Chapter 31

The soft hum of the tunnel's power system was audible, and the nosier hum of the lights overhead. Breathing as quietly as she could, she walked softly across the dirt packed floor of the tunnel to the door, and gently laid her hand against the cool metal.

SCREECH!

The shriek of metal grinding against metal caused Ally to jerk back into a protective stance, eyesight sharpening in readiness.

The screeching protest of sound continued, along with another sound, water. Ally realized those on the other side of the door were having to keep a constant flow of water to cool the blade to stop it from breaking. Wincing at the awful sound, Ally made herself get closer, narrowing down where they worked at. It sounded like they were trying the very centre of the door. Listening carefully she very gently tapped the door, flinching as she did. The screech continued, her tap going unnoticed by them but telling her enough. They'd barely made a nick in it yet. The sound difference was so slight.