As far as I could tell, Inside's length and width equaled a square with four levels. I headed toward the cafeteria in Sector G2. A rare occurrence-as rare as a person like Cogon. We were called scrubs because rust and dust were the twin evils of Inside and must be kept at bay however, scrubs also maintained the network of mechanical systems which kept both uppers and lowers alive. They moved from work to their barracks and back to work. Life in the lower two levels teamed with scrubs at all hours of the week. The mass of people in the tight corridor jostled and pushed me along. Used to curses and hostile glares, I shrugged. 'Come to mingle with the lowly scrubs, your highness?' A mocking bow. But my peace and quiet ended too soon as I opened the vent, swung down and landed in the middle of a crowded corridor, scattering scrubs. Traveling through the pipes and air shafts, I avoided seeing my fellow scrubs.

Then I climbed from the ductwork and made my way to level two by taking a shortcut through an air conduit. I checked my tool belt to make sure nothing was broken and my flashlight still worked. The upper workers adhered to a strict schedule. Hour eighteen: I knew by the rush of water. Soft bluelight glowed all around the water-filtering machinery. The metal cooled under my fingers, and I leaned my sweaty forehead against it, catching my breath. When I finished sealing the hatch, the whole pipe shuddered, then the vibrations calmed as the water returned to its normal flow. Landing on the hard floor, I shot to my feet and slammed the door shut. I reached the hatch and dove headfirst through the opening, convinced the water rushed at my heels. You'll screw up and there will be bits of you raining out of the showers.' It seemed an impossible distance to reach.Ĭogon's voice in full lecture mode echoed in my mind as the water rushed closer. My bare feet slipped on the sleek surface of the pipe as I advanced toward a faint square of bluelight emanating from the open hatch. The pipe's vibrations increased as the thunder grew louder. Pipe.Ī distant roar caused unease, but with sleep fogging my mind, I couldn't quite grasp its significance. Reaching out with my hands, I felt smooth sides arching up and in. I awoke in semi-darkness, unsure of my location.

Inside out by maria v snyder