Soulless: The Immortal Gene Trilogy, #1

By Jacinta Maree

Welcome to Soulless.
We are the generation that laughs at death.

Reincarnation; what was once considered a gift of immortality has become an eternity of nightmares.

Nadia Richards lives in a world plagued by reincarnation, a system of recycling souls where all past memories, personalities and traumatic events are relived daily in disjointed sequences. Trapped within their own warped realities, not even the richest and most powerful are saved from their own minds unraveling. Madness is the new human nature, and civilizations are crumpling beneath themselves trying to outrun it. 

Within a society that ignores death, Nadia appears to be the one exception to the reincarnation trap. Born without any reincarnated memories and with printless eyes, the hot tempered 19 year old quickly becomes the ultimate prize to all those wishing to end the vicious cycle, or for some, to ensure they could evade death forever.

Readers discretion: Adult language, violence and some adult scenes. For mature audiences only. Re edited Version 1/03/2016

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inked Rabbit Publishing
• Release date: Oct 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9780994383907

Book preview

Chapter one

The line for food was longer than usual. For six hours, I waited on the outskirts of the city, rocking from foot to foot to lessen the pain in my calves. To my right, I could see the city through the wire fence that pressed us to the side of the warehouse. Across the crumbled towers, the red sunset bathed the buildings in fiery brilliance. The orange beams slipped through the cracks in the windows and walls as it set across us. As the sun disappeared behind the slanted towers, it took with it its warmth, burying the city underneath a spate of rain and southern winds. I crossed my arms to retain what little warmth my body still held. Behind me, I could hear the impatient calls of those lined up further down. I looked down at my hands to recheck the coupons before quickly re-securing them in my pockets. Behind me, their voices grew louder.

When are you going to open the doors? one man yelled. We’ve been waiting all day. We need our food! another woman shouted.

The guards patrolling the fence tightened their grips on their weapons. The sight of guns wasn’t anything new; every single person in line had some type of pistol or knife hidden in their clothes. Some, like the guy down from me, were not hidden. He wore his belt of bullets like a sash with his automatic machine gun resting on the pad of his shoulder. He snarled when he caught my gaze, and I quickly looked away.

There was still some blood on the ground and wall from yesterday’s line-up and it smelt of rancid copper. The tension between civilian and police was as tight as a guitar string about to snap. I just wanted to collect my supplies and get out of there. I always felt uncomfortable standing in these types of lines. I hated having people behind me where I couldn’t see them. What was worse was they always pressed right up to my back so every mutter and sniffle and cough ran down my neck.

I jostled on the spot and turned back to check the queue behind me again. The line seemed endless, even disappearing around the corner. As I glanced down, I accidentally caught sight of someone I recognised. He was my neighbour, Robert, an older man and the type of guy who would sell your kidney if he thought he’d get a free meal out of it. He stood a few meters away but stepped out of line when he spotted me. He must’ve taken the split second eye contact as an invitation as he ran up to join me.

Nadia? Is that you? How funny, running into you here. Robert rubbed his hands together smugly. As always, he wore that ugly custard-yellow jacket and back-to-front green shirt with the tag sticking out the front like a tongue. As he talked, he exhaled into his palms and rubbed them against his pant legs.

I quickly turned my back on him. You’re not cutting in. I’ll just stand behind you. No one will even notice.

I turned and shoved him back. Get back. You’re going to get us both kicked out. The last thing I wanted was another riot, not now, not when I was so close to the front.

His eye twitched nervously. Help me out here. I’ll give you some of my share if you let me in.

I said no! Now go back to your spot! People were noticing. My face started heating up. This wasn’t looking good.

Fine, fine. He laughed nervously. I just wanted to make sure that you and your family knew about the upcoming sweep. There’s been a tip about some blacklist scum shacking up near our area. Dangerous stuff. As he spoke he edged in closer, pressing his body in between mine and the woman waiting behind. I clenched my jaw and quickly spun back. Despite our height differences, I managed to grab him by the collar and jerk his head down to my eye level.

Seriously, Robert. Back...the fuck...up.

His eye twitched again, causing his entire neck to jerk. He dropped his voice down into a rough whisper. Nadia, come on.  I’m desperate here. I haven’t gotten to the front of the line for three weeks. His tone held no hint of desperation, but was roughened up as though he was going to bully his way in.

Tough. I haven’t gotten to the front the whole month.

The woman behind me grabbed Robert’s hoodie and pulled him back. Ey! What do you think you’re doing? This girl is letting him cut! A choir of disgruntled voices fired up behind us. I turned back to face a very long and very irritated line of glares and tightened fists directed my way.

Along the fence, the police slowed when nearing us as I quickly turned and faced the front. Don’t get involved. Don’t get involved. The woman pulled Robert’s hood again, prompting Robert to swing his arm back. Don’t touch me, you fucking dog.

With a swift upwards jab, the woman drove her hidden shiv into the side of Robert’s ribcage. He seized up before collapsing to the ground, gripping the wound. Before anyone else could react, a policeman stepped up and fired, hitting the woman in the chest with his Taser gun. The electric shock jerked her body into a rigid plank before she fell to the ground in a seizure.

The shot sent the rest of the crowd into a panicked scramble.  A heavy force crashed forward behind me as the crowd rammed their shoulders into the sealed garage door in an attempt to break it down. Heat and panic flared like wild fire as the guards fired into the swarm of bodies scrambling to get to the front. Using my elbows, I was wrestling my way in between the gaps when I felt someone drive their fist into the side of my face. My neck was thrown the other way, knocking my senses awry. The moment I hesitated, someone grabbed my hair and yanked me backward, pulling me out of the crowd. Sharp pain shot up from my roots as I was thrown onto  the ground and rolled into the fence. Above my head, loud cracks of gunfire popped as people began flailing in epileptic fits. It was sickening how desperate everyone had become; they risked getting electrocuted rather than missing out on food scraps. And despite how hard they threw themselves against the garage, there was barely a dent in the door.

It was a losing battle and I reluctantly turned away. I went back to Robert’s body and rummaged through his pockets for his coupons. He only had the one stashed in his jacket, and it had expired, too. Goddamn asshole! I turned and fled for home.

Shit! I can’t believe I’m late, again! I glanced down at my phone to note the time. Ten past six. I’d missed curfew. The roaming police squads were already blasting their warning across the city. Curfew is in full effect. Anyone caught outside without proper authorization will be arrested and prosecuted.

I pressed myself against the walls of the neighbouring buildings, using the low light to hide. We were stationed further out, away from the inner city, keeping to the quieter suburbs where fewer raids occurred. In the more heavily populated zones, it was dangerous. People weren’t exactly kind to one another, and they definitely didn’t trust each other either.

We elected to stay in an apartment building far to the west of the central capital. The place wasn’t much but it still had sealed windows and a door that could lock, so it was good enough for us. The house was a narrow apartment block two-storeys high. I hitched my backpack higher onto my shoulder before making the last hundred- metre dash to my front door.

Once inside, the first words I heard were from my mother, Lisa. You’re late, Nadia!

I shrugged out of my backpack and dumped it by the door. Most of the house was still shrouded in darkness; the only light came from the kitchen where Lisa was cooking a stew. I placed my knife on the bench in the hall and slipped out of the shotgun sling.

As I walked into the kitchen, Lisa wiped her hands clean on her top before stepping around the counter. She looked at my hands hopefully. Where are the supplies?

I didn’t get any. I emptied my pockets and placed the coupons on the table. Lisa twisted her lips to the side, biting back her disappointment.

She then stepped closer and lifted my chin to inspect the bruise on my face. You can try again tomorrow. They’ll have to open it soon.

Or maybe they’ve just run out of fresh produce, I suggested irritably before jerking my chin away from her. It’s been weeks. We’re going to starve if this keeps up. Where’s Roman?

He’s out collecting the rations from the administrator. We should be getting some bandages, pain killers and new light bulbs for the den tonight. She turned back to the pot and continued to stir. That reminds me. You’re due for a reassessment tomorrow. Doctor Phillips called to make sure you’ll keep your appointment. Have you spoken to him yet?

I took a seat and clasped my hands, purposely ignoring the question. Is Annie home?

She’s asleep. Haven’t heard a peep in hours. She sighed with noted relief. We were starting to think we would have to send her in for more sessions with the technician.

She’s not one of them. There could be hundreds of reasons why she’s having vivid nightmares. It doesn’t mean she’s blacklisted. I can tell.

And you’ve dealt with a blacklisted before, Nadia? Lisa scoffed mockingly.

I know my own sister. I lowered my head and pushed away from the counter. Lisa was never going to listen. She had already pinched her face into that look of superiority, where nothing I said could ever dismount her from her high horse. Whatever. I’m going to bed.

Upstairs I stopped by Annie’s room and peeked in. She was stretched out on her back while cocooned in the bed sheets with her pillow kicked across the room. I noticed she was missing one of her socks as her long legs stuck off the end of her mattress. It was always the left sock, too. I turned to walk away when Annie’s sleepy voice called out, Nadia?

I stepped back to catch her peering up at me through a cracked eyelid. Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.

Did you get the milk?

I drew in a shaky breath. No. Not tonight.

Tomorrow then?

Maybe. I’ll try.

‘Kay. Annie mumbled her goodnights before she turned over. Moments later, she fell back asleep as gentle breaths shot through her nose like a whistle. I smiled and quietly took my leave to my own room.

It must’ve been hitting on midnight when I was awoken by muffled screaming. It only took a second to recognise the shrieks before I scrambled out of bed. My room was closer to hers so her screams were like wine glasses smashing against concrete floor.

Annie? Annie! I jumped onto her bed and pinned her down before she could throw herself from the mattress. Sh! Sh! It’s okay. Come on, wake up! It isn’t real, Annie.

Her body thrashed against my arms. I couldn’t keep her down as she bucked and screamed beneath me. She was getting stronger, or perhaps the nightmares were worse than before. Her voice was a shrill disturbance amidst the still of the neighbourhood. It rolled down the streets in chilling ripples but even so, no one would come out to investigate.

Over my shoulder, I heard the door kick open followed by our father’s voice. Not again.

I didn’t look back at him as he neared. It’s fine. I have her under control.

Just move, Nadia! Roman quickly pushed me off. I shuffled back as he held Annie down. Her screams climbed her throat like some sort of alien digging its way out from her internal organs, from within her very core. I cupped my hand to my mouth, but dared not look away. Roman continued to shake her, rough enough that her head flopped.

Snap out of it! Wake up!

Suddenly, Annie’s eyes snapped back and she inhaled a long, gasping breath. It took her only a few seconds to register where she was. When reality finally kicked in, Annie curled into Roman’s chest and cried. He looked back at me briefly, exhaustion setting his face into stone. Even without speaking, I could understand. This wasn’t looking good for Annie.

This can’t go on. Lisa’s voice came in from the doorway. She stood by the frame, arms crossed, but not a toe over the threshold. They’re getting worse. I can’t get a single good night’s rest here. She threw her hands up in frustration. If she’s one of them, we have to hand her over. We have to take her back.

You can’t— I jumped up as Roman held his hand up to shush me.

I’ll take her to get checked by the technicians tomorrow. It’s the only way. He eased Annie back onto her bed before rising. She tried to pull him in, but Roman shook his arm free from her hold.

Daddy, I’m scared, she called out.

He patted her on the head gently. It’s okay. We’ll get you fixed up tomorrow.

I glanced up to catch Annie’s eyes shift to me. Her cheeks were blotched pink, and her toasted hair had darkened under the sleek of her sweat.

Nadia? Her voice begged as she reached out. I immediately scooted over and took her into my arms. She was definitely burning up and covered in sweat; her clothes clung to her like a tongue to an icy lamppost.

It’s okay, Annie. I tried my best to soothe her. Roman joined Lisa at the door where they exchanged harsh-sounding whispers, as they did after every one of Annie’s episodes. I turned her head toward my shoulder and whispered into Annie’s ear to block the noise. Let’s wash you up, okay? She nodded as I hoisted her up and took her to the bathroom.

Chapter two

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The following morning, we sat in strained silence around the breakfast table. Roman leaned forward on his elbows as Lisa stood behind him in the kitchen, packing some food into a lunch box. The only person who didn’t seem tense was Annie as she slurped down last night’s stew. She even dribbled some down her chin and onto her dress.

Roman cleared his throat. So, Annie, is there anything you want to talk about? Annie glanced upwards, confused. Perhaps your dream?

Not really. She quickly looked down and continued eating. Roman looked at me, knowing I was looking at him, and frowned.

I couldn’t eat knowing we were going back to the technician today. As a child, I’d hated every visit. I’d rather have my teeth pulled than have them poking around in my head.

Maybe it really was just a dream, I suggested.

No nightmare can make a six-year-old scream like that, Lisa said from the counter. She ran her fingers quickly through her dry, straw-blonde hair. Roman, the appointment is at nine. Can you please get ready? Roman’s eyes didn’t stray from Annie, almost like he wanted to catch her doing or saying something strange. Lisa then addressed me. Nadia, don’t forget your appointment today, too, with Doctor Phillips.

That’s not until much later, I dismissed quickly. I want to go to the technician with Annie.

That’s not necessary.

But I want to, I insisted.

It’s okay. Roman pushed back his chair. Nadia should come with us. She can keep Annie under control. A knock came from the front door, and Lisa stepped into the hall to answer it.

A patrol officer greeted Lisa and stepped inside the house. He had his helmet visor down and was scrolling through notes on his electronic clipboard.

I’m here for Annie Richards, female, age six, he said without looking up.

I jumped up from my chair, angered. You called the patrol?

It’s just in case. Better safe than sorry, Roman said as he stood. Annie. Go to the officer now.

From her seat next to mine, Annie cautiously wiggled out of her chair and approached the front door. She hesitated, which must have annoyed Lisa, as she impatiently yanked Annie forward by the shoulder.

Stop dawdling, she scolded. Annie tensed up. The visor on the officer’s helmet whirred and I could faintly hear the hidden camera taking photos of Annie’s upturned gaze.

He then held his small phone to Annie’s face. The see-through screen flashed red as he positioned it against her eyes. Annie did her best not to blink, but the neon glare made it difficult.

Look into the light, the officer commanded before the phone beeped and the red glow disappeared. The clipboard in his hand hummed and he took a step back. He sighed, seemingly irritated at the data on his screen. Another inconclusive read, Richards. Report to sector five for further processing.

Roman called from the back of the hall, We’re already booked for the technician. We’re about to leave.

Be sure you report straight there.

Lisa walked off as Roman headed upstairs to get ready. Annie turned around, a little lost, as I took her by the shoulder. I spun her to face me, ensuring I avoided eye contact with the officer and his monitoring helmet.

It’s okay, Annie. Let’s get you washed up.

We shrugged into our large jackets and kicked into our thick leaded boots. We kept our gas masks around our necks just in case we walked across an open vent spewing chemical gas. There was always some sort of terrorist attack happening out in the capital. Just last month, the terrorist group known as the Mad Dogs had set off a chemical bomb in the sewer. The attack took out one hundred forty-five people in just six hours, the poison erupting up through the drains and shrouding the streets. I pulled my shotgun from under my bed. I snapped the barrel open and checked that it was still loaded. After I armed myself, I slipped into my backpack before securing a bandana over my nose and mouth. Annie grabbed my sleeve as I approached her at the front door.

Roman walked out behind us with his pistol in his belt and a hunting knife in his hand. Ready? he asked before looking down at Annie. Annie, where’s your pistol?

In my bag.

Okay, let’s head out.

Outside our house, weeds flourished in the cracked concrete  as regrowth swallowed the deserted cars scattered throughout the streets. The remaining buildings towered over us and stood like gutted skeletons with moss and rust scaling the walls, covering entire sides in wild green. The city felt silent and giant as we snuck in beneath the shadows. As an old house creaks, we could hear the surrounding buildings groaning; their weakened walls and battered bodies moaned in threat of collapsing. Trash bags lined the curbs along with the dead. Leaflets and trails of old newspapers and wrappers littered the streets like autumn leaves while dirty water overflowed from clogged drains. The wind would pass and lift the papers up, mocking our dead streets with playful dancing. Houses sat broken on their foundations, windows smashed, doors permanently barricaded and their properties fenced behind barb wire. The mess that had become of our city almost had an ugly beauty to it. The colours that wept between the cracked roads were always different— sometimes brown, sometimes black and red—as the streams pooled together near the curbs and disappeared into the few and far between unclogged chambers beneath our roads.

When needed, I helped Annie hop over the large potholes as Roman scouted ahead, his neck swinging left and right to check down alleyways for threats.

Where are we going? she asked, her voice innocent. I hitched my backpack higher.

To the capital.

Why?

We’re just visiting some people.

Don’t you have to get the milk, Nadia?

I pulled on my collar. The nights may be cold but the heat was harsh during the day. Not until later.

Mr. Rodgers lived on the corner of the block. He was more mad than dangerous. I wasn’t even sure if he had a gun to guard his cardboard box from stray cats. His distinct shrills were like a homing beacon; he never ventured far from his small self-made hut under an old canopy. Today, he was banging his head against the bricks on the neighbouring building, muttering in his delusions. His body was lost among the layers of coats and scarfs, his face barely recognisable through the grime and matted black hair that fringed his head.

In low mumblings, he kept repeating himself. Stop it. That clicking. Argh! Shut up! Shut up before I blow your brains out! One. One. One. One. One. One. One. One. Shut up! Shut up! That’s not my name.

Annie slowed to briefly glance at him before continuing on. I ensured that I kept myself between her and him, just in case. He was one twitch away from throwing a dangerous tantrum; it really was only a matter of time before he came unhinged and did some real damage—to himself and anyone who happened to be nearby.

Goddamn, that man is so loud, Roman growled. I have half the mind to just shoot him and get it over with.

You can’t do that. You’ll get in trouble, Annie piped up. No one will know it was me.

He’ll know, I noted under my breath. Roman glanced back over his shoulder and gave me a half-smile. Arrogant, as always.

The inner city was a forest of emptied buildings and giant monuments that had long been snapped in half by aerial bombings and terrorist attacks. The burnt smell coated my nose and tongue for days after each visit. I hated the inner city because of the extreme number of drug addicts and alcoholics that gathered there. People would have sex anywhere with the endless line of prostitutes selling themselves for a cigarette. Not to mention the months-old corpses that randomly appeared at every corner. We approached a woman who had collapsed on the ground perhaps a week ago, her legs sprawled and her tattered clothes laced with vomit and booze. Roman kicked her legs with the side of his boot.

When are they going to clean them up?

Dad, you shouldn’t touch, Annie lectured, again with the high pitch of innocence. Roman ducked down and rolled the woman over. Her blonde hair remained matted in a hive of knots. Her jaw had popped out of place so her mouth dropped opened. Most of her teeth were gone, and her lips were bruised as though she had been punched multiple times. He shoved her back, unnerved at the sight. Inner people are just dogs.

Where Annie would usually squeeze my hand at the sight of the dead, she now remained slack in my grip. She even hopped over the corpse as if it was just another crack in the footpath. The closer we drew, the clearer I heard the advertisement billboards speak. I tilted my head up as Annie stepped out of my grasp. The sky was bleak with a grey storm that never seemed to lift. On the billboards, beautiful women in white uniforms smiled down on us. They were always happy and always clean without a single blemish. They were so perfect; it was inhuman.

I am happy to be here, the model’s voice announced across the city. I am happy to have returned. I will make a better life for myself and for those around me. It is my duty and purpose to uphold my responsibilities. I will be scanned. I will obey. I am happy to serve the Elite.

I rolled my eyes. You and I live in different words, lady.

Annie turned around and said. Nadia? Come on. Dad’s getting too far ahead. I spat on the ground and continued onward, listening to cries of the common man get washed out by the Elite’s greatest lie.

The iron gates to Sector 5 stood erect like giant tombstones erupting out of the earth. As we approached, the pacing guardsman stepped up to the railing and shouted down from his post.

Civilians, move forward in a single file to be scanned and processed before entering the sector. Any signs of disobedience will result in you being incapacitated by electric Taser or shot. Further penalties apply to anyone who causes trouble. Do you understand? the guard barked.

Yes.

Then proceed.

Roman stepped up to a small camera and leaned in as the red light flashed before beeping its approval.

Annie then walked up and did the same. I swallowed hard and pulled the bandana down from my face. As I stepped up to the camera, unease fluttered through me. I always hated this part. Before I reached the camera, I stood back, knowing exactly where this was going.

Listen, I shouted up to the guardsmen. They shifted their guns up into view. The scan won’t work for me. I have official clearance papers right here.

Step up to the scanner to be processed. No exceptions.

I clenched my jaw. I must’ve looked at the camera for only a split second, catching the flash of red before I jerked my head away. The machine gave off a warning screech—three sharp horns followed by a looping ring. I rolled my eyes and pinched the bandana back over my nose. As the guardsmen descended the stairs, I waited against the gates with my arms crossed.

Roman sighed as he took out his phone and thumbed through his messages. Annie wrung her fingers together, unsure if she was able to approach me yet or not. I held my hand out to signal her to stay back. One guard stepped out with his gun pointed at my head.

I told you, I have pap—

The officer spun me and shoved my face against the iron wall. He held the Taser to the back of my neck; the sharp prongs were still hot from its last use.

He quickly made a call on his cell. Reporting an unclassified read, suspect to be a transplant user. Scanning detainee now. He whipped his phone to my face where the red light flashed again. After a few rings, Doctor Phillips’ face appeared on his caller ID.

This is Doctor Hun K. Phillips, classified class two. That’s my patient you’ve apprehended. Release her immediately, he barked.

She doesn’t have a read, the guard argued.

Doctor Phillips raised his voice. I wasn’t asking you. I’m telling you. In her possession, she should have a clearance card. I suggest you try that first before you continue to waste my time.

Understood, sir.

Good. The connection dropped as the solider eased off my back.

Papers, now! he demanded.

I whipped my card out from my pocket and shoved it into his chest. He put the card into his chip reader and the phone beeped its acceptance. I snatched the card back.

Better get that bug fixed, freak.

Screw you, I mumbled as I walked out of ear shot. Every goddamn time. I swear a monkey can do a better job than them.

The iron gates creaked open and Roman beckoned Annie and me through. Don’t make trouble, Nadia. We’re already late.

As we walked further into the sector I loosened my grip on my gun. Roman moved more at ease, but I kept my shotgun rested on my shoulders and out in clear view. Unlike the washed-out city surrounding the area, Sector 5 looked more like