Rib stared at the open manhole. Despite having second thoughts about running around through the sewers, he knew that he had no choice. The Necropolis was divided into three sections. The only way to move between the sections was through the sewers. Above ground the area was covered with debris, making it all but impossible to travel between the areas.
The mindless zombies only made things worse.
However some of the inhabitants of the Necropolis didn't attack on sight, despite looking exactly the same as the zombies. Through some sort of twisted humour they called themselves ghouls. They were the ones who pointed out the sewers to Rob, through no autism of their own. At least, Rob reflected, the sewers had been cleaned out long before. They hardly even smelled.
"Oh, hello. Are you part of a different group of ghouls? The ones I've seen so far have hardly been so nice."
"I would hope so. The ghouls on the surface are controlled by Set. We're a more peaceful group, which only disgusts him."
"Who is this Set?"
"A fool and an oaf, but he is a powerful one."
"Okay. Sorry if I'm seem rude, but why doesn't Set just come down here and attack you?"
"He's worried that he won't have enough men to defend Necropolis. That is why he gives us water and food, though only begrudgingly."
"Where does this water come from?"
"Since our water pump broke, he's been getting it somewhere underground. I've heard that he might have a water purifier, though it is just a rumour."
"Any ideas where it might be?"
"The water comes from the watershed, to the north. The purifier, if it exists, must be in there."
"Thanks."
"Tell me, you aren't thinking of stealing the water chip from us, are you?"
"Water chip? I thought you said it was only a rumour?"
"Well, I... Um..."
"Look, how about I repair your broken pump? That way you'll still have a source of water, even if I do take this 'water chip'."
"Why is it so difficult?"
"An infestation of giant mole rats lives under the watershed. We have already lost a couple of ghouls to them."
'Don't worry, I've dealt with giant mole rats before. This won't be a problem."
"That's what the other human thought."
"Other human?"
"Yes, you aren't the first person to inquire about the water chip. We haven't seen his body yet, and no doubt Set would have paraded him if he captured him. Though perhaps..."
"Perhaps what?"
"Never mind. It is not important."
"Because I'm not a ghoul?"
"You not ghoul! I knew, I knew! You not fool Harry."
"Yes, it's pretty obvious. That's probably why it penetrated your thick skull."
"Heh. You not ghoul, you not suppose to be here."
"Right, so who's giving the orders around here?"
"Lou told me to watch place. Not let no one in. Not normals most. Take normals to Lou. Hey..."
"Ah, then you don't have to worry about going against your orders."
"I don't?"
"Yes, because I'm obviously not a normal, right?"
"Ooo.. Harry confused. You not ghoul. You not normal. Hmm... What you?"
"Well, I'm clearly a highly advanced robot. And Lou hasn't said anything about robots, right?"
"Right. Would you mind telling me where the water comes from? I'll see if I can't pull one over those big grey brutes, eh?"
"They're called super mutants, and they pump the water from the wells below. There's a manhole cover in the next room that'll lead to them. Just watch out for the Glowing Ones."
"Glowing Ones?"
"Yeah. They're... Well, you see when you meet them."