Author's Notes

Author's Notes

Share this post

Author's Notes
Author's Notes
The Cardinal Directive: Mission Log #36
The Cardinal Directive

The Cardinal Directive: Mission Log #36

The Stress Test

Mar 31, 2023
∙ Paid
2

Share this post

Author's Notes
Author's Notes
The Cardinal Directive: Mission Log #36
1
Share

[Start of Season 2]
[Previous]


>> Now playing Mission Log #36

The footage flicks through several cameras at different angles as the log begins. Some are green night vision cameras, tucked into the corners of the tunnel ceilings. A few come from various body cameras of the other members of the Hand. They’ve begun settling in for the night, but many are still awake, still recording.

The halls clear as word spreads of the group’s passage, and eyes watch them from every cot-filled room as they all escort Lycus lower and lower into the tunnels of the Pit.

At last, they reach a threshold, a final room behind a final door with a metal grate in the floor and a crowbar hanging on a small metal hook in the wall. Jovis plucks the tool free, using it to lift up the grate and reveal the way down: A rusted ladder, descending into darkness.

The sound of dripping water echoes up through the hole, beckoning them in.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Author's Notes to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Madeline M Dunsmore
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share