The Decaying World Saga Box Set [Prequel #1-#2 & Books #1-#2]

by Garza, Michael W.

  Jacob chuckled to himself and then winced as he sat down next to her.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You remind me of her,” he said, his eyes staring off at something no one else could see. “My sister.”

  Mia’s head shot up.

  “She always had this crazy belief that everything would go back to normal,” Jacob continued. “She felt it was her duty to help as many people as she could, no matter what.”

  Mia’s voice cracked when she spoke. “She sounds like someone I’d like.”

  Jacob smiled again, but there was a sadness in his eyes Mia couldn’t stand to see. “That was a long time ago.”

  They sat in silence looking out over the field while the rest of the tribe ate. Mia couldn’t bear to ask any more questions. She understood Jacob’s concerns. It wasn’t anything she wasn’t already feeling. The silence let her mind drift, and it wasn’t long before painful memories resurfaced. Mia thought of her father, she thought of her brother, and she thought of Rowan. She pleaded with herself to turn it off, but she saw their faces every time she closed her eyes.

  ♦

  “Well, here we go.”

  Jacob’s announcement pulled Mia back to the present. She was happy to have a distraction although she couldn’t figure out how long they’d been sitting on the hilltop. It was cooler than she remembered, and for a moment she thought she might be dreaming. A beautiful display of billowing clouds filled the sky. A breeze swept up the hill to greet them from down in the valley. Mia followed Jacob’s stare to the parting gates on the side of Canaan.

  A single figure stepped out through the opening and started the long walk back. Connor reached the midway point before Mia could make him out. She was surprised by how excited she was to see him. Mia felt Jacob’s eyes on her.

  “I know,” she said without looking. “I’m going to get everyone gathered up.”

  Mia spoke with Sara and her husband Errol first. The trio moved from one small group to the next urging them to gather their things and prepare to move. There was a noticeable cautious enthusiasm among the tribe and Mia realized they were basing their feelings, at least partly, on her assurances. The weight of her newly garnered responsibilities felt heavier by the moment. Jacob met Connor at the crest of the hill, and the two had a private conversation before he addressed the tribe.

  “Sorry it took so long,” Connor said.

  Mia grinned despite herself. It took her a moment to gather what caught her off guard. Connor had traded in his soldier’s gear and clothing for clean pants and a shirt. He was strong across the chest and shoulders, more physically built than she’d realized. His jet-black hair was short on the sides and his face cleanly shaven.

  “There’s a process,” he continued. “I debriefed my superiors and they brought your case to Dr. Olric.”

  “Is that who leads Canaan?” Jacob asked.

  “It’s more complicated than that,” Connor replied, “but he has an important voice. They will allow your people access to Canaan if you agree to certain terms.”

  Mia’s eyes narrowed. “What terms?”

  “You’ll all be quarantined until a proper medical evaluation can be made.” Connor glanced at Jacob as the old man grumbled something under his breath. “This is not debatable.”

  Mia tried to keep them on course. “Anything else?”

  “Blood tests,” Connor said. “Everyone must be tested.”

  Mia didn’t completely understand his point. Her medical knowledge was limited. She was beginning to realize Connor and apparently the rest of Canaan had a strong connection with the old world, one she wouldn’t be able to comprehend. Mia hoped she’d be able to lean on Jacob for any guidance she might need.

  “Will it hurt?” she asked.

  Connor’s brow wrinkled slightly. “A little.”

  She looked over the remains of her tribe. All of them were watching her. They’d heard the exchange. It took Mia a moment to understand they were waiting for her to tell them what to do. She took a deep breath to clear her head and then leaned down to pick up her sword.

  “Everyone, we’re going to Canaan.”

  ♦

  The first sight of the interior of Canaan provided fewer answers than Mia had hoped. The entire facility consisted of a half dozen cylindrical structures, each no bigger than a small house. The otherwise nondescript cylinders provided no clues as to their use. The lofty wall surrounding the compound was several feet wide, lined with a series of ladders leading down to the interior floor space. Rows of dark, perfectly squared glass dotted the wall near the base of each ladder. Mia was drawn to blinking, multicolored lights below each section of glass.

  “Where are all the people?” she asked.

  “We’re built on a layered system, like a beehive.” Connor said. “Generally, only members of the security force come to the surface.”

  “You live underground?” Jacob asked.

  “It’s not what you think,” Connor said, grinning. “The colony has built a true life for us here.”

  Jacob’s eyes shot up at him, but he didn’t say anything right away. He found his tongue and pushed past whatever was pulling at his memory. “You have electricity.”

  Mia wasn’t sure if Jacob was asking a question or making a statement. Either way, Connor didn’t respond. She was fixated on the other soldiers along the walled perimeter walkways. There was an apparent relief effort underway as pairs of men and women exchanged positions in several of the towers. Mia found another set of lights below the walled walkway, these connected by thick, black lines running the entire length of the perimeter.

  “What are those for?” She sped up until she could see Connor’s face and then pointed. “It goes all the way around.”

  Connor hesitated before stammering through his answer. “It’s part of our defense system.” He thought about what he was saying. “In case we ever lose the compound. It’s a last resort; we wouldn’t survive it.”

  The answer brought up other questions, but they reached the closest of the cylindrical buildings before Mia could ask. One side of the cylinder spilt open to reveal a cramped space and Mia forgot her enquiries. Connor stepped out of the way and motioned for her and Jacob to pass through.

  “We’ll have to go down in separate trips.”

  Mia peered through the opening with bewildering curiosity. The perfectly smooth interior gave no hint to its purpose; it did however give her the first glance at artificial light she’d ever seen. She pointed up at the flat sections in the ceiling with a gleeful smile. Jacob laughed as he stepped in.

  “Yes,” he said, motioning for her and the first group of the tribe behind her to follow. “It’s electric.”

  They managed to get half of the survivors on the elevator before the doors closed, sealing them in. A sudden panic swept across the group as they collectively held their breath. The screaming started when their stomachs rode up into their chests. The doors split apart a few seconds later, but none of them was willing to move. Mia trembled as she peeled her grip off Jacob’s hand.

  Jacob had to push to the front of the group in order to get the others to move again. Their hesitation came from the view beyond the parted elevated doors. Connor had not prepared them for what awaited. The hall was as sterile as the elevator although it was already inhabited by several imposing figures. They lined the narrow space, each covered from head to toe in white. They wore masks over their faces, looking at the new arrivals through clear glasses.

  “Let’s go, people, move to the open door then from station to station and do as you’re told.”

  The first instruction was echoed by several more as Mia encouraged her group to get in line behind her. They were herded like cattle, each overwatch providing a new set of directions. The few weapons the tribe possessed were taken with no response as to when they would be returned. They were stripped, poked, prodded, and examined over and again. Mia was the first to reach the end of the line where her clothes were returned to her.r />
  “Into the next room,” a woman instructed. “Shower and then get dressed.”

  The entire thing was over in a short time, and Mia reemerged in yet another chamber, cleaned and redressed, her hair tied up behind her head. She was scared although she wouldn’t admit it. Something behind their treatment made her feel more like a captive than a guest. She took a seat on a long bench lining the room and waited. Jacob pushed through the door after her, and he wasn’t above voicing his concerns.

  “What the hell was that?” He threw his fists out in front of him as if he were in a fight no one else could see. “Give me my damn coat back.” The problem was that there was no one to complain to. He huffed and puffed until the next of the survivors pushed into the room behind him.

  Mia’s eyes met each of her fellow tribesmen and she offered them a hollow smile. She could see the fear on their faces. They’d followed her and she couldn’t promise them that they were any safer than they would have been on the outside. She was surprised to see a familiar face when the door on the opposite wall slid open.

  “You can follow me now,” Connor said.

  He made no attempt to explain the entrance requirements even after she caught up to him in the adjacent hallway. Connor came to a stop before Mia gathered the courage to bark at him. He opened a door and motioned into the room beyond.

  “This will be your people’s holding area while your case is awaiting a final decision from the colony commissioners.”

  The room was simple and plain, but in it there were more conveniences than Mia could ever imagine. Three rows of cots ran down the center of the space, each with its own footlocker. Individual blankets lay perfectly folded in the center of each cot beneath a large stack of rations.

  “Someone will come in and address any injuries noted during your entrance process.”

  Mia had issues with the simple description of the entrance process, but she found herself focused on the rations. It was more food than she’d ever seen in one place. She wasn’t positive how they were supposed to get inside the packages or what kind of food could be hidden within, but her roaring stomach was motivating her to find out. She stepped out of the way and encouraged the growing line of people behind her to go inside.

  Jacob left her near the door, muttering to himself as he plopped down on the first cot in the row along the far wall. Connor waited in the hall, nodding as each person passed him. Mia felt the tension growing as they stood opposite one another waiting for the line to come to an end. Connor shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Mia let him off the hook quickly.

  “What are we in for?” she asked and then headed in. “Are you going to lock the door when you leave?”

  Connor scoffed. “No need,” he said, following after her. “You can’t get into any of the other areas from here.”

  Mia settled on the cot next to Jacob’s and sat down. She heard the old man somewhere behind her, moving from cot to cot, giving instructions on how to open the rations. She slipped one of the packages onto her lap and tugged at the ends. Connor took it, pulled the bag open and handed it back. Mia rummaged through the contents.

  “Most of it’s better than it looks,” he said.

  Mia was more impressed by the amount. She had a full mouth of crackers a moment later. Her words were barely audible. “What if the council says we have to go?”

  Connor sat down across from her. “The commission,” he said, correcting her. “There’s always a chance. It all depends on space.” He held up a container and unscrewed the cap. Mia took a drink. “They’ll offer you a place in the family quarters.”

  Jacob shooed Connor over and then sat down. The cot creaked as it bore the weight of both men.

  “Are the family quarters down in one of the other elevators?” Mia asked.

  “Yes,” Connor said. “There are numerous levels in each section.”

  Jacob snatched the last of the crackers from Mia’s packet and took a bite. “But they’re not all housing areas, right?” Jacob asked.

  Connor became noticeably uncomfortable. “There are several administrative levels,” he explained. “There’s an entire section dedicated to support systems, food production, and power.”

  “How do you get from one section to the others without going topside?” Jacob asked, pressing for information.

  Connor sighed. “There are personnel tubes connecting each of the sections on several levels.”

  Jacob nodded, apparently realizing he’d reached the end of Connor’s patience.

  Mia tried to change the subject. “How long have you been here?”

  “All my life.”

  Mia was surprised by the answer. She’d assumed a majority of the compound was more of a gathering place for lost people.

  “Most of us have,” Connor continued. “People come and go. We’ve found that living here doesn’t suit everyone. We do what we can to help and then most people go on their way.”

  Jacob butted in. “Will we get our things back when we leave?”

  “Of course—”

  The door slid open cutting off Jacob’s line of questioning. Connor got to his feet as a soldier rushed into the room. The new arrival found Connor and waved him over.

  “Topside, now.”

  Connor focused on Mia. “I have to go, but I’ll be back to check on you.”

  Jacob waited until Connor cleared the doorway before he spoke up.

  “I think we should get out of here as soon as we can.”

  Mia’s frustration got the best of her. “And where do you want us to go?” She said it loud enough to cause a few heads to turn. She caught herself and lowered her voice. “They have food, they have a place to sleep without having to worry about being eaten…” She looked down at the floor and rubbed her hands over her face. “I don’t know what else to do.”

  Jacob pressed his lips together and then replied in a measured tone. “I can’t explain it,” he said. “Something’s wrong here, something I can’t put my finger on.”

  Mia put her hands down in her lap. She looked up at the light radiating through the clear panels on the ceiling. After everything that happened, her first long look at artificial light was breathtaking. She found herself lost on the idea of what the world once was.

  “Was it like this everywhere?”

  Jacob looked up at the ceiling and snickered. “Yep, just a flick of a switch and we took it all for granted,” he admitted. “It was much more than that. God, I miss television.” Mia glanced at him. “Moving pictures…” He waved it off. “Never mind. We were so happy with ourselves.” He shook his head.

  “I was happy once,” Mia said. “And I didn’t need anything more than what the tribe could provide.”

  Jacob smiled, showing all his teeth. “I know what you mean,” he said. “There was a time after the infection took hold when we thought we were safe—”

  “You and your sister?” Mia cut in. “You said we.”

  He nodded. “Alicen, her name was Alicen,” he said. “We’d made it to a safe colony, and for a while everything returned to normal.” He thought about it for a moment. “At least as normal as it could get. Most of the conveniences of life were already lost, but we never really noticed. Just being safe and together was enough.”

  Mia felt a lump in her throat. She couldn’t help but think of Jonah. The thought only made Jacob’s story more emotional for her. She urged him to continue. “What happened?”

  Jacob scratched at the scraggly hairs of his salt-and-pepper beard. “It started with one,” he said. “We were still kids and the grownups had convinced us that the infection couldn't reach our island. I was old enough to see the fear in their eyes when the first infection took someone. They covered it up for as long as they could, and then one night…” He trailed off for a moment and tried to gather his thoughts as he went back through the memories silently in his head. “Alicen and I got off the island and back to the California coast. It was as if we stepped into hell. We were on the run from
then on.”

  Mia swiped a tear off her cheek before Jacob could see it. He took a long, deep breath and then pulled his gaze from the overhead lights. He scratched his beard again and then slid his hands into his lap. Mia drew another small packet from her rations and opened it.

  “Maybe this can be our island?” she said without much thought.

  Jacob nodded but didn’t say anything else. She held out the packet and the two ate the rest of the contents together in silence.

  18

  Sweat poured over Rowan’s face and down across his chest. A forced run started sometime in the night, spurred on by a barrage of footsteps somewhere in the darkness behind them. Jonah was close on his heels, but the boy had nearly collapsed half a dozen times. Rowan had hold of Garret’s arm, which he was forced to keep a tight grip on or he would have fallen behind. Erin’s fear spurred her to run ahead of the small group of survivors, and they hadn’t seen a sign of her since she took up the lead.

  The long night had given way to a picture perfect day; however, the hilly terrain proved to be a terrible burden. Throughout the afternoon, Rowan tried to use the hills as a means to hide from their pursuers, but he had no way of knowing which way was safe to turn. The burning in his legs told him that the end was near. Garret stumbled and nearly took all of them down with him in one fell swoop.

  “We have to stop.”

  Jonah made the announcement a split second before Rowan lost his grip on Garret and the trio went down. Rowan rolled over onto his back and tried to get his bowstring out of his face.

  “We can’t stop,” he said, knowing full well he barely had enough strength to walk let alone run. “Get up.”

  Jonah was on his knees. He started to complain when his hand went up, he arched his back as he convulsed, and then he proceeded to vomit what little he had in his stomach onto the ground. Rowan waited until he was done. Garret was already trying to get up onto his feet. The sounds of nearing dead-speak was loud enough for them to understand the full truth of their situation. Jonah’s voice cracked as he forced Rowan to confirm his fears.