Steel, The Atmosphere

By Leilani Hart

Fourteen-year-old Malie has just been reunited with her twin sister Avery after a lengthy separation. Along with twin brothers Jeremy and Payton, they moved from Los Angeles, California to Herald, Arizona to live with their father. This will take some getting used too, especially with their new stepmom.
Malie is adjusting to the idea of a more normal life when she awakes to find herself at Steel. Steel is a warehouse in dimension one which is parallel to dimension two. Dimension two is the only world Malie has ever known. Malie and Avery are joined by six other teens and Jack. The leader of Steel Jack, who is their teacher in dimension two, but here in dimension one he is their trainer and leader.
Jack is unable to answer their questions and he is mysterious. Steel and the dimension outside leave more questions than answers. Just how and why are the dimensions separated? While figuring out the dimensional separations, learning and training, the team must fight the genetically altered humans who have been injected with the DNA of animals. While some still having the ability to think and talk like a human as well as having animalistic tendencies, others do not, and they are the most dangerous.
Steel is a safe haven. When the teens experience life outside the building they are anything but safe. The decision to take the team on missions outside of Steel is not always up to Jack and he finds it difficult to keep them safe. Under the circumstances, though he realizes the Malie and Avery are ready for the fight and he has trained them well. This will be useful when encountering the ultimate enemy Theodore, a rouge scientist, creator of the genetically altered. Theodore’s plans include more than tampering with genetics. He has many secrets and the team finds it challenging to keep one step ahead of him.
Transitioning between dimensions makes it impossible to keep up appearances at home. After Malie and Avery discover that they both have an active power-which is an extremely rare occurrence in Steel, life gets complicated. As leaders, Malie and Jack both realize that they are fighting a war and it is imperative they discover the secrets of Steel before its too late as the battle begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leilani Hart
• Release date: Oct 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301981311

Book preview

Chapter 1

In the dark of night, wearing a hooded cape to conceal his identity, he walked through the abandoned city, seeing broken, boarded up windows. To be sure he was not followed, he circled the building before entering the warehouse. Latching the heavy steel door behind him, he slid open the peephole to scan the street once more. Reassured, seeing no movement, he slid the peephole closed. He opened a panel next to the door revealing a keypad. Pulling a blue crystal from his pocket he placed it in a slot below the keypad. This activated the keypad light. He entered a code and an invisible shield was placed over the door.

Removing his hood, he walked to an elevator to his left. Grabbing another crystal from his pocket he placed it in the panel next to the elevator keypad, which opened the doors. This crystal was shaped differently and green. Removing the crystal, he stepped into the elevator, repeating the same action to activate the buttons to select his floor. He pressed G3. The elevator descended.

The underground facility was dark. Robots were everywhere manufacturing colored crystals. Crossing the factory area, he entered a hall. Passing several doors he proceeded to the end of the corridor. Opening the door revealed an office furnished with a desk, chairs, and mini fridge. There were large bookshelves covering the entire back wall filled with books. Taking the coffee pot from a small table he walked to the restroom sink and filled it with water. Upon return he poured the water in the coffee maker and filled the coffee filter. After starting the pot of coffee he closed the door and began to pace.

A knock on the door startled him. Was he followed or was the General early? He slowly opened the door.

Is this any way to treat your guests! bellowed General Conrad.

The stout man strode in. He was wearing a green army suit, decorated with many medals on the breast of his jacket. Jack went over and shook the General’s hand.

Welcome sir.

Thank you Jack.

It’s a pleasure to see you again.

Likewise, it has been a while, a lot has changed.

It certainly has General. Would you like some coffee? Do you take cream and sugar? asked Jack.

Yes, thank you, cream and sugar. Now Jack, lets get to what brings me here. I was told that everyone from this operation was dead!

General Conrad sat down in the chair near the desk. Jack walked over to the table where he had made the coffee. Pouring two mugs he put cream and sugar in both and placed a cup in front of the General. He walked back to his desk, sat down and proceeded to sip his hot coffee.

Well sir, I have reason to believe we have a new team to lead this operation.

Jack handed General Conrad a file folder. General Conrad set his mug down, to flip through the file.

How can this be? In the history of this operation a new team always takes over when the old dies, correct? So now ten years later, there is a new team? This has never occurred and I have read all the files!

I know General it unusual however I was in the warehouse….

The General cut Jack off. You mean the one you call Steel?

Yes sir, Steel. There were dots indicating teams lit up on the digital map for every country! The threat is very real and I intend to assemble my team so we can get this world cleaned up once and for all, declared Jack.

Well I will have to pass this along to the committee. Most of them are long gone. Do you think you can make life possible for this barren world? said General Conrad.

Yes, humans will no longer have to live in the world that was created for them. They can return to live in this one. I think this was meant to be. There have never been this many teams assembled at one time!

General Conrad was quiet while reading pages in the file. Jack wiped his brow, remaining quiet while sipping his coffee. After some time had passed the General took another sip of coffee.

You will lead the team as well as confer with the others as usual, emphasized General Conrad.

Oh yes sir, of course, I will contact my team as soon as I have any news from you.

Jacks mind raced with thoughts. The situation was complex. He began evaluating how would undertake all of his missions in a timely manner.

Very well, said the General.

What will you tell the committee? asked Jack.

I will call the committee to a meeting tomorrow afternoon, and share only the information they need to know to get you the funding. None of them completely understand what is happening. I am not even sure I understand fully what’s happening. The General stood up picking up the file Jack handed him earlier, Jack, one more question, How clean is the atmosphere?

13% is clear. I believe the crystal energy is helping. They create no pollution and are created from the pollution itself!

The atmosphere needs to be at least 50%. You are a scientist Jack, discover a way to make it 50% then I will know you have made progress! Keep me informed Jack.

The General finished his coffee and rose from his chair.

Sir, be careful out there. There are more genetically altered these days, cautioned Jack.

A nod and a salute was all he got from the General in the form of a goodbye. As the door slammed shut behind the General, Jack fell back into his chair. Taking in a deep breath he blew it out noisily. He wondered what was to come.

Chapter 2

Malie, Jeremy, and Payton had arrived at their father’s home in Herald, Arizona. The children had not seen their father for six months. Nine-year-old twins Jeremy and Payton were in awe over the house. Fourteen-year-old Malie was especially anxious since her twin sister Avery resided here. It had been six months since the sisters had been together. After the divorce of their parents, custody of her twin brothers was awarded to their mother in L.A. Malie and Avery could choose with whom they went to live. Initially, they followed their brothers. Avery couldn’t take living with their mother and relocated to live with their father in Arizona. Malie determined not to abandon her brothers stayed with their mother to help care for her brothers.

The car came to a halt. Exiting the car Malie gazed at the house. It was exquisite! The house stucco walls were a rich color tan. The single story, ranch style house was on an acre of land. Two Grecian style pillars framed the dark brown French doors. To the right of the garage was a grassy yard with two large ash trees. Retrieving their bags, they walked along the driveway to a curved stone path that led them to the front doors. The Department for Children and Families worker, Joan rang the bell. A woman who none of the children recognized opened the door. She had porcelain skin and shoulder length brown hair. She was of medium height and build, dressed in a stylish blouse and pencil skirt. Joan introduced the woman to the children as their fathers ‘wife’ Vera. Vera invited them inside.

Entering through the double doors Malie noted that the house was just as beautiful inside as it was outside. They followed Vera and Joan through a spacious central entry that was decorated with pictures of family members; to the large eat in kitchen. Dark brown cabinets surrounded the kitchens upper walls, and supported granite black counter tops. The granite was flecked with sparkling white and silver streaks, which complimented the gleaming stainless steel appliances. The kitchen table was the same color brown as the cabinets and a crystal chandelier hung above. They had settled in the kitchen with glasses of cold water. Vera announced she was going to get Avery, leaving Malie, Jeremy, Payton, and Joan to wait.

A couple minutes later Vera returned with a slender girl identical to Malie with the exception of her hair. Malie’s hair was curly, while Avery’s was smooth straight. Malie examined her sister’s face. She could have been looking in a mirror. Their faces were shaped like a diamond, brown eyes, and beige skin, which complimented their brown hair.

Avery why don’t you show everyone around while I get things squared away with Joan, said Vera.

Ok, said Avery.

Avery led them beyond the kitchen. Malie paused, motioning to her sister and brothers to do the same. The children not really knowing what to do stood in silence for a bit, staring at each other. They were listening to the social worker and Vera talk.

Why has this taken so long? Christopher and I have been calling about these children for months! said Vera.

Unfortunately my answer is not going to satisfy you, but these cases fall through the cracks sometimes. Money was tight Evelyn worked two jobs. Until Evelyn started dating a man named Russell, there was not issue. Russell, an alcoholic, kicked the children out. He nailed their bedroom windows shut. It was only through window in the hall that they were able to get back into the apartment. I was only just made aware to the situation during my six-month check up last month.

I will be making a follow up visit to see how the children are adjusting. The visit will be unscheduled as I live in California, and the Arizona division would like me to see through this case, said Joan.

Yes of course, said Vera.

Ok guys why don’t I show you your rooms? suggested Avery.

The room just beyond the kitchen was small. A few picture hung on the walls.

Vera says this room is big enough to be used as a playroom. She just has not done anything to it yet. The bathroom is to your left. Jeremy and Payton your room is too the right, said Avery.

Ok! said Jeremy grabbing his brothers hand and running to their room.

Excited I guess, said Malie. The two girls turned left and entered Malie’s room.

We share a bathroom. I wasn’t sure if the colors you liked had changed, so I did black and white, said Avery.

And silver cause you wanted it to be pretty, said Malie.

Yeah. Also I picked you out some clothes with help from Vera, said Avery.

Malie scanned the room. There was a full-size bed and a large mirror and a desk. The black furniture complimented the black and white bedspread with a few silver throw pillows. Malie took a look at her sister as she stood with Avery in her new room. It has been a long time since she has seen her sister. Avery was dressed in a pair of tan colored shorts, a pink shirt, and brown flip-flops. Malie was wearing a dirty white t-shirt, ripped jeans and her shoes had no tread. Avery’s hair was neat and Malie’s curls were a tangled mess. Malie opened the door to the bathroom, her sister followed. Malie noticed the curly hair shampoo and products on the bathroom counter. Her sister had thought of everything. Their bathroom was placed between the two bedrooms with each room having its own entry.

Thank you said Malie, Everything looks nice.

There’s two sinks so we each have our own, said Avery.

Malie opened the other door to Avery’s room. The setup was exactly the same except for the color palette.

Pink and green, you haven’t changed one bit, noted Malie.

Both girls smiled at one another and headed back to Malie’s room.

Oh good, there you are, how do you like your room? said Vera as she entered the room.

It’s nice thank you, said Malie.

I wanted to talk to you about dinner your brothers are hungry and making a mess in the kitchen. Very self sufficient those two are, said Vera.

Oh they are, said Malie.

Would you girls like pizza for dinner? asked Vera.

Sure! said Avery.

That would be great. Let me help you clean that mess, said Malie.

Malie and Avery proceeded to the kitchen, where Jeremy and Payton made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Beside the butter knife they had used, there was jar of jelly on it side. There were globs of peanut butter and jelly spotting the countertops and on their clothes, fingers, and mouth. They had some how managed to mash a piece of bread onto the counter. They looked up happily from the table greeting Malie and Avery.

We made sandwiches Malie, said Jeremy.

Payton nodded in agreement at his brother’s response.

Vera went to order the pizza, while Malie ushered Jeremy and Payton into the bathroom to clean up, Avery stayed behind to clean up the kitchen.

After they were cleaned up, Jeremy and Payton decided to go play with their new toys. Malie walked back to the kitchen to meet Avery.

Hey! So you have to meet Terry and Valentine, Vera’s kids. You’re going to looooove Terry, said Avery.

What about Valentine?

Umm well I just want you to assess her for yourself, replied Avery.

They passed through the dining room to the west wing of the house. Malie noted fireplace in the corner. Entering the great room, Malie looked at the massive space. The room was divided by two sets of couches. The left side was a sitting room with the fireplace being focal point. To the right was a TV room. A large flat screen TV was mounted on the wall.

Avery rapped her knuckles on the open door and walked in followed by Malie.

Hey Terry, Hey Valentine, I got someone I want you too meet. This is my twin Malie.

Terry and Valentine were seated around a laptop balanced on the bed. Terry had dark brown hair and the same porcelain skin as Vera. He wore a pair of cargo shorts and green t-shirt. Valentine had olive skin with black hair. She had an eclectic style. She wore a black tank top with a black skirt like a tutu made of tulle with a pair of bright orange leggings underneath. Malie attempted to hide her shocked reaction to Valentine’s outfit. Avery pulled Malie further into the room and sat on the bed next to Terry.

Hey guys, said Malie trying not to stare.

Hello said Valentine.

Hey did mom call about pizza? said Terry.

Yeah, um, why don’t we go see if it’s here, said Avery.

Sure, said Terry.

After dinner Malie assisted Vera with putting the boys to bed. She read them three stories for which they relentlessly asked. Vera felt like she had a good sense of their routine. This was somehow amusing to Malie. She thought if Vera had any idea of their routine she might have a heart attack.

Malie headed to her bedroom soon after her brothers were in bed for the night. She took a shower using the new curly hair shampoo and products Avery had picked out for her. She dressed in her new pajamas and went back to the bathroom to blow dry her hair. She scanned the books on her desk and picked one up to read for a while until she fell asleep.

Chapter 3

Malie awoke suddenly to the sound of glass breaking. The room was dark. Not in her bed, her first thought was that this must be a very realistic dream. Feeling around, she flipped the light switch, to find herself in a room of all white. She had been lying on what looked like a dentist chair. The walls were lined with glass cabinets containing items found in a doctor’s office. ‘What the hell is this, where the hell am I?’ she thought pinching herself to confirm if it was real. The pinching hurt and did not make the situation any better.

And now I am going crazy and talking to myself.

She stared through a small window in the door. It looked like the windows typically found in hospitals. There was a small grate in the middle of the glass. She stopped to find a weapon. One of the cabinets was open. She armed herself with a scalpel. Emerging from the room she heard footsteps. She turned the corner and screamed. So did the other person.

Terry!

Malie what is that? What are you going to cut me to death? And where are we?

No idea and hello, good for stabbing. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Why didn’t I think of that?

Again no idea. Is every room like this?

If you mean white, yeah. I was next to a Darius Miltown E something, who gives their kid the middle name Miltown?

Malie noted Terry was wearing boxers and a t-shirt. Looking down at her own attire she was in her pajamas, which eradicated her dream theory. Malie strolled back to her white room to see who was next to her. Terry followed closely behind. The name was engraved on a gold sheet permanently attached to the wall next to the door.

Well I am next to a Jazlyn Nia Evans, said Malie.

She tried the door but it was locked. Walking back, she opened her own door.

Strange, muttered Malie and spoke to Terry, Must not be able to get back in unless the occupant exits.

Walking over to the gold engraved sheet she saw her name Malie Malaika Hunter. She ran her fingers over the letters before venturing down the rest of the corridor.

Malie over here, motioned Terry.

Malie walked down the hall to meet him.

This one says, Mason Addison Matterson, said Terry who tried to open the door, I think you are right about this door thing. I wonder if my door is locked.

Malie scanned the next room, Corinna Kiran Clemens.

"There was