New Eden

by Michael Watson

  NEW EDEN

  A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

  THE AFTERSHOCK SERIES

  Book Four

  ****

  MICHAEL R. WATSON

  NEW EDEN: The Aftershock Series, Book Four

  Copyright © 2019 by Michael R. Watson.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, without prior permission of the author, who is the copyright holder.

  Printed in the United States of America.

  Cover design by LLPix Designs, www.llpix.com, Laura Wright LaRoche - Designer

  This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended to provide a sense of authenticity, and are used fictitiously. All characters, incidents, and dialogue, are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

  ISBN: 978-1089364368

  Dedication

  To my grandchildren, Ethan, Paige, Kinsey, Lilly, and Macie. I hope you always have the desire to read.

  Acknowledgements

  I’d like to thank my family and friends who encouraged me throughout the writing, review, and revision process.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Ryder had caught up to Damon, Davis, and Peck at the skeleton of an old farmhouse. Even though he’d been after them for weeks, Damon was the worst of the bunch and the one he really wanted. He allowed Davis and Peck to escape. Damon, trapped inside the dilapidated structure, refused to surrender, leaving Ryder with only one choice.

  ***

  Peck rode away from the old farmhouse as fast as his horse would take him. When he reached what he believed was a safe distance from Ryder, he slowed to look back and saw smoke rising above the tree tops. He had to assume Ryder was responsible, doubting that he would ever see Davis or Damon again. He didn’t know why Ryder had allowed him to get away, but he was grateful.

  Now that he was alone, he wondered where he should go and how he would survive. The chances were high that he’d run into strangers along the way, intent on protecting their borders, just like those they’d encountered west of Sector 4. He didn’t have much choice except to continue east. There was no going back to the prison, not if he wanted to live.

  Peck was starting to feel sorry for himself. This wasn’t what he had in mind when he decided to follow Davis and Damon. Finding a spot to rest and think, he stopped along the trail at a small grove of mesquite and dismounted, sitting on the ground under one of the trees. He had no food, no water, and no weapon to protect himself. Closing his eyes, he drifted off.

  “Peck!”

  Startled, Peck’s eyelids flashed open. Standing over him was Davis. Even though he had been one of his least favorite people, he was actually glad to see him. He wasn’t alone after all. Peck looked past him. “Damon?”

  Davis shook his head. “I don’t know. I think he may be dead. He was wounded in the leg when I rode off.”

  “I imagine Ryder got him,” said Peck.

  Davis nodded. “At a safe distance, I looked back and saw smoke coming from the old farmhouse.”

  “I saw it too.” He paused. “Do you think Ryder will keep coming after us?”

  “I don’t know. Regardless, we should keep moving. What do you say we stick together?”

  “I think we should,” said Peck. “I know Damon wanted to head toward Oklahoma City, but I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. I’d rather not go to a highly populated area where we could run into a group like Uncle Don’s or Morgan’s.”

  “If we don’t go east, where do you think we should go?”

  Peck was surprised Davis was asking for his opinion. Desperation seemed to have mellowed him out somewhat. “I heard about a place north of here. Ever hear of Freedom?”

  “I don’t think so. What’s there and how far away is it?”

  “Just outside of Freedom is the Alabaster Caverns State Park, about 100 miles from here.”

  “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of it. I’ve never been there though.”

  “Well, I have. A couple of times. The cavern will give us shelter from the elements and the constant cool temperature will be good for storing food.”

  “Don’t you expect there will be others there?” asked Davis.

  “I’d be surprised if there weren’t. But with your gift of gab, maybe you can talk our way in.”

  Davis smiled, deciding to take the comment as a compliment. Before, if Peck had talked to him in that way, he would have thrown a fit. “Sure, let’s give it a shot. We don’t have many choices. But first, do you think you can find us something to eat?”

  And so it starts again. Peck smiled to himself. Davis hadn’t reformed completely. He evidently still expected him to be his servant. It wasn’t totally unexpected.

  ***

  Samuel and Levi were glad to be back at Paradise. Every time Samuel returned from one of his trips, he would stop at the top of the switchback trail and look down onto the valley, their community. It was one of his favorite sites. He felt truly blessed. As they rode down the trail, Samuel asked his son to spare his mother the details of their eventful trip. There wasn’t any sense in causing her any undue grief.

  Emma stood on the front porch waiting for them to reach the house. She’d heard the clanging of the warning bell. A large smile turned to a frown. “Where’s Ryder?”

  “He stayed behind to help the people there,” answered Samuel.

  “And Sarah, Donna, and their families?”

  “They were anxious to get home, so we said our goodbye’s on the trail above the valley.”

  “I understand. Is everyone alright?”

  “Just fine,” said Samuel with a smile and a wink to Levi.

  “I’m so glad. Now, if you boys will give me a little while, I’ll fix you something to eat.”

  After they’d eaten and Levi had gone out for a walk, Samuel asked Emma to join him at the kitchen table.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “No, not really. I’d like to have your opinion on something.”

  “You’re starting to worry me. What’s this all about?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. I was doing some thinking on the way back.”

  “About?”

  “The four people we rescued with John – Jill, Gary, Dan, and Paul.”

  “What about them? They’ve all been a big help in the community since they arrived and I’m sure they love it here. Is something wrong?”

  “I was wondering if I should tell them about Sector 4. How the people there are making a fresh start. They call it New Eden.”

  “You can’t keep it from them. Is there a reason not to tell them?”

  “They’ve been such a big help here, even Dan. I’d hate to lose them.”

  “It’s got to be their decision. Do you think they’d go back?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll tell them tomorrow and let them decide.”

  ***

  The next morning, Samuel asked Levi to invite Jill, Gary, Dan, and Paul to their home.

  After Levi had located and talked to each of them, they came together, concerned that something was wrong.

  “What do you think he wants?” asked Jill.

  “It’s probably something simple. Let’s not get ourselves all worked up,” suggested Gary.

  “I have an idea, why don’t we go and find out,” said Paul.

  When they arrived at Samuel’s place, he was waiting on the front porch. He smiled and waved as they approached.

  “Have we done something wrong?” asked Jill.

  Samuel was puzzled. “Of course not. I just had some news for you.”

  The four seemed t
o relax a little bit, but still curious and apprehensive.

  “What is it?” asked Gary.

  “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Davis and Damon are gone and the people at Sector 4 are free, creating a new community.”

  “Good for them, but what has that got to do with us?” asked Dan.

  “I hesitated to tell you about it for a selfish reason, because I’m afraid you’ll leave and go back.”

  The four exchanged looks.

  “Well, I’m not going anywhere,” proclaimed Dan.

  Samuel smiled. He’d had his doubts about Dan fitting in when they first arrived, but now would miss him if he left. Dan had turned out to be one of the hardest workers in their small community. His only quirk was that he preferred to work alone, and that had worked out fine.

  The idea of being a part of creating a new community appealed to Gary. “Do you think they need a carpenter?”

  “I can’t say for sure,” replied Samuel, “but I would imagine so. From what I heard, they plan on building new houses and a Main Street lined with shops. But we can use your expertise here too.”

  “What about you, Jill? What do you think?” asked Samuel.

  “I like helping out at the school.” They could see she was thinking hard about something. “Is John going to move back there?”

  Her companions exchanged looks but didn’t comment. She had regularly brought up his name in conversation. Something had happened during their ordeal of being left in the wasteland to die. None of the others had noticed John making any kind of advances toward her. But for some reason she had become infatuated with him.

  “No,” said Samuel. “He and his family will be staying at their valley and building a new life there.”

  She was obviously disappointed. “I suppose that’s for the best.”

  “I’d like some time to think about it,” announced Paul. “It would be nice to perform before a new audience.” None of the workers at Sector 4 had ever seen him sing, tell stories, or recite poetry. Paul’s talents had been utilized solely by Governor Davis to entertain his guests at his parties. He had learned the hard way that his services hadn’t earned him any bonus points when he reached forty.

  “Take all the time you want,” said Samuel. “There’s no deadline. If you choose to go back, you can do it when you want, whether it’s tomorrow, next month, or next year.”

  ***

  CHAPTER TWO

  Ryder has remained in New Eden three weeks since John, Daniel, their families, and Samuel had left to return to their respective homes. Chief Governor Grayson and Blake had returned once during that time with supplies, planning to come back every other month. Grayson intended to be more hands-on this time; to make sure things didn’t get out of hand, helping to put the people at ease. Ryder’s training and organization of the people was going well. He’d promised the Council he’d stay and help the residents prepare for the inevitable future assaults. They didn’t want a visit from another group like Morgan’s without being ready. The ordeal had forced them to learn, the hard way, how vulnerable they were. Ryder thought they were almost ready. When they were to that point, he would move on.

  The first step in the transition had been for the former Guard to join and work with the former workers of Tent City. Ryder was as surprised as they were at how well it was going. Especially since the Guard, under orders from Governor Davis, had forced the Tent City residents to work, many times with brutality, leading to a number of deaths. Now, both groups seemed anxious to put the past behind them and move forward. Both had been hoping for a change and with Davis and Damon gone, they had their chance. There were only a few holdouts from each group who couldn’t let the past go: guards who couldn’t drop their sense of superiority and workers who couldn’t forgive the cruelty they’d been dealt.

  Together, most found they could accomplish more through cooperation. The two groups shared guard and work duties on a rotation basis.

  Ryder spent a relatively short amount of time with the Council, spending most of his time establishing and implementing a plan to protect and grow the community. Town Hall meetings were held with all residents in attendance for their input and feedback. It was going to be their community.

  New collection crews were organized on a volunteer basis. No one was forced to do a task they didn’t want to do or have the ability to do. They would start going out again, this time going further than ever before and be gone longer. One was tasked with finding new resources. Another crew was tasked with collecting and bringing back building materials: wood, windows, doors, solar panels, wind turbines, etc. The Council and the people had decided they’d like to create a Main Street along the south road leading away from the compound, but close enough for easy access to the supply stockpile in the lower level. If they stuck with the plan, store fronts would be followed by housing and then a school and church. Then they’d be a real town, similar to the ones they remembered, but definitely different. Some things would never be the same, and that wasn’t a bad thing.

  Surprise drills were incorporated at random times of the week to prepare for potential future assaults. The compound fence and prison walls would be used as a stronghold for protection in case they were attacked. They’d be able to hold out for quite a while with the supplies stored inside its walls.

  A sentry was always on duty in the southwest tower, ready to sound an alarm if hostiles approached. He would be warned by a signal gunshot from one of four sentry outposts located at the four points of the compass at a distance of one mile from the compound. At hearing the prison’s alarm, the residents were to drop whatever they were doing and rush inside the walls, sealing themselves inside. The first drill time had been ridiculously slow with few taking the drill seriously. Ryder let Roy and Jeremy explain why the drills were so important. He was afraid they’d see him as just temporary help, passing through, and not really one of them. Roy addressed the issue, calling everyone together, stressing the importance of following Ryder’s suggestions since they were essential to the community’s success and survival. The next drills went much better.

  After three weeks Ryder was feeling pleased with the progress they were making. The Council seemed pleased that he was pleased. They were leaving all oversight to him, with minimum interference. A lesser person might have thought they were setting him up, so that if and when he failed, it was all on him. Even though the thought briefly occurred to him, he dismissed it immediately. He knew for a fact that Roy and the other two council members weren’t like that. They really did want his help and they needed it. And from what they could tell, he was the only one who could, and a plus was that he was willing. Ryder figured the reason for leaving the details of preparation in his hands was based totally on the realization that they had no idea of what to do or how to do it.

  He was grateful for the control he’d been given and their trust. The Council gave him the authority to make decisions without having to check with them first, as long as it was essential to help make them prepared. The Council also made sure everyone knew he had their full support.

  One crew was already out looking for building supplies and another was working its way north to look for a new source of supplies. Each crew contained four individuals, two on horseback and two in wagons. Unknown to Morgan, Ryder had lied about not being able to find more wagons. Several were kept in what had been the motor pool area where there was another loading dock.

  ***

  Donald Damon, Uncle Don, was still furious at John and Gant’s escape. He wasn’t upset just for himself, as the leader he was angry that his people had been deprived of the hunt and reward they craved.

  One of Uncle Don’s scouts returned to Camp Liberty with important news. He searched the compound until he found him in the corn field outside the gates helping to hoe weeds among the young crop. He had ridden past the leader only moments earlier in his urgency to find and tell him what he’d heard.

  “Uncle Don!” the scout shouted, as he rode across the field
. Donald preferred to be called Uncle Don rather than by a title of authority. It helped to create the perception that they were family.

  “Get that horse out of the field! You’re trampling the crops!” he angrily shouted back, waving him off.

  The scout stopped, dismounted, handed off the reins to one of the other workers, and continued on foot to him. “It’s important. It’s about your nephew.”

  Uncle Don didn’t show any sign of concern, continuing to hoe weeds. “What’s he done now?”

  “He’s been killed.”

  Don dropped his hoe to the ground and looked at the man. “How?”

  “He was shot and then burned to death.”

  “How sure are you of this?”

  “I heard it from more than one source, and they’ve always been reliable. I believe them.”

  “Did you also hear who killed him?”

  “A man by the name of Ryder did it and he’s at the old prison in Sector 4. Now they’re calling it New Eden.”

  “I’ve heard of him before. He established a community several days south of here called Haven. His people have stayed away from our territory and we’ve stayed away from theirs. Why would he kill my nephew?”

  “Your nephew captured him and his little brother, held them hostage in the prison, and almost beat his brother to death.”

  “So, it was a matter of revenge. I can understand that.” He paused. “Then he won’t be surprised when I come after him.” He stepped up to the scout, placed a hand on his shoulder, and looked him directly in the eyes. “Thank you for coming to me with this.” Suddenly, he brushed past him and headed for the settlement, kicking a clod of dirt out of frustration and anger. He couldn’t let Francis’ death go without being avenged. It wasn’t just because he was family, he was the only family that had remained alive as far as he knew, his dead brother’s only son. The news was already spreading through the community. He couldn’t appear weak to his people. A deliberate and fatal response was expected. He had plans to make.