The ever-present rain was all but unknown at this level, so far beneath the surface that the rain arrived as a toxic sludge more than liquid. Not that Karl was concerned either way, his reason for coming this far down had been met and the he only remained so long as completion of the job remained un-confirmed. He glanced at the time-display and anxiety, he needed to be elsewhere in just under an hour, and it would take most of that time to get to where he needed to be. “Come on Control, I need verification that the target has been neutralized!” The anxiety was slowly turning into irritation with those keeping him waiting. “Keep your pants on Operative.” Was the amused reply he got from the Station Analysis, commonly referred to as Control, monitor. Just as he was about to snap back the confirmation came through. “Okay Operative. Target has been confirmed neutralised, you can leave the area now.”

Able to leave the area Karl glanced at the time and froze, dismayed, he was late and now needed to run. Which indeed he immediately started doing so, nimbly dodging the few obstacles in the way, as he ran Karl started thinking over various options. Maybe he’d be able to call up some transport, except there was absolutely no traffic down at this level, except for Sleep Shivers, and the closest unit had another two days before rotating out.

A carnivorous pig stopped rooting through garbage and gave Karl a hungry look, just as it was about to charge him Karl took an extended stride and hurdled over the pig, a MAC knife sneaking out of its holster to sever a vertebrae just before the neck. Karl lands at the same moment as the pig collapsed and kept on running.

So he, at the very least, needed to be a couple of levels higher before considering transport. Now Shivers were definitely out, you could only call them on official business, this was important but Cloak might frown on it. So definitely not Shivers.
Someone steps out of an alleyway and starts speaking. “Give me youraaaarrgghh!” The demand turns into the scream as the waving knife is removed from the broken hand and promptly returned via a gap between the third and fourth ribs. The would-be mugger collapses and curls into a foetal ball, shuddering into stillness.

He’d already climbed one level, but needed at least two more before trying a civilian taxi company. He had the money to pay the fare, the only question was whether to contact ahead of time and sort out a meeting point. A moment’s consideration rules it out, better flag one down on the way.

A gang fight. Karl didn’t even consider going around but instead went straight through the middle, dodging blows and lashing out in turn. Gangers screamed and fell as the demon ploughed through them, incapacitating but not killing.

Rain was starting to get through; he was within three levels of the surface. Taxis would be nearby, but there were none in sight. Sighing Karl kept on running, glad that at this level civilians were actively avoiding him, a running Operative was always a worry.
Another level and a running gunfight between DarkNight and SLA Industries Operatives, Karl un-holsters a pistol and starts snapping off shots at any DarkNight in his way or targeting him, having faith that the SLA Industries Operatives wouldn’t gun him down either by accident or in fear. Fortunately they don’t and Karl is able to keep on moving.

Rain. He was on the surface and still many minutes away from where he needed to be. If things kept as they had then he might be late, and that would never do.

A passing Shiver fire-APC, taking a running jump Karl is able to grab a hold and hitch a lift. His SCL card is ready for the Shiver who looks to see what the thump was, after a few moments confusion the Shiver shrugs and drops back into the APC. Karl let’s the APC carry him for another couple of kilometres before letting go, just as the APC was going to turn off in another direction.

Karl rolled to his feet and resumed running, he’d regained a couple of minute’s leeway, so he might just make it, which was what he’d been hoping for. A dozen paces further and a waving figure catches his attention. It was his Wraith associate Asuma, who had his bike ready and running. “Come Karl. I can get you the rest of the way!” No other encouragement was needed, swinging up behind the Wraith Raider the bike was immediately in motion, and accelerating all the time.

The ride is a confusion of images, scattering civilians, pedestrians and cyclists. Other vehicles being passed with only centimetres of clearance, near misses on corners and junctions as Asuma does his very best to weave through cross-traffic, and then the screeching halt.

Karl was off and running for the apartment block door, a neighbour holding it open, and with a damp towel ready in hand. Karl was through the door and using the towel without even nodding to the neighbour, she knew what this was about and approved. The towel managed to clean Karl’s face and partially dry his hair even as he took the steps three at a time to his floor, the towel left draped over a banister. Entering the apartment is the first time Karl pauses, to slip on an old over-coat, over his soft armour. His wife was also ready with a comb, The Book and a relieved smile.

Karl smiled back even as he accepted both the comb, which neatened his mussed hair, and The Book. The comb was slipped into a utility pocket as his steps slowed on approach to The Door, it was never made apparent what efforts were made. The waiting resident greeted Karl as he stepped into the room. “Dada!” Karl’s face beamed as he scooped up his son and carried him to the chair they both used. Sitting down, his son on his lap and resting against his chest, Karl opened the book and started to read. “It was a glorious morning at Sandy Creek, and Buzzy Bee had decided to go for a picnic….”

Karl’s wife paused at the door and smiled at the scene, still amazed to have a husband who would bend over backwards for their son. Turning away she went to clear up the resultant mess and pass their thanks on to those who’d helped Karl get here.