True Bonds, Part 4

“I see,” Computer's voice buzzed within Kyle's head. “A nuclear facility. Well, I suppose there really is no limit to human carelessness, is there?”

“This is no time for jokes, Computer,” Kyle grumbled. “Radiation is a big deal, and more importantly, it's something that Caleb shouldn't be dealing with. I suggest you have us pull out immediately.”

“Don't be hasty. It may have been a nuclear facility, but that doesn't mean any immediate danger. What does your internal Geiger counter say about local radiation levels?”

“It's low,” Kyle admitted. “It's highly unlikely that any nuclear accidents have occurred in the vicinity. But that doesn't necessarily mean the inside of the facility is the same.”

“I agree. But it does mean that for now, there's no need to worry about any potential exposure to radiation. Right now, I have no remainers in the area aside from you three who can search the facility in a timely manner. If there is a problem caused by the earthquake, the best time to take care of it is now, before it gets any worse.”

“So you have no intention of pulling us out?”

“I am not forcing you to send Caleb into the facility. But I must have you and Ella inspect it. This is a mandatory mission, Kyle.”

Kyle clicked his tongue. This was certainly one of Computer's biggest issues. It lacked the ability to empathize with the human condition and was rigid in its conclusions and directives. When all the remainers were cyborgs this was not a problem, but now that Caleb was around, there needed to be some consideration for his weaknesses, something Computer was not wont to do.

“So there's no complaints if I make Caleb sit this out, right?”

“I won't push it. Having said that, I can't say I see the harm. It would be a good test of the boy's abilities.”

“Well, I say it's unnecessary,” Kyle retorted as he hung up. He walked up to the hatch and gestured for the others to walk back. Once they were a good distance away, Kyle opened up the hatch and peered inside with his flashlight. His internal Geiger counter didn't change. Kyle let out a sigh of relief, but it was far from confirmed that this facility was radiation-free.

“I'll go down first,” Kyle declared as he started climbing down the ladder. “Ella, take Caleb back to the camp. If I'm not back up by the time you return, come down after me.”

“Why do I have to stay behind?” Caleb asked indignantly. “Isn't this my job? I should be the one looking around down there!”

“This isn't something I'm going to argue with you on,” Kyle said sternly. “Radiation is no joke. Even a little bit of it can have an adverse effect on your lifespan. I won't risk it.”

“You can't protect me from every little thing out there!” Caleb growled. “I'm not a child anymore. I can't be a good remainer if I can't be expected to take on riskier jobs!”

“Sorry, kid,” Ella cut in as she grabbed Caleb's arm. “But that won't fly when radiation is involved. Come on.”

Caleb scowled as if he wanted to keep arguing, but he knew he had no chance of breaking out of Ella's vice-like grip. Ella, sensing that Caleb had given up, gave Kyle a nod. With the argument settled, Kyle slowly descended down the ladder into the facility.

Ella, meanwhile, walked Caleb away from the area, still keeping his arm gripped firmly in her hand.

“You don't have to hold on to me,” Caleb said as he tried to wrench his arm out. “I can't walk properly like this. I'll fall over.”

Ella let go, and Caleb massaged his slightly sore arm. “Sorry about that. But you should understand just from that how dangerous this job really is.”

“Yeah. Normally you'd let me do as I pleased, even if it was reckless.”

“Right? In any other scenario, it would've been me arguing with Kyle to let you go. However, nuclear facilities are a different story. If something goes wrong, there's no way either of us could get you to safety in time. Please understand.”

“I get it already,” Caleb sighed. “You don't need to hammer it in any more than that.”

“Good,” Ella smirked. “You always were a fast learner.”

It didn't take long for the two of them to make it back to the base camp. Caleb sat down in the shade exhausted while Ella immediately turned around to head back to Kyle's location.

“Sit tight,” she said as she left. “We'll be back before you know it.”