Dark Tomorrow 3: Fall of the Crow

By Jeremiah Franklin

Having survived the doomsday virus, the global blackout, and a series of violent clashes with the sinister group known as the Cult of the Crow, teenagers Sawyer and Sara find themselves thrust into a new and dangerous game. Against malicious forces beyond his control, Sawyer must confront his past. Now, he is forced to make an impossible choice to either lead the new world order, or save the life of the girl he loves. Still, among whispers of government conspiracies and clandestine military operations, it is not long before Sawyer and Sara are drawn into a conflict greater than they could ever imagine. Soon the young couple find themselves fighting not only for their own lives, but for the very future of the country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
• Release date: Aug 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781951710415

Book preview

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Acknowledgements

About the Author

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Kai stared down at the blood running off the end of his sword and fought to catch his breath, his massive chest heaving, his mind trying to make sense of all that had just occurred. For the better part of the last three years, the big man had been given every reason to believe he and his friends were among the only survivors of the viral outbreak that had all but wiped out humanity. Yet, now, as he turned his gaze to the body of the lifeless soldier lying at his feet, the man’s head nearly severed from his neck, Kai felt as if his entire world had once again been turned upside down. For several seconds, he did nothing but stare at the body as the rain poured down upon his long dreadlocks, his hands trembling, a red puddle of rainwater and blood pooling at his feet. Finally, he bent down and took a closer look at the soldier, shaking his head in disbelief as he spoke.

This has to be a nightmare. This can’t be for real. Can it?

The big man did not expect the dead soldier to answer his question, but even if he had, it would have done little to change the fact that what Kai had just experienced had been nothing short of surreal. Only minutes before, he had been standing quietly in the rain, waiting for his friends, Sawyer and Sara, to emerge from the military bunker below his feet, when he had suddenly heard the impossible, yet unmistakable, sound of rotor blades thumping overhead. For a young man who had not seen a functioning vehicle of any kind in well over a thousand days, the sight of two Black Hawk helicopters swiftly emerging from the storm was too fantastic for his mind to grasp. He had stared up at the descending aircraft in shock, his mouth falling open, his eyes held wide. Still, despite the distinct sensation that what he was seeing could not possibly be happening, he suddenly found himself running, diving for cover in the nearby brush as the helicopters touched down on the wet earth in front of the bunker.

The next minute had passed by as if time was standing still and Kai watched spellbound as a squad of heavily-armed soldiers came spilling out of the two aircraft, quickly surrounding the building directly above the bunker. He did not know why the soldiers were there, or how they could even exist, but most concerning of all, he knew that he was now too late to warn his friends. For a split second, Kai considered giving himself up, but as he watched the soldiers take up positions, their weapons at the ready, every instinct in his body told him the risk was too great. It was at that moment when he realized his only chance was to slip away unseen. With heavy thoughts of his friends trapped below and the metallic taste of panic creeping on the back of his tongue, Kai had bolted from his hiding spot.

Despite his massive size, the big man had moved quickly, using the nearby buildings and overgrown vegetation for cover as he put some distance between himself and the helicopters. Kai was hoping to find a concealed area where he could safely observe what was going on at the bunker and he pulled his sword from its sheath and began to cut his way through a tangle of brush just west of the building. He knew there was a narrow trail just beyond the brush that might serve his purpose, but as he quietly emerged onto the footpath, he suddenly felt a presence behind him. With no time to react, he turned to see a lone soldier standing on the trail, and just as the soldier raised his weapon to shoot, Kai’s sword came slicing through the air, the blade catching the man in the soft flesh between his helmet and body armor.

The soldier had been dead even before he hit the ground and as Kai finally knelt beside the body, he knew there was no turning back now. If he was going to live through the day, his only chance was to run. Wasting no more time, he slipped his sword into the sheath over his shoulder and quickly stripped the soldier of his rifle, radio, and ammunition. Still, as he stood up to leave, he could not help but look back and think of his friends inside the bunker. He did not know what would happen to Sawyer and Sara, or if he would ever see them again, but before he turned to run, he pounded his huge fist against his chest two times, and with words more confident than what he felt in his heart, he whispered a single oath.

When the time is right, I know our paths will cross again. I’ll never forget you both. I’m sorry. Pomaika’I, my friends. Good luck.

Sara twisted her head to the side and tried to take a full breath, the black hood over her head pressed tightly against her nose and mouth, her dark eyes wide open and burning with rage. The zip ties on both her wrists and ankles had been tightened well beyond the necessary setting, and although she could feel the plastic digging into her raw skin, she ignored the pain and once again tried to roll over on to her back. Just as she had on her first try, Sara made it only as far as her side before two pairs of rough hands slammed her back onto her chest, the girl’s face smashing down hard against the metal floor. This time Sara could feel her bottom lip split open upon impact, but she stayed quiet as the salty taste of blood filled her mouth. A single voice sounded from somewhere near her feet.

This one’s been off the grid so long she thinks the rules don’t apply to her. Maybe I need to tighten up these restraints one more time.

Even beneath the hood, Sara recognized the voice as that of the soldier who had brought her down with a stun gun only minutes before. He had seemed to enjoy it more than she had liked, and just as she felt his hand reach down to tighten her ankle restraints, Sara reared up and kicked her legs out as hard as she could. The sound of the soldier’s nose breaking beneath her boot put a smile on the girl’s face, but a second later they were reaching for her again, gloved hands grabbing every limb. Sara twisted and writhed as they lifted her up, her voice reverberating inside the tight confines of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

Get the hell off me! I’ll kill every one of you!

Sara could feel herself being moved toward the cockpit, but instead of being slammed down again as she expected, she was placed into a seated position and strapped down. Then, without warning, the hood was abruptly pulled off her head. It took only a moment for her vision to adjust in the dimly lit compartment, and she looked around slowly, her eyes narrowing. Sitting beside her were several soldiers in full combat gear and body armor, including the soldier she had just kicked in the face. Sara spit out a mouthful of blood at the soldiers and hissed.

The next one of you who touches me is going to get more than just a broken nose. That’s a promise.

By the looks in their eyes, Sara had expected at least one of the soldiers to backhand her in the face, but before anyone could make another move, the cockpit door opened. Sara looked over and stared. Standing in the doorway of the cockpit was a startlingly handsome officer in full-dress uniform, and with the slightest nod in their direction, the soldiers quickly moved to the rear of the compartment. For a long moment, Sara could not help but stare at the officer as if in a trance, and she held her breath until he finally spoke.

Good afternoon, Ms. Blake. My name is Colonel Malachi Salem, U.S. Joint Forces Command. I apologize for the rough handling, but I’ve been authorized to take you into protective custody at this time. Currently we are en route to a secure location and will be arriving within a few hours’ time. As a courtesy, I will allow you to remain in your seat for the duration of the trip, but I do ask that you refrain from kicking any more of my soldiers in the face if possible.

Sara did not say a word as the Colonel paused for a split second and licked his lips.

I understand this all may be very unsettling, and while I do apologize for the brevity of this meeting, I have other more pressing obligations that I must tend to at this time. Do you have any questions before I return to the cockpit?

The Colonel smiled. His blue eyes clear and bright, his teeth perfectly white and straight. Despite his polished looks, there was something off-putting about the smile and she grit her teeth together and scowled.

Do I have any questions? Are you being serious or are you just stupid? How about, where are my friends and what the hell is going on here? And how do you have a goddamn helicopter? And who in the hell ‘authorized’ you to kidnap me in the first place?

The Colonel raised an eyebrow.

"Such foul language coming from such a pretty mouth. Even with the split lip."

Sara stared daggers back at the Colonel and spit another wad of blood onto the floor of the cabin. She had seen the second helicopter and accompanying soldiers and she could only assume that both Kai and Sawyer had been taken as well.

Just answer my goddamn questions, or I swear, when I get out of these restraints, you’ll be the first one I come after. Where are my friends!

Malachi Salem kept on smiling, but Sara noticed that the look in his eyes had changed.

Charming, but you’ll find I’m not in the habit of bowing to threats from feral teenage girls, Ms. Blake. However, I will tell you that your, ‘friends,’ Mr. Kaikoa and Mr. Bradshaw, remain unharmed, at least for now. As for your other questions, I can assure you that they will be answered in due time. However, for now, my suggestion is that you remain quiet until we reach our destination.

Sara shook her head and screamed up at him.

I don’t care about your suggestion! I want to know how you know all our names! I want to know what the hell is going on here!

Salem motioned for the soldier that she had kicked in the face to come over. Blood was still leaking from the man’s nose and he stared over at Sara with furious eyes as he sat down beside her. Sara held her tongue and Salem flashed another unnerving smile.

Ms. Blake, I believe you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Sergeant Calhoun. He will remain by your side until we land, and longer if necessary. Before I go, I will tell you that Sergeant Calhoun is not a forgiving man by nature, nor as comfortable with foul language as I may be. And considering that you’ve very likely broken his nose, I suggest you take my advice and keep your mouth shut for the time being.

Sara could do nothing but seethe as Salem stood up and walked toward the cockpit. However, before he reached the door, he slowly turned and looked back at the girl. He was no longer smiling but there was a new look in his eyes that made Sara even more uncomfortable. He tilted his head as he spoke, his eyes narrow.

You asked me a moment ago, who it was that authorized this mission? You really don’t have any idea? Not even a guess?

Sara frowned and shook her head.

No, I don’t know what the hell is going on here. How could I possibly know that?

Salem seemed surprised by her answer. He licked his lips again and smiled wider.

Interesting. Based upon what we know of you, I would have assumed you had put it all together by now—or that at the very least the Bradshaw boy would have already told you the truth about who he really is.

Sara shook her head and scowled.

Look, I don’t have any idea what ‘truth’ you’re talking about, or how you know so much about all of us, but know this—if you harm a single hair on any of my friends’ heads, I promise that you’re going to pay for it with your life.

Salem stared at the girl for a long moment, but this time the charming smile had been replaced by a smirk, and the look in his eye made Sara shudder.

I must say, you are quite the rare specimen. You see, I pride myself on reading people, Ms. Blake, at being able to catch a lie like a spider catches a fly. But, for the life of me, I can’t tell if you are bluffing, telling the truth, or if you are simply too blinded by your love for that boy to know the difference. In any case, I too can make promises, Ms. Blake, and I can promise you that if I were in your place, the only head I would be concerned about—would be my very own.

General Nathaniel J. Bradshaw stood at the edge of the helipad and looked on with a stone face as the first of the two Black Hawks touched down before him, his green eyes concealed behind dark glasses, the ring of five stars on his shoulders flashing gold in the dying light. For many sleepless nights he had thought about this day, and what it would mean, yet even with the apparent success of the mission, the General showed no outward sign of being satisfied. He was a man who expected perfection at all times, and even as Colonel Salem stepped out of the aircraft with a teenage girl at his side and a wide smile on his face, the General stiffened with displeasure. Still, he waited until Salem approached him alone before he said a word, his eyes on the girl as he spoke.

Colonel Salem. I see that you’ve accomplished your mission. Though, I understand it came at no small cost.

The General had obviously been informed of the soldier who had been killed by Kai during the extraction, and Salem frowned.

"Yes. An unfortunate loss. However, if I had been given full authority to neutralize any potential threats and secure the area properly, it would have never occurred."

The General scowled and pulled his glasses off, his green eyes flashing with anger.

Your orders were clear, and you were authorized to do what needed to be done, no more, no less. The fact that one of your team was KIA falls on you, Colonel, no one else.

Salem pinched his mouth tight before finally answering.

I understand, General. But what of the man who killed Lieutenant Maccoby? He nearly cut my man’s head off with a sword. Will he be brought to justice?

No. No one else will be forced to pay for your mistakes—Maccoby paid with his life already, and Mr. Kaikoa will remain free as long as I maintain my command.

There was nothing left to say about the matter and Bradshaw shifted his eyes and glanced over Salem’s shoulder. A few yards away, Sergeant Calhoun was standing beside Sara. Calhoun was well known for being both heavy-handed, and fanatically loyal to Salem, and when the General noticed the soldier’s obviously broken nose he frowned again.

Not only do you return with one soldier in a body bag, now I see there’s another with a broken nose? It seems the task of recovering two civilian teenagers was quite the challenge for your team, Colonel. To put it bluntly, I’m not impressed. You and your men have gotten sloppy, and with the growing threat right outside our fence, now more than ever, I need every man we have combat-ready, do you understand me?

Salem answered through grit teeth.

Yes, General. I understand you.

The General put his sunglasses back on.

Good. Now bring me the girl. And while you’re at it, send your Sergeant to the infirmary to get his nose looked at. Like I said, I need everyone ready to go, even a meat-eater like Calhoun.

Salem quietly walked over and whispered in Calhoun’s ear. The Sergeant was clearly angered, and he let go of Sara’s arm and stormed off without a word. The restraints on Sara’s ankles had been removed but her wrists were still bound behind her back and Salem pulled on the zip ties, tightening them once again. Sara winced and Salem leaned in and whispered into her ear.

Remember my advice, Ms. Blake, unless you would enjoy being muzzled like a dog, keep your mouth shut until directed otherwise. The General is not known for his sympathetic nature. Now, come with me.

General Bradshaw could not help but stare as Sara stepped before him, her long hair pulled back in a ponytail, her dark and furious eyes meeting his own. She had a colorful tattoo of a gnarled tree and a radiant sun on her upper arm, and even though Sara’s face was bloodied and bruised, at such a close distance it was nearly impossible to ignore her exceptional beauty. The General took a long moment before he finally cleared his throat and spoke.

Ms. Blake. My name is General Nathaniel J. Bradshaw, Commander of U.S. Joint Forces at Cheyenne. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you face to face for quite some time now and I apologize for any inconvenience you’ve been caused. I’m sure this all comes as a shock to you, and that you have many questions, and I will do my best to answer them for you, but first let’s get you free from those restraints.

The General pulled a knife from his belt and deftly cut the zip ties away from Sara’s wrists. Sara rubbed at the raw skin and glared up at the General, the sarcasm dripping from her tongue like poison.

Oh, thank you so very much, General Whoever-the-Hell-you-are. I feel so much better about being kidnapped and beaten at gunpoint now that you’ve cut the zip ties off my wrists. I’m guessing you want me to pledge my undying allegiance to you right about now, don’t you?

Before Bradshaw could reply, Salem grabbed Sara’s arm and yanked her close.

It appears that living like a wild animal for the past few years has taken a toll on your manners, Ms. Blake. I think I’ll have you muzzled.

The General glared over at Salem, the lines around his mouth tightening before he spoke.

That is enough, Colonel Salem. Take your hands off the girl and step away. I’ll speak with Ms. Blake alone. You are dismissed.

Salem slowly pulled his hand away from Sara’s arm and without a word, he walked back toward the helicopter. The General turned his attention back to Sara.

I apologize for my subordinate’s lack of self-control, Ms. Blake, but I’m hoping any further restraints upon your person will be unnecessary. Now, where were we?

Sara did not hesitate to reply.

No, the better question is where the hell are we? Look, I don’t care who you are, or what kind of half-ass operation you’re running here, you have no right to keep me against my will. I want answers, and most importantly, I want to know what you did with my friends?

There was a moment of awkward silence, but then, out of nowhere, a wry smile formed on the General’s face. Very slowly, he took off his sunglasses and met eyes with Sara.

You need not worry, Sara. If it’s Sawyer that you’re concerned about, he is safe. I should know. I moved heaven and earth to make it that way. And now, after great risk, you are both finally here.

Sara stared up at the General, her eyes narrowing as she seemed to study the man’s face for the very first time. For several seconds, there was nothing but silence, and then all at once Sara took a step back and shook her head, her voice suddenly shaking.

Wait. What did you say your name was again?

The General gave her a knowing look.

My name is Bradshaw. General Nathaniel J. Bradshaw. And the answer to your question is, yes, Sara. Sawyer Bradshaw is my son.

The color seemed to drain from Sara’s face as she continued staring at the General, her eyes held wide, her mouth slowly falling open. For what felt like an eternity, they both stood motionless, and the General waited quietly until Sara finally spoke again.

I don’t understand. You’re Sawyer’s father? How is that possible? He thought you were dead. How is any of this possible?

The General looked off into the distance. He took a moment before he answered, choosing his words carefully.

All you need to know is that I am Sawyer’s father, and that the world did not come to the complete and bitter end you may have thought it did. While our government may have fallen, and uncountable lives were lost, a very small fragment of our military is still intact and functioning in small pockets across the nation, although the majority of it is here at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Not only that, but you, my son, and your friends are not the only civilians to have survived for this long. There are still other groups of survivors spread across the country—some of them very much like you, and some that are vastly different—and I have been tasked with keeping tabs on all of them.

Sara pinched her mouth to the side and frowned.

I still don’t understand. None of this makes sense. And what do you mean by ‘keeping tabs’ on everyone? Have you been watching us? Is that how you found us on the base?

The General suddenly realized he had told the girl more than he wanted to and he shook his head.

I’ve said too much already. The fact is that against incredible odds, you’re still alive, and my son is safe. That should be all that matters to you right now.

Sara put her hands on her hips and scowled up at the General.

No. Sorry, but that’s not all that matters to me right now. I want to know how long have you been watching us? What do you have, satellites? Drones? I want to know what you’ve seen right now.

General Bradshaw’s jaw stiffened.

That’s more than enough, Ms. Blake. This matter is closed.

Sara shook her head and scowled.

"I’m right, aren’t I? You have been watching us. Tell me, General, were you watching when the Mission was attacked, and my father was burned alive inside our home? Were you watching when your son was shot and almost killed that very same night? Or how about when our friends were being murdered in cold blood by a gang of psychos? Where were you and your goddamn helicopters when those monsters were butchering my best friends? Sorry, but this matter is not closed. You owe me some answers. I want to know what happened to Kai. I want to know where Sawyer is right now. In fact, I demand to see him right now!"

It had been many years since anyone had dared to speak to the General in such a manner, and as Sara’s words echoed across the helipad, Nathaniel Bradshaw took a step forward and growled down at the girl.

Just this once, I will chalk your comments up to shock, Ms. Blake, but I will warn you, men have literally died for less, and despite my son’s feelings for you, you are in no position to be making demands of me, or my men. I have not risen to this command through negotiation and compromise—I am a soldier, not a diplomat, and I will not tolerate insubordination in any form. Do you understand me? Have I made myself clear?

The look in the General’s eyes was nothing short of terrifying and Sara took a step back. She swallowed and answered quietly.

Yes. I understand.

The General could not help but take notice of the fear in the girl’s eyes and he nodded in cold satisfaction.

Very good, Ms. Blake, now that we understand each other, Colonel Salem will escort you to the infirmary for medical treatment and screening. However, before you go, know this. You were brought here for a reason. In time, you will learn exactly what that requires, but until that time, I will expect nothing less than your full and absolute cooperation. Good day, Ms. Blake.

Sara simply nodded as the General turned and walked away, the girl barely reacting as Colonel Salem stepped over and grabbed her roughly by the arm. There was a look of obvious satisfaction on the Colonel’s face and he flashed a smile at Sara and squeezed her arm.

You should have taken my advice. I told you. The General is not a tolerant man. In fact, you may have just sealed your own fate. Perhaps this chapter of your little adventure in survival may be over before it even begins.

Very slowly, Sara turned her head toward Salem and scowled.

You know what, Colonel? You might be right about the advice, but you’re wrong about everything else. First, there’s no such thing as fate. And second, when it comes to this ‘little adventure’ of mine, I can guarantee you this is just the beginning.

Sawyer looked out of the small, oval-shaped window of the Black Hawk and frowned as the aircraft began its final descent toward the dimly lit helipad below, his thoughts as dark as the starless night above. So many incredible, yet terrible, events had occurred in the past three years, and for much of the flight the teen had run each one through his mind as if he was binge watching his own personal post-apocalyptic mini-series. First there had been the virus. Then came the blackout. Then there was only chaos and death. When it was all finally said and done, he had been forced to fend for himself, and he had done what he needed to do to stay alive. It was true he had killed more men than he wanted to remember, but the boy tried not to dwell in the past. He was not yet sixteen years old when it had all begun, but now, some three years later, everything he thought he knew had once again been turned on its head.

Despite the challenges, surviving against all odds had not been without rewards, and as the aircraft lost altitude Sawyer closed his eyes and pictured Sara. He saw her beautiful face, like that of a dark angel, her brown eyes burning bright, razor sharp bangs hanging over one eye, her bottom lip pinched between her teeth. She had been