An

Ashen

Wasteland

An Ashen Wasteland Series Book 3

By: Tim Elkins

Copyright © 2020 NJ Publishing

 All rights Reserved All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Table Of Contents

1

Gunfire flew past the lander as it slowly made its way to safety, bullets bouncing off the steel-reinforced hull, missing the vital steamworks inside the vehicle. Every jolt sent spears of pain through Phineas’ wounded ribs, yet nothing compared to his concern over his captain. I left Rachel behind. He peered worriedly through the hatch, watching the Cloudsurfer as it fell towards the ground. A large-caliber bullet impacted the lander’s hull just then, jostling it and tearing Phineas away from his position. His ribs stabbed him, making him wince in agony.

“Are you alright, first mate?” Burton asked, holding Phineas’ shoulder.

“Sufficiently alright, Burton, thanks,” he replied, sitting straight. If anyone can bring the skyvessel to safety, that’s Rachel, he thought before a loud explosion rattled the lander. Phineas returned to the viewing hatch, and his eyes widened in fear. “Oh, no. Rachel!” he yelled helplessly.

One of the gas-thrusters on the skyvessel exploded, sending it spiraling out of control. “Damn it! Riker, veer towards the Cloudsurfer; we must—” Phineas was interrupted by another violent jostling of the lander. “Now what?” he asked exasperatedly, peering through another hatch. The Terminus Est interceptors trailed perilously close to the lander, its cannon fire damaging the hull of the vehicle. “We need to shake them off. Milton, Burton!”

“Aye, cap’n!” both replied in unison.

“Man the guns. Anselm, Elisa, you act as loaders – keep the lander’s weapons supplied. Riker, take a seat.”

“First mate?” the helmsman asked, confused.

 “I’m taking the helm,” Phineas uttered grimly. As Riker stepped out of the cockpit, Phineas limped in, wincing as he strapped its safety belts over his chest. Once he was secure on the pilot’s seat, he took the lander’s crystal set. “Attention, crew! Strap in!” he ordered.

Immediately after Phineas gave the warning, he opened the steam valve to its full extent and increased the throttle of the sphere engine. Its rotors whirred violently as they increased their speed, and the bird-like wings on either side flapped to maintain altitude. Phineas veered sideways to give Milton and Burton a chance to aim at the incoming interceptors to prevent being struck by the incoming gunfire. The lander’s hull rattled as the gunners fired at the enemy, narrowly missing it as it barrel-rolled sideways.

Phineas chased after the interceptor, facing it through the cockpit’s aiming reticle. The first mate’s eyes narrowed as he whispered, “Got you.” His thumbs smashed the triggers of the frontal guns, releasing a hail of lead at the fleeing interceptor. The torrent of fire ripped into the enemy flyer’s rotors, disabling them entirely. A plume of smoke and steam trailed after the interceptor as it plummeted to the ground.

The lander’s gunners fired once again, and through the crystal set, Milton called, “First mate, enemy at nine o’clock!”

Without a word, Phineas veered towards the left, training the lander’s weapons onto an incoming attacker. He opened fire, and the automatic cannons reduced the interceptor to bits and pieces of twisted metal. A rattle tore Phineas’ attention from the aiming reticle. He let out an expletive as steam started hissing in the cockpit, forcing him to lower the pressure valve quickly.

“First mate, we’re hit!” Riker cried from his seat.

“Damn it; we’re not going to reach Rachel on time!” Phineas exclaimed.

“Forget about the captain for now; we’re being trailed after at least half a dozen interceptors!”

“Then, we must shake them off,” he uttered. To the crystal set, Phineas ordered, “Gunners, return to your seats. We’re about to free-fall.”

A worried Burton tried to argue. “Wait, first mate! What do you mean—”

Phineas cut off the crystal set before the man could voice his concern. “I meant just what I said,” he muttered before closing the steam valves and cutting off the throttle. The lateral flappers of the lander retracted into its hull, but Phineas kept the steam pressure as high as possible, his hand still on the release trigger. As the rotors whirred down, he tilted the nose of the lander and started diving towards the ground, grimacing as he struggled to control the falling vehicle. After a while, he turned to Riker. “Are they gone?”

“Not yet!”

The ground was starting to come close, and sweat began beading on Phineas’ forehead. “Now?” he asked.

“Not yet, first mate!” Riker repeated.

Damn it; we’re not going to make it! Phineas’ teeth ached as he clenched his jaw. He felt his stomach threatening to spill, and the pain in his ribs intensifying as the lander spiraled towards the ground. He closed his eyes, bracing for impact.

All of a sudden, he heard Riker yell, “THEY’RE GONE!”

Immediately, Phineas released the wings and pulled on the rudder, feeling nauseous as the powerful gravity inside the cockpit threatened to knock him out. Though he saw black spots, Phineas managed to remain conscious. He reclined on his seat and wiped his forehead, feeling cold sweat covering it. That was too much, Phineas thought, closing his eyes.

“You are mad, first mate. Impossibly mad!” Riker exclaimed proudly, patting Phineas’ shoulder.

“Madness is the spice of life, Riker. And for now, it saved us.” Phineas sighed. “What happened to the Cloudsurfer?”

Riker’s expression darkened visibly as he averted his gaze from Phineas.

“Helmsman?” he asked.

“I saw it crash, first mate. It was bad,” Riker reported.

Phineas’ stomach convulsed upon hearing the news. Struggling to remain calm, he said, “In that case, we must hit the ground to erect a small encampment and then send off a scouting party towards the Cloudsurfer.”

“But it crash-landed… The probabilities of survival are—”

“Don’t tell me the probabilities, Riker. I’m well aware of them, but I— we need closure.”

Riker sighed, but he saluted. “Aye, aye, captain.”

2

Rachel’s boot skidded on the dusty hill, making her fall on her knees. She winced as her breeches were torn by the abrasive sand of the Dead Continent, cursing as she saw the red spot that her blood left in the dust. “This place is made to kill everything that lives,” she muttered.

“You tell me,” Emmy said behind her, “At least you can use both your hands!”

The captain of the Cloudsurfer scoffed. “I find you incredibly candid, considering you recently lost your right arm.”

Emmy lifted the cloth-covered stump. “I’m a professional, Captain. I can minimize my perception of pain,” he winced before adding, “Though the laudanum certainly helps.”

 “Well, don’t get used to it. I have only three vials left, and we have a long road ahead.”

“A long road,” the traitorous young man uttered, “Without food, drink, or weapons.”

“You could have thought of that before ratting us out. But never mind – what matters now is finding the rest of my crew.”

“And surviving in the process,” Emmy added sarcastically.

Exasperated, Rachel turned around and rammed her palm into Emmy’s stump, making him shriek in pain. “Now, listen carefully,” she uttered. “The only reason I’m keeping you with me is that I want to confront Armand Lowenstoft and sink him.” She held Emmy by the scruff of his neck and whispered, “But I can live without that. Am I understood?”

Emmy nodded shakily, and Rachel let him go.

“Good. Now, keep walking – we need to reach high ground.”

Rachel turned around and kept climbing the hill without waiting for Emmy. Every breath she took was painful as the thin dust particles suspended in the air entered her nose and throat. Tying a piece of fabric around her face helped slightly, but it did nothing to filter the noxious odors in the atmosphere. Her surroundings smelled of ash, carbon, and ozone, accompanied by a sickly sweet undertone of putrefaction. This place is truly dead, Rachel thought, grimacing as she pulled herself over the edge of the hill and leaned down to help Emmy up.

When they were both outside the gash left by the Cloudsurfer, the captain spared another glance towards her downed sky vessel. Though the damage had been extensive, the upgrades installed prior to their voyage to the Dead Continent had held fast. The hull was salvageable, as well as enough rotors for liftoff. The cockpit would require repairs but could be used as it was. She’s a tough nut to crack, Rachel thought proudly before returning to her path.

As Rachel laid eyes on the landscape in front of her, a wave of nausea coursed through her. She staggered slightly, momentarily losing her balance as her mind tried to process the vista. Rachel was staring at the remnants of a city unlike anything she had seen before. Though her crew and she had raided numerous ruins of the old world, she had never seen a place where the ruins were molten. Shattered skyscrapers reached for the storm-ridden skies, their skeletal frames showing the remnants of their charred entrails. The roofs of buildings were constantly pelted by purple lightning coming from the perpetual storm swirling around the epicenter of the Pulse. Rifts of crackling electricity appeared and disappeared sporadically between the derelict buildings, further eroding their surfaces.

“Well, this looks like a pretty place,” Emmy commented beside her. “I could see myself living in one of those buildings.” When Rachel said nothing, he added, “What is this place?”

“The epicenter of the Pulse,” she replied, starting on her way.

“Name me ignorant,” Emmy stated, “But I don’t care much about the old world. I know it existed, and that’s as far as my knowledge goes.”

“You accepted to board my sky vessel, knowing it was bound for the Dead Continent, yet you lack knowledge of the old world?”

Emmy shrugged in response.

Rachel shook her head. “Either you are incredibly well paid or incredibly stupid.” She sighed, returning her gaze to the husk ahead. “I don’t remember much of those days, as I was only six when the Pulse happened. Electria was a nation holding the greatest, most advanced knowledge in electronics, magnetism, and electrical manipulation, to the point where it deemed the rest of mankind unworthy of its inventions. At some point, various world leaders threatened to invade Electria. As a result, the latter developed a weapon of tremendous destructive power.”

“The Pulse?” Emmy asked.

“Indeed,” she replied, nodding. “I didn’t know what it was then, but Jonas – someone close to me – told me it was a tremendous electromagnetic pulse intended to deter any invaders by frying off every electrical apparatus on Earth. Well, what would you know – it worked, but at a far greater price than they expected. I don’t know the details, but as I remember, the Pulse seemed to affect the metals in the soil, triggering volcanic eruptions, tectonic shifts, and tremendous climate change.”

“The Shattering,” Emmy uttered matter-of-factly.

“Precisely. And now,” she said, pointing ahead, “We’re at the place where the Pulse was released. Those rifts are the byproduct of extreme electromagnetic contamination causing miniature storms between the buildings. The soil has been eroded into thin grains by the winds that must have hit the place; that’s why it’s so abrasive.” Rachel sighed. “Nothing could ever live again in the Dead Continent.”

“It’s a fitting name, then.”

“Yes,” Rachel agreed. “It is fitting, and we may become a part of it if we don’t make our way to the crew of the Cloudsurfer.”

“Assume we reach your crew, captain. What then? The sky vessel is downed; our surroundings are hostile.” He scoffed. “ It seems that we can only count on Mr. Lowenstoft and Captain Zoltan to rescue us from here.”

“Please, Emmy. Did you ever think Armand and Zoltan would fetch you?” She rolls her eyes. “Understand something – the former is a crime lord, while the latter is a pirate. To both of them, you are expendable at best and a liability at worst. Now, keep walking – there’s precious enough daylight left, and I don’t want to get caught unprepared.”

“Unprepared for what? The place is a ruin! Everything is dead; you said so yourself!” Emmy exclaimed.

“True,” she accepted. “But allow me to correct my statement: Nothing I know of could ever live here. After decades of radiation, I don’t know what we may encounter.”

“Well then, captain, where do you suggest we head?”

Rachel stopped. That’s a good question, she thought, glancing around to find anything indicative of a safe haven. Above her, she saw a steam trail left behind by the Cloudsurfer’s lander after getting hit by an interceptor. “We head northward,” she commanded, “And try to rendezvous with my crew.”

“Keyword here being ‘try.’”

“Must we repeat our earlier conversation?” Rachel asked, vexed at Emmy’s attitude.

“No, captain,” he replied quickly.

“Good. Come on; night time is coming. With it may come predators.”

Emmy grinned. “Hah, predators. Good joke, captain!” When she did not reply, he faltered. “You are joking, aren’t you?”

Rachel sighed. “You may be a professional, but you are woefully unfamiliar with ruin raiding. These places may be abandoned, but they’re not uninhabited.” She gritted her teeth, grudgingly unholstered  her pistol, and handed it to Emmy. “Can you handle this?”

He took the weapon and said, “I can, but don’t expect my accuracy to be pinpoint.”

“If things go well, you won’t need to use it. I have thirty cartridges on me, with another six chambered in the pistol. Use them wisely – they are perhaps our only means for defense other than my saber.”

“I’m well-acquainted with a saber,” he uttered, giggling a little.

Rachel’s eyes narrowed. “I find it odd that you are cracking jokes while we’re in mortal danger.”

A weak smirk formed on Emmy’s face. “It’s the laudanum speaking,” he reasoned sheepishly.

“Well, stop talking and pay attention to our surroundings instead. We must be careful at every step.”

As they walked towards the city, Rachel took note of their path. She saw strange, purple-leafed grass growing on its sides, but the center was clean, and the dirt was hard-packed. Someone – or something – has been walking along this trail. Her stomach clenched as her suspicions were confirmed. Though abandoned, the Dead Continent wasn’t devoid of life.

A thought coursed through Rachel’s mind. What if there are humans in here, survivors from the Pulse? It was a far-fetched idea, but if Phineas, Jonas, and she had survived in an Electrian-made  bunker, there was a chance that some people did, too. And perhaps, she mused, Javier is among them. Her chest constricted as she remembered her long-lost brother and wondered whether they would reunite after so many years of being apart. That, at least, would be a remnant of her life before The Shattering.

3

The pain was unbearable as Phineas laid on the examination cot. The Cloudsurfer medic kept going over his charts and manuals, sighing while writing on his notebook. Damn it; my ribs are broken! he thought exasperatedly, wincing as another wave of pain washed over him. “Hey, doc,” Phineas said through gritted teeth. “Would you mind giving me a shot of morphine and getting me on my feet?”

“Rushing is unwise, captain, as the extent of the damage remains indeterminate.”

“Listen, you son of a—” Phineas closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath, grimacing as he let the air out. “Doc, two things. One, could you please give me something for the pain?”

The medic closed his notebook and sighed. “Look, captain, I could do that, but we don’t know if there’s any internal damage to your organs. An auto-cannon’s recoil is nothing to scoff at!” he scolded Phineas.

“You tell me,” he retorted. “But my question is, am I spitting blood?”

“Well, no, but—”

“Did you feel something broken?”

“I didn’t, captain, but—”

“Did I land us safely in this godforsaken land?”

The medic groaned. “You did, captain.”

“Then, by all means, give me a damn shot of morphine!” Phineas exclaimed impatiently.

“Aye, aye, cap’n,” the man acquiesced, readying a syringe with morphine in it. Phineas sighed with relief as the substance was injected into his body, earning him a scowl from the medic. “Now, captain, don’t you go thinking you’ll be strutting about!” he reprimanded. “Even if your sternum isn’t shattered, your chest is badly bruised. It’s a wonder you can draw breath at all!”

Phineas stood up, shaking his head and donning his camisole. “No can do, doc. I’ve got to lead the search for our captain.”

The medic sighed sadly. “Son, let’s be realistic. The sky vessel hurtled to the ground, and its gas thrusters erupted in midair. Nothing could have survived such a crash.”

Putting on his ankle-length coat, Phineas replied, “You underestimate the captain, doc. She’s one of the most capable pilots the world has seen, and she knows the Cloudsurfer like the back of her hand.” He locked eyes with the medic and uttered, “If anyone could have survived such a drop, it’s her.”

The medic held Phineas’ gaze momentarily before sagging into himself and acquiescing. “If you say so, captain.”

Phineas said nothing and walked towards the tent’s entrance.

The medic called, “Wait, captain!”

“Hm?” he replied, stopping at mid-stride.

“What was the second thing?”

Without turning around, Phineas stated, “Do not call me captain.”

As soon as Phineas walked out of the tent, his skin was stung by the abrasive wind of the Dead Continent. Red, he thought. Everything is red – the ground, the air, the sun. He took a deep breath, feeling his throat burn. Everything reeks of death. He walked through the camp, watching the remaining crew of the Cloudsurfer struggle to hitch more tents, dress their wounds, and prepare food. Even if— No, not ‘if.’ Rachel must have no supplies with her, as most of our resources come with us on the lander. Phineas sighed and shook his head. “I shouldn’t have left her behind,” he muttered, feeling a stab of guilt in his chest. He looked at the far end of the camp where the officers were reunited and made his way towards them.

As he neared the four officers and the helmsman, he heard snippets of their conversation. “He refuses to accept the charge,” Riker said worriedly.

“Of course, he does!” Burton exclaimed. “He’s been our first mate ev’r since I joined Sternritter’s crew!”

“From before, in truth,” Anselm added, adjusting his prosthetic arm.

“Aye,” his twin sister agreed. “He’s never aspired to become captain, even though he’d be a great one.”

The other officers trained their eyes upon Elisa.

She said, “What? It’s true! You saw how he saved us from the Terminus Est interceptors. Weren’t it for Phineas, we’d be a smudge on the ground by now.”

Milton groaned. “Look, I agree that Phineas would be a terrific captain, but come on, fellas!” she exclaimed. “He’d never think of replacing Rachel without knowing there’s a good reason for it!”

“Such as her being dead?” Burton asked sarcastically.

“Yes, Burton,” Milton replied. “But that’s neither here nor there. I understand Phineas,” she added, glaring at Burton, “And you should too, you oaf! Phineas loves the captain – that much is certain – even though he won’t say it to her face!”

“Ahem,” Phineas interjected, chuckling as Milton jumped, startled. “I am glad that amicable conversation has returned to us, gentlemen. But must I remind you we have a search-and-rescue mission?”

“I— C-captain... Aye, aye!” Milton stammered, saluting awkwardly before adding, “We are prepared to set off. Lookie there – we’ve readied our gatlings, Burton and I. The twins have their rifles, as well as a slew of medical supplies just in case, and we all are carrying basic provision packs.”

Phineas nodded. “What about long-range crystal sets?”

“Right here, captain,” Burton said. The stocky man shifted uncomfortably on his feet before asking, “Er, captain, if I may ask?”

Phineas closed his eyes and sighed. “Yes, Burton. You may.”

“Why are we doing this, sir? I mean, you brought us down to safety. Are you so eager to throw our lives away?”

“Burton...” Milton muttered through her teeth.

“Hush, Milton!” Burton chided before continuing, “All I’m sayin’, cap’n, is that we should turn tail and go back to Anglia now that we can. The crash was too severe, and I doubt the ol’ cap’n survived – gods bless her soul.”

“Burton, he’s angry...”

“I said wait, Milton!” the large man uttered. “Cap’n, if we do go off in search o’ the Cloudsurfer, we’d be spendin’ time and resources we... Hey, uh, cap’n, what’s with the killer glare?” he asked, dumbfounded.

Phineas held Burton’s gaze, concentrating on not letting his expression turn into a vexed snarl. “Are you done?”

Burton gulped loudly as he realized the situation. “I— yes. Yes, cap’n, apologies.”

Phineas nodded and uttered, “I am willing to forgive your tirade on account of the trauma we all just went through, Burton, but my patience is not without its limits. Am I understood?”

Burton paled and nodded shakily.

“Good,” Phineas said before turning around. “Alright people, listen up!”

Everyone stopped their labor and looked at him.

Phineas continued, “The Cloudsurfer may have fallen, but I require all of you to understand something: I am not your captain until we ascertain Rachel Sternritter’s fate. Have I made myself clear?” When the crew expressed their assent, he added, “Right. We are off to search for the sky vessel's wreckage. Riker!”

Riker stood to attention and saluted. “Aye, cap’n!”

“You are in command until we return, and then,” he said, smiling, “You’ll be relieved by the captain.”

Riker returned the smile. “I’ll hold you up to that, cap— first mate!” he uttered.

Phineas nodded. “Be on the lookout for any incoming crewmen of the Terminus Est. If you see any of those bastards coming close,” he thought about it for a second before shrugging and saying, “Fire at will.” Then, he looked at his officers. “Milton, Burton, and twins, we’re off!”

The officers stood up, and Milton slapped the back of Burton’s head. “Bloody idiot!”

“Hey! What was that for?”

“Vexing the first mate,” Anselm replied, also smacking the stocky man.

“Hey, cut it out, y’all. I was just sayin’!” he complained.

“Cut it out, all of you,” Phineas ordered calmly. “Anselm, Elisa, you take point – scout ahead and inform us if you encounter something,” he paused momentarily and added, “Or someone.”

Anselm saluted with his prosthetic arm. “Should we call you on the crystal sets?” he asked.

“Absolutely not – they are for an emergency.”

“And what constitutes an emergency?” Elisa asked.

“Encountering crewmen of the Terminus Est, or worse,” Phineas replied matter-of-factly.

“Worse?” Burton asked. “What could be worse than those rabid dogs?”

“I don’t know,” he uttered. “This landmass has been ravaged by tremendous amounts of radiation; even in the direst circumstances, life continues to thrive. We have no way of knowing what lurks in the Dead Continent. Stay alert,” he ordered.

The twins saluted again and ran ahead to scout for the rest of the party. Phineas took point, trailed after by Milton and Burton. He unholstered his revolving flintlock pistol and checked its chamber. Six cartridges, and fifty-four more in my coat, he thought, closing the chamber and holstering the weapon. Hold tight, Rachel. I’m coming for you. “Please,” he muttered in prayer, “Be alive.”

4

 “You know, captain,” Emmy said, struggling to reload the pistol, “I haven’t been with your crew for a long while, but I really wish you were wrong more often!”

Rachel dislodged her saber from the chest of one of the creatures, kicking it away before ducking to dodge another pouncing one. She lifted her weapon and impaled the mutant, using its momentum to fling it away. “How about you stop your bickering and reload that bloody thing?!” she uttered, breathing heavily.

“I may need a hand, captain!”

“Emmy!”

“Alright, alright!” Emmy closed the chamber in the revolving flintlock and stood up. He rested the weapon on the remnant of his right arm, took aim, and opened fire, discharging the six cartridges. Two creatures fell, while a third one was grazed on its shoulder. Rachel jumped forward and swung her saber sideways, loping its head off before returning to cover. Emmy laughed. “See, we make a great team!”

“You should have thought about that before selling out our crew,” she uttered, reaching for six more cartridges. “Twelve shots left,” Rachel said, taking the gun from Emmy and reloading it, “And they don’t stop coming. Damn it!”

Emmy shrugged. “Well, I always dreamed of becoming mutie crap, you know?”

Rachel said nothing in response.

Emmy added, “What are – or were – those things anyway? They don’t look at all like anything I’ve ever seen before!”

“I have seen their like. Back then, they were larger and covered in fur. They were called wolves; they were enormous. I figure the radiation turned them into the size of a puma, and their hides became thicker to resist the inclement weather of the dead continent.”

“A fair explanation, captain, but I have another question. What’s a puma?”

Rachel huffed. “It doesn’t matter – there’s more coming.” She stood up and took careful aim. The six bullets struck true. “Six gone,” she stated, reloading the pistol, “But many more are coming.”

“Suggestions?” Emmy asked.

A grim smirk formed on Rachel’s face as she reached into her coat and produced a grenade.

Emmy’s eyes widened as he saw the explosive device “S-so, c-captain, you’re going to frag us to hell?” he asked, stammering.

Rachel glanced sideways at him. “It’s not for us,” she uttered, priming the grenade. “It’s for them.” She hurled the grenade over the low wall, jumped to her feet, and ordered, “RUN!”

Emmy said nothing as he started running beside Rachel. Seconds later, a powerful explosion reverberated through the captain’s body as the grenade erupted, pelting her and Emmy with debris and fleshy droplets. Despite that, they ran as quickly as their legs could carry them, delving deeper into the rift-blasted ruins of the Dead Continent. Rachel found the warrens of ancient streets littered with abandoned cars, surrounded by empty storefronts, and ravaged by electromagnetic rifts. They dodged the obstacles, struggling to keep ahead of the chasing mutants. Unlike the latter, neither the captain nor the traitor had any knowledge of the lay of the land, making them unable to outrun their pursuers.

Rachel glanced backward to see where the mutants were. Too close, damn it! she thought before returning her gaze ahead. “CRAP!” Rachel yelled as she toppled forward, face-first, tripping over a piece of debris. She skidded over her chest and saw Emmy stopping. “Emmy, help me!”

A sardonic smile formed on the man’s face. “Sorry, captain, but a morsel may distract them from pursuing me. It’s been a dubious pleasure. Ta, ta!” Emmy exclaimed before running away.

“You traitor!” Rachel struggled back to her feet and unsheathed her saber. “Alright, you ugly bastards. ‘You want a piece of me?”

Mutants snarled and snapped as they made their way towards Rachel.

“Come get some!” she exclaimed, grinning grimly.

As one of the mutants pounced at her, Rachel slashed it with her saber, spilling its insides, before she twirled and stabbed another creature at the neck. One of the mutants reached her from behind, violently biting at her left arm. Luckily, it was unable to penetrate her leather coat. She rammed the pommel of her saber into its face before running her blade through it. Rachel jumped sideways, avoiding a charging mutant but losing her footing and falling to the ground. She lifted her saber on time to catch the snapping maw of another mutant, grimacing as she smelled the creature’s fetid breath. Droplets of saliva and blood fell on her face as the monster tried to chew its way through the saber to reach her face. It gave her a little moment of pleasure, but then she saw more mutants surrounding her from the corner of her eyes. This is it, Rachel thought, feeling her arms grow weak. I am done for.

Out of nowhere, a loud explosion reached Rachel’s ears, and the mutant above her yelped, growing limp as the back of its skull erupted into a crimson mist. Rachel pushed the motionless body away and saw a hail of bullets felling  scores of the mutants, spilling crimson and rank substances into the ground. Phineas! was her immediate thought, a grin forming on her face. You found me!

Rachel climbed to her feet, dusting her coat off and preparing to meet with her crew. Her relief was short-lived, however, as she found herself at the business end of multiple rifles. “Well, this is awkward,” she said before one of the figures fired a handheld weapon. Rachel’s body grew taut as electricity coursed through her muscles. She fell to the ground, shaking, as a black hood was pulled over her head.

Her last conscious thought was a silent plea. Phineas, where are you?

5

        “Those were gunshots alright!” Burton exclaimed.

“And that sounded like a grenade explosion,” Milton added. “Do you think it was the captain?”

“It better be,” Phineas said. “Otherwise, Anselm and Elisa have encountered the forces of the Terminus Est.  That would be less than ideal.”

“This whole expedition is less than ideal,” the stocky man complained, adjusting his breathing mask. “Everything’s out to kill us, even the damn air!”

“It’s called Dead Continent for a reason,” Milton interjected. “Now, if it were called the Sunshine and Candyfloss Continent, then we’d have a lot of reason to be worried!”

“Enough bickering,” Phineas demanded. “Stand attentive – there may be more creatures around.”

“If there are,” Burton stated, “We’ve more than enough bullets to bring ‘em down!”

“And alert a whole host of them in the process, Burton, yes. You are right in one regard – this place wants us dead.” Phineas sighed. “Let’s not give it the satisfaction.”

The past few hours had been a desperate attempt to trudge along the Dead Continent. Every creature they had encountered had been hostile; every plant-like thing had been lethal-looking. Heck, even the vista had been dreary. So much destruction,  Phineas thought, reflecting on the few hours they had spent marching . Why, because of a misplaced sense of self-righteousness?  He sighed, shaking his head.

Phineas glanced behind him as a hand landed on his shoulder. He saw Milton staring worriedly at him. “Don’t worry, first mate! We’ll find the captain!” she uttered encouragingly.

He smiled and returned his gaze ahead. “It’s not that, Milton. I’m just... thinking.”

“Of the past?”

“Of the past. All this must have been lush at one time, teeming with life – normal life – and natural beauty.”

“And what happened to it all?” Burton asked.

“We did,” Phineas replied somberly.

The company kept trudging forward in silence, their ears attentive to any noise coming from their surroundings. Every whisper could signify yet another lethal inhabitant of the Dead Continent. Even if dangers surrounded them at every turn, Phineas couldn’t help but admire the grim beauty of the place. Life made its way back to the ravaged land, despite the radiation, the electromagnetic contamination, and the storm perpetually circling overhead. He was surprised to realize that seeing life – albeit twisted – filled him with hope. One day perhaps, a long ways away from now, this continent will house humans again.  Phineas stopped as he heard a crunching sound at his feet and stared  to see he had accidentally stepped on a crab-like insect. Maybe by then, we’d have learned to value life over pride. Maybe if you survived, you too have learned, grandfather.

“Wait!” Burton whispered. “Stop! Do you hear that? Footsteps, coming our way!”

“Take cover behind the rocks,” Phineas commanded, unholstering his pistol and holding it at the ready. He peered over the edge of his cover, stood up, and said, “At ease, it’s just the twins coming from— What are they doing?” He narrowed his eyes to try and see the signs Anselm and Elisa were making. After a moment, he saw a small contingent of exo-clad men – no doubt from Terminus Est  – trailing after them. “Damn it! Fire at will – protect the twins!”

Milton and Burton stepped forward at once, revving up their gatling guns. Slowly at first and gradually picking up speed, the steam-powered weapons let out a hail of bullets at the sides of the twins, the shots barely missing them as they ran. However, leaden bullets bounced off of the armored exo-suits of the chasing crewmen. “First mate,” Milton exclaimed, “Our weapons do nothing!”

“Keep firing! If we managed to repel them on the Cloudsurfer, we’d take them down here!” Phineas yelled, emptying his revolving flintlock and deftly reloading it, striking the exos on their face and chest plates to no effect. Damn it; what are those things made of?  As they came closer, he saw that instead of the usual brass-and-bronze of common exos, the ones heading their way were made of steel. Crap! Armand must have commissioned a new design of exo-suits!  “Fall back! Wait for the twins to reach us, and then we signal the lander for evac!”

“What about the captain?” Burton asked, grimacing as his gatling gun kept firing.

“We can hardly find her if we’re dead, can we?” he snapped.

“On that, Archibald,” a deep voice growled behind Phineas, “We agree.”

“What the—” Before he could turn around to stare at the speaker, the butt of a weapon rammed on Phineas’ temple, knocking him unconscious.

6

Rachel fell violently on a cold, metal floor. She felt dazed as the cowl was removed from her head, her eyes shrinking due to the glare of a potent light shining at her face. When her sight cleared, she found herself surrounded by black-dressed figures staring at her through rebreather masks. On their hands, they wielded rifles unlike anything Rachel had seen since before— Since before the Shattering! Those are modern weapons!  She lifted her head to stare at the figure at the center of the squad. From the corner of her eye, she saw Emmy being dragged into the same room. ‘Serves you right,  she thought dourly as the traitor fell on his stump, yelping in agony.

The figure at the center walked up to Rachel. “Who are you? Where do you come from?” It asked, its voice distorted by the mask.

“ Nat’cha .”

“ Nat’cha ?”

“ Nat’cha  business, pal,” Rachel replied sarcastically. “I’m more interested in knowing who and you are and where I am?”

The figure knelt in front of her. “We ask the questions here. Now, hush it before—” It stopped, tilting its head sideways. “What is that on your chest?”

Rachel blinked. “A trinket – nothing more.”

“Indeed?” The figure asked, reaching for her necklace. “This hardly seems like a trinket. Where did you obtain it?”

“In your mother’s jewelry box, where else?” she mocked. “Now, if you’d mind, that’s mine, and I’d like it returned.”

“You are in no position to speak, woman,” the figure uttered, standing up. “Servitor!” it bellowed, and a stooped man walked into the room. “Bring in a projector with a flash-drive slot.”

“A flash drive, sir? That’s antiquated technology.”

“Antiquated perhaps,” the figure responded, “Yet our young friend here seems to be slightly anachronistic. Maybe if we see what’s in this drive, we’ll glean something from your identity, hm?”

“Look, friend, ” Rachel said, “You’re speaking words I’ve never heard in my life. “Flash drive?” Please – that’s just a trinket. What use is it to you?”

The servitor rolled a strange-looking machine into the room, and the figure walked towards it. It moved the central rotating piece of Rachel’s necklace and plugged it into the artifact. “We shall see,” the figure said as a picture was projected from the apparatus. A list of names appeared on the furthest wall, all of them highly technical and unrecognizable to Rachel. The list ended with an item called FOR MY DEAR DAUGHTER. The figure turned to gaze at Rachel. “Recognize that?”

Rachel shrugged. “I’ve never seen it in my life,” she replied stubbornly.

“Well then, you are in luck because we’re about to see what’s inside this little stick of yours.”

The figure pressed a button on the machine, and the picture changed into a black square with the legend “PLAYING” on one corner. After that, the picture started moving. I remember this,  Rachel thought. It was called a video... But that was so long ago!  The video was momentarily unfocused until the man operating the camera brought it into clarity. Tears welled at the edges of Rachel’s eyes as she saw a kindly, familiar face. Memories of the last time she saw the smiling features of that young yet aged visage stirred within her. “Dad?” she sobbed.

The man in the video began talking, and Rachel felt her chest ache the moment she heard his voice for the first time in twenty years. “Right, so... Er, well, this is the video journal of electrian-engineer  Rupert Sternritter, dated... Pah, it doesn’t matter what day is  today,” he said, chuckling drily. “I don’t even know if you’re going to watch this, Rachie, but I’ve to make sure that there’s at least something left of me for you. Right now, you are... let me think,” her father started counting fingers before saying, “Six years old! Damn it; Rachel, you’ve grown so much and so quickly. I wish... I wish you had been born in happier times, but that’s just impossible sometimes. Rachie, I really, really hope you are watching this. Even better, I hope you needn’t ever see this video, and that all the matter with Electria  is defused before they release the Pulse.”

Rupert paused, seemingly in deep thought. When he spoke in the video again, he uttered, “Corvin, he’s… Rachie, listen. These might well be my last words to you. Though I wish I could say them to you in person, I’m afraid this medium will have to suffice. If things go as planned, and that mad bastard unleashes the Pulse, there will be nothing left in the world capable of opening a flash-drive. Hell, I don’t even know if there’s going to be a world anymore, considering... Crap. Sorry, I’m digressing. It’s just— There isn’t much time, and I have to get to the point.”

Her father took a deep breath. “Rachel, if you are watching this, well, you will ideally be together with Jonas and his nephew Phineas. If that’s the case, hey, guys, uh... I hope you’re doing well!” He even gave the camera a little wave. “If that’s not the case, I hope they’re alive and well somewhere. Anyhow, Rachel, I need you to pay attention now. Contained within this flash drive are about five hundred petabytes of data, including nearly all of Electria’s plans, techniques, and means to produce reliable, low-cost, clean  electrical power. I’ve been secreting them away from the day director Corvin Archibald decided to hold a gun at the world’s temple. I only hope the mad bastard doesn’t decide to pull the trigger eventually.

“Whatever the case, Rachel, the documents in this stick have everything people need to kick-start scientific advancement once again – from theoretical models and calculations to rudimentary means to synthesize metamaterials, superconductors, and everything else required to bring technology back to mankind. Too much will be lost when— if  Electria uses the Pulse.”

A small voice suddenly broke into the video – the voice of a young girl – making Rachel’s heart freeze. “Daddy! Where’s Javier? I can’t find him anywhere!” That’s me... I remember this, so many years ago now.

A haunted expression came over her father as he struggled to keep calm. “J-Javier’s gone for a while, Rachie! I’ll be right over.” Looking back at the camera, Rupert said, “Listen, Rachel, I love you, and I need you to never forget that. Please understand what I am going to tell you.” His voice cracked a bit as he continued, “Please don’t hate me, Rachel. Your brother, Javier... You are young; I will do everything to make you believe he’s lost. Jonas, my best friend, will tell you the same for as long as you live or until you watch this video. Rachel, you need to understand; your brother has—”

The figure cut the video off before her father finished speaking. It turned the lifeless eyes of its rebreather mask towards Rachel, tilting its head sideways as it studied her expression. Slowly, the figure undid the clasps on its mask, pulling it away to reveal the pale face of a man staring intently at her. He blinked. “Rachel?” he asked in a hushed whisper.

At first, Rachel couldn’t recognize the man. He was much older than the last time she had seen him, but his expression remained familiar, haunted, and furtive as he looked into her eyes. “Javier? Javier, is that truly you?”

“Untie her,” Javier commanded, and the two other figures released her hands. Rachel stood up slowly, rubbing at her wrists before Javier pulled her into an embrace. “Rachel... My little sister, Rachel. How could this be?” he asked, still in awe.

Rachel let herself be held by Javier, despite feeling a strange sensation in her stomach. She pulled away and said, “I could ask you the same question, Javier! The last thing I remembered of you was the evening when you stormed out of our house. Then, I saw you on television beside director Corvin, and…” Rachel blinked. “What happened next?”

Javier shrugged dismissively. “It doesn’t matter, Rachel. Politics and speculation happened, but I assure you that everything has gone according to plan. Almost.”

“According to what plan?” Rachel asked.

Javier shook his head. “It doesn’t matter right now, Rachie. What matters is that you are here. We  are here, and we have much to talk about. Come,” he said calmly, “Let’s find a more comfortable place to talk.”

“Leader,” one of the figures – a female by its voice – asked, “What are we to do with the other one?”

Her brother glanced sideways at the unconscious shape of Emmy. He shrugged and said, “He’s of no use to us.”

As the woman lifted her firearm, Rachel interjected, “Wait! You can’t kill him!”

“Why not?” Javier asked. “He seemed to have abandoned you to your fate back there.”

“He—” Rachel paused, staring at Emmy. She took a deep breath and uttered, “He didn’t. I ordered him to run to safety, to try and find the rest of my crew.”

“ Your  crew? There are more people here?”

Rachel nodded slowly. “Yes. The crew of the Cloudsurfer,  my sky vessel.”

“Your sky vessel? A flying machine?” Javier asked before glancing at the female.

“It complies with our sighting of a flying apparatus of unknown origin falling a few kilometers away from us, Leader,” she stated. “We have reports confirming another – larger machine – flying just outside the storm, with a number of smaller aircraft alighting nearby.”

A larger machine? The Terminus Est?  Rachel wondered. If the flying fortress is here, and it dislodged smaller vessels, they must be searching for something. Phineas and the crew must have made it!

Rachel’s attention was caught by a low chuckle coming from her brother. “Flying machines, people, and now you are here, Rachie! My, we do have a lot to talk about indeed. So, shall we?” he asked with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Lead the way,” Rachel replied, starting after her brother. She couldn’t shake off the apprehension in her chest. This is Javier, my lost brother. I’ve found him at last. Yet, why don’t I feel happy about it?

“Is aught amiss, Rachie?”

Rachel smiled. “Nothing, Javi. Nothing at all.”

7

Everything ached for Phineas. His eyes, head, chest – every part of his body throbbed with a dull pain as if he had been forcibly dragged through difficult terrain. He tried to touch a part of his head where the butt of a weapon had stricken him, but he realized he was bound. A low chuckle was heard beside him. “I gotta hand it to you, Archibald – you’re a tough bastard. Walking ‘round with that bruise on your chest? Now, that’s damn impressive, let me tell ya!”

“Copernicus Zoltan,” Phineas muttered. “Fancy finding you here, and not at the sole of my boot where you belong.”

“Keep talkin’, boy,” Zoltan said, patting Phineas’ head. “It means you’re awake and hale for what’s to come.”

Phineas opened his eyes and glanced around the room. He was tied to a pole at the far-end of a camp, much like what his crew hitched. However, this one was much better furnished and far more defensible. Everywhere he looked, he saw crewmen of the Terminus Est  clad in exo-suits setting up supplies, wares, and vehicles. “It’s a nice place you’ve got here, Zoltan. Did your pimp pay for it?”

Zoltan chuckled. “You wound me, Archibald. I’ll have you know all this has been sponsored by the person who hired us legally.”

“So,” Phineas uttered sarcastically, “Your pimp.”

The captain shrugged. “You’re a funny fella, I give you that. Look, Phinny— May I call you Phinny?”

“You may not.”

“Eh, I don’t care. I’m calling you that anyway. If it were up to me, you’d be a steaming mutant pile quashed somewhere unpleasant right ‘bout  now, but  to your good luck, it ain’t up to me. Small victories, eh?”

Phineas said nothing.

“Look, Phinny,” Zoltan added, “As much as it rots my gut, we’re on the same team here. We’re both lookin ’ for the same person,” a sickly grin formed on Zoltan’s face as he said, “Your sweetheart.”

“ My  sweetheart?”

“Oh, come on, Phinny, it’s glaringly obvious that you’ve got the hots for Sternritter! You may as well admit it ‘fore you bite the bucket.” Zoltan chuckled again.

“Get screwed, Zoltan!” he spat.

“Hah, as I said boy, keep talkin’. Soon enough, that’s the only thing you’ll be able to do.”

A slow clap behind Phineas drew his attention. “Now, now, Copernicus, is this the way to treat our dear guest?” Armand Lowenstoft asked.

Zoltan stood up and folded his arms. “Calling him a “dear guest” may be a stretch, Armand. This gutter-rat ain’t worth the effort you put on finding him.”

“Oh, believe me, my friend,” Armand replied, stepping into Phineas’ line of sight, “It’s worth every second.” A smile formed on the crime lord’s face. “Hello, Phineas. It’s been a while since we saw each other,” he greeted good-naturedly. “How fares the noble Cloudsurfer  and its illustrious captain?”

Phineas laughed mirthlessly. “Come on, Armand. There may be no love lost between us, but is the sarcasm  truly necessary?”

“Not sarcasm, Phineas, but mere courtesy in asking about Ms. Rachel. Small courtesies are the lubricant of daily life – you’d do well in learning that. Now, we need to talk. Zoltan, please?” he said, motioning for Phineas’ ropes to be removed.

Zoltan groaned, looking comically child-like. “Must we truly, Armand? Phinny looks lovely hogtied  like that!”

Armand glared at him, saying nothing.

“Pah, fine!” Zoltan produced a long knife and proceeded to cut the ropes off of Phineas’ wrists. “There you go. Happy?” he asked sarcastically.

Armand nodded, smiling. “Thank you, Zoltan.” To Phineas, he said, “May I offer you something? A swig of whiskey? A pint of beer? Some laudanum?”

Phineas winced as the bruise on his chest throbbed. “Laudanum – this gift o’ your men hasn’t quite worn off yet.”

“A nasty business, that was,” Armand uttered, offering Phineas a vial.

He downed it heartily, closing his eyes as he felt the pain growing dull at once. When Phineas opened them, he asked, “Why are you setting me free and giving me a painkiller?”

Armand shrugged. “As Zoltan suggested, we are currently after the same thing: the falling place of the Cloudsurfer.  To be more precise, its captain, Ms. Rachel.”

Phineas scoffed. “You are wasting your time. Nothing could have survived such a fall.”

The crime lord smirked. “Please, first mate, do not insult my intelligence. Captain Sternritter’s reputation precedes her. If anyone could survive that, it’s her.”

“I second the sentiment, Phinny,” Zoltan interjected. “Sternritter may not be worth the muck in my rear, but even I must admit that she’s a competent captain.”

“Believe what you will,” Phineas said, “But our endeavor was to find her resting place to give her a proper burial.”

Armand shrugged again. “If that’s the case, we’re still after your sweetheart, first mate.”

“She’s not my sweetheart!” Phineas exclaimed.

“Of course, keep telling yourself that.” He waved a hand dismissively. “Be that as it may, I couldn’t care less about her actual fate. What I’m truly after is the trinket she has strung around her neck.”

Phineas’ eyes narrowed. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Oh, Phineas, I believe you do. Do you remember the day when my associate and I ‘inspected’ your flything? I wasn’t much interested in the upgrades the vessel had received. In truth, I was more curious to see that trinket of hers with my own eyes. Now, first mate, let’s cut the crap and get straight to business.” Armand’s face turned serious as he uttered, “I know what the trinket is – a relic of the old world created to store data. Is that correct?”

“If that’s what it is, what’s your interest in it?” Phineas asked. “You wouldn’t be able to use it, even if you had it in your possession.”

“Perhaps, but that’s where either the captain or you come in. I know you two come from the old world – I’ve seen it with my own eyes – but that’s not the issue here. The thing is, I want  that trinket and whatever information it contains.”

“I must ask again,” Phineas uttered, “Why do you even care about it?”

Armand closed his eyes and shook his head. “Phineas, Phineas, Phineas. I don’t think you understand. How do you figure I rose to the summit of Anglia’s crime world?”

“By sucking on an inordinate amount of—”

“Wow, wow, no need to be so crass, first mate!” Armand interrupted him, chuckling. “No, it’s by being a scientist. Believe it or not, I’m interested in advancing  technology; that’s why I hire fine crews such as Mr. Zoltan’s here to raid ruins and bring me usable apparatuses. But there’s a certain captain who has always refused to work with either one of my associates or me.”

Phineas chuckled. “Rachel’s too classy for you, Armand, and far more capable than any dirt-eating, third-rate crew you may hire – present company included.”

“I’ll give you your dirt eatin ’, you filthy piece o’—”  

Zoltan’s tirade was interrupted when the crime lord lifted his hand. “Whatever the case, Phineas,” Armand uttered, “We are currently on the same team. We must find Rachel’s wreckage or her tomb.” He shrugged. “Either way, I need  the trinket around her neck, and I will stop at nothing to find it. She’s already done half her part – she’s led us to the Dead Continent in relative safety. Now, we need that thing, and whatever it contains.”

Phineas replied by laughing under his breath.

Armand’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Now, what’s so funny, Phineas?”

“There’s one thing you may be forgetting, Armand. My crew is still out there, awaiting my return. Do you think they’ll sit idly by while you have us sequestered at your camp?”

Armand’s eyes widened. “Oh, right! Right, right, right, righty-right, your crew! You mean,” he said, snapping his fingers, “ This  crew?”

Phineas turned to see a group of exo-clad troopers leading a badly beaten Riker, followed by the rest of the Cloudsurfer  crew. The helmsman fell to his feet and stared at Phineas. “First mate,” he started, “I’m sorry. Their exos… They’re too—” Riker’s words were cut off by a rifle’s butt being jammed into his stomach.

“Hey, cut it out!” Phineas exclaimed, glaring at Armand. They locked gazes, and Phineas felt a primal urge to bash the crime lord’s self-satisfied grin into a pulp. Feeling powerless, he sighed and acquiesced. “What do you want, Armand?”

“That’s more like it, Phineas,” he replied approvingly. “All I want is your cooperation in finding Captain Sternritter – nothing more. And once we do, I will get the trinket and free rein to loot this hellhole clean. Meanwhile, you get closure on your not-quite-lover’s fate, and we all live happily ever after. See? It’s win-win all around!” The crime lord even clapped while grinning widely.

“Armand,” he said grimly, “I swear I’m going to put a bullet in your skull one of these days.”

Armand chuckled under his breath. “I’ll look forward to that, Phineas. In the meantime, suit up! We’ve got quite a journey ahead of us.”

Two exo-clad men brought a suit for Phineas. Slowly, he started putting it on, glaring at the crime lord as he walked away. At least, he’s right on one account. I’m going to find you, Rachel, even if it’s the last thing I do.

8

“So, let me see if I understand this correctly. There’s a pocket of civilization somewhere in the southeast where crops grow, water runs clean, and the air doesn’t smell of overripe feces?”

Rachel reclined back on the metal chair, crossing one leg over the other. “That’s pretty much it, Javier. Anglia remains a thriving city despite the mess caused by Electria, though, of course, it lacks electricity and other modern-day amenities.” She chuckled, adding, “If you can call something over two-hundred years old modern .”

“Quite a dilemma, I’m sure. But riddle me this: How did you survive through twenty decades of tectonic shifting, electromagnetic storms, solar bursts, and the whole deal?”

“Well, how did you  survive it?” Rachel countered.

A smirk formed on Javier’s face. “I believe I asked first.”

“And I believe,” she retorted, “That dad used to say “ladies first.” Hm?” Rachel arched an eyebrow, challenging her brother.

Javier sighed. “Fine,” he uttered. “If you must know, be my guest. A number of key members of Electrian  administration and I holed into various underground bunkers built in case of a nuclear attack.”

“Or the release of the Pulse,” Rachel added.

“Er... yes, or that . Well, you see, the idea was to remain secure in a cryo-stasis chamber to while away the worst of it. We expected there’d be some... leftover pollution from its release.” Javier shrugged. “We didn’t think it’d react with the metallic components of Earth and trigger tremendous tectonic shifting. You called this phenomenon  The Shattering, I believe?”

Rachel nodded.

Javier continued, “It’s an apt name, considering that the world – not only its continents – was riven beyond recognition. An unexpected side-effect, to be sure, but it is what it is. Well, every Electrian-built cryo-stasis chamber was rigged to open at the same time twenty years ago, which returns me to my previous question. How did you survive through all the chaos?”

Rachel shrugged. “The same way you did, I guess. Dad locked me into a cryo... whatever-chamber, and it just opened one day.”

“I see. Were you alone?” he prodded.

“Yes,” Rachel replied without hesitation.

“Hm.”

“What is it?” she asked.

“It’s just odd. Our father mentioned a certain Jonas by your side.”

“He did,” Rachel said, folding her arms. “And there was . He didn’t make it – his chamber must have malfunctioned or something. Last I saw of him, he was a popsicle.”

“A pity, I’m sure. How did you make it in the world, though? I assume you left the bunker being, what, six or seven years old?”

“Well, Javier, it’s a long, long story. But you know the end of it already,” she replied, trying to divert the topic.

“I don’t think I do,” her brother countered, smiling innocently. “Enlighten me.”

“It’s nothing complicated. I won a sky vessel one day, named it the Cloudsurfer , and went about raiding old ruins, selling ancient artifacts, and making a living.”

“Hm, it sounds an awful lot like being a pirate. A sky  pirate, if you will,” Javier commented.

“It’s not that crass, brother. I’m a captain, and an honorable one, for as much as that counts.”

“I’m sure you are, Rachel.”

She leaned forward and took a swig of the yellow liquid inside the tankard in front of her, grimacing as she tasted its bitterness. “Is this truly the best beer you have around? It tastes like a drunkard’s piss.”

“I must beg your refined palate’s apologies, Rachie, but we lack the means to cultivate malt, let alone ferment it. But if what you’re telling me is true, and there’s life beyond the storm and across the sea,” Javier smirked, adding, “That may change soon enough.”

Rachel felt shivers coursing through her back as she listened to her brother’s words. Something’s off, but I can’t quite put a finger on it.  “I’ve another question for you,” she said.

“Sure, shoot.”

Rachel drained the rest of her drink and left the tankard on the table. “Where did you go when you left home, right after fighting with Dad? That was the last time I saw you in the flesh.”

“It’s... complicated,” Javier answered carefully.

“Well then, let me rephrase my question.” She leaned forward and rested on her elbows as she asked, “Why were you on the television beside director Corvin?”

“Why does that matter, Rachie?” he retorted defensively. “Here we are – alive – and the past is long gone. Why don’t we focus on current events instead, such as your crew and your skyship, for example?”

“It’s called a sky vessel, Javier. Mine’s named the Cloudsurfer,  to be precise.” She shrugged. “There isn’t much to say, truly. It flies, it’s powered by steam, and it’s burning somewhere a few kilometers from here. Still, on its heyday—”

“Can it be repaired?” Javier interrupted.

“Huh?”

“Can it fly again? What does it need? What does it use for propulsion? You mentioned steam – I assume it uses an advanced version of an aeolipile fed by a condensation chamber? Hm, weight would be a problem considering it needs enough drag to lift into the air. Perhaps filling it with an inert gas should solve—”

“Hey, hey, hey! Easy there, Javier!” Rachel uttered, interrupting her brother’s litany. “The thing works – it’s all you need to know. And yes, it can be repaired, but it’d take time and resources.”

“What manner of resources?”

Rachel’s eyes narrowed, but she forced herself to smile. “Why are you so interested in my humble sky vessel, Javier? I’d assume that the remnants of the Electrian  elite would have— Oh, I don’t know, hoverships or whatever?”

Javier sighed and shook his head. “Then, your assumption would be mistaken. Through a most... unfortunate accident, our top scientists, they, er... didn’t survive. However, the military branch of Electria was left behind to carry the torch and usher in a new age for mankind, yadda, yadda – you know the drill. Point is, Rachel, in twenty years, we’ve lacked the means to send anything outside of the storm – not that we saw much of a reason to do so, as we assumed that everything else was as dead as the world around us.”

Rachel chuckled. “Well, you’re wrong.” Turning a little serious, she said, “But there’s something I don’t understand.”

“Which is?”

“Where is director Corvin?”

Javier’s expression darkened as he replied, “Refer to it as an unfortunate accident.”

“I see. Another question, if I may?”

“Shoot.”

“Why do these people call you Leader?” Rachel asked.

“Well, I—”

Javier was interrupted by one of the rebreather-wearing soldiers. She recognized the same female voice as she said, “Leader, our sensors have detected an incursion around our perimeter.”

“An incursion, truly?” Javier asked, standing up quickly.

“Affirmative, sir. There’s a small armed force heading our way. They seem to be heavily armed, wearing technology that’s much more advanced than should be possible.”

“How advanced?”

“Sir,” the woman said, “They are wearing exo-skeletons powered by steam backpacks.”

“Interesting,” Javier said, “Most interesting. Rachie, are they your crew?”

“Not quite. They must be the men of the Terminus Est. ”

“The what now?” he asked, confused.

“Another sky vessel – it doesn’t matter. The thing is, if they are coming towards us with the exos on, I doubt their intentions are friendly.”

“In that case,” Javier uttered, a twisted grin forming on his face, “We should go and greet these fine gentlemen. Come, Rachel, let’s go meet your... friends.” He walked towards the end of the room, not bothering to see if Rachel followed.

She started after her brother, walking past the inexpressive, rebreather-wearing woman. Something is terribly wrong,  she thought. Where is the impressively advanced technology they used to have? Where are the Electrian  miracles that brought the world to their knees? Why is he so keen on learning about my Cloudsurfer? More importantly, why did he stop Dad’s recording when he’s about to talk about Javier?

Rachel sighed. Though she knew she should have been ecstatic at having finally found her lost brother, she couldn’t hide from the truth. I don’t trust Javier.

Book 4 Sneak Peek

Chapter 1:

Saliva and flesh pattered  Phineas’ visor as he single-handedly kept a mutated beast away from him. Its pincer-like maw snapped at him, trying to tear his mask away and gnawing at his face. Phineas grimaced as he balled his left hand into a fist and smashed the monster’s head, its body falling to the ground afterward. “Giant insects,” he uttered. “Of all things, giant bloody insects. Damn it!”

“Shut it, pretty boy, and keep firing!” Zoltan ordered as he fought similar creatures.

Phineas gritted his teeth and picked up a discarded heavy repeater. He quickly turned around and discharged the weapon, wincing as his wounded chest protested despite the exo-suit’s protection. Still, the gunshot was effective, and another grotesque insectoid fell to his feet. For the first time,  he thought, cycling the weapon’s chamber, I’m thankful for Armand’s help.

It had been hours since Phineas Archibald had set off with the Terminus Est  crew to search for his captain, Rachel Sternritter. The journey towards the crash site of the Cloudsurfer  had been blessedly uneventful – at least until they reached the downed skyvessel. The wreckage was surrounded by hideous beasts, feasting on Cloudsurfer ’s remaining supplies. A knot formed in Phineas’ stomach when he saw the creatures, fearing the worst had come to pass.

Phineas fired the rifle again, taking down another creature. Damn, they don’t stop coming!  Before he could reload the weapon, something large hopped onto his back. Phineas yelped and tried to push it away, but he could not reach over the exo-suit’s steam-pack.

Just then, he heard a thunderous explosion and felt the weight leaving him. Phineas stared at his feet and saw the smoking remnants of the mutant. He turned around and saw Zoltan lifting his cannon. “You’re welcome, sunshine!” he yelled.

Phineas waved and fired his rifle again. And now I’m even thankful for Zoltan!  Their alliance would be short-lived, he was certain of that, but he’d make the best of it while it lasted. Finding Rachel was his top priority, but he also needed to hatch an escape plan for himself and his crew. I will have time for that later after finding Rachel, dead or alive.  His heavy repeater roared once more, reducing another creature to a fetid mist.

A few meters away, Armand’s voice was echoing. “Alright people, enough of this!” the crime lord exclaimed. His words were followed by the revving noise of a chain-cannon spitting death into the incoming mutants. Large streaks of fire flew above Phineas’ head, and a plume of dust was stirred by the ejected casings dropping on the floor. The ground became slick with a mixture of flesh and blood as the insectoids refused to stop advancing towards their group.

Once no more beasts appeared, Armand’s weapon revved down. “See, gentlemen? This is how you control a crowd!” he boasted.

“Showoff,” Zoltan muttered as he started towards the Cloudsurfer,  the floor underfoot crunching. “Well, Phinny, what are you waiting for? Ahoy and avast – we’re finding your sweetheart at last!” he exclaimed, continuing to trudge towards the skyvessel.

If only it were that easy,  Phineas thought grimly as he started after Zoltan and Armand. The large crenellation surrounding the Cloudsurfer  was now devoid of life, giving the search party an ample opportunity to thoroughly assess the wreckage.

After a few minutes in the ship, two Terminus Est  crew members stepped out. “Sorry, sir. We found no traces of Captain Sternritter,” one of them reported.

“That’s quite odd,” Armand mused. “Have you looked around outside?”

“No, sir.”

“Then, what are you waiting for? Come on, chop, chop!” he commanded, clapping his hands. “Phineas, help us search, too.”

Phineas said nothing and simply started walking towards the husk. He began at the prow of the skyvessel, rounding a piece of broken pipe and debris. He stopped in his tracks as a grizzly scene appeared before him: a large metal plate surrounded by congealed blood. Phineas fell to his knees and crawled towards the plate. No,  he thought. No, no, no, this can’t be. THIS CAN’T BE!

“Rachel,” Phineas muttered, stricken by grief. “Oh, god, Rachel!” His chest heaved and his breathing became short and ragged as he tried and failed to pry the metal away. Though he imagined the gruesome picture he’d find once it was gone, he dreaded to see the crushed body underneath. But then, a heavy boot shoved him away.

Phineas lifted his gaze. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” he demanded.

“I’m tired by your moping, idiot. Look!” Zoltan uttered, pointing his finger outside of the skyvessel. “In your melancholy, you failed to see those tracks leading away from here. They were made by two sets of feet. Your dear Rachie is alive, and she’s not alone. Now, quit whining and collect yourself!”

Phineas’ breathing was still ragged as he stared at the tracks, but he saw reason behind Zoltan’s words. He is right – those are human footsteps , he thought.  One of them must be Rachel’s, but who owns the other set?  Climbing to his feet, Phineas took a deep breath to calm himself. “Let’s go,” he said after a while, getting out of the crenellation first.

Armand laughed behind him. “See, Zoltan? I told you that love is a stronger motivation than money!” he exclaimed.

“It’s a matter of opinion, Armand,” Zoltan replied.

Keep talking,  Phineas thought grimly, overhearing the two. I will enjoy finishing off both of you once Rachel is safe.

More Books By The Author

I hope you had fun in this world. Here are some other books to check out:

The Shattering: An Ashen Wasteland Series (The Prequel)

Remnants Of Electria : An Ashen Wasteland Series (Book 1)

About The Author

Tim was born and bred in the Sunshine State of Florida, where I still live today. Growing up when he wasn’t at the beach I would have lots of adventures in my backyard, mainly trying to survive in the aftermath of an Alien Invasion. Now I spend my days putting my imagination into books, so everyone who wants to, can join me in the world in my head.

When I’m not writing I usually spend my days on the beach, or  reading with my cat Sleepy.

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