Title: Land of the Lost-Alternative Reality Ending
Chapter: 7
Author: squeezynz@free.net.nz
Universe: Land of the Giants
Rating: PG, Adventure
Feedback: Always welcome and appreciated
Disclaimer: all belongs to IA, and the wonderful actors that inspire
me.

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Dan acted as pathfinder, weaving a trail through the rubble and debris, the others following behind. After half an hour of effort they reached the corridor outside the room, the door having been twisted off its hinges and leaning open giving them plenty of room to get by. Outside, more devastation met their eyes. The power was still keeping the lights on, but several bulbs were blown and the floor was as scattered with blocks of masonry as the room they were leaving. Dan climbed the biggest lump of concrete to get a better view of both ends of the corridor, finding several fresh footprints in the dust to indicate that at least a couple of Giants had passed that way since the incident. Scrabbling back to where the others waited, Dan reported what he'd seen.

" There's large dark patches down both directions of the tunnel, where the lights are blown, but no sign of activity,"

" If we keep close to the wall we're less likely to get stepped on if a Giant does head this way," said Steve. "We still need to find the communications room, can you remember the way, Dan ?"

" We need to head down the right hand leg of the tunnel to reach the radio room, plus it'll be the most likely place to find anyone," said Dan, wiping the sweat from his face as Barry passed him a water bottle. Steve nodded and hoisted a bag onto his shoulder, giving Fitzhugh a hand up.

The group of stragglers headed down the debris strewn hallway, picking their way past the dust covered blocks and loose metalwork. Around them they could hear the sounds of the building settling, with occasional drifts of dust falling from the roof, high above them. Barry had joined Dan in the front, helping him to find the easiest path for the weaker members of the group. Fitzhugh puffed and complained and Mark's unusual quietness spoke more eloquently of his battle with the pain from his injured arm. Valerie trudged along, her mouth a thin line, fighting against the pounding in her head and the smarting of the graze down her face. Steve could only look on with sympathy, unable to ease any of their discomfort, hoping that they would either find a Giant soon, or reach the radio room and find help there. Neither option promised a return to the Spindrift, but he was now convinced the Underground City had suffered a natural disaster, rather than a man-made one. The slight tremors still felt faintly through their boots and the constant settling of the building above them confirmed his suspicions that an earthquake was the likely cause of the disaster.

Steve saw Dan coming back down the wall of the passage, his expression grim.

" Steve, we have a problem."

The others all gathered round Steve and Dan to hear. "What is it Dan ?"

" We've reached a stretch of the corridor where all the lights are smashed, its dark from here on in, and without torches, we might as well be blind," Dan told them, seeing the faces around him reflect his own dismay.

" We could make some torches from the material scraps and some wood splinters," Mark suggested.

" I think we'd be better off using the material to make a rope to tie us together so we don't get lost in the dark, then we can use the wall to guide us, until we reach a better lit area," Steve replied. "We don't have enough material to last long enough," he continued, when Mark looked like voicing a protest. "This way we keep the material, and still have a rope that we can use later on, if necessary."

" I agree," said Dan, "I left Barry a little way along, where it starts to get really dark, in case a Giant approaches,"

" Why haven't we seen a Giant Steve ?" asked Valerie, voicing everyone's thought, "where have they all gone ?"

" I don't know Val, there were plenty of people in this section when we were carried to the lab with Kaius, and the same when we were returned," Steve told her, "its possible this area was deemed too dangerous and they evacuated everyone."

" What if the passageway is blocked ?" Fitzhugh asked, his expression becoming panicky." What if we can't get out this way, we could be trapped down here.....trapped !" His voice starting to rise as the dreadful spectre of entombment took hold of his imagination. Steve moved over to the frightened man and gripped his shoulders, trying to ground him.

" We need to keep our heads, Fitzhugh. We have no reason to think we're trapped, we just have to reach the communications centre and we'll find someone to help us," Steve tried to catch Fitzhugh's darting eyes, finally doing so and, keeping his own gaze steady, managed to calm the older man. Fitzhughs breathing became less hectic and his hands ceased their worried wringing.

" Yes of course, Captain, you're quite right, we need to keep calm,"

Steve smiled reassuringly and patted him on the arm, turning to the others who watched with mixed emotions.

" Lets get this rope made and get moving, we still have a long way to go and I don't want to have to sleep in the dark, or in this dust,"

His words galvanised the others, who started to pull the material out of the pillowcases and pass it over to Dan, who used Mark's knife to shred it into narrow strips. Fitzhugh watched their efforts while leaning against the rough wall, wiping his sweaty hands on his trousers as he fought for composure. The next stretch of their trip would take all of his courage, and more, he only hoped that Steve's reassurances weren't just empty platitudes.

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" Is it just wishful thinking, or is it getting lighter here ?" Valerie's voice cut through the gloom, reaching Steve near the front of the crocodile feeling its way along the wall.

" No I think she's right, it is getting lighter," Fitzhugh piped up, his disembodied voice full of hope. Steve looked back the way they'd come, able now to make out the pale faces of his companions in the less than inky blackness.

" Steve, there's another turn coming up, the light is stronger past this corner," said Dan, from somewhere ahead of Steve.

" Let's hope we're nearly there," Steve muttered, feeling the cloth rope tug at his wrist as Dan forged on.

Turning the corner they found themselves staring at a sight they had almost forgotten. The corridor that stretched away into the distance was completely intact, no rubble, no debris, all the light bulbs intact and glowing.

" Oh thank god," whispered Valerie, seeing the distant form of a Giant cross over the corridor into another doorway.

" I think we can dispense with the rope, lets get it untied and stowed," ordered Steve. They all concentrated on that task, finding renewed hope that their ordeal would soon be over.

" Dan, I think we should go on ahead and see who's around," said Steve.

" What do you want us to do, Steve ?" queried Mark.

" Stay here, I'm not expecting trouble but we don't know the extent of the casualties, if Kaius and Androse didn't make our presence widely known we could run into trouble. Wait here for atleast an hour, if its all clear, I'll radio you and arrange for you all to be collected. If not......" Steve let the thought hang, no-one keen to anticipate what would happen to them if Steve and Dan couldn't get help.

" Take care Steve, Dan," said Valerie softly. Both men acknowledged her plea, then turned and headed off, hugging the wall.

" I, for one, am just glad we're in the light once more," stated Fitzhugh, his shoulders giving a delicate shudder.

" Not afraid of the dark are you, Mr. Fitzhugh ?" asked Mark, as they settled themselves down to wait.

" What if I am, I just don't like prolonged having to grope my way about, its so undignified," retorted the older man.

" And dignity has always been so important to you, Fitz, how could I have forgotten," Mark replied, sarcastically.

" There's no need to be so sanctimonious, Mr. Wilson, I don't see you helping our cause much, despite your genius IQ," sniped Fitzhugh, bristling at Marks comments.

" For heavens sake, cut it out, you two. You're giving me another headache," said Valerie, giving both men a hard look.

Barry had been watching the rapidly diminishing figures of Steve and Dan as they made their way down the corridor. Squinting, Barry could just make out the red of Steve's uniform, then he saw a Giant exit one of the doors along the hallway, almost stepping on the two Little People.

" Hey, Steve and Dan have made contact," Barry called to the others.

Their quarrel forgotten, Mark and Fitzhugh came to stand behind Barry, looking intently in the direction Barry pointed. They watched as the Giant crouched down and appeared to scoop the Captain and his co-pilot up, carrying them away, further from the small group.

" Now we wait," stated Mark. He exchanged a quick, worried look with Valerie, then turned back to watch the distant figure of the Giant as he disappeared into another doorway.

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" We feared you were all killed in the quake, we are still trying to clear that section but it is highly unstable," Kaius looked down at Steve and Dan where they stood on the table, his face showing concern and relief.

" We figured it was a natural disaster, were many injured ?"

" Fortunately these catacombs are well supported and we lost only a handful of people on the outer fringes. But any loss of life is a tragedy, I am only glad you were not added to the list,"

" So are we," muttered Dan. Steve shot his friend a quick look before turning his attention back to Kaius.

" Kaius, our friends are waiting down the corridor, can you arrange for them to be collected ? We need medical help for two of our company,"

" Is it serious ?" asked Kaius, gesturing for an orderly to come closer.

" Mark has a suspected broken wrist, and Valerie took a blow to the head," Steve explained. Kaius relayed the information to the orderly with instructions to call the medical officer in to examine the Little People when they arrived. Soon another man entered and deposited the remaining Earthlings on the table next to Steve and Dan.

" I have instructed that your friends be attended to, after that we will discuss how best to return you home," then with a smile, Kaius left the Little People. The doctor arrived and listened carefully to Mark and Valerie's injuries, agreeing that Mark's wrist needed to be set and put in a cast.

" I will need to take you to the medical centre, if that's alright ?"

Mark agreed and the Giant lifted him carefully, carrying him from the room.

While they waited for Mark to be returned, the others made themselves comfortable and Steve told them what Kaius had imparted about the natural disaster. During this, Androse appeared, also expressing his delight that they were all okay.

" I saw Kaius, and he agrees that we need to get you returned to the other continent as soon as possible. Titus is escalating his efforts to find us, war is imminent."

" Will you win ?" asked Steve.

" With the help of the new technology that our scientists are developing right now, we stand a very good chance of defeating Titus and restoring Kaius to his rightful place,"

" How are you planning to return us ?" asked Fitzhugh.

" We basically intend to send you back the way you arrived,"

" In a balloon ?" asked Fitzhugh, incredulously.

" It may surprise you to learn that the Sea of Segatus is rarely travelled, even with our level of seafaring knowledge the Sea around our shores is almost impassable. It would be impossible to send you back on a boat, and our planes wouldn't survive the turbulent winds that plague our coastline." Androse laughed ruefully," why do you think we have never been invaded by the Giants on the other continents. We are inaccessible to almost all of our world, ironic really."

" How can the balloon stand a better chance ?" asked Steve.

" Because of its size, primarily. We are able to narrow focus the force beam as long as the vessel is no larger than a meter square. The incredible speed that Titus employed is only available for very small items, which is why he took the opportunity to capture in the first place,"

" And that's why you aren't able to use the beam yourselves, to transport anyone across the sea ?"

" Exactly, as improbable as it seems, the balloon is your best chance of reaching the opposite shore safely. Your elevation will be high enough to avoid the worst of the buffeting from the ocean swell, and once you are safe on the other side we can guide the vessel to wherever you ask,"

" Do you have maps of the other land, so we can pinpoint our base ?" Steve asked.

" With a reasonable amount of accuracy you will be able to land on top of your ship, if you so want,"

Steve and Dan grinned broadly.

" When can we leave ?" asked Dan.

" As soon as your friend is ready. I have instructed that the balloon be equipped with some extra's to make your trip back less uncomfortable, and I've arranged for you to have a meal and access to facilities here before you leave," Androse told them.

" Androse, can we use your communications equipment to contact our ship, we need to let Betty know we're on our way back,"

" Certainly, if you will come with me, I'll take you there myself, Captain Burton,"

Steve readily stepped onto the outstretched hand, waving to the others as Androse carried him out of sight. An hour later he returned to find Mark surrounded by the group, all of them exclaiming over the cast on his arm. Steve was lowered to the table and, after inquiring about Mark's experience, told them all about his conversation with Betty.

After a meal, Androse arrived to take them to the balloon. They were carried through a series of chambers and tunnels, bringing them out, eventually, to a wide open, high ceilinged room that was brightly lit with natural sunlight. Squinting, after the dim passageway, the Little People saw a platform, surrounded by machinery, on which a balloon bobbed. They were carried to the dais and put down near their ride home. Steve and Dan checked it out, finding it almost a mirror image of their original conveyance, only this time, Androse had included supplies to keep them warm and to avoid privation. Valerie pulled out a soft, woollen blanket and held it to her cheek, sighing in pleasure.

" No offence Mark, but this will keep me nice and toasty on the trip back, I nearly froze coming here,"

Mark only chuckled, " That's gratitude for you."

Fitzhugh was avidly eyeing the baskets of food, already planning a feast on the return trip, Dan, checking the ropes, slapped Fitzhugh on the back to get his attention.

" Don't think you're going to eat all that before we get back, Mr. Fitzhugh, unless of course, you're volunteering to go food gathering as soon as we get back ?"

" I was only seeing which choice morsels might tempt Betty, poor girl has had a rough time, without anyone to protect her," Fitzhugh blustered.

" Of course you were, I'll remind you of that when supper is announced," said Dan, winking at Barry who stood behind the older man.

Androse approached, accompanied by Kaius. The two Giants watched as the Little People climbed into the basket and turned to face their benefactors.

" I wanted to wish you well, my friends. I won't say, 'till we meet again, as it is unlikely that whatever way the coming war goes, our two lands will never be accessible one to the other," said Kaius, " but maybe one day, if you get your ship operable, you may be able to fly over the sea. Keep your radio tuned to your current frequency and if we are successful, we will send you a message."

" We wish you every success, Kaius. Thank you for rescuing us from Titus, and your care of us since." said Steve, echoing the sentiments of them all.

" If we ever have occasion to help more of your Earth people, we will tell them about you, now prepare yourselves, I see that they are ready to send you on your way, goodbye and good-luck to you all."

The group in the balloon basket all waved as the elder statesman backed away from the platform. At the same time a high pitched hum started to fill the vast room. Androse also waved, a wide smile on his face, watching as the balloon lifted off the dais and started to ascend to the ceiling.

Aboard the balloon the travellers looked up and saw the wide mouth of a vertical duct above them. The balloon continued to rise, until the circle of light below became dim and they couldn't make out the figures of the Giants anymore. The top of the shaft was rushing towards them, the bright circle of sunlight almost painful after so many days spent underground. The balloon shot out of the opening and sailed high into the clear sky. Below them they could make out the edge of the sprawling city that was Titus's domain, but for how much longer was anybodies guess. They were whisked quickly away, the balloon rising all the time until they could see the edge of the continent racing towards them, with the sea spread out in all directions. Unlike their trip over, the weather was calm and relatively smooth. The prevailing wind helping the invisible force beam, speeding the little craft ever homeward.

" I suppose we will be stuck in this balloon for hours," moaned Fitzhugh, his colour decidedly green.

" And you're complaining ?" replied Valerie, making the others laugh.

Fitzhugh only fixed her with a baleful gaze and went back to watching the clouds fly by overhead. Steve looked back to the rapidly vanishing outline of the land they were leaving. Dan came and leant on the edge of the basket and nudged his friend.

" Why so pensive, we're going home," said Dan.

" I wish we could have stayed to see the outcome of the conflict, it would have been nice to see Kaius become ruler,"

" Fancy yourself as adviser to the King, Steve ?" asked Dan, giving Steve a quizzical look.

" Naaaaagh, I'll just have to settle for doing what we can to bring down our own tyrants, I guess...wonder what Kobick has been doing since we've been away...do you think he's missed us ?"

The two men laughed, happy to be on the way home and happy to be alive.

The End.