The Defected: The Defected, #1

By Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

The world as you know it is gone. And you allowed it to happen.  
 
I am sure you believe you would never allow such a thing to happen, but it’s true. The concepts you hold so dearly to yourself: freedom, truth, democracy, and the options of choices. You gave them all up for the concept of protection.  
 
The government told you the world was unsafe and so you allowed them to take away your freedom and your rights. You willingly handed over your weapons when they fed you the notion of peace. You jumped in when they called it Utopia. But nothing is perfect. And anything labeled as such is nothing more than a lie. One you fell for hook, line, and sinker. 
 
But don’t worry; it didn’t happen all at once. It started in 2001 when the first piece of the elaborate puzzle of our downfall was put into place. They called the attacks terrorism and completely unforeseen. But I guess that doesn’t matter now. What matters now is the life we are living. Those of us that fight against the power and refuse to be brainwashed into compliance, we are called the Defected.  
 
If they catch us, we are either turned to their way of thinking or we are recycled. You really don’t want to know what recycling means. It might burst that perfect bubble you’re living in. The one where you believe you’re safe and there is not a war waging around you and outside the walls that you’ve turned a blind eye to for the idea of safety. 
 
No, who would want to do that? 
 
Everyone. Everyone, but us, the Defected. We just want to live in peace outside the world of the Norms. We want to have our own ways. As long as we’re left alone, there will be no issues and you can continue to live your dream of false security and we will live our lives in the real world. 
 
Discover the world of the Defected as Louise and Mack take on the newest dangers to threaten their home and what it means to be taken by the City.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jesse Kimmel-Freeman
• Release date: Jun 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513051673

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

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The day was hot. Not the kind of hot you experienced in the City. Nope, out here in the No-Go zone, there was no climate control. There was just the world; well, what we hadn’t screwed up. It wasn’t pleasant. Not that fake crap they served up to the Norms. There was no glossy finish out here. That was why I loved it so much. All of us Defected could slap on a pretty smile and follow orders blindly; not questioning what was going on around us. But we didn’t. We were like the No-Go- real.

Louise! Get the hell off of there before the Ds see your dumb ass. Mack called out from below the old billboard, the vaguest outline of an old school drink called Coca Cola lingering in the bright light.

Shut up, Mack! If you’re so worried maybe you should hide! I growled as I started down.

Your dad made me promise to make sure you did nothing stupid. I’m keeping that promise. His bright green eyes squinted at me in defiance.

Yeah, well, Dad’s dead. He couldn’t stay out of trouble. Do you really think I’ve got a chance to live any other way? I snorted.

Yes. We don’t need to be part of the City to live a normal life, Lu. He reached out and gently pushed a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

I shrugged him off. Mack was a great guy. He was everything that any of the girls in our little community would be lucky to get. But Mack just wanted me; ever since we’ve been kids it’s always been the two of us against the world. But something changed when my dad died. Mack and him had a talk that day, and Mack went from being my partner in crime to being an ever hovering protector and I hated it.

Come on, we better head back. The Ds come by every hour. You know they’re looking for us. He held out the cover for us to walk around away from the protection of the old forgotten buildings.

What happens if they find us, Mack? They’ll take us to the City. You ever wonder what life would be like in there? I was born out here in the No-Go. The City was a place our parents told us about as kids. They had been some of the first to escape from the Government and their ruling force.

No. And you shouldn’t either, Lu. Our parents left there for a reason. That place is nothing but trouble. He looked worried.

I couldn’t help myself and looked back toward the shiny dome. A part of me longed for that world, but I knew I’d never fit. I was raised a Defected, and I’d die one. I couldn’t just follow orders. I suppose that was part of the reason I was out here looking at a world I had no real clue about.

Lu, come on. Your mom is gonna flip if she finds out you were out here again. Mack tugged on me.

Mom is afraid of everything- ever since Dad died. It was a sad truth. My dad’s death broke her.

She just doesn’t want to lose you too. Give her some slack. Your dad brought her into this world. He revved the hover disk.

She shouldn’t have left her world. She doesn’t belong out here. I frowned as I stepped on and wrapped my arms around him.

His scent- warm spice- drifted to me and made my feelings stirred. I pushed against the feelings. I fell in love with Mack the day he caught me when I fell from an abandoned balcony I stupidly climbed up. But I knew what happened when you joined with someone out here. It was expected that you breed and expand our ranks. I didn’t want this life for anyone- let alone my future kids, if I ever had any. Mack knew I loved him, he also understood my logic.

When my dad died, my world changed and Mack saw those changes more than anyone else. That was day I stopped exploring just to see the world and the day I knew I’d have to find a way for our people to live and thrive and not just exist. That was what we were doing here- existing. And I despised the Norm for their posh life.

The hum of the disk drown out any chance for Mack to lecture me about how I shouldn’t be so hard on my mom. But it didn’t matter what he said, I knew she didn’t belong here. It didn’t matter that she left the City eighteen years ago, a year before I was born, she still hadn’t fully adjusted. She just wasn’t meant for a life like this- not after growing up in one of the most predominate families in the City. I wasn’t even upset that I had been robbed of that life. What I really wanted was for my mom to be comfortable.

Mack didn’t realize that the reason I kept going out to the billboard wasn’t just because my dad had died out there. It was because I was watching and learning.

The disk cut off as we reached the edge of the community.

Lu, she chose to come out here. That was her choice. You have to honor that. He helped me off from the platform were the disks were stored.

Mack, you and I both know she came out here for Dad. He’s gone. She could go home. I bet my grandma is still alive. They’d take her back without question. She was their only kid. That had to hurt them more than anything else. Can you imagine what it would be like if your only kid gave up everything to chase after love? I shook my head, disgusted once again at her choice.

Love is one of those things that isn’t easily explained. He shrugged.

Right, because you’re suddenly a love guru. Please. I rolled my eyes.

Louise Annabel Sophia Eleson! My mother’s voice pierce the world around us.

I shrunk down into my shoulders and stepped behind Mack.

Oh, hell no. I am not getting in the middle of this… again. He slipped away.

Traitor. I hissed after him.

My beautiful mom looked frazzled again. Her honey brown hair was pulled back into a messy bun. Her eyes crinkled with worry. The apron she wore was wrinkled from her twisting it. My heart panged at what I kept putting her through, but I was on a mission.

Hi, Mom. I gave her a little smile.

Oh don’t you, ‘Hi, Mom,’ me! You know I don’t want you out there. Why do you keep going out there? What if something happened to you? Or what if you got Mack killed? Have you ever thought that you’re not only risking your life but his as well?! She shouted at me.

Everyone within earshot turned to look busy.

Can we do this back at the house?

Why? Are you embarrassed? You should be! You’re reckless with not only your life, but Mack’s. You don’t think of anyone but yourself. What if your father was still alive? Do you think he’d be proud of your behavior? Her hazel eyes burned bright with hurt and disappointment.

Tears peaked, and I blinked hard to hold them back. I took off and ran.

Louise! My mother called after me.

Don’t worry, Mrs. Eleson, I got her. Mack’s strong voice carried behind me.

I ran harder. I knew I couldn’t out run him. He was just as fast as I was, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t try. I pushed hard. My legs slammed into the ground; propelling me forward with each thump. The edge of the community came into view.

Freedom! The voice in the back of my head screamed. I never made it this far without him grabbing me. Temptation tickled as I got closer to the border. Is he not chasing after me? All it took was one look to realize he was only shadowing me. I stopped.

Lu, come on. His voice was gentle.

"No! I hate this place. I hate her and you!" I spit out the words.

That’s not true. Come on. He took my hand and I ripped it out of his grip.

I scowled at him and crossed my arms.

So you plan on standing out here all alone forever? Or how about walking out into that with no supplies or a way to travel or hunt or anything? He cocked a brow at me.

Shut up! GAH! I turned away from him, trying to hide the tears.

It’s okay. His strong arms closed around me as he slowly turned me.

I shook with the force of the tears. Sobs escaped from me.

She doesn’t get it… I’m not like her! Dad was everything. He was strong and brave. Look at her! She hides here! I don’t want that. Dad wouldn’t be ashamed of me. He’d see what I’m doing and be proud that I’m trying to take care of her. My tears soaked through his thin shirt.

Lu, your dad was always proud of you. And he understood just how much like him you are. That’s why he asked me to look out for you. What are you doing? Maybe if you told me I could help you or at least help her understand. His lips gently brushed the top of my head.

"I can’t. You’ll talk me out of it or rat me out. I have to do this." I looked up at him, eyes pleading for him to understand.

You aren’t alone in this world.

But I am, Mack. Dad is gone. Mom doesn’t belong here. And you… you aren’t you anymore. You’re the guardian Dad turned you into. You aren’t my Mack anymore. A new tear streaked down my cheek.

I’ll always be your Mack. You might not see that, but everyone else does. He confided.

When was the last time you went on an adventure, Mack? One just to discover something new. Because I can remember when that was. It was six months ago. Before Dad died. You still haven’t told me what you guys talked about that day? It was hard to get him to understand.

I go on adventures all the time. Lu, following you around is an adventure all its own. He chuckled.

Not like before. I scowled.

No, not like before. But things are different. You’re different. You don’t go on them either. You go out to that billboard and watch the City and Ds. Always watching. I know you’re planning something. You have been for six months. I just can’t figure out what it is. You can’t take out the Ds. The droids are unmanned and anything they see as a threat, they get orders to either capture or kill. He told me.

Exactly. Capture or kill. So why was Dad killed and not taken? What was he doing out there? I growled, feeling the familiar anger rise.

He was getting information. Or he was supposed to. There’s an insider that has info he needed for the next expansion project. He was going out there to get that info. Something happened though. The Ds were sent out off their schedule and they weren’t interested in capture. He was put down. His contact wasn’t found, so it’s assumed that he was a rat. Mack’s calm expression hardened.

Why didn’t anyone tell me any of this?

I was sworn not to. But you should know. No one should be left with so many questions. His beautiful face frowned. Now, what are you planning out there?

I want to get Mom back. She doesn’t belong out here and if she was back in the City, maybe she’d be happy. I confided.

Lu. She’d never go. And you wouldn’t last a week there. He looked sad.

I bet she would. And I could fake the smile and obedience that’s needed to exist there. Mom deserves to be happy.

She does. But what makes you think she’d be happy there? She isn’t a Norm anymore.

I don’t think that’s something that ever leaves you, Mack. I think it stays with you forever. Just like being born Defected. I’ll always be this way. It was a big risk.

And if you don’t adjust to their ways, they’ll recycle you, Lu. Do you even understand what that means? Panic rose in his voice.

Come on, Mack. You know I can play a part when I need to. I batted my lashed at him.

What you’re talking about isn’t one of our childhood games. You’re old enough that they’d destroy you if they thought you were a threat to their system. Do you think your mom would agree to go back if she thought you’d be in danger?

And if I don’t give her a choice? I countered.

Oh, no. What harebrained idea have you gotten stuck in your head? Whatever it is, it’s not going to work and you’re just going to get us all killed.

Shut up, Mack. You don’t know everything. I shoved him away.

I might not know everything, Lu. But I can tell when something is a bad idea. And this a bad, a very bad idea. He let me walk away.

The dirt blew in the gentle breeze as I kicked at the ground.

Am I making a mistake? I knew my mom didn’t belong out in the No-Go, and she needed to be back in the City. But I wasn’t sure if I could play the part I’d need to go with her.

What do I do?

CHAPTER 2

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Mom sat at the table clutching her apron again. Her dress was tattered around her feet. She had once been a socialite before and when I looked at her, my heart panged for her. Everything she had given up that life for was gone now. I didn’t see why she couldn’t just go back home.

Oh, thank goodness, Louise. I was worried. She said as I stepped into the house.

Mom, do you miss it? I asked.

Miss what? She looked confused.

The life you had in the City.

Longing passed over her face before she answered, I’m happy here, Lu. My family means more than the comforts that the City offered.

If you could go back, would you? The true answer was obvious.

I don’t know. There’s so much we don’t know that happens when a Defected goes to the City. I’d never risk you, not for that life. She answered.

But if you could, would you? I pressed.

Catherine, you’re needed in the Medic House. The town leader, Bart, stepped in.

Right away. She turned, We can talk about this more later.

Mom kissed me and left. We wouldn’t talk about it again. She gave me a small glimpse and now it was time to work on my plan. Mack would be an issue, but I figured I could work around it.

Knock, knock.

I turned and Mack stood in the doorway.

What do you want? I frowned.

Well, I saw your mom head over to Medic, so I figured you’re gonna need some dinner. I thought I’d invite you over. He smiled.

Like I can’t fend for myself? I cocked a brow at him.

Look, Lu, I get you’re in a mood. But you and I both know you suck at cooking. You’re more likely to burn down your house than not. You’re badass with almost any weapon or hand to hand, but the whole domestic thing isn’t your thing. He almost laughed as he said.

Fine. Let me get cleaned up and I’ll come over. He was right.

Mack came from a huge family. He had five younger siblings. He was the oldest. But his mom never worried about him. His dad worked over in the Medic House, but was home every night. They were a happy group. They were also all true Defected. They didn’t come from families that benefited from the Government. These were the people that started off with little to begin with. No-Go offered them a chance at something more. They had nothing to go back for.

Oh, Louise. It’s always nice to have you over. His mom cooed at me as I came inside.

Thanks, Mrs. Dizlend. Mom got called over to the Medic again. I explained liked she didn’t already know. But everyone knew everything that happened in our community.

Of course. Just find yourself a seat. She gestured to the table, the only open spot was next to Mack.

I sat down and looked at him.

What? He said with amused eyes.

Interesting that this is the only spot. Where are the other chairs?

Oh, the twins spilled something on them. He shrugged.

Right. I could see the chairs stuck off on the side. His mom looked over at them and just shook her head.

She put plates down and we ate in their everyday chaos. It made me a little sad to be an only child. I watched Mack help with his younger siblings. He knew how to handle each one to get them to eat and not make a giant mess. He understood his family.

He’d leave all this if I took Mom back to the City. He’d follow me. It was the only thing that really stopped me. Mack belonged with his family and I couldn’t destroy that.

Mrs. Dizlend, you’ve known my mom for a long time. What was she like before you guys left the City? I turned to his mom and Mack looked up at me.

Your mom was one of the biggest names out there. When she met your dad, her world changed. I think they fell in love the moment they met. Your grandmother had your mom set to marry some guy, but when your dad found out they left that night. They were meant to be together. She looked from me to Mack with knowing eyes.

I pursed my lips.

Thanks for dinner, Mrs. D. Do you need any help cleaning up? I cleared my throat.

Nope. I’m fine. Mack, why don’t you walk Louise back home? She smiled at her son.

Yes, ma’am. He stood and waited for me to get ready.

Thank you again. I said as we slipped out the door.

We walked in silence for a minute. I wasn’t sure how to bring things up.

Your mom’s kinda obvious there. I smiled.

Yeah. Both our moms think we’re a match made in heaven. He stopped me half way.

Mack, it would never work. We’re on different paths. I turned slightly away from him, taking in the drab brown buildings- meant to hide us from those looking for noticeable housing.

We don’t have to be, Lu. His fingers turned my head back towards him.

Didn’t you hear your mom, Mom was happy there. If her mom hadn’t tried to marry her off, they might have stayed there. Maybe that’s what Dad was doing out there. Trying to find a safe way back in. I looked him in the eyes.

Lu…

I’m going to get her back. I crossed my arms.

I don’t doubt that you’ll do your best to. Promise me one thing. He said.

What?

That when you see me trailing behind you, you won’t forget me when you’re back in the socialite world. He looked so sad.

Mack, you shouldn’t follow me. You’re happy here with your family. There’s enough girls here to find a nice one to settle down with. I swallowed the sadness that threatened to climb out at the thought of him with someone else.

Lu, we’re seventeen. Neither one of us want to settle down. That’s what will happen though. But no one could compare to you. He leaned closer.

Mack… My words failed me.

His lips touched mine in a gentle caress before he pulled back. My mind blanked, and I felt dizzy.

Goodnight, Lu. He turned and walked back to his house.

My fingers trailed over my lips that still tingled where his had touched them. My first kiss. A smile spread across my face.

CHAPTER 3

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I walked back to my house, the warm smells of dinner still floating in the air. A small secret smile spread into a grin as I headed inside.

Mack, you know that girl loves you, right? Mom said from her spot at the sink.

She might love me, but she doesn’t know it yet, Mom. But she will.

She turned and looked at me. Joy crossed over her face.

You kissed her. It wasn’t a question. You two would make an excellent couple. She’s perfect for you. You already asked her father.

She isn’t ready, Mom. She has plans. I’ll wait until she is. It was a sad truth, but I understood Lu’s reluctance to fall in line with the Defected ways. I didn’t think she’d find the life she wanted with the Norms though either.

They never are, Mack, my dear sweet boy. Sometimes you have to push the issue.

I’m afraid to push her away. Mom… I needed someone to talk to.

Yes, sweetheart? My tone let her something was wrong, and she sat at the table.

I’m worried. I promised her dad I’d protect her- even from herself. But I don’t know if I can. My hand slid through my sandy hair.

What makes you worry so? She knew there was more. Even though our family was large, she knew each of us better than we’d ever know ourselves.

I think she’s going to try and get her mom back to the City. She thinks her mom is miserable here and she only left there to avoid being married to someone else. She wants to fix it and give her mom a good life. I confided.

Mom let out a long sigh. She closed her eyes and gently shook her head. The loose brown bangs that usually framed her face danced with the movements. It’s true.

Wait… what?

Catherine has never been a Defected at heart. To be honest, I think Daniel tried his best to make up for that fact. She would’ve followed him to the Moon Station and back or even to the Destroyed Lands. Catherine was and will always remain a socialite at heart. She spent her entire life being that, she never knew anything more. When they rushed from the City to ensure she wouldn’t marry Barry, they never stopped to think about what life would be like for her. They ran with the blinders of love on. Mom explained.

What does that even mean?

She never took much interest in setting herself into the community. Whereas Daniel was a figurehead for us, she was happy to be in the background doing only what was asked of her. The only real skills she learned were the medical ones to tend to Daniel when he returned from his missions. She wanted to be the one to care for him. She continued.

No way. I’ve seen Mrs. Eleson with other people. She’s so gentle and kind. I didn’t believe this image my mom was painting.

That’s her nature. She’s kind and gentle, but this isn’t the life she’d choose now that Daniel is gone. Do you really think Louise could get her back to the City? Mom asked.

I think that’s what she’s doing out there. Learning the Ds schedules and the different elements she’d be up against. Mom, I don’t want her to go. I held back the tears I could feel coming.

Mack, Louise will choose her own path. She’ll discover the world of the City if that is where it leads her. What I want to know is if she goes, will you follow her? Her thin brows pulled together.

I promised her dad I wouldn’t let anything happen to her and I love her, Mom.

I understand that, Mack. But you need to understand the world of the City for people like us. We are not of the socialite world. Should you return to that world, your only hope would be that Catherine’s mother took you in as a charge. Because if she didn’t, I can promise you that you’d never see Louise again. It is the nature of the City. You stay with your class. The world she painted wasn’t something I wanted to be a part of.

Do you really think Lu wants to live like that? I didn’t want to believe it.

I don’t think she knows what she wants. But she lost her anchor when Daniel died. She’ll try to do the most honorable thing for her mother and that means getting her back to the City. I think she realizes that it is basically a one way trip. From what I know of the City, they tag those that come from the outside. You’ll be monitored and chipped. She looked out the window.

Tagged? Who does that? A blind rage filled me.

Mack, you may have to let go of your promise. My dear sweet boy, you are not a Norm. You’ve never known the strict life of them. And that anger you carry with you, it will be your destruction. You could find another girl…

No. There is no other girl. Lu’s meant for me. Her dad understood that, and that’s why he made me promise. I had to show him I was good enough for her. And I’ll keep my promise to him. Nothing else matters. I turned and walked toward my room.

Mack, please just think about the different options. Mom called out to me.

I nodded and stepped into my room.

With the door shut, I allowed my emotions to carry me. I grabbed my throwing knives and nighttime gear and slipped out my window. Mom wouldn’t check on me for a while. She’d wait until Dad got home and could talk to him before she addressed the issue again. Plenty of time.

The wind picked up and battered at our dirt homes. A force we lived with. I pulled the bandana up to keep the dirt out of my mouth and pulled down my glasses. My shadow climbed the walls as I slinked through the quiet of the night. Everyone was in, safe from the elements. I needed to be out in the air. The conflict going on inside me felt like the wind beating down on our community.

Lu was the girl for me, but her choice could kill me. My family was here. Everything I ever knew was here. The glint was all that shown as the knife left my hand and struck the target dead center. If I could only convince Lu to stay. Maybe we could get her mom back to the City, but she could stay out here. A small thud as the next stuck to the head of the target. I can’t lose her.