Apes Chapter 13

 

13.

Purgatory was a long canyon measuring over ten miles and a quarter-mile across with a depth from quarter-mile to a hundred feet in some areas. It was on the fringe of Sector Five. The canyon cannot be seen from ground level for it was covered by the layers of scrap materials plied across the zigzag of horizontal beams and supported by the towering structures that were its supporting foundation. It was like a huge elongated cavern except it was man-made. There were only two ways into Purgatory and that is by the two entrances on the southern end and the single one at the northern end or climbed in by the gaps in the ceiling of scrap metals.

Lances with Mel drove in the cruiser by the northern entry sloping down to the canyon bottom on the wide track there named the Gauntlet Drive. It was the main connecting way across the canyon with both sides displaying the catacombs of living units that were haphazardly built there with no uniform shapes or levels. In between the units were individual connecting walkways which myriad in designs and directions.

Along the long track on Gauntlet Drive were the hanging cages from the ceiling. Inside the cages could be seen as the decaying human form or servant dying from starvation. They were the errant inhabitants of Purgatory and sentenced to solitary death there. Death may be merciful when a storm comes over and the lightning struck the metal scraps to provide a quick death. It may not be always the case for the parts of the ceiling held insulators. The worse death besides starving was to be fed on by the servants that held no masters and have reverted to their wild ways. The chimpanzees are worse for they do feed on the meaty flesh.

“Roberto is at Gate Five,” Mel told Lances to form the rear seat of the cruiser. “He’s at the Tribal Room.”

The Enforcers are not entirely welcomed there but there was some mutual respect for them by those banished there. The Enforcers at the Outposts do contribute tools for the inhabitants to use for their daily uses. Mel was told that information at the entrance and relayed it to Lances.

The Gauntlet Drive was wide and enough to cater to eight vehicles in a row but there were the obstacles of dead body parts or dislodged cages that were left on the track. In addition to that, there was the occasional wild silverback that was roaming there trying to mark their territory. Those are the ones the Enforcers will watch out for these apes may just charge at the cruisers.

“Whoa…” Lances swerved to avoid a charging silverback but the later was not that all saved for it had clashed into another one across the track. Both the gorillas fought it out there on the track with their fists banging at each other then. They rolled and hit the side of the tracks before another silverback jumped into the fray. Soon the fight was over with the later silverback claiming victory.

“I missed that.” Lances took to the front view and then pulled to stop at Gate Five. There were about twenty-five gates on the track with each one having its design to accommodate the arrivals. Gate Five was an expanded hangar that could park ten cruisers with ease and it held repairs sheds for the ones that needed. The ingenuity of the Outlanders was never in question.

“Officer Lances, welcome to Purgatory Gate Five.” The Purgatories were more passionate about their sections. The voice belonged to a leggy feminine specimen for the Homo sapiens.

“Hello, Kitty.” Such an adorable name for the other but despite her feminine nickname Kitty was far from being a pet to anyone. She was dressed in a body red hugging suit with the dark boots and a wide belt that was slung across the waist. Kitty did hold some firm orbs there although it was well concealed by high collar design. The intriguing part was the belt held two pairs of sidearms that were holstered for the right-handed and the two for the left-handed. One set of holsters was below the armpits and the other set hung low over her hips. She also wore a waist belt that was narrower and held two daggers holstered in a cross-draw design to the rear. That last intriguing part of Kitty was her haircut resembled a mowed grass on uneven terrain with the trails of garish shades.

“Purple does you well but I am no expert.” Lances approached the lady but short of embracing her, he held out his right hand for a simple handshake. His gesture was rejected and he sheepishly pushed back.

“Mr. Roberto Carlos will see you.” Lances found himself fixated to the swinging pendulum during his walk but kept paced with Kitty. The walk may be eventful for some not familiar with the place will be overawed by the uneven walkways with the narrower walls to the overhanging cables and covers plus the peeking of the inquisitive inhabitants. The walk was brisk and given that pace with the terrain, it was maybe an uphill task.

“I say Mel when was the last time we did this?” Lances were heaving in deep breaths then and so was Mel.

That was what Bernice was feeling then.

The two cruisers could not go to the Outpost when Lances was there so they parked nearby behind a shallow dugout there at dusk. They stayed at their cruisers for comfort but it lacked the needed hospitality when the need came. Bernice stepped out and walked to the far corner. Juanico was settled into her seat with the comm tuned to the soothing sounds of sleep.

Bernice found a good spot and took a look around. A lady still needed her modesty. And her feminine needs call for proper care.

Bernice removed her boots before pulling off her overall and stood there in her inner upper vest. She then took to her knees and let loose her torrents of liquid from her bladder.

It was a relief compared to those darn wraps around that absorb it.

It was then she felt that she was watched. Her sidearm was with the overall and not easy to retrieve.

“I can’t deny its good view.” It was Griff who stepped out of the cover in front of her. He had his overall pulled to his waist but his left hand held the sidearm. That was intimidating than enticing to a lady half-naked.

“Officer Griff, you are invading my privacy.” Bernice stood up facing the other. “I will suggest that you go back to your cruiser before I….”

“Officer Bernice, it’s not me that is …. flirty now.” Griff approached the other. “I will not tell that to the Council if they ever question me.”

Bernice knew her options were few and she played to the tune. She stood there with her arms loosely by her sides watching the other officer stepped closer. It was a matter of timing and above all, surprise. She reached with her arms to grab the lower end of the vest.

“Guess you are right.” Bernice smiled while pulling the hem up. Griff stared at her momentarily and it was all she needed then. She turned her body sideways and lashed out with the right sidekick. The daily practice gave her speed and force at her downturned right heel. The kick caught Griff on the left hand to dislodge the sidearm. She then stepped down on her right leg and move forward with a right-hand jab into the throat. She followed through with her body facing the reeling Griff. She reached out and grabbed his face and slammed him on the raised left knee. The male officer fell to his side with the face bloodied.

“I thought you will like the close view but I am not keen on getting smeared by you.” Bernice followed through with her other activities; the right backheel into the left kidney area. Griff yowled out in pain but she had her right toes curled up to land it at the throat breaking the bones there and leaving the man gasping for breaths.

“I hate to tell you this but I prefer mine without the prick attached.” Bernice stepped back to her clothes and leaned down to pick it up. She turned her head to look at Griff who was dying.

“I hope you like the rearview.” With that, she picked up the overall to pull it on. It was then she heard the voice.

“Bitch! That was my partner.” It was Tony who stood there with the sidearm aimed at Bernice.

“Too bad.” The sound of the metal projectile created a small cavity upon entry and a huge one on exit. Tony fell onto his face with part of it missing.

“You were supposed to be asleep.”

“And you sneaked off to find some other.” Juanico lowered the sidearm she had just shot Tony. “You could have called me. We could have a foursome.”

“Fuck you, bitch.” Bernice pulled the overall over her shoulders. She was not keen to share her body with other men.

“I will be waiting inside.” Juanico strolled back to the cruiser.