Thomas turned toward Shadow 4. "Radio Shadow 1 and 2. Tell them to regroup. We're heading down."
The maintenance shaft leading into Sector 4 was coated in thick, oily residue, its once-functional lighting now reduced to dim, flickering bulbs that cast eerie shadows across the metallic walls. The smell of stale fuel and rotting organic matter grew stronger as they descended the ladder.
Phillip adjusted his gas mask, his voice slightly muffled. "Smell that? That's bio-contamination mixed with hydrocarbons. Not a great mix."
Shadow 1 raised an eyebrow. "How bad?"
Phillip exhaled. "If it's bacterial growth, we might be able to flush it out. If it's something else…"
Shadow 2 gripped his rifle tighter. "You mean if it's alive."
Thomas took point, rifle raised. "Stay sharp."
They moved single file, the only sound their boots clanking against the metal grating beneath them. At the bottom, a set of double maintenance doors led to the refinery's lower pipeline control station.
