Scattered Ashes: Dread Repose

By Chris Traister and Tanar Dial

Living in the desert wasteland of Texas was no one’s idea of paradise, but when Nate is imbued with electric powers, it seems as though all of his troubles have finally gone away. After spending years digging their way out of a decimated America, he and his adopted father, Abe, have finally secured their way to the promised land: Archadia.

Things aren't what they seem, however, when Abe and Nate are taken prisoner by the Archan commander Yuri Xiao. After being knocked unconscious and placed in separate prisons, it becomes Abe's mission to find a way to escape his new hell and rescue Nate at all costs. However, during the escape attempt and with the help of some new friends, he soon finds himself the center of a revolution that could have far reaching effects.

Dread Repose takes place following the events of Scattered Ashes; a future fiction adventure set in the wastelands of America where everyone searches for a better tomorrow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Traister
• Release date: Nov 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311990129

Chris Traister

Telling stories since the 2nd grade (most of them based on real characters),Chris is an aspiring advertiser who dabbles in writing, carpentry, and faux-gourmet meals. When he isn't reading comic books or destroying others at board games, he likes to daydream or scribble out thoughts on paper plates. Not the foam ones, they don't carry ink as well.You can find Chris on twitter @christraister or follow his blog (remember, he dabbles) ctraister.wordpress.comChris lives in Dallas, TX with his wife who is out of his league and their dog/child, Parker.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

This is the Diary of Herschel Dietz, If found, it is imperative that The Archa Alliance or anyone from the alliance not get their hands on it.

Please relay any of this information and the information of my passing to P.D. as if you are holding this, it is most likely because I have finally been put to rest.

_____

Grim way to start a book, Abe thought. The opening was written in scrawling, uneven print, like it had been scribbled by an over-caffeinated eight-year old. As he thumbed to the next page, he saw a complete difference in the writing. Now, Herschel showed careful and meticulous penmanship. Long strokes covered the page with looping letters.

With time to kill before they landed in Archadia, reading the diary seemed like a good plan to Abe. He leaned back on his bed and stretched out. Let's see where this takes us...

_____

My journey begins! I am now coasting across the ocean in a ship captained by my dear friend Alan Ojodomo, and we sail for Texas. The power of the Atlas flows through me and I am energized to be able to help those Texans gain their ticket to Archadia. Sister and I have talked too long about wanting to do something to help the Americans but we've never done anything. How long could I close my heart to the suffering of my brothers and sisters? This country is in need, and I'm here to offer my heart and hand.

_____

So Herschel and Ojodomo know each other, huh? If anything Abe wondered if Ojodomo knew where Herschel was. No one had heard from him since Huntsville was destroyed. Herschel made a mental note to ask the captain next time he saw him. He read on.

_____

Sister gave me this diary to chronicle my time in Texas. Despite me telling her it's against the rules for a conductor to discuss, document, or in any way spread unconfirmed observations of the American situation amongst Archadian citizens, she forced me to bring it. She believes my observations can give new insight to the American Problem and provide greater assistance to their troubled lands Jot down everything, so I'll have the pertinent data, she tells me. My scientific sister.

_____

Still on the boat. Sister would love it out here. Wide open ocean, a salty smell to the air. Even though we're headed into the ashy clouds of America, I will enjoy this slice of heaven on my way in. This Sister stuff is nonsense, but necessary. If they found out who she was, we'd both be out of a job. A lie of omission is still a lie, and I tell it willingly because I know I'm meant for this job and Sister is meant for hers. This way we can all be safe from discovery,

_____

Alan says we'll be docking soon. The more I consider it, the more prudent it would be to keep a channel open to Sister. After discussing it with him, he's agreed to be a liaison for our letters, bringing them back and forth as he crosses the ocean. He is a true friend, as close to a brother as two men can be with different lineage. He risks his job and rank, but he does it because he loves us as family. He is my best friend.

I see land out my window! Next entry will be from America!

_____

Get ready for a surprise, Hersch. It ain't all sunshine and rainbows.

_____

Stepping off the boat today gave a shock to my system.

_____

Told you so.

_____

No longer is the skyline dominated by glittering buildings and gleaming skyscrapers like back home. Rundown shanties fill the roads--- old brick buildings once serving as prisons or hospitals are now filled with people living life as best they can.

After one look at the town's way of life, I knew I couldn't in good conscience stay in the Archan facility. How can I relate to these people living above them? On top of them? Outside their daily life? No, I wouldn't stand for it. After asking around, I found a small hut in Huntsville, near the train station. My neighbor, Stella, has a meager garden outside her house. After much insistence, she forced a handful of 'straw-babies' on me and a whole potato as a housewarming gift.

Generosity does not flourish only when times are abundant. I look forward to a long stay here.

_____

Took my first train out today. The outgoing conductor, Viktor, seemed more than happy to leave, and I'm happy he's leaving too. That's a shameful thing to say, but he has an air of superiority over those he serves. He's here for the power a conductor wields not to use his gift to better a hapless nation. His brief lesson on the trains was rife with slurs and epithets about the American people. So bad was it, I finally ordered him to shut up and sent him out of the train, telling him to take the fastest ship to Archadia before I run him out of town. He left, angry. I only cared that he left. The people here are tepid to me as their new conductor, but with Viktor as my opening act, who can blame them? I hope to win them over in due time.

_____

Abe remembered Viktor like he remembered a hemorrhoid. It was a good day when he left. Abe scanned ahead until a couple of names jumped off the page at him.

_____

I'm making headway. The younger ones seem more receptive than the older folks. A brash young man named Nathan made my acquaintance today, the first to greet me face to face. He's hotheaded, but polite and friendly. I hope to have more interactions with him in the future.

______

Spent the evening at the bar. Everyone seemed surprised to see me, a conductor, at their watering hole, but they left me alone. Especially since I wasn't drinking the real stuff.

Simply put, I wanted to know more about this town and who better to talk to than the bartender. She happily divulged the stories of everyone, glad that Archa took an interest in the people they looked over. Met Nathan's 'father,' Abraham. Didn’t get a chance to talk. Here, I see the rowdiness and depression losing your country can do to men first hand. It's a terrible situation.

_____

First meeting and Hersch already has my boy pegged. Abe chuckled to himself. More names popped up and Abe read on.

_____

I have settled in well here in Huntsville. A dusty town, rundown by time, heat, and pressure. Some of them have crumbled, the weight too much for their souls, but others, they shine so bright you can see God's wonder in their eyes:

'Baby Foot' McGee - A hardworking and humorous chap who has wholeheartedly embraced his rather inappropriate nickname.

_____

Baby Foot! I'd nearly forgotten about that guy. We'll have to look him up when we dock this ship.

_____

Wendy - A good woman who lost her way. Once upon a time, she healed wounds and tended the sick, helping those ease their pain. Now, she runs the bar in town, a misguided way to tend to the pain of a person. She is a strong woman, with the scars of time on her face. I hope she rises up and finds her way back to truly curing people rather than saturating their pain, allowing it to grow larger.

_____

You shoulda seen her after your train crash, Hersch. She probably saved everyone's lives. Abe let her smile hang in his memory for a moment longer and moved on.

_____

Eddie and Boe - Eddie is shrewd, manipulative, and selfish. I only know him now, but I imagine once, he was a good an honest man. The pain and depression this place puts on a man and his soul is unbearable for some, and he reveals it in every word he utters. I feel sorry for him. So lost with only manipulation and intimidation as his tools in this world.

_____

No, he was always like that. And he still is. It had been hard for Abe to live alongside Eddie. Once they hit Archadia, he'd be happy to go his separate way.

_____

His partner, Boe, could be a great man if not for his easily manipulated mind. He is incredibly strong and hardworking, loyal to the greatest of faults, and in need of love instead of bullying. Men like Eddie smell people like Boe a mile away and know exactly how to coerce them. Once Boe learns how to survive outside someone else's control, he'll be unstoppable.

_____

Abe wondered what Boe's plans were when they hit their new home. He'd never been without Eddie, and Abe hoped Herschel wasn't as right as he sounded. I should sit down and talk to him. Figure that boy out a little.

_____

Teddy - Eddie let this world blacken his soul, but Teddy actually seems to enjoy it. While I question his methods and his love of money, he manages to make people smile here, a rarity among the gloom of this wasteland. He is a powerful man, more than most people realize. He knows more about what's under the ash than anyone else and he knows where to get anything you need...for a price. He could be a good ally in the future.

_____

He'll get you Any-ting! Abe couldn't believe he still laughed at that joke.

_____

Abraham and Nathan - I know of no man in my life as selfless as Abraham.

_____

Abe's throat became tight and tears welled in his eyes.

_____

His care for Nate is boundless and it was not something he chose: He had it thrust upon him. Giving one's life for another is the greatest love that can be given, but giving one's health to rescue a lost boy is a very close second. He raises him harsh and strong but never unfairly and never with any blame or guilt for the ash lung Nathan caused him.

But his soul is sad and pained and filled with demons. An unchecked hatred for this country and his constant drunkenness make me worry about the role he sets for his son. Despite not being his biological father, Abraham is Nathan's father, just as the Father is father to us all. He could easily give up, stop working, and let himself wither away but instead, he works diligently everyday and gives Nathan hope for a better life, just over the horizon.

_____

Abe never needed appreciation. In the ash, everyone did what they had to survive. There were no parties or parades for killing a coyote or finding a food crate or rescuing a boy named Nate that was wandering in the desert. But to know someone saw and appreciated what he'd done meant more to him than he imagined. He wiped the tears from his eyes and read on.

_____

Nathan retains the spirit beaten out of so many around here: hope. Although he rebels mightily (and vocally) against Abraham, his heart craves more than this town. It knows there's more to this world than what we're given. He's as rebellious as anyone his age, not fully understanding what our elders have laid out before us, but he has a true heart and underneath his angst lies a deep love for Abraham and a boundless loyalty for saving his life. I see Nathan as a fleeting remnant of America's pioneer spirit from so long ago. Getting him away from the bars and into the books would turn him from a windblown child into an agent of fundamental change for his community. I hope he's up to the challenges life will throw him.

_____

That's my boy. Abe skipped ahead more pages.

_____

It is easy to see the grey gloom in this land, but a ray of happiness exists at the Port of Galveston. As often as I can, I head down there to see off those who have earned their way into the favor of Archadia. Our system isn't perfect, but it is fair and it is based on sound principles. If you want out, work your way there. The path is clear but the journey is not easy. By mandating each person earn their way into Archadia, we can assure ourselves of bringing in strong, ethical people with both ingenuity and an understanding of how their actions create a better whole. On this new planet, we must rely on each other as well on ourselves. The men and women climbing aboard these ships are not loafers or ambition-less slobs. They are the kinds of people who can rebuild the planet and make it better. Who can one day come back to this land and bring about the changes needed. I delight seeing these people off on their trip because I know they only move closer and closer to their fellow man.

_____

A great day for Huntsville! A local digger, 'Baby Foot' McGee unearthed a TANK in the ash. Must have been a left over from the National Guard Armory as it was gassed up, fully armed, and, aside from ash in the pipes, in mint condition. Teddy took one look at it and wrote out his ticket for Archadia on the spot. No more deserving fellow than him. I hope I make it back to see him off. I'll tell Sister to greet him on his arrival.

_____

And that was the day I vowed never to trade spots with another digger. Abraham still cursed himself for that.

_____

I have sent word to Sister to look for 'Baby Foot' McGee. I'm am sad to not see his shining face around town any more, but it gives me joy to know he's moving on into greatness.

_____

Despite my instructions, Sister didn't find McGee's ship. Not a one came into the Archadian-American dock. I have given her descriptions of the ship and his face but he never arrived. I am concerned. On a positive note, she's been moved to the Atlas program. Working directly for Commander Xiao himself. Maybe now she'll understand what I've been through.

_____

He probably wrecked the boat, Hersch. McGee is a loon.

_____

What I learned is so horrible I can't bring myself to write it out. Instead, I leave here the letter I received from Sister, so I may stop myself from dampening the truth in the name of appeasement.

Dear Brother,

What is written here is true. Know this. But before you read this you must promise me one thing: You must not utter a word of it or change your appearance or demeanor in any way. I tell you this because we are the ones who can make the difference, but ONLY IF WE REMAIN CONCEALED. I have told Alan and he has sided with me. Trust us, despite the screams of your soul.

I will state it plainly so there is no confusion or second guessing: The men and women who leave with Yuri Xiao are given as slaves. They do not go to Archadia. They do not begin new lives. They are put into death camps in Morocco.

_____

Abe's body turned to ice. His heart pounded on its frozen walls, sending chills through his body.

No. No no no no no. He carefully read over the letter again. Word by word. Letter by letter. He sat up and continued on, barely breathing.

_____

They are given as slaves to an unholy man, Nikelos Faubetor. Given freely by my superior, commanding officer, and your leader of the Atlas Program, Commander Yuri Xiao.

_____

No no no. Oh god no. Please no.

_____

The men not worked to death are divided between Warden Faubetor and Commander Xiao for brutal experiments that rob them of their life and humanity. Faubetor makes the nightmares come to life with his wild, grotesque specimens. Yuri feeds Warden Faubetor’s sadism for one purpose: Faubetor’s slaves mine the materials he needs for his his experiments in the Atlas program. Experiments which will bring about the end of America and the Archa Alliance as we know it.

_____

The ice in Abe dried up. He felt as if all the ash