Meanwhile, Gable and Priscilla tried to mingle with some of the celebrities.
“That big guy looks promising. He seems to be socializing with a lot of people,” Gable said.
Priscilla followed his lead. “Sounds good to me.”
Gable introduced himself to the rugged stranger. “Hello. I’m Gable Nelson, the biggest casino tycoon in Las Vegas. What brings you to the party?”
“I love social gatherings. Teague isn’t a personal friend of mine, but I’m not going to miss a Mardi Gras party. It’s nice to meet you, Gable. Who is this lovely woman?” the celebrity asked.
Priscilla shook his hand. “I’m Gable’s wife, Priscilla. If you like peaches, you’ve probably bought some of my products.”
“Peaches aren’t the only thing I enjoy,” the man said, as he stared straight at Priscilla’s cleavage.
She was insulted. “My face is up here, pervert!”
“Can you blame me?” he asked, in a shocked tone of voice.
Gable tried to end the conversation peacefully. “Let’s talk to other people. Excuse us.”
Priscilla took Gable’s hand and led him away from the partygoer.
“You needed to say something to him about that,” Priscilla grumbled.
Gable smirked. “I wanted to say something, but it looked like you had everything under control. That’s one of the things I like about you. I can tell you’re not helpless.”
Priscilla adjusted her hat while they walked. “Such flattery. You always know when to turn on the charm.”
“My charming personality helps me earn money. I can tell a lot of these celebrities aren’t Steampunks like us, but we can still have fun today. Let’s just see what happens,” Gable said, before he kissed her on the cheek.
The celebrities eagerly boarded the ferry to begin the festivities. Many of them had never met their mysterious host, but they were excited to see the party’s environment. It seemed that Doyle Teague had invited a wide variety of guests. The Nelsons were Steampunks, but the others still clung to aesthetics from the 21st Century. Likewise, their success and money also varied. Some of the guests were immensely popular and powerful, while others had lost much of their livelihood after the Apocalypse. Regardless of their current situation, there was a time when all of them were leading socialites in American society.
While the ferry was sailing, everyone noticed that the environment became darker and gloomier. Eventually, the ferry docked at a small privately-owned island, located in the swamp. If Doyle Teague wanted privacy, this island was an excellent place to find it. It appeared to be a rural area surrounded by swamp water, and covered in moss, dirt, and trees.
Everyone cautiously stepped off the ferry. They knew it was going to be a long night because the invitation specifically mentioned that the ferry would return at sunrise. A mysterious young man greeted them at the dock. He was wearing a subdued costume.
“Greetings, everyone. My name is Victor Teague. I’m sorry to inform you that my uncle Doyle is sick in bed with food poisoning. Hopefully, you can all meet him later if he’s feeling better. Most of you probably remember my uncle during his days as a movie producer. The Apocalypse shook him up and he retreated to this island. Lately, he’s been feeling better about the world and wants to reach out again. My uncle built an enormous mansion here and we have plenty of entertainment. So let’s enjoy the party and celebrate Mardi Gras!” Victor proudly exclaimed.
The guests had mixed feelings as they followed Victor to the mansion. Some of them felt excited and found the environment interesting, others thought the surroundings were creepy.
One of the celebrities whispered in Bruno’s ear. “This landscape is ghastly. Who in their right mind would want to live here? I think this was a bad idea.”
“It’s too late now. The ferry won’t come back until tomorrow morning. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it will be fun,” Bruno said, trying to be logical.
When they arrive at the mansion, all of the guests were impressed with the building’s size.
“This is incredible. Doyle’s mansion is enormous. It makes our house look really small,” Reb stated.
“Yeah, it’s creepy, but I like it for some reason,” Giles commented.
The guests gathered on the front lawn where several luxuries greeted them, including an elaborate stereo system, a full bar, a buffet table with endless food, various games, and plenty of outdoor seating arrangements.
“Now this is what I’m talking about! I’ve been looking for a party and this looks awesome!” one of the guests declared.
Victor stood at a podium with an active microphone. “Welcome to my uncle’s first public party since the 21st Century. I am truly grateful that all of you came here tonight. This might not be an ideal environment, but it’s my uncle’s home, and this is also one of the few places in America that remains unchanged by the Apocalypse. You are the chosen ones who deserve to be here. So let’s turn on some music and enjoy the festivities!”
The guests cheered while Victor turned on the music. Many of them gathered on the dance floor, while others grabbed food from the buffet table. Four of the guests took advantage of the free bar while they gossiped about their peers.
An athlete sipped on a martini. “What do you think about the Nelson family? They look out of place around the rest of us.”
“I don’t know. They seem to be going along with the Steampunk movement. I can’t blame them. Clearly, they make a ton of money making the public happy,” an actress replied.
Another celebrity joined the conversation. “That’s what I call conformity. I’m not crazy about the new Steampunk culture. Lately, people who don’t conform to the Steampunk image seem to be left out.”
“That’s absolutely true. I think it’s just another form of corruption,” a news reporter agreed.
Percy tried to find reception and internet service on his cell phone, but he couldn’t find a signal. His rival in the computer industry, Octavio Renatus, confidently approached him.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Percy. Workaholics like you don’t get out very much,” Octavio said in a condescending tone.
Percy was displeased to see his rival. “Guilty. I actually work hard and that’s one of the big differences between us.”
“Don’t insult me! You’re the one who steals my technology and sells it before I can react! I can’t compete with your marketing strengths, and that’s why my company is on the verge of bankruptcy!” Octavio retaliated.
“Listen to me. Nobody wants to buy your products because they’re outdated and it’s that simple,” Percy stated.
Octavio roughly shoved Percy. “One day, somebody is going to make you face justice. It happens to everyone like you.”
Percy tried to control his temper. “Stop blaming everything on me! You had plenty of chances to improve your technology, but you’re not motivated enough to stay up to date with the latest upgrades. You’re just not very innovative. It seems like you pushed yourself before the Apocalypse happened, but now you don’t seem to care about anything.”
Octavio growled before he left, “I need a drink.”
Meanwhile, Savannah also struggled to find cell phone reception while she sat at a table. A famous actor and Savannah’s ex-fiancé, Cody Lawson, sat next to her.
“Good evening, Savannah,” Cody said slyly.
Savannah rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re here. That’s a rotten twist of luck.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know you were coming to the party. I just saw you sitting at the table by yourself and I took a chance to make amends. We had a great relationship a long time ago and I never stopped caring about you. Maybe this reunion is a sign to rekindle our relationship,” Cody offered while he tried to take Savannah’s hand.
She immediately pulled her hand away. “Are you crazy? Both of us are married with grown kids. I broke up with you decades ago. We never got along very well. I think you just wanted a hot trophy wife.”
Cod
y felt insulted. “Sometimes, you’re a real hypocrite. What about your beloved husband? He treats you like the ultimate arm ornament. Where is he now? He abandoned you to party with other celebrities. Guys like him neglect their families to spend time with other socialites.”
“My entire family is here tonight! Percy is just trying to find cell phone service. Neither one of us can make our phones work. It’s almost like something is scrambling the signal. Obviously, you’re not much of a family man. That’s why you’re trying to renew a relationship with me!” Savannah snapped.
“Fine! You’re missing a terrific opportunity! I’m sure you’re going to regret it!” Cody threatened before he stormed away.
Unaware of his mother’s negative encounter, Gable collected food from the buffet table. The casino tycoon felt a pit form in his stomach when an old flame approached him. She was a former ballet dancer named Nadine Benoit.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Gable. This swamp doesn’t have the glamour of Las Vegas,” Nadine mentioned.
Gable placed his plate on the table. “In that case, it seems weird to see a prima ballerina like you on this dark and gloomy island too.”
“Sadly, my career ended several years ago. Choreographers want younger dancers now,” Nadine admitted.
“I’m sorry to hear about that, but this is an awkward conversation. My family is here,” Gable muttered.
Nadine was completely unsympathetic. “I don’t care about that! My career would have lasted much longer if you were around to help me with our son!”
Gable angrily yelled at her. “We resolved that issue before your son was born! I’m not his father!”
“You just won’t take responsibility!” Nadine argued.
“I’m the one who ordered a paternity test! It was proven through DNA!” Gable furiously replied.
“Those results weren’t accurate! You’re a corrupt businessman who would pay lab workers to sabotage the test!” Nadine shouted.
Gable tried to control his temper. “Look, we both know the truth. We just weren’t right for each other.”
“It would have worked if Priscilla hadn’t seduced you. How can I compete with someone like her? She had the money, fame, curves, southern charm, and she satisfied your carnal desires!” Nadine said with a snarky attitude.
Gable became angry again. “That’s enough! I was already done with you when Priscilla became my girlfriend! Don’t forget that you were the one who cheated on me all the time! That’s how I knew another man knocked you up!”
Nadine was distraught. “I should have known that you would never change. You’re selfish and corrupt, just like the other Nelsons.”
She stomped away and sobbed.
“Drama queen,” Gable muttered.
Meanwhile, Giles and Reb danced to the music’s rhythm. They enjoyed the unusual atmosphere and festive activities.
“I must say, this is a unique Mardi Gras party,” Giles stated.
Reb winced from the pain in her left leg. “This would be a lot more fun if my leg wasn’t bothering me. I suppose dancing isn’t the best idea right now.”
“Okay, we can take a break. You know what? We still need to meet a lot more people. Let’s split up to socialize for a while. If I meet anyone interesting, I can tell you all about it, and vice versa. Does that sound good?” Giles suggested.
Reb thought his idea was sensible. “Absolutely. We could always use a new set of clientele. I’ll catch up with you later.”
The couple separated to meet other guests.
Reb approached their host, who stood on the front porch. “Victor, you look familiar for some reason. Have we met before?”
“It was a long time ago. Maybe you forgot me, but I definitely remember you,” Victor replied.
“All right. I can tell you’re somewhat younger than me. So that means we didn’t go to school together. I’m pretty sure you were never one of my employees or clients either. Where did we meet?” Reb wondered out loud.
Victor furrowed his eyebrows. “Honestly, we didn’t part on very good terms. I’m not a very forgiving person. My uncle wanted to meet you, but I was against that idea. I don’t like conformity, greed, corruption, or bribery, and it seems like your family symbolizes all of those things.”
Reb felt tremendously insulted. “What’s the matter with you? We don’t even know each other and you’re already dishing out insults! What’s up with that?”
Victor coldly answered, “You’ll figure it out before the night is over. Excuse me. I have work to finish.”
Reb was perplexed after Victor left. The female attorney fumed while she headed toward the games area. Along the way, she ran into Giles again.
“Any luck?” Giles asked.
“Not exactly. Apparently, Victor hates me. In fact, he seems to dislike everyone in my family,” Reb muttered.
Giles was surprised. “That’s really weird. I don’t think we’ve met him before. Why would he hold a grudge against us?”
Reb shrugged. “I’m not sure. Truthfully, he looks awfully familiar, and I know we crossed paths with him somewhere. I would like to know why he’s so upset with me.”
She looked toward Victor’s direction, feeling uneasy about the evening.
Giles noticed that she was distracted. “Don’t worry about Victor. You shouldn’t let him ruin the fun. Everything will be terrific.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Reb said skeptically.
Chapter 7
Oliver and Maggie played games, while the adults dined and partied. The kids tossed beanbags for a while, but they soon were bored.
“This is a lousy party. I hate this island too. They needed to pick better games,” Oliver complained.
Maggie agreed with her brother. “You know what? The food was nasty too. Can we do something else?”
Oliver looked at the mansion. “Let’s explore that huge house. Maybe that will be fun. We might find really awesome stuff in there.”
“Cool! Let’s go ask Mommy,” Maggie said excitedly.
Oliver led his sister to Priscilla.
The boy tugged on his mother’s costume. “Mom, can we check out the mansion? Maggie and I are dying from boredom out here.”
Priscilla had mixed feelings about her son’s request. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea because our host might not approve. But I don’t want you guys to get bored either. I guess it’s okay to look inside the mansion, as long as you don’t mess around with anything. Your father and I will be very upset if you break or damage any property.”
“We promise to behave. Come on, Maggie!” Oliver said, while he took his sister’s hand and led her to the mansion.
While Oliver and Maggie explored the homestead, four celebrities continued to gossip about the Steampunk subculture.
“I’ve heard strange things about those Steampunks who are running around the nation. Haven’t you noticed they go backward with their fashion and values? Everything is from the 19th Century. I think their culture is devolving into something primitive and unsophisticated. Soon they’ll turn into cannibals who will hunt down human beings. Why doesn’t the government stop them?” one of the celebrities discussed.
An actress expressed additional theories. “I noticed they’re a society that hoards metal. If you dangle a piece of metal in front of them, I’m sure they’ll chase after it. They also smell disgusting. From what I’ve heard, they’re lustful creatures who produce a ton of pheromones. It’s absolutely repulsive.”
A male celebrity agreed his companions. “They’re also a society who enjoys self-mutilation. The Steampunks graft metal onto their bodies. I can’t believe anyone would want to hurt themself like that. It’s completely insane.”
“I don’t know about that. The Nelsons and their fellow Steampunks are strange people, but your theories don’t make a lot of sense. I’ve never heard of them having too many pheromones or hoarding metal,” one of the guests countered.
A former baseball player was indecisive. �
��I’m not sure what to think. Maybe you guys have a point. I never understood why people wanted to go backward after the Apocalypse happened. Shouldn’t they move forward to create a more futuristic era? Maybe they are devolving into a primitive culture.”
Near the dance floor, another group of celebrities shared a discussion.
“What do you think about the Nelson family? All of them are here tonight. People call them America’s royal family,” one of the male celebrities gossiped.
An actor expressed his discontent about the Steampunks. “I think they’re a joke. Look at them. The Nelsons, and everyone else in the Steampunk culture, wear ridiculous outfits and weigh their bodies down with metal. I think it’s a coping mechanism since the Apocalypse ended.”
“You’re probably right. Some survivors need to cope after our cities were destroyed. I think a lot of people want drastic changes. They don’t want history to repeat itself, and that meant everything has to look completely different. When we rebuilt society, the Steampunks wanted their architecture, fashion, and artwork to transform into symbols of a new era,” another guest offered.
One of the celebrities spoke more cynically. “I don’t want to give them a lot of credit. Those body modifications creep me out. It’s like something you’d see in horror films.”
Meanwhile, Octavio tried to forget about his rival as he perused the buffet table. Two men joined him.
One of the men offered a drink to the brooding computer mogul. “I know who you are. Your name is Octavio Renatus, right?”
“Yes. My apologies, but I don’t recognize you,” Octavio commented.
“A computer genius like you probably isn’t a big art enthusiast. I’m an artist who makes a lot of contemporary drawings and sculptures. Let me tell you something, I prefer your computer merchandise. Percy’s stuff is overrated. It’s expensive and all of his merchandise has that silly Steampunk gimmick,” the man explained.
The other man chimed in the conversation. “I agree. You should get ahead of the competition and make more products. Unlike Percy, you have integrity. He sells out to make the public happy, but you’re above that type of behavior. It’s nice to know that some businessmen still have good character.”
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Revolution Page 5
