the metal tunnel he saw a darker shadow that moved.

" Steve ?"

" Back here," Steve voice drifted out of the dark.

" I only got back by the skin of my teeth, Ackman just came out of the room across from the stairs.....Steve ?"

" Mark, get over here, Valerie's collapsed, I can't wake her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They had reached the outbuilding as the last of the light faded, Dan leading the way holding Betty's hand, followed by Barry holding tightly to Chipper's makeshift lead, and finally Fitzhugh stumbling along in the rear. Once inside the barn-like building, Dan groped his way along the inner wall, trying to remember the layout from his previous visit with Steve when they'd found the red truck. He paused, bringing up a mental map of the floor area, remembering that he'd seen another truck body, up on blocks, not far from the door they'd come through. Faint light filtered through the side windows, casting slightly lighter patches on the dusty floor.

" I'm sure its over here somewhere....Ouch! damn found it," Dan cursed under his breath as his knee found the side of the unfinished truck. He felt along the metal body, found the door handle and pulled it open. Pulling Betty to the opening he helped her climb onto the front seat then guided Barry to the cab and lifted the boy inside, along with his dog.

" Fitzhugh, where are you ?" Dan called, hearing the older man's heavy breathing but unable to pinpoint his location.

" I'm lost, I can't see anything," Fitzhugh's panicky voice echoed around the empty barn, seemingly louder in the dark.

" Just follow the sound of my voice, Fitz, you'll hit the truck soon enough," said Dan, wincing when a loud bang indicated that Fitzhugh had indeed hit the metal panel at the back of the truck's flatbed. He heard some muffled swearing then he saw a lighter blob approach along the side of the truck.

" See, I told you, you'd hit the truck," Dan grinned in the dark, able now to see Fitzhugh pale face as the older man came alongside him.

" I don't find that at all amusing, I think I may have broken something,"

" I wouldn't worry, Fitzhugh, the trucks not going anyway soon," said Dan, deliberately misinterpreting the mans comments.

" And just where are you expecting me to sleep ?" Fitzhugh asked plaintively.

" Betty and Barry have the cab, so you and I get the back, have a feel around and see if there's anything we can use for a cover, it's gonna get alot colder in here before morning."

" I wish we were back in the guest house, atleast we'd have warm beds to sleep in," Fitzhugh grumbled, feeling his way to the back of the truck.

" For once, Fitzhugh, I agree with you," Dan muttered, helping the older man to climb over the edge of the truck. " We could use some light in here, and some food, water, medical supplies...."

" Did you have to mention food, it's been hours since breakfast,"

" Sorry....I'm starting to think that getting ourselves caught by Ackman might not be such a bad idea,"

" But you were so keen to leave, that's all you've tried to do since we arrived," Fitzhugh shock at Dan's statement evident in his voice.

" Yeah...I know, but look at us now. Even if we do find our way back to the Spindrift, without Mark or Steve we don't have a hope of getting the ship operable, plus Betty needs medical help, the sooner the better." Dan stayed beside the truck, his head resting on his folded arms as he leant on the edge. " Fitzhugh, maybe being a captive of Ackman isn't the best, but it's a whole lot better than where we are right now."

The silence between the two men stretched, both trying to think of something positive to buoy the others spirits.

" Aren't you climbing up here ?" Fitzhugh asked finally.

" No, I'll keep watch while you get some rest, I need to keep an eye on Betty, I'm still not sure how seriously she's hurt, plus I'm too hyped to get any sleep, despite the long day,"

" I think I'm sitting on something here," Fitzhugh said, rummaging around. " It's a sort of tarpaulin or something,"

" Good, use it, I'll only be a short distance away, so call if you need me, I'm going to check outside after I speak to Barry and Betty,"

" Be careful Dan,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ackman placed the tiny bowl on the ground next to the water. He knelt there for a moment, the light from the torch sweeping around, its yellow light illuminating small patches of ground, casting long shadows that made the leaves and buildings appear distorted. He had spent the afternoon trying to repair the worst of the damage to the train, his attention often taken from the task by a sound or a movement glimpsed from the corner of his eye. Ever hopeful that it might be one of the Little People he constantly got up to check, every time coming back to sit down when the movement turned out to be a leaf or just the breeze moving the plants about. He had given up after discovering that he had glued a set of wheels to the roof of one of the carriages. Tutting to himself in disgust he gave up on the repairs and, seeing the afternoon drawing in, decided to call it a day. He had still to deal with Lizzie and he had put the moment off long enough. A day spent kicking her heels in her room should have made her realise the seriousness of her mischief. Sighing to himself, Ackman checked the control board before shutting down all non-essential systems. He decided, at the last moment, to leave the towns lights on, in case any of the Little People returned. He had also left the forcefield off, as, with no occupants, it was no longer necessary to secure the town. In his heart he hoped that his guests would return by their own choice, but he was realistic enough to realise they would probably be miles away by now. He cast a last look around before turning and trudging back towards the house, the setting sun turning the sky gold.

After dealing with his remorseful Granddaughter, who appeared, in his loving eyes, to have deeply regretted her selfish and mischievous behaviour, Ackman settled down to have his meal. While he sat in the study he decided to pay a last visit to the town before turning in. Picking up the necessary supplies, he grabbed a torch and set off. On reaching the outlying buildings he knelt down and placed the tiny items on a clear bit of ground, making sure that they wouldn't get knocked over. Getting to his feet he cleared his throat before speaking to the clear night air.

" I know you must be out there somewhere, Little People. I've left you some food and water, and I've left the forcefield off for the night." Ackman listened for a minute, not really expecting a reply. " I won't be coming out again tonight, so please don't fear its a trap."

He paused again, his ears straining for the slightest indication that the Earth People were anywhere near. Hearing only the wind in the trees he clucked his tongue and shook his head, then picked up the torch, his dark bulk shuffling away until he disappeared among the trees.

Dan, watching from behind the outbuilding, waited another half an hour before venturing out to where he could see the gleam of the town lights reflecting off the containers sitting on the ground. Still fearing a trap, Dan kept to the shadows, his eyes constantly flicking about, looking for any movement. Finding only his shadow for company he approached the provisions, silently thanking Ackman's well meaning heart. Picking up the food he hurried back to the barn and placed it against the wall in deep shadow. Running back he collected the water, finding also an old style lantern which sloshed when he shook it. Grinning, Dan hurried back to the lee of the wall and crouched down. Fishing in his pocket he produced his battered lighter, its supply of fuel sadly depleted. In the faint reflected light of the town street lamps he lifted the lantern and lit the wick. Immediately a warm glow surrounded him and he quickly gathered the other items and scurried around the wall, keeping his body between the lantern and the town. Reaching the door, he slipped inside and shut the door behind him. The glow from the lantern barely reached beyond the length of his arm but it was enough to light his way back to the truck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

" Little Insects, can you hear me ?"

Lizzie pressed her face to the grill to better project her voice down the vent. She had convinced her Grandfather to allow the boiler to be lit to heat the house. It wasn't really cold, but the old man had waved a hand at Lizzie which she took as yes. Trotting down to the basement, she quickly lit the fire and stayed there until the flames were leaping merrily and the heat was nearly suffocating in the small room. Opening the controls to the fullest she flooded the ventilation system with hot air. After banking the blaze, she shut the fire-box and left the stifling room, returning to her own room after checking on the whereabouts of her Grandparent. Ackman had gone out by this time and Lizzie quickly decided to take advantage of her momentary lack of supervision. On her way back to her bedroom, Lizzie crouched down beside the stairwell grill and started calling to the Little People still trapped in the ductwork somewhere.

" Oh Little People, is it getting warm for you in there ?"

Her ear pressed painfully to the metal grill, she listened for any sign that the Earth people had heard her. Sitting back up she once more put her lips to the grill, the air coming out of the vent perceptively warmer as the minutes ticked by.

" You can't stay in there much longer, you'll have to come out sometime, or you'll be burned alive,"

Pausing to let her words sink in, she let a giggle slip out.

" You really would be better off just giving yourselves up, Mrs.Phall has left for the night, so there's only my Grandfather and Me."

Leaving the vent at the top of the stairs she made her way to the next one, a little further down the steps.

" I know you can hear me, so just come out and I'll take good care of you."

With no answer and no obvious sign of the Little People, Lizzie vented her pent up frustration by hitting the wall with her fist several times, the noise reverberated down the metal walls of the duct and reached the small group of people crouched inside.

Mark had carried the semi-comatose Valerie to the duct opening, in an effort to reach cooler air space. Steve was thunking back and forth, ferrying the ropes and small packages, as well as their only weapons, while Mark tried to rouse the woman in his arms from her stupor. Both men had ignored Lizzie's entreaties, only jumping slightly when the loud banging had vibrated the metal walls around them.

" We can't stay in here, Steve, we're going to have to make a run for the door and try and avoid Lizzie,"

" With me on one leg and you, with your bum shoulder, carrying Valerie, I can see we'll get about as far as.....as....nowhere before that hellion grabs us again."

" Well we can't sit here and be roasted alive, if we hug the walls we could make it, if Lizzie isn't watching too closely, and if Ackman doesn't choose to use the hallway at that moment, and....and..."

" That's too many ifs and ands Mark,"

" So what do you suggest, Captain."

Steve slid down the wall, coming to rest close to where Mark cradled Valerie, her pale face barely visible in the stifling gloom.

" Okay, we try it your way. Help me get this gear secured on my back, you'll have your hands too full....so to speak, to carry much else."

" This'll be a one shot Steve. Once we get out we have to get to that door as quickly as possible."

" Let me worry about getting there, you just worry about not dropping your passenger, okay ?"

" Aye aye Captain," Mark grinned at Steve, both men realising how fraught the next few minutes were going to be. Another waft of heated air spurred them on. Mark tried once more to rouse Valerie, but getting no response, positioned her to lift her onto his good shoulder in a fire-mans hold. His sore shoulder still ached abominably but he pushed the pain to the back of his mind, too concerned with getting them all out of the house and away from Lizzie.

With one last exchange of glances, both men eased themselves out of the vent and peered around the inky hallway, the only light coming from the top of the stairs. A glance to the right confirmed that Lizzie was still crouched halfway down the stairs, her attention fixed on the grate near her downbent head. Signalling silently, Steve motioned for Mark to move off. Shifting his limp burden slightly, Mark lead off at a jog, not stopping to see if Steve had started or was keeping up. Both men hugged the skirting board, passing few obstacles on their journey to the distant door. Behind them Lizzie shifted on the stairs, her eyes negligently sweeping the area at the bottom of the steps, missing the faint movement of the Little People making their slow but persistent escape attempt.

Panting heavily Mark slowed as he approached the dark outline of the door. Looking back, he saw Steve making slow but steady progress on his crutch, his face set in a grimace of determination. Reaching the door, Mark lowered Valerie gently to the floor and turned to wait for Steve to catch up.

" Steve, over here," Mark called, his eye's flicking to where Lizzie still sat on the stairs, having moved down to the last vent before the bottom of the steps. Steve reached him at last, his breathing harsh in the dark.

" What are you waiting for, get yourself and Valerie out of here," he panted, leaning heavily against the doorframe.

" Just as soon as you're clear Steve, so get a move on will you,"

Taking a deep breath, Steve lowered himself and crawled under the door, Mark quickly following with Valerie. Once outside they edged along the outside wall, their eyes looking for anything they could use for cover. The wooden verandah surrounding the house offered little in the way of shelter, but in the faint light of a half moon Steve saw a planter box and headed towards it, its square bulk looming out of the dark like a skyscraper. Reaching the wooden fortress they found the base high enough off the wooden decking to allow them to easily crawl underneath and still have sufficient room to sit, but not stand, upright. Lowering Valerie once more, Mark settled her as comfortably as possible then helped Steve to unload his pack. Finally both men relaxed back, Steve massaging his aching leg, Mark easing his sore, and now severely stressed shoulder.

" We should be safe enough here, until the morning at least," said Steve, leaning his head back and rubbing his tired eyes.

" Then we just have to evade Lizzie's clutches, find our way back to the town, try and locate Dan and the others and return to the Spindrift,"

" Yeah, that about sums it up,"

" That's a relief, I was afraid I might have left something out," Mark retorted dryly. After a few moments, Steve's voice drifted out of the dark again.

" How's Valerie doing ?"

" Since we left the vent, she cooled down somewhat, but I still can't rouse her,"

" There's nothing we can do until morning, I suggest we sleep and worry about all the rest later,"

" For once, Steve, you'll get no argument from me."

Exhausted, both men settled themselves among the limited comforts of the box planter, the night air blessedly cool after the searing heat of the ventilation shaft. After checking Valerie's condition and finding her still unresponsive, Mark pulled her relaxed body against his own, hoping that his body heat might keep the injured girl from further harm. A few feet away Steve hugged his arms around his chest and tried to ignore the nagging ache in his abused foot. Closing his eyes, Steve quickly slipped into sleep, his mind as worn out with worry as his body was with work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~