Awakened Bellydwellers

By Bobbie Barton

During the twenty-first century many nations acquired the capability of detonating nuclear weapons. They proceeded to do so indiscriminately. The surface of the planet Earth became a desolate wasteland. The population of the planet was halved. The government of the United States moved underground. From the safety they achieved they attempted to rectify the situation. An entire generation grew up in an artificial environment. Three young Bellydwellers became curious about life topside. They ventured above ground and met their counterparts.

Bart, Mitch, and Georgie joined the Topsiders to unseat the governing body that wasnt bringing any relief to the people living in peril on the surface of the Earth. The Reactionaries Against the Destruction of Society, RADS, mounted a successful crusade to wrest the power from the incumbents. They set in motion the programs that would destroy the enemies and restore the air and water to a useful condition.

All progressed well until other nations became greedy for the economic and political power that America had regained. All Hell broke loose and the government was once more buried underground. The three Bellydwellers who had supported the RADS in their bold endeavor now sought a solution to Earths problems out in the universe. They boarded a spacecraft whose mission was to seek a planet where they could begin a new life.

AWAKENED BELLYDWELLERS tells the story of the lives three young adults who were determined to create a good environment for all mankind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 12, 2008
• ISBN: 9781468562231

Bobbie Barton

Bobbie Barton was born on Long Island, New York during the depression years. She grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Her main source of entertainment was a weekly walk to the local library. Her love of reading became a passion for writing at an early age. As is often the case lifes detours postponed her desire to create literature. Love led to marriage and raising a family. During the Korean conflict her husband was stationed in Munich, Germany. She was able to join him there and the couples first child was born on foreign soil. Life proceeded apace and it wasnt until the 1990s she was able to pursue her dream of creating entertaining novels. RANDOM DETOURS is her eighth novel and she intends to continue writing fiction as long as there are readers to enjoy her stories.

Book preview

© 2009 Bobbie Barton. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 7/6/2009

ISBN: 978-1-4343-8010-4 (sc)

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

About the Author

Chapter One

Bart, Mitch, and Georgie set out on Saturday morning in January of the year twenty fifty-two to satisfy their curiosity. Bart had instigated the escapade. Georgie had the foresight to provide them with forged documents. Georgina Cogswell had an artistic flair. On her computer she constructed permits to visit the ancient library in the heart of Washington D.C. The authenticity of the documents went unchallenged by the security guard on duty that day. The soldier was much more interested in a young woman who was returning to the restricted community than in the three Bellydwellers about to exit. Once safely out of the confines of the only world they’d ever known the trio was ready to explore.

Suddenly they found themselves in an alien atmosphere that brought tears to their eyes. They automatically began to take very shallow breaths as they rubbed the unexpected moisture from their eyes with the backs of their hands. Bart spotted a container of facemasks. Once the masks were in place normal breathing was possible. The air quality wasn’t improved much by the devices but they could continue their adventure without suffering asphyxiation.

Dingy, gray clouds blotted the sun’s rays from view. Lampposts were visible along the street but they had been extinguished years ago. As Mitch’s eyes adjusted he studied a map of the city. Have to board a bus.

Bart nodded. As he followed Mitch he looked about. Damaged structures were everywhere. He said, Guess it really was necessary to move the seat of government underground. Wasn’t convinced it was the right thing to do.

Georgie agreed. Once some of the third-world countries learned to construct atomic weapons America’s leaders were prime targets. Good thing they were hidden away.

Mitch was a few steps ahead of his companions. He turned back to say, Can see that was one of the wisest moves our country made. Wasn’t long after our president and lawmakers were safely tucked away all hell broke loose.

Bart said, Incredible. One tiny, hostile nation managed to launch the missiles that wrecked this place.

Mitch stopped walking. They’d reached the bus stop. Yeah. It’s hard to believe. Good thing so many of their weapons were blown up before they reached their targets. Only a few got through. Look at the destruction they did.

Eventually a bus showed up. At Mitch’s direction they entered the noisy vehicle. It took them on their way to the Library of Congress. The noise of the antiquated engine made it impossible to engage in conversation. Their raised eyebrows indicated how unbelievable they thought this method of transportation was. The electric transportation system they had grown up with was silent. The black fumes that belched from the rear of the bus were fascinating to the three travelers. It was easy for them to conclude the darkness that hung over the Earth was certainly to be expected if these contraptions were the accepted mode of travel on the surface of the planet.

Bart soon tired of watching the wake of fumes that trailed behind them as they made their bumpy way along neglected roads. He turned his attention to the other passengers in the vehicle. Most of them were employees on their way to their shifts at the hospital. Bart was able to identify them because they wore tags. He marveled at how they seemed to take on the gray hue that the sky wore. He’d envisioned the Topsiders as much rosier. He’d mistakenly believed they lived in a world of sunlight.

There was a woman and a little girl sitting across the aisle from Bart. He stole glances at the pair. The child suffered several bouts of coughing during the ride. The woman sat stoically. Concern for the child etched worry lines across her forehead and around the corners of her eyes. When she noticed Bart watching her she smiled. Her nose and mouth were shielded by her mask. Only the twinkle in her eyes alerted Bart to the fact that she was smiling.

All of the passengers exited the bus at a huge hospital complex. It was the last scheduled stop for the vehicle. Public transportation was severely limited. Government vehicles transporting essential personnel to their places of employment were allotted only enough fuel to complete prescribed routes. As the young explorers exited the driver said, Bus will make its return trip at eight o’clock tonight.

They nodded their thanks.

Mitch said, That’ll give us plenty of time to get to the library and back.

Mitch had committed the map to memory. He pointed out the street that would lead them to their destination. The enormity of their disobedient actions didn’t dampen their adventurous spirits. The trio briskly headed for Constitution Avenue. The sight of the Lincoln Memorial brought them to a halt. Even in its damaged state the statue of the Great Emancipator was awe-inspiring.

Georgie broke the reverent silence. Never see anything so magnificent where we live.

Mitch snickered. Where’d you ever put anything that size down there?

Bart’s jaw was actually agape. He shook his head and said, Just in the computer. No way that can do justice to such proportions. Worth sneaking topside if only to see this.

The sound of squeals and laughter diluted the solemnity he’d been experiencing. Apparently, he thought, Topsiders aren’t all that impressed with the memorial.

Several children were raucously threading their ways in and out of the gigantic columns that remained standing. The portico that the decorative pillars had supported was no longer in existence. The architectural masterpiece had been reduced to chunks of debris over and around which the boys and girls cavorted. Bart turned to study the youngsters. He was curious to learn how Topsiders differed from himself and his companions. His quick investigation of the group of children revealed nothing unusual.

His observation was cut short when Mitch said, Come on. Let’s get going.

Georgie beckoned to him.

Bart hurried to rejoin them.

Their path led them past the site of the Washington Monument. There was nothing left recognizable of that great obelisk. A group of teenagers lolled about its crumbling base.

Bart lagged behind to determine what the Topsiders were doing. He soon realized they were up to no good. Several of the group were taking drags from a joint they passed amongst themselves. Couples had separated from the main body of the gathering. Bart blushed as he understood they were engaging in sexual antics. He turned away from the scene abruptly lest he be apprehended in his act of voyeurism. He hurried to catch up to his friends and made no mention of the activities he’d witnessed.

The trio kept up a steady pace. They halted when they reached the Capitol. That building hadn’t suffered any damage. It stood proud and defiant. The offices had been refitted as apartments for Topsiders. That didn’t detract from the majesty of the structure.

Georgie hoped she’d have an opportunity to wander the halls of that building. She thought, that’s where lawmakers had directed the lives of the Americans who’d entrusted them with enormous power.

At that moment she decided she’d come topside again. There’s too much to see and learn to settle for only one such excursion, she said.

Mitch nodded. He checked their location and led them into a right turn on First Street. He headed them toward Independence Avenue. They reached the Library and discovered one corner of the building had been blown away. The threesome unceremoniously entered the structure through the ragged opening. That section of the library had been emptied of the books it had housed.

The rest of the library was being kept in the same good order that had prevailed before catastrophe had struck. There were many people roaming through the aisles searching for books of particular interest to them. Others were seated at highly polished tables. They were busily reading and writing down bits of information.

The three visitors presented their papers to the librarian before they went their separate ways. Eagerness to experience the sensation of holding honest-to-goodness printed books in their hands sped them along. Their introduction to all sorts of knowledge came to them via computer screens. Even the smell of the place was new.

Bart headed to the scientific works. He was set on a career in genetic engineering. He knew all of the works housed in this huge library had been transferred into computers long before the tragedy of atomic warfare. Everything he ever needed to study was available in his home below the surface of the planet. There was no sensible reason for him to venture beyond his own room to learn anything. Nevertheless the adventure had beckoned. His fingers trembled as he turned actual pages and read. He knew he’d do this again.

He was thoroughly engrossed in this foreign activity. He wasn’t aware of the girl standing patiently beside him for some time. Only when she spoke did he become aware of her presence.

Evelyn Baxter said, Excuse me. In a hushed whisper she asked, Will you be using that reference manual much longer?

The sound of the girl’s voice jarred Bart from his deep concentration. He directed his attention to the intruder. The annoyance he felt as the question she’d asked registered evaporated at the sight of the pretty young female who waited for a response.

Bart looked up to see a tentative smile playing at the corners of Evelyn’s lips. Her warm brown eyes peered hopefully into his angry black eyes. The hint of a smile faded away under his scrutiny. The girl’s evident dismay over his hostile countenance quickly changed his surly mood. He stood to introduce himself.

In his haste he toppled his chair. The sound of the crash was embarrassing in the otherwise quiet environment. Heads swiveled. A furiously blushing Bart was on his knees to bring the chair to its upright position.

Evelyn hurried to aid him. Her notes slipped from her fingers. They skittered across the highly polished floor. The minor sound that created brought a chorus of, tsks, from the observers. Evelyn sent a glance of sympathy to Bart.

Under her gaze the disapproval of the other patrons seemed unimportant. So intent was Bart on studying her he didn’t observe the husky gentleman who hovered nearby.

Once they’d retrieved all of her paraphernalia Bart said, Hi. I’m Bart Nicols.

Evelyn raised her eyebrows. It was apparent she was familiar with the Nicols name. The dark brows that arched inquisitively emphasized the unvoiced question she intended to ask.

Bart decided to answer the usual query and get that bit of business out of the way. He’d grown accustomed to the need to ascertain that he was indeed the son of that prominent lawmaker Clarence Nicols. Yes, he whispered, my father is the illustrious Doctor Clarence Nicols. And no, I’ve no intention of following in his footsteps.

Evelyn’s brows returned to their normal position that was a smidgen below her sleek, shiny bangs that went along with her shoulder-length pageboy hairstyle. Her hairdo made Bart think about the Prince Valiant character who’d so enamored him when he was younger.

Why not, she asked.

Not particularly proud of what the world views as Clarence Nicol’s great achievements. Can’t get too excited about living like a prisoner entombed in the belly of the earth. I know his master plan was to salvage the great minds of the day. He hoped to find a more acceptable arrangement in the future.

Perhaps he will, Evelyn said.

Doesn’t look like it. While leaders and scholars construct a utopian society below ground those folks who don’t meet the rigid criteria for admission are left to suffer. Gotta be a way to protect all of the people. Need to find the answer to that riddle. Can’t accept the cushy lifestyle my father works so earnestly to provide.

Evelyn was taken aback by Bart’s response to her simple question. The intensity of his whispered retort caused her to sink into the chair he’d vacated. She exhaled a long breath without even attempting to introduce herself. I suppose the Topsiders would be happy to know there are some Bellydwellers who care about them. Not all of those who live in comfort are unconcerned about those who’ve been left to fend for themselves. I’m not as unhappy as you are regarding your father’s blueprint for salvation. He’s definitely managed to save the best minds available. Had he failed there’d be no one to go forward with greater schemes.

Don’t get me wrong, Bart said. I know what my father accomplished was a sound beginning. Like so many great plans it doesn’t go far enough. Doesn’t address the real problems above ground. Human beings are suffering and dying in droves. Despite all of the rhetoric about ceasing the use of nuclear weapons rulers of insignificant little nations disregard the lunacy of their actions. And for what? Just to be noticed by super powers.

Evelyn decided not to interrupt him.

Ultimately they’ll have nothing to rule over. Their subjects are being slaughtered along with their antagonists. Those who aren’t being killed in outright battle are succumbing to radiation fallout. Eventually the entire population on the surface of the planet will be eradicated. Even if sanity prevailed today it’s too late to salvage the meager remains of plant and wildlife. There’s no longer any potable water. Everything we ingest is a product of a laboratory.

Evelyn wanted to respond but Bart left her no opening.

He said, Maybe the answer’s to let the nations annihilate each other. Maybe while they’re busy killing one another we should work on creating new methods of growing food beneath the ground. Isn’t going to be any population left above ground anyway. The surface of the planet will be vacant in the next decade. Like to do something for the poor bastards that have managed to survive. Don’t think there’s much hope for them. Even so I’m studying genetic engineering.

With that remark Evelyn remembered her original reason for disturbing him. So that’s why you’re using that text. Makes me sorry to ask you to give it to me. If I didn’t have to submit a paper I wouldn’t. Could I just copy the chapter on altering DNA? I’m working on an experiment to clone cells that will regenerate damaged skin tissue. My own attempt to help Topsiders who’ve been exposed to radiation. Really a simple procedure. I think it’ll work.

Bart felt sheepish after listening to Evelyn’s scheme. He’d watched her carefully as she spoke. She seemed a very determined crusader. Her search for a meaningful solution to at least one of the world’s grave concerns was a noble undertaking. He handed over the book.

Evelyn thanked him and headed directly to the copier.

As Bart watched her walk away the slight swaying of her hips entranced him. Only when she was out of sight did he realize he’d never learned the girl’s name. It was then that he decided Saturday trips topside would be his normal routine.

Georgie Cogswell went to the legal section of the library. There she settled down at a table surrounded by volumes of legal cases. Her selections focused on the laws enacted to safeguard the citizens of the world from themselves. The pattern that had developed late in the twentieth century and well into the twenty-first century was easy to follow. Slowly and insidiously personal freedoms had been restricted. All had been done with the well being of the population in mind. Even so the resulting restrictions placed on the public grated on Georgie.

She cringed as she read the decrees set into law by powerful lawmakers of those times. Her logical mind could easily see how the manufacturing organizations that reaped great fortunes from some of the legislators’ actions had manipulated senators and congressmen merely for their own gains. Georgie’s shortly-cropped, carrot-colored curls fairly bristled as her mind rejected the premise that all of the rules and regulations had come into being for the welfare of the masses. So much of it’s such a crock of shit, she muttered. Time to rectify some of the misdeeds committed in the name of common decency.

The sound of Bart’s toppling chair couldn’t be ignored. She looked up and saw her friend being his clumsy self. The sympathetic smile that crossed her freckled face was short-lived. That a lovely girl was involved in Bart’s tomfoolery disturbed Georgie. Without meaning to Georgie had grown very fond of Bart as they grew up in their insulated world. She wrinkled her nose with distaste as she watched Bart crawling about to undo the damage he’d created. The scarlet hue that glowed beneath his black ringlets made her want to rush to his aid. Instead she watched the composed young female whom Georgie was certain had caused the mishap help Bart get resettled. As the two of them sat whispering together Georgie thought coming topside may not have been such a terrific idea.

Georgie forced herself to redirect her concentration to the pages that had so engrossed her before the loud disturbance had occurred. It was no use. Her head insisted upon swiveling to watch Bart and his new acquaintance. She finally gave up. Replacing the books on their appropriate shelves Georgie made her way to the cafeteria.

As she studied the menu a young man stood patiently behind her. Sensing her indecision he said, Try the tofu salad. It’s all artificial but it tastes pretty much like the real thing.

The sound of his voice startled her. She realized she’d actually been standing there daydreaming. The stranger’s presence jolted her back to reality. She inserted her cash card into the slot and pressed the button beside the dish he’d suggested. When she turned to go to a table she nodded a thank you for the advice he’d offered.

He asked, Okay if I join you?

Without a thought she said, Fine. She waited while he purchased his own salad. The short transaction gave her a moment to observe him. She decided he was kind of nice looking.

Paul Dalton was at least six-feet tall. He was muscular. Georgie guessed he was probably four or five years older than her.

His thick, light-brown hair was short. He wore a suit. She decided he wasn’t trying to pick her up. Just wants company. She relaxed and prepared to enjoy a pleasant time.

During the next hour Georgie learned that Paul was a Topsider. He had a room in the Capitol Building. He was working toward a Doctorate in biochemistry at George Washington University. Not for any altruistic reason, he said. It’s a lucrative field. Should anything be left of the human race I’ll have a chance at living comfortably once I find a good position.

Georgie curbed her bent to vilify anyone who wasn’t dedicated to bettering the plight of mankind. She didn’t want to alienate this new acquaintance of hers. His laid-back approach to life surprised her. She’d expected to find all Topsiders were grasping, belligerent human beings. It seemed to her they couldn’t be otherwise. They were afflicted with the worst diseases. They subsisted on the sparsest diets. They had to survive in the least healthy atmosphere. There was no reason for them to expect any improvement in their conditions. Her bright-blue eyes opened wide as she listened to Paul’s expectations for a good life.

Paul chuckled.

Georgie decided it was a comfortable sound. Everything about him was easy-going. He lounged rather than sat. He had an irrepressible smile that rarely left his face. He exuded an air of total unconcern.

Geoirgie’s amazed reaction to his plans for himself clued him in. He said, You’re a Bellydweller.

Georgie nodded. It bothered her that his comment made her feel uneasy.

He didn’t seem to notice. He said, Tell me about the kind of life you lead.

She hardly knew where to begin.

He sensed the intensity of her thought process as she wondered what to divulge.

Finally Georgie decided that she’d tell Paul how she felt rather than how she lived. You’re the first Topsider I’ve ever met. I’m totally baffled. Expected all of you were too busy just trying to survive on a day-to-day basis to even consider choosing a path that might offer a better future.

The humor that shone in Paul’s eyes threatened to offend Georgie. He picked up on that quickly. He said, Don’t mean to insult your intelligence. Just look at me. I don’t fit the mold that your teachers would have you believe we Topsiders are created from.

Her mood lightened. She shook her head. You look perfectly normal to me.

Believe me. Many of us are little different than your average Bellydweller. As you can see I’ve suffered no ill effects from radiation. Sound of mind and hale of body. Fortunately my family survived. My parents and their friends were well prepared for the onset of atomic invasion. Our shelters were well stocked. We survived much like you did in your communities.

Guess I was willing to believe Topsiders were substandard, Georgie said. Needed the Bellydwellers to come up with the solutions to their problems.

Not surprised. You’ve been conned. We look forward to a time when all of the chaotic little nations have run out of weapons or manpower or impetus. Have to hope the experts can come up with a solution to the problems of insufficient food supplies and unacceptable air quality. Doesn’t matter much where the answers come from. Then we can get back to a normal lifestyle.

Paul could see that his small speech had somewhat placated his new acquaintance. Her intense seriousness attracted him. He couldn’t imagine living life so tightly wound as this charming girl apparently did despite her obviously safer habitat. He continued to dominate the conversation. Am I correct? Aren’t you Bellydwellers concentrating all of your efforts on setting things straight in the world?

The exuberance with which Georgie responded was heartwarming. Oh, yes. Our concern is to solve your problems. Have to confess I didn’t believe there was any hope for your kind. I envisioned hopelessly ill, thoroughly dejected human beings just sitting around waiting for a merciful end to their suffering. Meeting you revises all my notions of the kind of existence there is on the surface. Makes it all the more important to come up with solutions. Just don’t understand why those of you who survived the warfare aren’t just as concerned as we are. Surely you could put your minds to improving conditions too.

Paul tried to look serious. He said, We can’t afford to spend time on useless endeavors. All of our efforts go into earning our keep. You probably don’t have to bother your pretty little head about where the next meal is coming from. The cost of artificial nutrients has risen to astronomical heights. We prepare ourselves for the best jobs and insist on surviving until you geniuses come up with the answers to our worst problems. That’s why I can adopt a devil-may-care attitude and spend a pleasant Saturday in the company of a lovely, young Bellydweller.

Georgie sighed. All she seemed to hear was his compliments, pretty little head, lovely young Bellydweller. The rest of his words seemed inconsequential. She was content to let him speak while she enjoyed a pleasant tingling sensation. She thought, how nice the first Topsider I met is delightful.

Mitchell Farrel’s interest focused on the engineering feats that had shrunken the world so that no section of the globe was left inaccessible. He browsed through the ceiling-high shelves of books. Eventually he found the volumes that described how the great bridges that connected the landmasses had been constructed. He felt like a kid in a candy shop. Not that he’d ever been privileged to roam through an old-fashioned candy store. Those establishments had disappeared long before his birth. Sugar had become an extinct product once the soil had become saturated with poisonous chemicals. Now, there wasn’t even any arable soil left on the surface of the planet. The devastation of the forests had allowed the howling winds to whisk away the radioactive earth nuclear warfare had left as a legacy.

Mitch’s eyes glistened with excitement as he absorbed the methods that had been employed to build bridges over rivers and bays. It saddened him to know there would probably never be an opportunity for him to participate in designing such magnificent structures. His lot lay in creating connecting links beneath the surface of the globe.

He thought, I’d be better off sticking with tunnel construction but I do that all the time. Today’s a holiday of sorts. I’m topside. Can take flights of fancy.

So he gave his imagination free range. He stared at the glorious pictures presented in his chosen reading material. He pretended he’d been involved in the building of those magnificent elevated roadways. He pictured himself clothed in diving gear. He imagined himself toiling to secure foundations beneath the clear waters that existed at the time when such lofty undertakings were in progress. He was totally absorbed in his fantasy. Bart’s mishap shattered the glorious pretense in which he’d allowed himself to indulge.

He was annoyed when he located the source of the loud commotion. In his mind he’d just been instructing his work crew to secure a great pillar. It would support a bridge that would stand for centuries.

Bart’s clumsiness destroyed an excellent daydream. That an especially attractive female was involved in the incident didn’t surprise Mitch in the least. His tall, handsome classmate always seemed to draw good-looking girls to himself. Mitch wondered if he’d ever get so lucky. He knew his physical appearance left something to be desired. He was as tall as Bart but he was gangly whereas Bart was muscular. Bart’s features were beautifully molded. Mitch’s nose was too large and crooked. His myopic pale-blue eyes bulged on either side of his misshaped snout. His lips were a miserly thin line drawn in the shadow of his nose. His hollow cheeks did nothing to redeem his receding chin. His mousy, brown hair had to be labeled his best feature. That wasn’t saying much. He had to face the truth. If any woman ever took an interest in him it would have to be because she saw something in him that was hidden from the rest of the world. What that could be he couldn’t imagine.

Having shifted from his imaginary adventure to an unsatisfactory assessment of his physical appearance Mitch lost interest in reading. He decided to find something to eat. Upon reaching the cafeteria he spotted Georgie engrossed in conversation with a stranger. The thought of eating alone didn’t appeal to him. He left the library to do a little exploring. After all, he thought, who knows when I’ll get the opportunity to be above ground again?

As Mitch wandered along the streets of Washington D.C., he replaced the mask that served to filter the more noxious elements from the polluted air. Being alone in this alien environment suited his mood. He wondered if the men and women of his father’s generation would ever really find cures for all the ailments that existed topside. He was seeing firsthand the remnants of a civilization that strove to exist in the face of insurmountable obstacles.

He thought if they come up with solutions I’ll have my chance to rebuild the decaying structures that have been created to serve a bustling population. That’d be some miracle. What I look like wouldn’t amount to a hill of beans. My engineering know-how would be my passport to success. Unlikely such a thing would happen. Still, there’s always a slim chance that things will go that way.

As he came up to the entrance to the apartments in the Capitol Building he was pulled from his pleasant imaginings by a discordant sound. He’d stumbled upon a ruckus in progress. A quick survey of the situation alerted him to the fact that a teenage girl was being accosted by two of her male peers. Mitch didn’t hesitate to do the right thing as he saw it. In a moment he was into the conflict. He was more than willing to defend the female. He tapped one of the offending youths on the shoulder and didn’t give him a chance to figure out what was about to happen. As the fellow swiveled around Mitch walloped him squarely on the nose with a mighty punch. The astonished whelp from the surprised young antagonist was followed by a gush of blood from the broken nose Mitch had delivered.

The whimpering girl fell silent as the damaged adversary called for help from his partner. Get that sonofabitch. He broke my fucking nose.

The second offender immediately released his prey and stood ready to attack Mitch. He was shocked to see the intruder bouncing from foot-to-foot with his fists raised in front of his face. What the hell are you doing, he roared.

Mitch grinned. He thought these Topsiders have no experience with the art of pugilism. He was correct. They were experienced street fighters. Mitch’s stance was a source of amusement. With a grin on his face the fellow raced up to Mitch and walked right into a roundhouse to the ribs. As he doubled over with the wind knocked out of him a solid uppercut caught him on the chin. He crumpled to the ground and his accomplice didn’t wait to see if his buddy was about to get up. He hightailed it away from the interrupted fun they had been having.

With one assailant racing away and the other taking an unexpected nap Mitch turned his attention to the disheveled young lady. As he watched she began slipping down the wall on which she was leaning for support. As her legs buckled beneath her she tried to wipe the tears from her face. She was searching the ground for her protective mask. Mitch spied the device before she could locate it. He rushed to scoop it up and return it to her.

As he approached she began to tremble uncontrollably. At the same time she grasped her tattered shirt and rearranged the material to cover her breasts. He read terror in her brown eyes. The closer he came the more violently she shivered. She didn’t seem to comprehend that he was trying to help her.

Seeing her agitation, Mitch halted. He assessed her condition from a few feet away. She didn’t appear to have suffered any physical damage. Her greatest need at the moment seemed to be to replace her breathing apparatus. Slowly he extended the mask. When she shrank away from him he tossed the device into her lap. Even so she made no move to replace it. Her inactivity puzzled Mitch. She was obviously having great difficulty with her breathing.

He stood staring at her. He finally realized she had to relinquish her hold on her shirt in order to position her mask properly. He quickly turned his back to the girl and hurriedly removed his jacket. Without looking behind him he tossed the garment in the direction of the female he’d just rescued. He hoped that act would indicate his good intentions.

Mitch studiously looked toward a small playground that was off in the distance. Without moving he began to speak to the distraught Topsider. I’m Mitch Farrel. Are you okay?

There was no response but Mitch could hear movement. He made no move to turn back to see what she was up to. The vision of her unclad upper torso flashed across his mind unbidden as he waited for permission to face her again. He forced himself to dismiss the image of the rosy nipples that tipped the small mounds of pliable flesh he’d seen. He forced himself to concentrate on what the girl’s face looked like. An average-looking face, he decided. Nose’s too wide to be called pert or pretty. Cheeks are plump. Lips had been clenched tightly together. Chin had been quivering as she tried to control her crying. Her forehead was smooth and broad. She’s no one for me to feel intimidated by.

By the time Mitch completed his initial assessment of the Topsider he was eager to become better acquainted with the girl. He heard her approaching. She introduced herself and he knew that was his permission to face her.

In a shy voice she said, I’m Shirley Jackson.

How’d you get into trouble with those guys, Mitch asked as he pointed to the floored assailant.

Guess it was my fault. Was supposed to wait for my brother before I came out of the building. He was taking me to the Museum of Art. He’s never too keen on that outing so he was dawdling too long to suit me. Decided to wait outside. Those two guys saw an easy target. Thanks for helping me.

You mean you have to have an escort whenever you go out, asked Mitch.

Where’ve you been? No one travels without a buddy anymore. The stronger, the better. My brother would’ve made short work of those barbarians. Oh, not that you didn’t do the job expertly. I’ve never seen anyone do such damage to a couple of bums.

Shirley’s eyes were expressive. They shone as she praised Mitch. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. He was thankful he’d taken up boxing. After seeing the gratitude he’d earned from the slip of a girl he’d defended he was ready to take on a half dozen more interlopers.

As that idea crossed his mind a firm handhold on his right upper arm started an immediate surge of adrenalin coursing through him. He swung about smartly to face the newest source of danger. The stranger who’d come up behind him as he talked with Shirley was a head shorter than Mitch. He was more muscular and had also assumed a defensive stance.

Shirley quickly introduced her brother Chuck to Mitch. She followed with a hasty explanation of what had befallen her.

The sheepish grin that lay behind Chuck’s mask was evident in his sparkling brown eyes. Since breathing devices hid facial features from view, Mitch realized that eyes became the main recognizable characteristic of Topsiders. That and their hair. Both Shirley and Chuck had luxurious, light-brown tresses. Her hair was worn pulled away from her face. It was captured in a clip that let her long tresses cascade down her back to her waist. Chuck’s full locks were clipped short over his forehead but otherwise kept to shoulder length. Mitch was confident that by only these two features he could find the pair in a crowd.

Chuck extended a hand in gratitude for Mitch’s intervention on his sister’s behalf and the tension of the moment vanished. Mitch accepted an invitation to join them in their trip to Shirley’s beloved museum.

Chapter Two

By the time the trio of Bellydwellers regrouped to make their way back to the bus it was dark. Mitch led the way to the rendezvous point. He had an uncanny sense of direction. His companions followed his shadowy form unconcernedly. Each of them was lost in thoughts of what a superb time they’d had.

Bart thought about the girl he’d met. Didn’t even have sense enough to find out her name. That’s okay. I’ll come back. She seemed interested in my plans for my future. Didn’t even pay much attention to my clumsiness.

Bart’s companions didn’t seem to notice as he shook his head and continued pondering. He thought, most of the girls I know fuss over me like mother hens. She totally ignored the commotion I made. Just concentrated on what she was there to do. A vision of Evelyn’s face swam before him as he made his way through the dark streets. He told himself, fate brought us together. I’m going to make sure we see each other again.

Georgie hurried along between her two friends dwelling on the conversation she’d had with Paul. It had never entered her mind she might actually meet a Topsider. She’d come along on the adventure to get a feel for what living above ground might be like. That there were those who accepted their dangerous position and still managed to be comfortable with their fate was a completely new notion.

Even in the security of her underground environment Georgie was rarely content. Her thoughts were constantly focused on how to correct the great wrongs that were practiced. Having met Paul she found she was even more intent on revising the injustices that kept perfectly healthy, intelligent Topsiders from the safety of her own type of community.

She shivered as she realized Paul’s world could be entirely demolished at any time. All it would take would be some insane ruler. Even one nuclear warhead could send Paul into oblivion.

Georgie shook her head to dislodge the image she’d created. She forced herself to concentrate all of her attention on Mitch who was leading them at a good pace through the darkness.

Mitch was cold. He’d left his jacket with Shirley. The obvious reason he didn’t reclaim the garment was that she wasn’t able to give it back unless she changed her shirt. Their tour of the art museum with her brother had lasted most of the afternoon.

Mitch smiled as he thought about Chuck Jackson who hadn’t been the least bit interested in the masterpieces that adorned the walls of the building. He was happy to leave Shirley in my care. Chuck found it much more entertaining to study the females as they studied the artistic renderings of the great painters of the world. Can’t blame the guy. Must be a bummer to have to drag a sister around on a weekend.

Mitch had said to Shirley, Don’t know much about painting.

To his surprise Shirley had been thrilled to have a novice along. She’d given full range to her expertise on the subject.

Mitch had been happy to find she didn’t even turn to see what he looked like when he removed his mask. All of the buildings that were open to the public had their own air purification systems. Except that each visitor carried a mask the scene might have been that of a century earlier when the atmosphere was still breathable.

Mitch had dutifully listened while Shirley educated him. As she’d pointed out the beauty of a particular work Mitch had thought about what a lovely creation Shirley was. Her voice had washed over him in tones as silky as her mane of light-brown hair. He’d watched as it flowed across her shoulders and rippled along her back with every turn of her head. The girl he’d studied hardly seemed to be the same cringing victim he’d aided earlier in the day. None of the fear she’d exhibited when he’d first approached her lingered as she warmed to her favorite topic. He’d been strongly tempted to stroke those tresses that tossed about so teasingly. The main deterrent to such a bold move had been that if he gave in to that yen Shirley would surely turn to face him. He hadn’t wanted her to get a good look at him. So they’d spent the day with Shirley enlightening Mitch while he’d stood behind her and wished the day would be unending.

All too soon Chuck had signaled it was time for them to leave.

Back a the Capitol Shirley had said, Ill run upstairs and change my shirt. Then you can have your jacket back.

No, he’d said. I’ll come back for it next Saturday.

Shirley liked that idea. Her bright, brown eyes had shone with anticipation. They arranged to meet the following weekend.

Now as Mitch led his friends to the bus his pale-blue eyes held a gleam that had never been there before.

Engrossed as they were in their recollections of the day they’d spent the three friends were well along on their trek to the bus. They could see the shape of the large vehicle up ahead. Bart said, Slow down. We’re nearly there.

A breathless Georgie seconded the request.

Mitch complied. They’d only one more cross street to pass before they reached their destination.

As they tightened their ranks a shuffling sound in the shadows of the side street brought them to a halt. They tried to locate the source of the sound. They suddenly found themselves surrounded by a group of young toughs. The gang had been waiting between the walls of the hospital and the adjacent building to fall upon victims.

The speed with which the trio became encircled shocked them. They automatically formed a tight circle with their backs to each other and facing their foe. Their adversaries were a scraggly lot. Only one of them looked muscular enough to be a cause for concern.

Mitch maneuvered himself so that he would take on that enemy. He could see the look of derision his choice for an antagonist wore. Mitch knew that gang member expected Bart to be the most adept fighter. Mitch tried to control the gleam of mirth that was threatening to shine in his eyes. It was his plan to engage the sturdiest attacker and subdue him quickly. He expected that would send the rest of the group scurrying back to safety.

Before the big fellow had a chance to think about what he wanted to do Mitch stepped forward and delivered a few tentative jabs to the midsection of his chosen fighting partner. The surprised grunts brought all eyes to the site of the action.

The leader of the gang was forced to redirect his attention away from Bart. He looked amazed that the tall, skinny kid should be the one who wanted to fight him. He decided to make short work of the cocky bastard. He went forward quickly to pummel the wits out of Mitch. To his amazement his target successfully dodged all four of his first attempts to slam his fists into Mitch’s face. The big bully switched his attack to rain his blows into his foes body.

Mitch delivered stinging, staccato punches to the fellow’s left cheek and temple. If the rest of the gang had any intention of entering the fray the sight of their leader taking a beating diverted them from their initial plan.

Bart and Georgie remained alert. They waited to see how things might progress.

The big brute faltered as a growl of rage started deep in his throat. Mitch didn’t give his opponent the opportunity to get his arm in position to swing his next blow. A mighty left hook landed right where the mask covered the soft, pulpy nose of the stunned fighter. A crunch of bone and a scream of pain told Mitch the fun was nearing its end. As the bulky head of the gang leader came forward to find a resting place in his cupped hands Mitch sent a karate chop to the back of his foe’s neck. The hulking form slumped to the ground. His followers reacted just as expected. They slunk back to the safety of the side street without even trying to lend any aid to their fallen leader.

Georgie, Bart, and Mitch ran the final distance to the waiting bus.

The Bellydwellers released their tension in laughter. The other passengers on the bus exhausted from their labors of the day dismissed the antics of the teenagers as the normal exuberance of youth. On the ride home Mitch said, "Lent my jacket out. Have to pick it up next Saturday.

They all agreed they’d return topside the following weekend.

Bart spent the early part of the week following his unauthorized trip topside struggling with the guilt he felt about having disobeyed his parents. More often than not as he sat before his computer his mind wandered from his lessons. He pondered over the consequences of his action. He thought Mom and Dad are topnotch as far as parents go. They’re careful to respect me as an adult. Their rules are carefully spelled out so there’ll be no misunderstanding over what’s acceptable. They trust me to obey.

Bart grimaced at the screen. He reasoned, disregarded one of the major house rules. Should’ve asked permission to go topside. They’ve no clue I’ve been on the surface.

His fingers drummed on the keyboard. His computer beeped in protest. He shrugged and turned away from the monitor. He considered, should confess. Get it over with but I’m going back. Got to make that clear.

By midweek Bart came up with a scheme.