The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta

by Stephanie Kato

  The Post-Apocalyptic Society:

  A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta

  By

  Stephanie Kato

  Copyright © 2017 Stephanie Kato

  All Rights Reserved

  DISCLAIMER

  All characters and events in this book are completely fictional. Any resemblance to real people, living or deceased, is entirely coincidental.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Special thanks to:

  Kate Stewart of EbookEditingServices.com for meticulous attention to details and the time to help me improve as a writer. I appreciate your patience. www.ebookeditingservices.com

  Karen Philips, for creating an amazing book cover. http://phillipscovers.com

  Friends and family who support my goals, my passion for writing, and my creativity.

  The Steampunk community, who are the lifeblood and my connection to this style of writing. They turn inventions, uniqueness, imagination, community inclusion, and fantasy into beautiful works of art.

  Anyone who wants to achieve their dreams, I encourage you to shoot for the stars!

  Table of Contents

  DISCLAIMER

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Southern Fried Steampunks

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Peril in the Stratosphere

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Steampunk Noir

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Southern Fried Steampunks

  Prologue

  During the 21st Century, a domestic terrorist organization, known as Utopians, launched a massive attack that destroyed much of America. The Utopians had an arsenal of weapons and followers, but the nation’s armed forces along with civilians, ultimately defeated them. Even though the attack was strictly within the United States, it greatly affected the global economy and morale across the world. Many nations developed stricter policies regarding international relations and became paranoid about terrorism. As a result, anti-terrorism movements became part of mainstream culture. In the aftermath, the world permanently changed, and the great cataclysm became known as the Apocalypse.

  Life was difficult for the survivors, but they marched forward and rebuilt America. In an effort to change their identities, citizens of America adapted a Steampunk image that seemed appropriate for their new industrial and dystopian world. The Steampunks tried to improve their bodies through a scientific breakthrough called human and metal grafting. Some people also called it alchemy. Scientists modified certain types of metals and injected them into human bodies. As a result, the bones became fused with the metal and were less vulnerable to damage. The grafting created unusual enhancements, such as greater strength, speed, agility, endurance, and durability. It was a strange and mysterious occurrence that scientists didn’t fully understand. Soon the Steampunks found ways to graft metal to their clothes for additional protection. Other nations saw the value of those enhancements and quickly adapted the Steampunk image. Many people viewed the Steampunk culture as a step forward in human evolution.

  Years after the Apocalypse, the Steampunks still faced damage from the mass disaster. During the cataclysm, several atomic power plants were severely damaged. One of the nuclear plants exploded and incinerated the nearby town including all of its residents. Another power plant remained mostly intact and only had minor damage, but it slowly leaked radiation throughout the area. The government seized control of the area and forced the town’s inhabitants to relocate. Unfortunately, the town was abandoned and labeled as a nuclear zone. America’s leaders considered blowing up the atomic regions, but they were afraid the explosions might cause a disastrous wave of radiation that could kill thousands of people. Therefore, the radioactive areas remained untouched for several years, and waited for someone to rediscover them.

  Eventually, some Steampunks became curious about the damaged nuclear plants and their surrounding towns. Small groups of Steampunks donned gas masks to explore the radioactive locations. Tragically, the Steampunks learned a disastrous secret about their enhancements. Since they were not wearing protective clothing, the massive amounts of radiation had the potential to spark bizarre and horrifying mutations in enhanced humans. Although it didn’t sicken or kill the Steampunks, it scrambled their DNA and turned them into hideous animal hybrids. In their mutated state, the Steampunks were feral and attacked other human beings. Fortunately, the mutations were temporary and reversed within a few hours. It was another mystery in their genetic makeup.

  Soon, a huge uproar ensued in the Steampunk community. People were outraged about the mutations, and many Steampunks wanted more information about the grafting and its side effects. The controversy became a hot topic, but most human beings still preferred their enhanced bodies.

  Once again, the Steampunks were resilient and found a solution to their problems. Scientists created an anti-radiation serum that reversed and/or prevented the mutations. The serum became a mainstream part of Steampunk culture and it was available at local pharmacies. In a short period of time, the Steampunks stopped worrying about atomic power.

  However, the Steampunks were still bothered by small terrorist cells that were created by non-grafted humans. During the Post-Apocalyptic era, some of those menaces included a Utopian revival, pirates along the West Coast, and Wild West bandits in the Midwest. The Steampunks coped with those groups, but they knew that other terrorist organizations would also surface.

  Chapter 1

  On Saturday afternoon, Reb Nelson-Hyde and her husband Giles spent time together on their ranch. The couple exercised in their recreation room. Giles lifted a pair of hand weights, while Reb used the elliptical machine to rehabilitate her injured leg.

  “That’s right, baby! Work out the kinks in that leg,” Giles prompted, as he lifted the weights.

  Reb huffed and sweated while she pedaled. “That’s easy for you to say! My leg never healed right after Boris stabbed my femur!”

  “That’s an excel
lent reason for you to exercise more often. I like to use these weights to keep my muscles toned. However, I’m more of a cardiovascular guy than a weightlifter,” Giles explained.

  “Well, I would like to eliminate this limp. It drives me nuts!” Reb griped.

  Giles continued his workout. “How are you going to cope without your trustee baton? It’s part of your image.”

  Reb felt the burn in her muscles. “Maybe I’ll use it for aesthetic purposes. I can do a lot of things - jumping, tumbling, and even cartwheels. But this limp prevents me from running. Escaping from psycho killers is difficult without a good sprint. We’ve seen a lot of terrorists since the Apocalypse.”

  “Yes, and that should be an excellent motivation to rehabilitate your leg,” Giles replied.

  Reb slowed down her pace. “It might be a pipe dream. My limp could be permanent.”

  “We won’t know that for quite a while,” Giles admitted.

  “Unfortunately, I couldn’t get proper medical attention for a long time. The entire area was reduced to rubble. That’s the problem. My leg would be okay if I had access to a hospital right after the Apocalypse,” Reb grumbled.

  Giles placed one of his weights on the floor. “I think time helps old wounds. The grafting process helped improve your limp.”

  “That’s true, but it has a long way to go,” Reb responded.

  Giles wiped his brow with a towel. “Patience was never one of your stronger traits. Just keep moving. I’m sure you can hang in there for another twenty minutes. The elliptical is your buddy.”

  Afterward, Reb felt exhausted and sore from her intense workout. She entered the bathroom and prepared a warm bath. The sore woman removed her exercise clothes and then she eased herself down into the soothing water. Reb rested against the side of the tub and soaked for a while.

  She sighed and felt somewhat better. It beats being attacked by terrorists, she thought.

  Giles knocked on the door. “I heard the water running. Do you mind if I come inside?”

  Reb hardly paid any attention to him. “Sure. I don’t mind.”

  He opened the door and entered the bathroom. “I thought you could use some company.”

  “Actually, I was looking forward to some privacy,” Reb said bluntly.

  Giles felt amused by her grumpy attitude. He undressed and got in the bathtub with her. “I had a workout too. It looks like we’ll have to share the tub.”

  She smirked and looked at him. “I know your real intentions. Maybe you can help soothe my aching muscles.”

  Giles leaned over her and delicately felt her right thigh. “I’ll be extra gentle.”

  He kissed her on the lips and ran his hand across her abdomen. Reb warmed up to his advances and grabbed his back, pulling him closer. She returned his affection with several kisses on the mouth, neck, and collarbone. Giles nibbled on her neck while they remained in the warm water. Their interaction became more passionate and caused some of the water to spill on the bathroom floor.

  “Help me forget about everything that’s going wrong with the world,” Reb said while she ran her fingers through his hair.

  “Of course,” Giles replied, as he moved his hips.

  The couple enjoyed a peaceful moment of intimacy without worrying about their enemies.

  *****

  Back in San Francisco, Percy and Savannah stood in Percy’s company laboratory where they examined several robots. Percy used Steampunk technology to create mechanical robots that emulated small animals. They had artificial intelligence and were made in the image of mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds. Several members on his research team tested and examined the robots.

  Savannah felt intrigued by a mechanical parakeet. It interacted with her and happily perched on her wrist.

  “This robot is really cute. It has a personality. Do they feel anything, like pain or emotions?” Savannah asked, her curiosity peaked.

  Percy typed some notes on a tablet. “Artificial intelligence is a bit mysterious, like our grafting. We can program them with personalities and instincts. However, most technicians would say they don’t feel like a living animal. Everything is inside a small computer chip.”

  “I would like to think some of them are capable of developing feelings,” Savannah commented.

  Percy examined the robotic bird. “Actually, I’ve noticed some trends. These little guys warm up to people who show them kindness and affection. It seems like they appreciate attention.”

  Savannah returned the parakeet to the table. “Make sure you program them with the right emotions. I don’t want to see robots rampaging through the streets.”

  “You need to be worried about my programmers. I’m not the only computer geek making artificial intelligence. It’s a matter of intent. We need to make these creatures for the right reasons,” Percy explained.

  Savannah agreed with his rationale. “I guess you’re right. Let’s hope terrorist organizations don’t steal your technology.”

  “Yeah, I think it’s scary too,” Percy admitted.

  Savanna was curious about something else. “Why did you create these robots? You’re a computer manufacturer.”

  Percy picked up a computer chip. “This little device functions as the robot’s brain. It’s a form of computer technology. This is a major breakthrough for someone like me. People are going to a pay steep price for these computer chips.”

  “That’s another reason why you should worry about criminals,” Savannah remarked.

  Percy continued working on his tablet. “Lately, I’ve learned that security is very important. I have multiple security guards. More importantly though, my building has a series of booby traps that were designed to scare away terrorists. Do you remember that ocean liner?”

  “Yes, and I think it did a magnificent job of mangling those pirates,” Savannah said as she crossed her arms.

  “I realize we live in a rough world. Granted, it was brutal before the Apocalypse happened. Terrorism, murder, and destruction existed in the 21st Century. Sometimes we forget about that,” Percy discussed.

  Savanna nodded her head. “Sadly, that’s completely true.”

  *****

  In separate locations, Malcolm and Beauregard played video games online while they used their earpieces. They engaged in a third-person shooter game that took place in a Post-Apocalyptic time period. It was very similar to their reality.

  “Come on, Beau! Keep up with me! You’re playing like a rookie!” Malcolm complained.

  Beauregard moved his character through the game’s terrain. “I’m still getting used to this game!”

  Malcolm killed several enemies with a rotating machine gun. “By the way, did you hear about the controversy? It’s all over the media.”

  “You mean the problem with nuclear energy? Everybody knows about it. Personally, I find it disturbing. I think more research needed to be done before alchemy was introduced to the public. It’s too late now though. The metal is part of our bone structure and we can’t reverse it,” Beauregard said, while he continued to play.

  Malcolm seemed less worried about the topic. “I don’t care if radiation turns us into mutants. There’s an antidote.”

  “Dude, that’s not the point. Those scientists treated us like guinea pigs,” Beauregard protested.

  Malcolm continued to kill enemies. “I’m sure they had good intentions. We’ll probably continue to learn additional things about our culture for several more years. I don’t think you should panic about it because the mutation only occurs when Steampunks are exposed to massive amounts of radiation. It would have to be enough atomic power to kill at least one human being. What are the odds we’ll see that much radioactivity?”

  Beauregard’s character picked up several items. “I’ve seen pirates who use exploding gunpowder and bandits who use poison darts. Anything can happen nowadays. This radioactive problem might come back to haunt us.”

  “I can’t argue with that, but let’s stay optimistic,” Malcolm rep
lied.

  Chapter 2

  Later that evening, Gable and Priscilla rested on their backyard patio while they sipped well-aged white wine. Their yard included a large swimming pool, thriving desert plants, a grafted barbecue set, and patio furniture that had a distinct Victorian style. The design of the furniture was carefully crafted, emulating classic elegance from 19th Century aristocracy.