Forged in the Dawn

by Gavin Zanker

‘Just a joke. They’re always bickering, see? Plus they hate when I call them that,’ Jordy said, his rough stubbled cheeks drawing up into a smile. ‘Still, Darren has quite the hook on him, eh? Don’t worry, we all went through it though, pal.’

  ‘How did that happen?’ Aiden asked, nodding at the wound Louise was stitching.

  Jordy’s smile faded to be replaced with his seemingly permanent sneer. ‘All part of the job. Once you’re on the team, Louise will become like a second mother to you with the amount of time you’ll spend in this place.’

  ‘Hopefully he’ll be more careful than you are,’ she said. ‘There, you’re all done so off you go, stop disturbing my patients.’

  Jordy jumped down off the bed, examining his stitches. Satisfied, he nodded a thanks to Louise before sauntering out the way he had entered. ‘Speak of the devil,’ he said from beyond the doorway.

  Aiden tensed as he saw his torturers enter through the double doors. They were struggling to drag a huge unconscious man between them.

  ‘Here you go, Lou,’ the smaller man said. ‘Another prospect for you.’

  ‘I told you I don’t like you calling me Lou, Steven. Anyway, don’t you boys ever take a day off?’

  ‘Just following orders, Louise,’ the larger man said, grunting as the two of them heaved the limp man on to the nearest bed.

  ‘He passed initiation with everything we could throw at him,’ Steven continued. ‘Here, we’ll put the bull in restraints for you, he’s a bit of a handful. Almost managed to give Darren here a run for his money.’

  ‘Here’s his papers,’ Darren said, pulling out a crumpled sheet from his back pocket and passing it to Louise.

  ‘Thank you, Darren,’ she said taking it from him. The two men buckled the fasteners on the bed, making sure the large man’s limbs were tied down securely. ‘Oh you two should know,’ she continued, ‘I don’t think your last prospect is going to make it. I imagine Kane will be wanting a word with you soon.’

  ‘Dammit Darren,’ Steven said, elbowing his friend. ‘I keep telling you that you’re hitting them too hard!’

  ‘Hey, it’s your fault too, you drowned that guy last month!’

  The two men turned and left, still arguing with each other as they went. Neither had registered Aiden’s presence the entire time. Seeing them here, speaking with Louise, he realised they were not the nightmares he had built up in his mind. He climbed off the bed and shuffled over to Louise as she examined the new arrival.

  Seeing the man’s face clearly now, Aiden recognised him. ‘Adam? What’s he doing here?’

  Louise glanced at the crumpled chart. ‘Adam Riffin. You know him, do you?’

  ‘Yeah. Well no, not really. We fought together in the arena briefly. He wasn’t much of a talker.’

  ‘Well he’s a big chap, all right,’ she said, as she wiped blood from his face with a damp cloth. ‘Hard to miss for sure. Well once he’s healed, he’ll be part of the team just like you so I hope you two got along okay.’

  It made sense Kane would try to recruit Adam now he thought about it. The man was an intimidating figure, towering over most people. A perfect tool if you could manipulate him.

  ‘We never really spoke,’ Aiden said. ‘Kane didn’t tell me he was recruiting anyone else.’

  ‘When you’ve been here a while, you’ll realise that this place is well-practised at keeping secrets. You should stay in bed, dear. Emily will probably be by tomorrow, and you’ll want to enjoy all the rest you can get before she hands you over to Kane.’

  ‘Who’s Emily?’

  ‘Oh everyone around here loves Emily. She’s one of the heads of our Church. She’ll give you a tour and then drop you off in the capable hands of Kane.’ Louise paused and looked distant for a moment. ‘I do wish that man would come visit around here more often.’

  Kane. Aiden thought back to their meeting, and how he had instinctively liked the no-nonsense man. For the first time in a while, things were looking up and he was actually looking forward to the following day. He headed back to his bed and finished his meal, taking his time and savouring the rest of it.

  CHAPTER 15

  EMILY KENDRICK WAS a slim woman with a broad smile, well-dressed in a black pencil skirt and a creaseless white shirt. As she showed Aiden around the Dawnist compound, he kept catching hints of her perfume making it hard for him to concentrate.

  ‘So as you can see,’ she told him as they came to the main gate, ‘the compound is built on a natural plateau set into the south side of the canyon wall, which gives us plenty of open space. The whole place is kept secure by a concrete wall which runs around the perimeter. It’s manned at all hours, usually by Seekers, though we sometimes use our own people too. I think Kane likes to use guard duty as something of a punishment. You seem pretty switched-on though.’ She flashed her smile at Aiden as they strolled. ‘I can’t see you spending much time up there.’

  Aiden studied the main gate as they passed by, noting the thick metal bars and black-uniformed men carrying rifles. There was no way he would be able to sneak out undetected. The gate rattled open and a dark haired woman in glasses appeared, carrying an armful of papers. She waved as she caught sight of Emily and hurried over.

  ‘Emily, hi,’ she said, almost dropping her papers. ‘I didn’t think they were going to let me through. You run this place like a fortress.’

  ‘Hi Grace,’ Emily said to the newcomer. ‘Nice to see you again. What can I do for you?’

  ‘I have an interview scheduled with Travis. You didn’t know?’

  ‘Oh he did mention something,’ Emily said, glancing at her watch. ‘It must’ve slipped my mind. You can probably find him over at the chapel, he should be finishing up a sermon about now.’

  Grace waved shyly at Aiden who nodded a greeting in return, then she hurried away, disappearing from view behind the maze of buildings. Emily was already walking again, and Aiden hurried to keep up as she continued the tour of the compound, passing people here and there who all greeted her warmly. Walking between the clusters of buildings and facilities, Aiden soon found himself overwhelmed in his new surroundings. Noticing his confused expression, Emily stopped and turned back to him.

  ‘Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it soon enough. Everyone has trouble at first, but it’s not that hard to find your way around once you get to know place.’ As she spoke, her eyes radiated a warmth that made Aiden feel awkward.

  ‘I’ll be fine, just need to get my bearings,’ he said looking away, unable to hold her gaze. ‘Let’s continue, you must be busy.’

  ‘Very well,’ she said, continuing with the tour. ‘Over there we have housing for some of our senior members.’ Emily pointed out rows of well-maintained houses with large windows and hanging shrubbery.

  Aiden was surprised to see such displays of wealth when just over the wall in the city, people were struggling to survive. ‘You must have people trying to get inside all the time,’ he observed.

  ‘Well that’s why we hire organisations like the Seekers to keep us all safe. I should mention before we go any further that we have rules of conduct here which we expect everyone to follow. Including a zero tolerance policy on violence within the compound. Kane will fill you in on the details later, but I hope it won’t be a problem for you.’

  Aiden noticed the element of veiled threat in her voice. Emily was a skilled diplomat and it was clear why she held her position as co-leader of the Church.

  ‘And here we’re coming up on the main chapel. It looks to be empty at the moment, but this is where all the lessons and sermons take place. My husband Travis adores speaking here when he’s not too busy with his other duties.’

  Aiden peered through the open doors into the large, angular building. A circular stage dominated the centre, surrounded by rows of cushioned seats extending back to the walls. Electronic bulbs hung from the high ceilings, lighting the place brightly. It resembled a theatre more than a church.

  ‘I take it you don’t rely on the cit
y grid for power,’ he said, having also noted the use of electricity in the sickbay earlier.

  ‘No, we prefer to be self-sufficient and not rely on others.’

  ‘I can respect that,’ Aiden said. He turned to Emily, deciding to be up front with her. ‘I should tell you that I know nothing about your ideology.’

  ‘That’s okay. As a Seeker you aren’t required to share our beliefs. Just respect them is all we ask. Who knows, maybe after you learn about our teachings you’ll decide to join us on the path of light.’

  Aiden felt somewhat patronised by her tone, but decided it was best to keep his opinion to himself. People clung to whatever hope they could in the harsh world that had come about after the Event. It was unsurprising that when the Dawn had finally ended the weeks of darkness, it would inspire belief in something. Which was fine with Aiden, but he had seen how easily misguided faith could spiral into divine righteousness.

  ‘What’s through there?’ Aiden asked, changing the subject. He pointed towards a large studded door set back into the cliff face. It was flanked by two intimidating men, each armed with an automatic rifle.

  ‘That’s the Zenith Gate,’ she said. ‘Past that door is the inner compound. Villas, staff berths, production and administrative facilities, that sort of thing. It’s a restricted area, open only to higher ranking members of the Church, so you won’t need to concern yourself with it.’

  ‘The guards aren’t wearing Seeker uniforms,’ Aiden noted.

  ‘No, the inner compound is guarded by specially selected Church members only.’

  Her smile was disarming, but it did not stop Aiden from taking a second glance at the heavily guarded door as they left it behind. Doors were not guarded unless there was something of value behind them. When he turned back to Emily, she had already moved ahead and he jogged to catch up.

  ‘The Seekers are housed on site here in the barracks,’ she said as they approached a long, low-roofed building. ‘Let’s go in and meet Kane, shall we?’

  Aiden followed her inside and he found himself in a large lived-in common room. A kitchen extended along one of the walls, the counter littered with crockery. Groups of black-uniformed people were sat talking and laughing on the tattered sofas that were scattered around the room. In the corner an old pool table stood unused.

  A girl stood alone in the kitchen sipping a drink. Emily caught her eye and waved her over. She approached with her gaze low, most of her face hidden behind her hair. Aiden guessed her to be in her early-twenties, and wondered why Kane would recruit such a timid young girl to a security force.

  ‘How are you getting on, Blanc?’ Emily asked.

  ‘I’m adjusting. Slowly,’ Blanc said, focused on the mug in her hands.

  A door slammed open across the room and Blanc jumped, spilling the drink down her sweater. Kane appeared in the doorway, dressed in the same green fatigues Aiden had seen him wear at their last meeting. He spotted Emily and strode over, nodding at the seated groups as he passed.

  He greeted Emily, whose face lit up at the sight of him, then turned to the girl. ‘Blanc. Spilled your drink there. You’d best go get yourself cleaned up. You’re due on the wall in ten minutes.’

  Blanc nodded and scurried out through the rear door.

  ‘Poor girl, she’s not cut out for this,’ Kane said, looking pointedly at Emily who ignored the comment.

  ‘Kane, I’d like you to meet your newest member of the Seekers. This is Aiden.’

  ‘Aiden, nice to see you again. I heard you made it through initiation. Good work, son.’ Kane extended a hand and Aiden grasped it firmly. ‘You lost the beard. A big improvement. Can’t abide people running around without any standards.’

  ‘Thanks,’ Aiden replied, glancing around the common room. ‘This place seems pretty relaxed for a military operation.’

  Emily laughed, poking her elbow into Kane’s side. ‘See? I told you. Everyone thinks you used to be in the army.’ She turned to Aiden. ‘Kane likes to keep discipline but this is private security, not military. He can be a bit heavy handed sometimes, but he keeps his team running efficiently, isn’t that right?’

  ‘Yes, ma’am.’

  ‘I on the other hand, prefer to keep things as informal as possible,’ she said. ‘Too much formality can suppress individuality. We’re not robots after all. Me and Kane tend to butt heads a bit on that matter, but at the end of the day we employ the Seekers to do a job, and as long as that job gets done, then we’re happy.’

  ‘How did Travis get on with his sermon today?’ Kane asked.

  ‘I couldn’t attend today. I had business in the city setting up those neighbourhood watches in Oldtown.’

  Kane raised an eyebrow. ‘Neighbourhood watches? What good will they do?’

  ‘We need to protect our people, and you can’t be everywhere at once, as much as I know you’d like to be.’ Emily gently brushed Kane’s arm as she spoke. ‘Anyway, enough chatting. I’ll leave you in Kane’s capable hands then, Aiden. Welcome to the compound.’

  ‘Right,’ Kane said, turning to Aiden as Emily headed back outside. ‘I think some of the team are in the barracks. Ready to meet them and get settled?’

  ‘Quick question first?’

  ‘Fire.’

  ‘I had some possessions taken away when I was in prison.’

  Kane held up his hand, and Aiden noticed part of his little finger missing. ‘Already taken care of. I arranged for your gear to be picked up and brought over. Should be here by the end of today. Anything else?’

  Aiden shook his head. ‘Nope, let’s do it.’

  He followed Kane through the rear door, finding himself in a long, narrow room edged with bunks and lockers.

  ‘This is the barracks. Your new home. You can have your pick of any of the free bunks. I’d avoid settling in next to Curtis though. That man is adverse to washing. That’s right, I’m talking about you, Curt. Go take a shower, you smelly old sod.’

  They walked along the centre of the room between the rows of bunks as Kane shared passing jokes with members of the team. Aiden counted at least twenty people sat around on their bunks, trying to ignore their stares as he followed the Seeker leader.

  Kane called over one of the women who had her head buried in a foot locker nearby. At the sound of her name she turned, strands of dark hair falling across her face. She blew them away and grinned as she walked over.

  ‘Faye, meet Aiden. Our newest prospect. Take him under your wing, show him where everything is, stop him doing anything stupid.’

  ‘Sure, boss.’

  Faye extended her hand and Aiden took it. Her grasp was surprisingly firm. She wore a tank top showing her well-toned arms which were browned from too much time in the sun.

  ‘Welcome to the team. Relax and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Come on, you can have the bunk next to mine. It’s empty now.’ Faye threw a glance sideways at Kane.

  ‘If people want to break the contract, it’s their fault not mine,’ Kane said, spreading his arms. ‘Speaking of which, you represent the Seekers now, Aiden. How you behave reflects on the organisation, and I already mentioned how long I spent building a professional reputation. You’ll be held accountable for your actions, and if you decide to break the contract then I’ll throw you back in the arena so fast you’ll get whiplash.’

  ‘Won’t be a problem,’ Aiden said. ‘This place is a huge improvement on my previous accommodation, so I don’t see any need to rock the boat.’

  ‘Good to hear. Emily probably mentioned Travis on her tour?’

  ‘Briefly, I think,’ Aiden said, though he had only taken in half of what she had been saying.

  ‘Him and Emily are married,’ Faye said. ‘They run the church together.’

  ‘That’s right. You’ll meet him soon enough,’ Kane said. ‘He’ll probably stop by at some point in the next few days. He likes to keep an eye on things around here.

  ‘Or you can go and check out his sermon in the chapel,’ Faye said, her large
brown eyes searching Aiden’s face for any interest. ‘He usually speaks at least once a week.’

  ‘Anyway, try not to get in his way. You stay on our good sides and you’ll be golden.’ Kane nodded to himself as he went over a mental list. ‘Okay, that’ll be all for now. Faye’ll show you the rest. Get yourself settled in and we’ll talk again soon.’

  Kane left, leaving Aiden stood with the dark haired Faye. ‘Aiden, wasn’t it?’ she said, cocking her head.

  Aiden nodded as he gazed around the barracks. ‘That’s right. Aiden Fielding.’

  ‘Well, Aiden Fielding,’ Faye said with a bemused smile. ‘Welcome to your new home.’

  CHAPTER 16

  A FEW DAYS LATER Aiden was busy exploring the compound. He was beginning to get a grasp of the place now. He regarded his ability to adapt as one of his strengths, and probably the main reason he was still alive.

  He was walking along the perimeter wall, watching the guard patterns when he ran in to Faye coming in the opposite direction.

  ‘You lost?’ she asked, jumping in front of him playfully.

  ‘Just getting my bearings. Still figuring this place out, you know?’

  ‘Come on, I’m on my way to hear Travis’ sermon at the chapel. We can poke our heads in together.’

  They walked over to the other side of the compound, Aiden nodding politely as Faye made small talk until they came upon the chapel. The tall wooden doors were ajar, and as they drew closer Aiden could hear singing coming from inside.

  ‘Not exactly a traditional church, is it?’ Aiden observed.

  ‘Well, look where traditional churches got us,’ Faye said. ‘They didn’t stop the Event all those years ago, and they certainly didn’t cause the Dawn to come and end the long dark.’

  ‘You think Dawnism is legitimate then? That it’s really any different from the old religions?’

  Faye paused to listen as a hymn drifted out to them from the chapel. ‘It makes sense to me. The teachings, they just fit, you know? And the Church genuinely wants to help people. It gives them something to hang on to, and people need all the help they can get in this world.’