Help from home

“We’ve modeled the foundry’s dump as you described it, given the relative weight of the dust you’re collecting this is your best bet.”

Gab listened to the radio tucked away beside his ear as he dug along the edges of the foundry, gouging at the earth with a rock.

“There’s nothing.”

“Don’t give up.” The woman reassured him. “It will be deep, at least a foot underground.”

He frowned, there it was, a glimmer of red amongst the dirt.

“I’ve got something.” He couldn't hold back the excitement in his voice. “It'll really be all along this side?

“Be careful not to stay too long, or dig up too much. Given the… temperament of the other slaves I recommend you don’t draw attention.”

“I won’t.” He reassured the woman, digging up just enough to last him and Awa before the foundry started for the day.

“And I need you to check something.” The radio told him as he started the march back. “On the side of the radio there should be a series of lights, how many do you see?”

Gab turned it over, finding a little green light. “Just the one.”

“Almost out…” The woman clicked her tongue, before speaking to someone else on her side. “Are we ready?”

A murmur of voices responded to her.

“Perhaps it is time… Gab Is anyone else nearby right now?”

Gab headed off the march to the edge of the void. “I’m alone.”

“Good. I’m going to need you to stay very still. We’re sending something your way.”

Sending something?

“Three, two, one. Initialise.” And with her final word Gab heard a sound like someone exhaling, a distortion in reality forming before him as a pair of batteries materialised into existence, falling down to the floor.

Shit.

Gab leaped forward, hands grabbing a hold of them before they could roll off into the void. “Got it.”

“Replace them.” The woman on the radio exhaled in obvious relief. “We’ll resume contact in ten minutes, your time.”

He did as instructed, heading back to the pens and waiting for the radio to crackle back into life as he checked back in on Awa, her breathing still weak and fitful.

“The batteries Gab, where exactly did they appear in relation to the radio. I’m going to need you to be as accurate as possible.”

Gab frowned down at the radio as he considered.

“Around…a meter before me and to the left.”

There was a murmur of voices on the other side of the radio. “...within margin of error…update the calculations… should be able to handle one more…”

“Gab, are you ready?” The woman asked him after some deliberation. “Send the next one.”

A rush of air and a little foil packet dropped to the floor, this time directly before him.

“That was much closer.” He picked up the packet of pills. “But, what is it?

“A Bronchodilator, steroid and antibiotic. Give her one a day. It should help with her breathing.”

Damn, he felt like he was going to cry.

“Thank you.” he told the woman on the radio, his voice wobbling.

The radio hissed.

“She must be important to you.” the woman said gently.

“Mhm” Gab mumbled softly, petting her head. “I owe her… more than I can repay.”

The radio hissed out of range before the comforting voice of the woman returned.

“We’ve still got a little time left today Gabriel, why don’t you tell me some more about what happened to you.”

…

“Slow down.”

Gab gently chided Awa as she tore apart the bread, eagerly stuffing it into her already full cheeks.

They had more than enough dust now.

Gab sighed, plucking the bread from Awa as she practically inhaled the loaf of bread, holding it away as she reached desperately towards it.

“You’ll throw up again.” He warned her, as she gave him a look of utter betrayal.

“How about… no perhaps…” In his lap the radio was crackling, a faint murmur of voices barely audible as the woman conversed on the other side.

“Gab Cruel.” Awa declared, eyes wide and imploring, her ears bowed in submission.

Gab sighed, cautiously returning it as she calmed down. “Just, slow down a little.”

Awa squinted down at the bread as if it were a mortal enemy, temptation incarnate.

“Awa Try.”

It wasn’t long before her cheeks were full once more.

“Yes. I think it really will be possible.” The woman on the radio said victoriously.

“What will be?” asked Gab, pushing away Awa’s face as she tried to sniff the radio. It was a relief to see her so energetic… and annoying.

“Your escape of course. We can’t risk you staying there any longer than necessary.”

“Escape…Is that really possible?” Gab asked.

“Yes.” Said the radio with absolute confidence. “The greater question is, what the broader society will be like.”

Beside him Awa was tugging at his arm for attention, looking suspiciously at the radio.

“Hey Gab. What is it?” she asked, tail wagging excitedly.

“A friend.”

He wasn’t really sure how to begin explaining electronics.

She scratched at the scar around her neck, a remnant of a lifetime spent collared as a slave in the city.

“Box friend?”

He nodded. “That’s right, box friend.”

“This is a good chance, can we talk to her?” Asked the radio.

“They want to talk to you.” He handed the crackling radio to Awa, who took it hesitantly, holding it at arms length. "Making weird noises.”

“It’s ok, that’s normal.” he reassured her.

“Hello Awa.” Crackled the woman's voice.

Awa looked imploringly up at Gab. “Don’t understand.”

“She’s saying hello.” He told her, prompting Awa to eagerly greet the box in response.

“And you can understand her? Fascinating. Telepathy perhaps…”

Gab turned the radio around as Awa held it upside down.

“Don’t lick it.” He whispered to her as the radio returned to life.

“We’re going to need you to translate for now Gab.” There was a shuffling noise behind her from other people.

“It’s very nice to meet you Awa, are you feeling better now?’

He relayed the question and Awa nodded happily, canine ears perking up.

“Yes.” she said happily,

“That's wonderful, Now…Do you think it’s possible to escape Awa?”
Awa shook her head sadly in response. “Bars can’t be broken, magic, Awa try.”

“If you were outside those bars Awa, could you escape?”

Awa frowned thoughtfully. “Not many demons… could go to city. Maybe.”

“I see. And have you ever been to the city outside before Awa?”

Awa nodded eagerly in response. “Slave to demon noble, kept for work. Was fed more.”

“That’s wonderful Awa. You should be in the capital, is that right? Can you tell me what it looks like?”

Gab relayed endless questions back and forth as the radio slowly built an image of the city in almost pedantic detail.

“And one final question: Awa, the demons, do you think they’ll come back to our world?”

Awa nodded grimly “Always come back, first time, just a test. Next time, invade.”

“I see.” The woman's voice sounded chilling.

“So, they were lying…”

She almost sounded glad, as if she were smiling on the other side of the radio.

“You've been very helpful Awa.”