Sea of Infinity: Sea of Infinity, #1

By Tommy Clark

The writing had been on the wall for decades. Still humankind took advantage of all resources until the planet was on the brink of complete destruction.

With no options the governments of the world turned their gaze to the skies.

Many people were given the chance to invest in the projects and were asked to take the first steps.
For years many were left behind in an attempt to repair the broken planet. When control was gone disorder rose in its place.
Josh and Sami lived in the shattered world for several years. With the promise of a place to sleep and three meals a day, the pair decided to join the IMP.

They left planet earth in an attempt at a new start. Joining the ranks of the IMP they became cadets.
Washington, a space station built by America which housed the Imperial Military Personnel, was one of several space stations among the galaxy. Humans are one of many species that inhabited the skies.
The pair, along with their squad learn quickly that nothing is free. Even in space there was trouble and the cadets find themselves thrust in the middle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy Clark
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201088477

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Tommy Clark

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SEA OF INFINITY

Copyright © 2020 by Tommy Clark.

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All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For information contact: Tommy Clark

http://www.tommyclarkauthor.com

Book design by Tommy Clark

Cover design by Jon Stubbington, www.jonstubbington.com

Editing by Dabecka Kirk

First Edition: January 2020

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Dedication

For this book I dedicate it to all of those who have affected my life, both good and bad. I would not be who I am if not for all that I have been through.

- 1 -

Josh sat up in his bed, or what he called his bed. It was a series of ratty blankets stacked atop one another to give him some sort of cushion as he slept. The small convenience store wasn’t the best of homes, but it kept the elements out. He and his friend Sami had slid all the metal shelving to the outermost walls of the building, which gave them one more layer between them and the harsh conditions outside. The tile floor was cold. The ceiling was starting to cave in, and the doors no longer locked. They had their share of intruders; the door suffered for their safety.

He walked into the bathroom and slid the door closed behind him. As the door slid, it was accompanied by a terrible screech. Josh took a minute to run his hands through his unkempt hair as he looked at himself in the cracked mirror. He stood at nearly six foot tall and was lean. He had some tone to his body, but more from survival and hard work than trying to be fit or anything. His face was clean and shaved. He had become quite good with a knife and so kept the cut down to at least a stubble. When he was lucky, he would stumble across a razor; sometimes they were handed out in the lunch kits they were given.

He sat down on the bucket he and Sami used as a toilet and let his mind wander. He and Sami had an important day ahead of them. They had to head to the mess hall for food and hopefully find some work. Times were hard since the last shuttle left earth several years ago.

The world had become difficult since the whole ‘global warming’ fiasco that prompted a decision from the powers that be for a permanent journey into space. At first, it was a series of tests. They were just sending up astronauts and scientists. After the first phase was complete, construction began on a series of pieces to a large space station. The space station was christened Washington.  Washington was sent up in pieces over the next two years. It took another two years to erect and test its life support systems. Construction continued as Washington received a series of bunk houses for the elitist.  Then, Lawyers, linguists, and government employees were taken up and Washington became the central hub of the American way.

Eventually, the Chinese and Russians made their way into space and the three powerhouses of the world took immediate control of the galaxy. With the alliance, the United Federation was built. They empowered themselves to govern all aspects of space travel and the rights of those within.

All of this sounded amazing to the people on earth. Granted, they were all under the impression that they would receive their own ticket to punch and go into space. When Washington was nearing its capacity, China sent their first solo space station into orbit. New China was up and running. A good portion of China’s population was taken to space, and immediately a research and development team was constructed to look for sources of fuel and materials as well as food and water. For now food and water were being consumed from Earth but it continued much longer Earth would be left dry and make growing crops harder for those left behind.

Josh was on the unlucky side of that coin and now shared a small convenience store with his only friend, Sami. The two were younger when everything happened. They were neighbors in  small suburb in Montverde, Florida. A smaller shell was built for housing on Washington near Kennedy space Center. Josh’s father worked as a mechanic and was brought in to do some of the work. He was then hired for work on another space station, but he never learned the name of it. It was in the private sector. Some insanely rich guy had too much money to spend and decided to take his fortune and build himself a space palace. When that job ended, Josh’s father was hired to go to another job. He built yet another space station. This time, it was for those who were in space already and were looking for a way to unwind after a long soar across space. New Vegas went into space. That was three years ago. Josh’s father was in poor health-and with most of earth assets going into space, treatment on earth was minimal. He was made comfortable and died within a year.

Sami did not know who his father was, but his mother was a drunk who spent more nights in random beds than in her own. Sami spent most of his time with Josh, so he took the death of Josh’s father just as hard. When Josh’s dad died, things started looking rough with no end in sight. With a simple letter in the mail to tell him of the passing of his father, Josh knew he and Sami were on their own. The two decided to bail on school and run away to start preparing for a life on earth. The writing was on the wall, but most people just ignored the signs. They lived their happy lives just waiting for Uncle Sam’s minions to take care of them. These two, even though they were only fourteen at the time, were smart. They collected survival gear and books. They played in the woods and learned things they could eat. They studied self-defense and even managed to get ahold of a couple of sidearms. That had all happened three years ago.

When Josh came out of the bathroom, he noticed that Sami was no longer laying in his pallet but standing at the door. He pulled a simple jacket on and slipped his feet into his worn white tennis shoes. He was half a foot shorter than Josh and his hair was shaggy and half way down to his shoulders. He wore his facial hair as a trophy and it was clean and wrapped his jaws to settle under his chin.

Good morning sunshine. Josh stated.

Bite me. Sami said over his shoulder. Sami peered through the particle board they placed in the frame when the windows were busted out. He held his position.

What is going on out there? Josh asked, crossing to the door.

There’s a group of beggars getting their beatings.

Should we help them? Josh asked. He peered through another hole. He could see three men, all in jeans and plaid jackets, kicking the good times out of a couple of men. The two laying on the ground wore dusters and worn jeans. They had no shoes and needed haircuts. The two had their hands up in an attempt to protect their faces from the savage beating the three other men were giving them. After a moment or two a gunshot sounded and the three men scattered, leaving the two laying on the ground. They moaned and rocked back and forth on their backs. Josh never did see the source of the shot.

We have to go, or we will miss the handouts. Josh said as he turned away from the door and went to his pallet. He rolled his blankets up and stowed them in a couple of old milk crates. He shoved them into a corner near the reach in coolers and picked up his pack. It was a tan Alice pack he picked up at a military surplus store before the economy completely crashed. He slung it over his shoulders and picked up his hand gun, a simple SCCY CPX-2. Not the top of the line, but it was all he could afford when he purchased it. The gun had saved his life a couple of times although he never had to use it. Sami, on the other hand, had a Sig Sauer P229 that he lifted off a dead guy.

After Sami placed his bedding in another crate and stacked empty ones nearby to keep their bedding hidden, they left the convenience store and started down the road. Their little neighborhood was quiet, aside from the occasional mugger or gang. Josh and Sami had four years to learn where they could and could not go. So, they stayed to the safest route and crossed town to where the military set up a small refugee center.

As they walked Sami created small talk about the girls from school.

Remember Abigail Cooper? She was hot. Sami started.

Yeah, I guess so. Josh answered.

Piss off. You don’t truly mean that. Abby was hot!

So you’ve said.

And who would you bone, I mean, if you could?

Bone? Wow. Your vocabulary is impeccable.

It’s strong-like my libido.

Libido, huh?

Yeah.

I think you mean you’re horny.

I may be. Sami started. It’s been a while. I haven’t seen Jennifer in a while. I mean, I’m starting to get a little... Sami looked at Josh with seductive eyes. Hey Josh. Sup? He followed with a wink and mock kiss.

You knock it off, or I’ll have to use this. Josh grabbed the grip of his sidearm.

Please. You can’t shoot to save your life.

You want to find out?

Alright. Whatever man.

The street was quiet and there was no one around. That was usually a good thing, and of a morning, it meant that everyone was at the refugee camp begging for their rations for the day.

Josh noticed a small yellow paper rolling by. He stepped on it to stop it from blowing past and knelt to pick it up.

What is that? Sami asked.

Uh, I don’t know. Josh looked at the page.

Want to go to space?

Enlist in the cadet school at Kennedy Space Center

Sign up to join the many protecting the lives of your fellow man

Three meals a day

Hot Showers

Clean clothes

A place to call your own

Join today

You can’t be serious? Sami said when he saw the look on Josh’s face.

You know I am. Josh thrust the paper in Sami’s face.

You’re an idiot.

You know you’re going to go with me.

How do you even know this thing is real? Sami looked over the piece of paper.

I guess we will have to go find out.

Damn, dude. Just when we were starting to figure things out down here.

Figure things out. We have nothing figured out. We know who and where to avoid. We fish at the lake. We strive every day to just survive. What is stopping you?

Alright, but if there is a hot girl, I call dibs.

So, you’re in?

Sami paused for a moment, no doubt for effect. I’m in.

- 2 -

The two boys made their way through town to where the crowd of people stood. There was a sea of bodies standing near several tables. The two shoved their way to the front of the line and stopped at the table. Sami saw two men standing behind the tables wearing their standard issue Shepherd G-1 armor. Behind them sat boxes of paper bags haphazardly tossed inside. Sami saw the sliver of paper protruding from the bags. He hung his head. Josh noticed this, followed his gaze to see the slips for himself.

So, it is true. You really are looking for new recruits? he asked the man.

Sure are. What, you interested? The man replied. He snatched two bags and sat them on the table in front of the two.

Absolutely. Josh responded.

Hey Jay, we got a couple of live ones here. The man called to his partner. The other guy turned to them. He smiled.

So, Kevin, we got two wiry little guys here, huh? He leaned in, resting his hands on the table. How old are you two anyway?

Does it matter? You’re obviously looking for recruits and we are here to enlist.

You don’t look old enough. Jay said.

Quit yanking me. Sami cut in. We’re seventeen. Down here that is the same as any adult.

The kid’s got a point. Jay turned to Kevin.

Alright. You two want to go to space. Just head west to Kennedy Space Center. That is where they are taking in recruits. You get there and sign up. If anyone asks you’re eighteen-just in case.

You’re not going to take us over there? Sami asked.

Naw, we got our own jobs to do. Besides, I plan to keep my feet planted firmly on the ground for as long as I can. Kevin smiled. You get over there and sign up. If you can make it there that will say a lot about how resourceful you are.

Alright. Let’s go. Josh snatched up his sack and nodded at the guys. Thank you.

No problem. Jay said.

Best of luck to you both. Kevin added.

The two took their sacks and snuck away from the crowd. If there is one thing they knew of the crowd at the table it was that they were all hungry and would do anything for more food. They ducked down an alley and sat down to eat.

So, we are really doing this? Sami pulled a simple sandwich free from the sack. He tore off a chunk with his teeth and began to scarf it down.

Yeah. Josh took his own bit, albeit a smaller one. As he thought of it he asked, So, Kennedy Space Center, that’s-what-seventy or so miles?

Yeah. Sami took another large bite.

That’s not so bad. Just an hour or so by car.

You got wheels? Sami asked, another large bite.

Well, no.

Then you’re looking at a full day’s walk-and that’s considering we don’t run into trouble. Josh sat his sandwich down to pull the bottle of water free. He took a large swallow from it.

Josh tore his sandwich in half and tucked half back into his sack. As he stood he said, Then we better get a move on.

What? Now? Sami looked up at him with disbelief in his eyes.

Why not. We have all day to get as far as we can. The people here will be stick around until all the food is gone. We should take the advantage.

Sami slipped the remaining couple of bites of his sandwich into his own sack and stood. He slipped the sack into his backpack and returned it to his shoulders. Alright, but if this cost me any time with Abby, I’m not going to be too happy.

Don’t worry. I’m sure she will wait for you. Josh smiled wildly.

Douche.

The two slipped away and started down the highway. They worked their way south to Hwy 50. From there the road should lead them straight to Kennedy Space Center. Once they got out from the residential district they relaxed a bit. They passed the time with songs from their youth and playing would you rather. They kept a good pace and walked the first hour with no incident. When they started to come up on a larger business district and the signs for Orlando, Josh paused. He listened and surveyed the surroundings for a moment.

What is it? Sami asked.

I have an idea. Let’s go down here. Josh patted his firearm to make sure it was still there. Sami cocked his head.

Where are we going?

To get some wheels.

- 3 -

Josh and Sami went south off of 50 Highway and stopped at the edge of the large parking lot. Across the parking lot was a Sam’s Club.

Uncle Sam may just make this trip a little bit easier. Josh said. He stared at the building, watching for any signs of people.

What are you thinking? Sami asked.

I’m thinking we sneak in there and snatch up a couple of bikes.

Josh. I’ll deny this if you ever tell anyone, but you’re a genius. Sami clapped him on the back.

"Yeah-yeah. Just keep