Read Online Subterranean by James Rollins - Free Book Online

arrow pointing down with the rough-lettered words, “Hell . . . one mile!”
    Ben frowned. “Defacing a cavern. That’s not only poor taste, but among cavers it’s considered bad luck.”
    Blakely scowled at his assistant Roland. “Let’s get that removed— today .”
    Ashley shook her head; droplets flew from the tip of her nose. She wiped her brow. Damp. The humidity must be close to a hundred percent. But the air! She inhaled deeply. It was so clean.
    She squinted, but the far wall was blocked by the massive pillar. Damn. She had hoped to spy the dwellings.
    â€œMom! Look!” Jason pointed toward the cavern floor.
    Sighing in exasperation, she stood on tiptoe, leaning her forehead against the cold bars. Below, buildings and tents dotted the floor, lit by searchlights and festooned with lamps. A deep chasm, like a black wound, cut the base in two. A lighted bridge crossed the gap, linking the two halves. It was their destination.
    Alpha Base.
    â€œLook over here,” Linda exclaimed. “You can see fish!”
    Ashley sidled behind Linda, placing a hand on her shoulder, peering over and down.
    At the edge of Alpha Base, reflecting the lights of the camp, was a mammoth lake, covering several hundred acres, rippling gently. From above, a few glowing residents of the lake could be seen gliding and darting under the glassy surface. Strangely poetic.
    â€œCool,” Jason exclaimed.
    â€œAnd how, mate.” Ben nudged Ashley with an elbow. “Amazing, ain’t it?”
    Ashley nodded, her mind numb. Anxious to explore, her qualms from a moment ago were a dim memory. “Am I remembering correctly? Did you say the cavern was five miles across?
    Blakely nodded, a smile playing about his lips. “Approximately.”
    Ben whistled.
    Within minutes, the cage settled to the cavern floor, secure in its berth. A uniformed escort stood ready to guide them to their quarters. Blakely faced the group. “We’re home!”

SEVEN
    Alpha Base, Antarctica
    A SHLEY WATCHED WITH A SMIRK AS J ASON DARTED around his bedroom. Her own room in the two-bedroom suite was just as impressive. Hard to believe each member of the team had a separate suite in the main dormitory of the base. The perks of working on this mission were getting better and better. Lace curtains, walnut desks, thick upholstered chairs, designer wallpaper. Who would have thought they were two miles underground?
    â€œLook, Mom.” He pointed to a desk in the corner of his room. “A real Pentium II. Not one of those slowpoke clones.”
    She hated to burst his balloon, but he had to learn sometime. “That’s for your homework.”
    Jason turned to her, his jaw hanging open. “It’s the beginning of summer, Mom!”
    â€œIt’s only a couple hours each day. While I’m gone, I want you to put this time to use. There’s a library on the base. I want you to check out two books while I’m gone and write a book report on each.”
    His looked aghast, his eyes wide. “Some summer!”
    â€œIt’ll be fun. Roland will be”—she dare not say ‘baby-sitting,’ or Jason would never forgive her—“watching you. He’ll be staying here while I’m gone. I expect you to mind him.”
    He scrunched up his face, irate.
    â€œIf you mind your manners and do your homework . . . without sulking . . . there are some surprises in store for you.”
    â€œYeah,” he said, his voice thick with skepticism. “Like what?”
    â€œFirst, I found a martial arts expert on the base who can continue your lessons here. If you want to get your yellow belt by year’s end, you’re gonna need to practice while I’m gone.”
    The black cloud over his face lifted just a bit.
    â€œPlus, they have electric bikes and Jet Skis to ride.”
    Jason grimaced. “Why electric?”
    â€œTo help protect the ecosystem they