Camp Despair: Identification series, #2

By R.P. Reece

Toussaint Gibson has finally accepted his role as leader of the Resistance. Unfortunately, The Republic soldiers have killed and jailed most of the Resistance Fighters.

Alex Copeland has a vendetta towards Toussaint and has not let up on his promise of destroying everything he cares about. First, killing Toussaint's mother and now has his eyes on his wife.

The Resistance is outnumbered and outgunned. Will Toussaint and the Resistance rise, or will they be defeated and sent to Camp Despair?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhouse Press
• Release date: Jan 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393417149

R.P. Reece

Peace everyone, I am R.P. Reece and you are now on my author page. I write Dystopian novels with diversity. What makes my stories different is that it features characters that come from different social, economic and cultural background and thrust them into a place that is undesirable.  My Identification series starts with the novel, Rainier's Republic, to summarize the story; its about a researcher who finds out that a billionaire wants to inject all the citizens of Washington state with Universal Identity Chips (RFID for reference). The main character makes an announcement of his findings, it causes an uproar and he is forced into hiding. While what he warned would happen, takes place. You can find Rainier's Republic, on Amazon, Kindle, Kobo, Scribd, Barnes and Noble and many other print and E-book platforms. Thank you for visiting my page, hope you stay.

Book preview

Build or Destroy

Haki studied the map that Camilla had gave him. For the pass two months, he busied himself noting each of the locations Toussaint was rumored to be.

Like everyone, Haki and the group he belonged to were trying to find Toussaint and his resistance. During the chaos of having to be chipped or face imprisonment, those who would have joined Toussaint were spread thin trying to avoid the soldiers.

Haki’s sixteenth birthday was two months away. The few changes in his appearance were minor, patches of hair grew under his chin and what used to be shaved above the ears, was now hair curling into a kernel. He stood five foot seven inches and weighed roughly one hundred fifty pounds, about fifteen less than when he escaped the Rebel Land massacre.

It was still fresh on his mind, even though it had been roughly six months ago. To his knowledge he was the only survivor. His Parents, Kemon and Yasha, who were the leaders of the community sacrifice their lives for him to escape the Republic’s invasion.

The area was known as the Warrior Community because of the many failed attempts to seize it by the Republic soldiers.

It would be nice to see Lonnie again. I just hope he got away and is safe.

Some things remained the same however, Juan, Camilla’s brother, treated Haki like one of his soldiers, which resulted in days spent in isolation, studying possible locations of Toussaint’s whereabouts.

On rare occasions he ventured out of the house with Juan to find food for the group, he persistently asked for updates on the progress of reaching Toussaint via radio. Unfortunately, no one knew the channel to reach the resistance. The risk of revealing oneself over a broadcast was dangerous, since no one knew how to get in contact with Toussaint.

Haki assumed the Republic was listening to find the Resistance. He scanned the map of what was known as Washington state. His notes placed Toussaint around the Auburn-Federal Way area. He felt the pressure of finding Toussaint increase.

The last instructions his father gave him played before his eyes. If I die here, I want you to take this to Master Elijah, his father handed him a black ring with a star in the middle. He will know you’re my son. Don’t tell anyone you have it, do you understand me? No one.

How will I find Master Elijah? What do I do when I find him?

Find the Rebel Toussaint; Master Elijah will be close. As far as your other question, that is for Master Elijah to decide. Kemen said.

Haki revealed the necklace his father gave him, from under his shirt and gazed at the black ring with the lone star. Every time he observed it, the star seemed to move as if it were a compass.

There was a knock on the door that pulled his attention. He replaced the necklace under his shirt and rose from the bed and opened the door.

¿Cómo estás? Camilla asked with a smile.

Camilla was the same height as Haki and twenty pounds lighter. Her long black hair was pulled into a ponytail, the brown highlights acted as a trail leading underneath her army fatigue hat. Her skin was a golden brown, which highlighted her Latin features and reminded Haki of the color of honey.

I am good and you? he replied with a smile, relaxing into the door as he studies her frame.

Come on, she reprimanded teasingly. Speak to me in Spanish.

Don’t feel like it. He shrugged. I won’t be using spanish when we find Toussaint.

Why? You’re getting better. She complimented. And I’m almost sure he would have somebody that speaks spanish around. And if not, you could be the translator.

I’ll leave that job to you and Juan.

I like talking to you more. She replied twirling a strand of loose hair.

Yeah, that’s because I can only reply with cuss words. He laughed. I only started to learn because of you.

That’s not true. she blushed.

Spending the past few months with her revealed a kindness that reminded him of mother. Though they had their differences, mainly his attitude towards Juan, he always thought highly of her.

Did you want to come in? he asks as he backs away and waves her in.

No, I came to get you. Juan wanted to speak to you. She says, pulling away from the doorframe and back into the hallway to make room for him.

What does he want now? Haki asks rolling his eyes.

Don’t know, you’ll just have to see. She shrugs and points down the hall.

Okay, Haki replied. But he better not be wasting my time, again. I need to listen to the radio to find Toussaint.

Haki looks back around the room and seeing that it was presentable enough to leave unattended, he followed her.

Since the reunion of the siblings, Haki rarely spent time alone with Camilla. He was either busy trying to find the resistance or she was gone on a mission. Haki followed Camilla through the small hallway that separated his room from the dining area, where he knew Juan would be.

It seems that you need to contribute more to our cause, Juan stated.

Juan was a shade lighter than Camilla. He was five foot ten inches and one hundred eighty-five pounds. His hair was the same color than his younger sister but was cut military style. He sported a full goatee.

Juan was average built but, was athletic due to his service in the National guard. On his hip, two pistol rests in their holster.

What do you mean by that? he stopped a few feet away.

You eat, sleep and shit here. We need to come to an understanding.

I thought we already did. I spend every waking moment looking for Toussaint and you take credit if we find him.

Doesn’t sound like it’s worth me keeping you around. He replied leaning back in his chair.

What do you want? he sighed.

Look, we have to run for supplies. I want you to go with us. Simon was caught the last run and we need someone else.

Normally I would but, I don’t feel like it today. He folded his arms.

I don’t care how you feel, you’re going. Juan stood abruptly almost knocking the chair back.

I’m not your soldier. If that’s not understood, I can pack my stuff and leave right now.

Juan did not reply. He studied Haki’s face for a few moments, once satisfied with his thoughts he motioned for Haki to come closer, but the younger man stayed where he was.

I like you kid. He chuckled. You have balls but, remember the only reason I haven’t kicked your ass is that my baby sister has grown fond you- like a pet.

Your empty threats don’t scare me. You need soldiers; I need no one. It looks like you need me more than I need you. So, stop the machismo act. He declared.

So, you’re not going to go with us? That your final answer.

My first and final.

Juan advanced towards Haki with balled fists. The younger man got into a defensive stance to ward off anything thrown his way.

Camilla jumped between the two with her hands up, she glared at Juan.

Why do you fuck with him all the time? she challenged Juan.

That little punk has a big mouth. He said staring at Haki, avoiding his sister’s eye contact.

You called him a pet, how do you expect him to act?

Like he has some fucking sense. Juan said trying to get around his sister.

He could watch the prisoners while we go on a run for supplies. Camilla throws out the suggestion.

You have prisoners? Haki asks them both surprised by the revelation.

I don’t. They were here when we arrived, she promised.

Yeah, we have prisoners. Republic soldiers. Juan smirked backing away from the duo and took his seat again. I like the idea, go watch the prisoners.

You’re a regular saint, Haki said sarcastically.

I’ll show you the way, Camilla said before her brother could respond.

Juan hands Camilla the key and watches as Haki follows her to the flight of stairs.

Has he always been an asshole like that? Haki asks Camilla.

I think he’s super overprotective because he lost me before and doesn’t want to again. Also I’m the only girl here around a bunch of men. You would be the same way. She replied thinking of when Haki saved her.

I don’t think I would. He shrugged.

So what about in Rebel land when those guys were trying to take me in the tunnel and you came out of nowhere and saved my life? she glanced back.

I didn’t know you then. he followed her.

Doesn’t matter. She giggled.

I would think it’d be better to keep prisoners in a basement, instead of an attic, Haki changed the subject.

I’m sure if the house had a basement, we’d keep them there, Camilla responded.

Why did Juan choose this place for headquarters?

This was his girlfriend’s house before the Republic forced everyone to abandon their property.

I don’t get it. I thought one of the benefits of receiving the chip was to keep your house.

The last I heard the ‘Jects have a choice to move to Seattle or stay where they’re at.

’Jects? he asked with a puzzled expression.

Yeah it’s a term my brother started. You know short for injected.

Haki nods; this was the first time he heard her say ‘Jects.’ He liked the name, it was simple and not as long as ‘those who were chipped.’

The duo made it to the door at the top of the stairs which she unlocks with the key. Upon opening the door, they are greeted with a musty damp odor. As they moved through the door, he could see it was another short hallway with a door on the left and another at the very end.

That’s the bathroom. She says pointing to the door on the left. And the room ahead is where they keep them, Camilla said making sure he knew she did not see them as her prisoners.

With each step the smell intensifies, Haki felt a headache forming. The smell of rotting wood and human feces mingled in the air; he masked his nose with the collar of his shirt hoping it would help.

You ready? Camilla asked as she pushed the door opened.

Haki nodded as the rank scent of rotting flesh, bodily fluids and mold hit him in the face and then proceeded to overwhelm him; he felt sick to his stomach. The room was completely dark, but he could hear the labored breathing from whoever was in the room.

The colder air of the hallway pushed at his back as the moist rank air within the room tried to escape.

Is there a light switch? Haki asked. He couldn’t see into the cave-like attic and needed light.

Everything in him rebelled against breathing as Camilla fumbled around the moist walls. As the light came on, like nocturnal insects, the five prisoners tried to turn away from the light but couldn’t due to their bondage.

Each prisoner was bound with hand and ankle shackles that was connected by a large chain to the prisoner across from him. The chains met in the middle of the room where a bolt held them in place. There were six prisoners in total.

A giant rat, the size of a small cat ran behind one of the prisoners. One glance and Haki knew the man was dead; the corpse’s legs were black with infection. Mustard colored pus had oozed out of the open sores where the rat feasted. It was obvious that before death the man had been malnourished and that he had been in the room a very long time as mold grew on his clothing nearly consuming his body.

The flesh of his lower jaw was stripped to the bone, shreds of upper lip dangled above his teeth.

Repulsed by what he saw, Haki averted his eyes and for the first time noticed the black mold that grew unchecked on the walls as if it were its fur.

Someone slammed the door downstairs and changed the air-pressure coming through the hallway door, sending a gust of cool air into the room causing the mold to ripple as if a pebble was thrown into a pond. The mold had grown to two inches in length and had covered every inch of the white wall, above the prisoner’s heads it drooped like a low hanging fruit ready for picking.

How could you guys do this to them? he asked, his voice raw with disgust.

They are my brother’s prisoners, not mine, she whispered, as if ashamed.

But you knew about it, that makes it your responsibility also, he declared.

Haki, I swear I tried to convince my brother about freeing them or at least letting them out of the room long enough to breathe, but he wouldn’t budge, she admitted.

So, they don’t leave the room at all? he asked looking at the prisoner who was rat food.

No. her voice was soft as she looked everywhere but the chained men.

The mold will kill them, he said turning his gaze to Camilla.

Yeah, she responded weakly. That’s not the only thing. Juan has hiss men torture them for information.

He is a… Haki’s words trailed off as he looked at one of the prisoners who stared defiantly back at him.

Lonnie? he walked towards the young man bound.

Who? she asked.

Oh my… he placed his fist to his mouth and bit down on his finger in anger. This is my best friend I was telling you about; his name is Lonnie he’s like a brother to me.

Haki, that man is a Republic soldier who killed a lot of my brother’s men.

He would never do that. He shook his head in denial. I’ve known him most of my life, since we were in kindergarten. He wouldn’t even fight the bully that picked on him because he hated violence.

My brother told me.

Does that make it true? Haki stared horrified at a ghost that resembled his friend.

Lonnie eyes had lost the natural animation and were sunken and yellowed. His ashen skin dulled the light. His right foot nervously twitched whenever the metal shackle touched the raw wound on his ankle.

The soles of his feet were stripped as if with sandpaper. One could look at it and know walking would be impossible.

It was hard for Haki to believe that in the months apart, the two had changed so much. He could only imagine the type of torture Lonnie and the other prisoners endured at the hands of Juan and his men.

Camilla was silent, Haki was not looking for an answer but for someone to blame for his friend’s treatment. Lonnie stared at them, not recognizing his friend only seeing his jailor.

Haki drew closer, Lonnie’s sunken eyes shone with anticipation, this was his chance to be free.

Lonnie, it’s me. Haki, I mean Kamau, he knelt before him looking into his cold eyes.

Who’s Kamau? Camilla asked confused.

It’s my real name. Haki replied turning to her.

Haki, please don’t get too close, she warned.

Camilla, he is my friend, we grew up together. He’s the last family I have.

He could’ve changed like the rest of us. She replied.

Haki drew closer; the large, grimy chain positioned itself between the two. Looking at what had become of the person that once challenge him to face his fears. Haki felt remorse that he would not come closer, so he decided to step over the chain that bound him to the floor.

As his right leg cross over. The imprisoned man jumped up, launching the chain upwards into Haki’s groin.

Before Camilla could react, Lonnie wrapped the chain around his old friend’s neck. Haki looked and saw that the corpse from earlier was face down with his arms extended. Lonnie, who was connect to the corpse, used his chain to extend his own.

Camilla drew her gun, Haki put his hands in the air to stop her from shooting. If this was how he’d die, he would gladly accept.

Let him go; I will shoot you. She ordered.

Lonnie laughed, his tongue caked with a white coating, snaked between his fractured yellowed teeth. He pulled back on the chains applying more pressure to Haki’s neck.

The other prisoners yelled their support, the one closest to Camilla tried to leg sweep her but received a punch to the face. He leered at her but kept his distance. Camilla returned her gaze at Haki, whose eyes were turning a dangerous red and veins bulged, as if large worms lived under his skin.

I’m sorry, Camilla said, before firing two shots into Lonnie.

The rounds hit Lonnie in the upper shoulder and head, causing him to fly backwards against the wall. Haki was pulled with him and fell tangled in the chains atop his friend’s corpse. He immediately started coughing as the pressure from the chains was off his throat.

She moved towards him keeping a watchful eye on the remaining captives. Footsteps coming up the stairs could be heard with demands for an explanation.

Haki, she whispered. Are you okay?

How could you turn on me? he ignored her and turned to look at his dead friend.

He was most likely a ‘Ject; my brother was telling me that some people had complications with their injections and turned crazy afterward. Maybe that’s what happened to him. Camilla theorized.

Or it could’ve been how your brother had imprisoned him in this room.

Camilla did not know how to respond to the accusation, she looked around the room and saw plenty of reasons why he was right.

He should’ve known who I was, he yelled with anger.

The young man cried, for his parents, for Lonnie, and for everything he thought he’d experience growing up. The thought of everything he lost at the expense of not being chipped.

It’s not your fault, she said placing a soft hand on his shoulder.

What the fuck is going on? Juan demanded as entered the room.

I’m fine. she replied.

I heard gunshots. Juan said standing over the two.

Yeah one of the prisoners grabbed me, and Haki saved me.

Then why does it look like homie just got his ass beat? one of Juan’s men commented.

That’s not true, Haki said standing up to his full height. this man here caught me off guard. Camilla saved my ass.

I thought you were supposed to be a badass with combat and a sword; how did a malnourished prisoner get the best of you, Juan challenged.

Anyone can get you if you aren’t paying attention. Haki retorted.

True, Juan conceded, tipping his head as he gazed at Haki, obvious that he didn’t believe the story. He waved to one of the guys who followed him into the attic. Tony, check if he’s breathing.

I can see from here he’s dead, Tony declared.

I said go check fool.

Tony walked over to Lonnie’s corpse and bent at the knees. Tony saw a necklace on the floor and quickly picked it up. He slightly turned his head to see if anyone saw, satisfied that they hadn’t, he checked for a pulse that wasn’t there.

As I said, homie is dead, he announced putting the jewelry in his pocket.

Then take care of the bodies.

What do you mean bodies? It’s only one dude. Tony inquired.

Juan raised his pistol and fired his weapon into the remaining prisoners, killing them instantly.

What the hell are you doing? Camilla demanded.

What does it look like? We have to leave now; we couldn’t take them with us.

So, we’re just leaving like that? she asked.

Lookout spotted Republic soldiers in the Area. We gotta leave while we can.

You could’ve let them go, she declared knowing it wasn’t right.

Round up everything and let’s leave. We’ve been here too long, Juan ordered. Leave them here; we’ll torch the house.

I’m going to bury him, Haki pointed at Lonnie.

For what? Juan challenged.

I respect his will to sacrifice everything to be free.

You must know him because you didn’t offer to bury the others.

No time to bury them all.

Straight up Haki, Juan said stepping to him. If you knew him, I’d personally help you. Out of respect.

Haki considered his offer; he had no reason to keep Lonnie a secret anymore. He was dead and could not suffer, but Juan was the one who captured him, and for that, he didn’t want to disrespect his friends grave.

I just want to bury him, Haki said turning from the group and facing Lonnie.

It killed him stare at his friend’s face, but he forced himself to, as he did with his mother. It was difficult, as he felt a disconnect Lonnie no longer looked like the friend Haki had grown up with and loved.

He continued to stare at him, thinking of times when the two would run through the streets of the Warrior community laughing and causing mischief. A hand in Haki’s shoulders startled him out of his thoughts, and he turned to Camilla, the tears in his eyes blurring her beautiful face.

Haki tried to extinguish the fire of emotions but they burned through any resolve. In him was a pain equal to seeing the last of your memories fade away before your eyes.

Camilla took him in her arms and tried to comfort him. Before she reunited with Juan, she knew this feeling but seeing it now, hearing the hopelessness in Haki’s sobs, let her know that there was always hope that her brothers were alive.

What’s he crying for? Juan asked his sister, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Camilla whipped her head around and glared at him for being insensitive to her friend’s situation. Juan held his hands up apologetically backing out of the room.

Let’s bury him, Haki. She suggested.

He nod in agreement; this was the last of the people he could call family before the chip. Now he had to bury his best friend at the tender age of fifteen.

Haki never thought, that when Toussaint made the announcement that the government was planning to inject everyone with Universal Identity Chips, that it would cause so much destruction.

It was reported that eighty-five percent of the population chose to receive the injection instead of being jailed. Ten percent were caught and the remaining five were still free actively fighting the resistance.

Not much was known about the chips so Toussaint’s announcement wasn’t taken serious, until the first announcement was made.

Haki considered Camilla, she was the one who killed Lonnie, but he couldn’t be angry with her, she had been protecting him. Camilla had warned him that it was dangerous to get too close, but he didn’t listen, Lonnie’s death was his fault.

They walked towards his friend’s corpse, the sour stench of the mold was mingled in with the fresh smell of blood, creating a cocktail of sickness in his nostrils.

I’ll take his feet if you want to grab his arms, Camilla offered.

I can do this on my own; you don’t have to help me.

I was the one who killed him.

Camilla, Haki sighed.

Camilla! Juan yelled from downstairs.

I’m not going to answer him just continue, she said to Haki.

Camilla, there are two Army trucks on the block, Juan yelled. We need to move now.

How the hell did they find us? She asked.

Does it matter, we need to go before it’s too late. Juan replied.

Haki, we have to go. She tells him with sorrow, realizing they don’t have time to bury Lonnie.

He closed his eyes and whispered a prayer of forgiveness. He bent over and kissed his friend’s forehead, he turned and followed Camilla down the stairs.

One of Juan’s soldiers peered from the front window with his rifle slung over his shoulder. He turned to watch Camilla walk passed and turned back to the window when Haki came behind.

Juan saw the whole thing and he grimaced, he understood how his men thought, he was eager to take a mate. But this was his baby sister, so he tried to keep a tighter eye on his men, and his sister.

Camilla led Haki to the back door; he stopped in his tracks.

I have to go back upstairs; I forgot something.

Haki, we don’t have time for this. She said.

Aye, the soldiers are here, the guy peering out the window stated.

It’s my staff.

You didn’t bring it upstairs; it’s in your room.

That’s right, thanks.

I’ll come with you, she offered

No, I’ll grab it. It’s just down the hall, he turned.

He quickly walked through the kitchen to his room; the door was opened.

Didn’t I close the door earlier?

He slowly pushed the door open, expecting to find someone going through his stuff but no one was in the room, and it appeared to be how he left it.

Maybe I did forget to close it.

His staff was on the mattress. He rubbed his neck; he could feel the imprint of the chain underneath his Adam’s apple. He continued to massage the area when he noticed that his necklace was gone, he looked down his shirt hoping it caught the chain on the way down, but it didn’t.

Haki clenched his teeth, it must’ve fallen off upstairs and he considered running up to search. He kicked the mattress; he didn’t know how long they had until the soldiers would enter the house.

Haki, Camilla whispered outside his door. What’s taking so long?

He turned around and saw that Camilla had her belongings and weapons ready to go.

I forgot something upstairs, he replied.

We have to leave, I’m surprised my brother hasn’t come in tripping that we’re taking so long, she said opening the door.

No, I can’t leave it, it’ll only take a minute. He started scrambling for his weapon and belongings.

Look how long it’s taking you to get your sword and its right there on the bed. She said, trying to get him to hurry.

Why are you looking at me like that? He asked.

There’s something you aren’t telling me.

There’s a lot I’m not telling you but, you already know that.

Her glared confirmed his comments and that she still wasn’t happy, but wasn’t going to push the subject. she turned and walked back to the living room where the lone soldier looked out of the window.

We have to go, Camilla, Pedro, one of Juan’s soldiers reminded her.

Why aren’t the soldiers coming in? They’re just waiting outside, Pedro said peering through the window.

I don’t know, she replied hoping Haki would get back with whatever he left upstairs. The soldiers outside were freaking her out.

Haki ran upstairs to the prison, each step reminding him that this was going to be his best friend’s resting place. A room where was in a room where he had been kept prisoner.

Haki moved towards Lonnie, recalling the look on Camilla’s face before she pulled the trigger. Her brows raised so high that the space between them looked shades lighter. With determination in her eyes, she made one last attempt to preserve his life.

What’s wrong with me? Am I that lost that I don’t grieve for my friend? Am I becoming less like the old me?

He was now inside the room and hoped to find someone alive, even if for a moment of defiance. He studied