Reddened Wasteland

by Kyle Perkins

  He opened the door without knocking and to his surprise Bragog wasn’t there. In his place was an athletic framed man with dark features and a pale complexion. He appeared to be in his forties.

  “So, you must be Alerik!” the man’s grin was more of a baring of teeth, “Welcome back. Sorry your friend Bragog could not make it, but do not worry. I am here to help along your mission!”

  “What happened to Bragog? I’d prefer if I could work for him directly, we have built a bit of a rapport,” Alerik eyed the man suspiciously, trying to mask the disappointment in his voice. Who the hell was this guy? Sure, Bragog worked for The Union, but something about him seemed reasonable at the very least. Alerik didn’t trust the eerily cheerful demeanor of this new guy. Had he even seen what was going on just outside his office?

  “Ah, no need to alarm yourself. Bragog has simply been transferred. He did such a good job at investigating this faction that he was moved up in the world, so to speak,” the man said with a wink as he leaned back in his chair, “So, Bragog tells us that it was you who found this person of interest, Arstloa I believe his name was?”

  “I am not sure. I was never given the details of who he was or what his involvement in all of this was. All I know is that I did what was asked of me to stop an attack. Nothing more. My only concern is for the safety of the people below, not some ancient war between two factions vying for power,” Alerik said flatly as he took a seat in front of the man.

  “Oh, where are my manners? My name is Aemon. I will be your new go-to guy,” he said, smiling back at Alerik from across the table. The man was odd, he wore a gray robe with The Union’s insignia embroidered over the chest. Unlike the other Union lackeys, he wore no armor.

  Why didn’t he?

  Alerik looked down at his own synthetic leather coat, threadbare shirt and worn out jeans and suddenly he felt underdressed for the occasion.

  “Well, I don’t really need a go-to guy anymore. I did what you all asked of me, and the job is done. The people of the mines are safe again, and now you lot have even more control than before. Everyone is happy except the actual people that live here, like always. So it is a win-win for your organization,” Alerik frowned.

  Aemon shook his head as Alerik spoke, “You see, Alerik… your work has just begun. Just because you stopped one person does not mean the infestation is gone. Otherwise it would hardly be an infestation. We are proud of the work you have done for us and want to use your face for our campaign to unite the people here within the settlement,” he finished with another unsettling grin.

  “The face of your campaign? What exactly do you mean by that?” Alerik was bewildered. What the hell was this guy on about?

  “Well, we will use you face and turn you into a beacon of hope within the settlement. Show the people here that The Union is only out for everyone’s best interest. We need someone with a bit of regard in the community vouching for us. Someone who was instrumental in helping The Union stop a terroristic organization before they attacked. This shows that we are all in this together, and working towards the future. This shows them all that united, we can overcome anything for the betterment of our people, the human race,” he leaned forward, “Also, we have another surprise for you. When you arrive back to your home tonight, you will want to pack quickly. We have fulfilled Bragog’s offer to you. Your new home is in the Ruby District.”

  “You can’t be serious. I could not afford that area if I worked without spending a single credit for five lifetimes,” his eyes widened in disbelief, “Look, I’m not for sale and I have no plans of profiting off of the suffering of others. I was simply doing a job to help the people around me and keep them safe. If you say there are more of them, then I will find more of them, but I’m not doing it for you. I’m not doing it for The Union,” he shook his head.

  Aemon smiled and crossed his arms, “Then don’t do it for us, do it for yourself. But, take the home. You’ve earned it. It’s our token of appreciation and it shows everyone that good things come to those who choose to be a part of the team, instead of fighting against us.”

  “What if I don’t want to be the face of this campaign? I mean, it is going to make my job very difficult. Why would anyone talk to me ever again if they see me on television in cahoots with The Union? Logic would dictate that anyone in Liberty’s Hammer would avoid me like the plague.”

  “Alerik, no need to refuse and become a martyr. Life can be so much simpler and easier if you go with the sands, instead of against them. People will want to do good things, and will see you as a representation of that good. They will come to you just to be on your good side. They will come to you just for a place up in the world once they see what doing the right thing can earn them. I suspect that even some will defect and give us secrets. People are always looking for a way out of a hole. You’ll see, this will be good for all of us and the settlement itself,” he stood up from his chair, “You are doing the right thing, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Even yourself.”

  Alerik stood as well, eager to put some distance between himself and the inappropriately cheerful man. It didn’t seem like he had much of a choice. So, a typical Union offer. He couldn’t help but assume the martyr comment was a thinly veiled threat. At least he had the opportunity for some inside information if he worked with them, and hopefully that information would help him keep Velar – and the rest of the common folk – as safe as possible.

  “Okay I will do it. But only because I can’t allow another attack to happen within the settlement. There are too many innocent lives at stake. That is the only reason I am helping. Just so we’re clear. I am not trying to get involved in a pissing contest between two shadow governments,” Alerik started to head for the door.

  “Well there is only one government, Alerik. The other group is nothing more than a terroristic organization. We may not be perfect, but at least we have the interest of future generations as the foundation of any decision we make. You should start seeing it that way as well. It is the only logical way to be,” Aemon clapped his hand on Alerik’s shoulder.

  “Try telling that to the people being cuffed and dragged away in the mines,” Alerik grumbled as he shook his hand off of his shoulder.

  “Well, as always, safety first,” Aemon grinned as Alerik exited the room.

  ***

  Velar gave Alerik a half smile when he arrived back at the apartment. He wasn’t looking his best. She remembered they’d skipped breakfast so she handed him a Life Bar. They were these cleverly named soy bars, complete with dried fish, oats, kale, and blueberries all ground up together and neatly packaged. They were utterly disgusting. Though, as advertised, they kept you alive.

  “Things were getting kind of crazy out there Alerik, are you okay?” She asked with a sympathetic look on her face.

  “Yeah I’m fine. Bragog wasn’t there. I have no idea where he is. I spoke with his replacement,” his dislike for the new guy was apparent in the way he bit out the words. He shook his head and chomped down on the Life Bar, grimacing at the taste.

  “So, what did he say? Is the violence going to stop now that we found the suspect? Or is it as I feared?” she furrowed her brow.

  Alerik sighed, “Since I caught the suspect, now they want me to become the face of their campaign to put us commoners at ease. They’re trying to regain the trust of the people in the mines. They say it is for the good of the settlement, but I know they have their own motives,” he slid down to the cold floor, “Were they planning this from the start? Wouldn’t put it past them.”

  Velar sat down next to him and put her head on his shoulder, “You can’t be serious! They are only going to use you and throw you away! It’s what they do. I feel like this is a trap. Plus, do you realize how people will treat you in the mines if this actually happens?” She flopped back onto the floor.

  “I know. Trust me, I know. This is the only way I can get closer to the action, though. We can try to stop any attacks while figuring out what The Union is rea
lly planning. This is my only play. If I don’t comply with them, things could get worse for all of us. I will play their little game, and meanwhile, learn everything I can about them and their agenda,” he said as he laid back, propped onto his elbow, and looked at her.

  She frowned, “I suppose you’re right. Just promise me that you’ll be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” After a moment, she leaned forward, “So, are we going to talk about last night? We don’t have to if you don’t want to. I completely understand.”

  “Well, I’d love to – except, I have to pack. Turns out they have upgraded me to the Ruby District as a reward for my help,” he gave her a halfhearted smile.

  Velar gasped, “WHAT? That is insane! Why didn’t you lead with that? I think I might have said yes to them, too, with something like that on the table.”

  “Well, nice, that works out. Because I was going to ask you to pack your stuff too, since you know… We are never really apart. So if you were to move in with me, you’d have more room, and neither of us would have to travel to see each other. Also, safety in numbers. You don’t have to agree right away but please just think about it,” he was rambling.

  “Always a romantic, Alerik,” she beamed, “Of course I will. Who would turn down an offer like that? An awesome place with a really hot guy, I’m all in.”

  “It’s settled then! First my house then yours?” he sounded relieved.

  “Works for me, Mr. Bigshot,” She said with a wink.

  The two packed quickly, not that there was much to grab. They both had been living the standard, minimalistic life of the common settler thus far. Once everything was gathered at Velar’s apartment and she had said her goodbyes to her roommates, Alerik used the landline to call Aemon and let him know that they were ready.

  Twenty or so minutes later, a sleek vehicle pulled up with sun panel roofing. The thing was top of the line, even had windows. They piled their belongings – Alerik tried to do it all, but Velar insisted on helping – into the cargo area of the ride and hopped in. Moments later, the car lifted a couple of feet off of the ground and shot down the path at breakneck speeds, though one could hardly feel a thing inside the vehicle.

  “I’ve never been in one of these. It’s amazing!” Velar shouted as she gripped Alerik’s hand almost too tightly. The driver smiled in the rearview mirror at the pair of them. To someone who drove every day, they must have looked pathetic getting so worked up over a ride through the city.

  About twenty minutes passed before they reached the outskirts of the Ruby District. The vehicle continued to elevate, surrounded by tall, darkened metal spires that rose out of the ground like they were reaching for the stars. It was a beautiful sight, especially with the red sand of the desert far off in the distance, barely visible from the height they were at. The contrast of the colors was breathtaking.

  “How much longer?” Alerik said to the driver as they soared through the city.

  “About five or so minutes, sir,” he glanced back at Alerik in the mirror.

  The vehicle started to descend onto a street, falling in line with the rest of traffic as they zipped through the city. The whole trip was making the newcomers to this type of travel a bit dizzy. Mercifully, the vehicle came to a halt about fifteen stories up from the street. They had arrived at a tall building in downtown Liberty’s Ruby District. The driver turned to both of them and smiled.

  “I will be here each day before and after your shift at the mine to ensure you get to and from work safely. I am also available to take you anywhere you need to be and have been instructed to follow your orders by Aemon. Have a good day sir and ma’am. I’ll let you two get settled in.”

  Alerik and Velar grabbed their things and exited the vehicle onto the platform balcony of their new home. Immediately the driver steered the vehicle away and zipped off, disappearing from view. The pair looked at each other and smiled before opening the big door to the new apartment.

  As soon as the door swung open, they were greeted by something unfamiliar: the smell of cleanliness. The apartment didn’t smell like rusting metal or moldy fabric. Everything looked and smelled so fresh.

  The walls were a soft gray with bright white trim. Decorated immaculately, the black furniture matched a large television mounted on the walls. It was decorated with blood paintings from the Children of Old, and various lamps and wall lighting illuminated the room. It was the brightest, cleanest room he had ever seen.

  Alerik actually started to feel guilty, the place was just way too extravagant. Velar seemed to be having less trouble coping with the luxury, however. He heard her in the bedroom shrieking with joy and he cracked a smile as he followed the sound.

  “ALERIK GET IN HERE AND LOOK AT THIS BED!” she yelled.

  He walked in to see Velar sprawled out on top of what looked like a colorful cloud. The bed was massive with an excessive amount of pillows strewn about and actual sheets and blankets on top. It was incredible. Alerik hopped onto the bed next to her and stretched out. He’d never felt anything so comfortable in his life.

  “The Union are assholes, but this… Wow.”

  “Yeah, they did well. Makes me wonder what the actual price for all of this will be,” she sighed, then shook her head. “No. Let’s put that talk on hold. For now… for now, let’s just enjoy this.”

  Alerik turned and propped up onto his elbow to look at her, “Deal.”

  “Just imagine all the possibilities with a bed like this,” she wiggled her eyebrows.

  He smiled, blushing a little, “I’m almost ashamed to admit this, but my mind was already there. What do you say we make this night even more special before we are forced back to reality tomorrow?” he leaned in and kissed her lightly.

  “Deal,” she grinned and cupped the side of his face to pull him in for a deeper kiss.

  With that, the pair slipped away into a much needed respite from everything else.

  ***

  The night before had been amazing. The new place was a dream, unlike anything either of them had ever seen before. It was almost a shame they had to return to the slums and the mine, but at least they now had something other than that crummy bar to look forward to at the end of the day.

  To their surprise, people inside the mine were treating them quite differently. While the two of them enjoyed their new place and status the previous night, Alerik’s story and image had been broadcasted across every radio and television in the settlement. Apparently, the campaign had begun and the consequences were immediate. People stared and whispered as Alerik and Velar walked through the narrow tunnels of the mine.

  “Our driver will pick us up as soon as this shift ends. I don’t think people will be jumping to help our investigation today, so just do any discreet digging that you can,” Alerik kissed her forehead, “Just be careful, okay?”

  “I will. And if I uncover anything, I’ll come find you,” she said with a half-smile before descending further into the mine.

  Alerik began walking over to his work table, where he usually gave his orders each day. When he passed a worker that he had seen countless times before, the worker spit on the ground at his feet.

  “Fucking traitor,” the man grunted under his breath.

  Alerik shook off the insult and made it over to the table where he set his pickaxe down.

  “Can I have everyone’s attention?” he asked loudly as he slammed both of his hands down onto the table for emphasis, “Look, I know many of you have lost some trust in me due to my association with The Union, but we all still need to work together. We need to get our jobs done, we need to get paid. So I’ll ask everyone to please just do the tasks that you have been given, and don’t let your feelings for me disrupt the job. You don’t have to like me to work beside me. You all can go back to hating me after your shift is over.”

  When he finished, he straightened up and walked out of the room. Not a second after he got one foot out the door, he heard the chatter start up again. He tried to shrug it off and j
ust hoped that his presence wouldn’t distract them from doing their jobs and earning a living. These people needed to eat, too. He didn’t want them so blinded by hate that they accidentally starved themselves.

  Over the course of the next few hours, nothing significant happened. Alerik fielded sideways insults and backhanded comments about his new “castle”. He was taunted for being The Unions’ bitch. Really, it was what he predicted would happen if he worked with The Union and was nothing out of the ordinary in this new normal. He took it all, he could hardly blame how the workers felt. At least he had something to look forward to. And someone. The thought of returning back to his new home with Velar helped him make it through the day without snapping.

  He worried, wondering how she was faring. He assumed it likely wasn’t much of a different kind of day for her. He cursed himself for dragging her into the fray. He hoped she had been spared the relentless taunting of the miners. After all, it was just his face plastered all over the settlement television sets.

  Mining helped take his mind off of his troubles as he repetitively struck his pickaxe into the stones, cracking them open and making them smaller for processing. Usually the process was monotonous and grueling, but today he found it therapeutic and hypnotizing.

  After a few more hours of swinging nonstop, he decided to go check on Velar as their shift was coming to an end. He walked down through the tunnels to the lower level where she usually could be found sifting. He spotted her on the other side of the room, surrounded by three girls. At first he thought they were just talking but a glint of something in one of their hands caught his attention. His adrenaline spiked as he realized each girl was holding a metal shiv. They began circling Velar as a mass of the other miners shoved past him, pouring out of the room.

  “Why are you doing this?!” Velar sounded panicked as she slowly stepped backwards until her back was against the wall.

  “Why are you and your boyfriend poking around where ya shouldn’t be poking around, huh?” The girl in the front lunged and sliced, the blade barely missed Velar’s abdomen.