The Plagued Ocean made to suffer: Plagued Ocean, #1

By J.S. Kins

In the Year 2400, humanity has reached a point of extinction. After World War Four, The Immoral War, Major nations have joined together in hopes of surviving. Instead, they built walls higher than one hundred and twenty stories high, shutting out the rest of the world. These cities, known as Colossal Cities, protected those who resided within and damned those left behind. The outlanders, unfortunate people, left outside these cities, fight for their lives every day, facing bandits, scavengers, and mercenaries. This story will follow twelve Aura Coalition soldiers thrown into action without many preparations. As they fight through the outlands, they start to uncover a sinister plot to push humanity to its extinction event. Finally, they will reveal something they wished they had never found.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.S. Kins
• Release date: Feb 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201220273

Book preview

Prologue

Battle General Adrian Gospel, Commander of Blue Division

It's been about seventy years since the end of World War Four, what we call the Immoral war. Humanity has never seen such savagery or darkness. The death toll ended was estimated at four million known. Every soldier I sent usually came back in a body bag. All for the sake of power, so some politician can say he is the king of the world. The Northern American Alliance, which consisted of every nation in the continent, joined together to win this war.  Through years of fighting and death, the N.A.A decision to pull out of the war after a Military Coup. The Four Generals were tired of sending their men to die for nothing. The Politicians were executed and charged with Treason. The General of the Army stated, The Politicians of N.A.A placed their greed over their nation. The result of said greed caused the death of a generation. Death is the only punishment for them. The Military, who protected the people, bled for the people, and died for the people, will take command of the N.A.A. and will now oversee our withdrawal from this immoral war.

After that day, N.A.A withdrew from the war and is now known as the Aura Coalition. So far, we are the leading nation in human genetics and advanced military technology. However, the cost of this war was catastrophic to the environment. Aura built Athens, a Colossal City that stretches from Seattle, Washington to Dallas, Texas, and the Pacific coastline. Walls that reach two thousand feet in height. I command Blue Division, the Army assets of Aura. Blue District is located in the northern portion of Athens. The Coldest district, most people call it. My unit operates mainly in the Frozen wastelands, one of the most brutal environments aside from the eight Forests of Reclamation.

I was standing on top of the Giant Northern Gate, overseeing my headquarters. I never realized how peaceful my district was. No one was out during the night; all I saw was empty streets. But, then, there was a haunting wail of wind that blew by, a reminder that we live in our coffins. As blissful as it may seem, we are on borrowed time. Sooner or later, this world will collapse, sealing our fate.

Sir, I was told to pass on to you. There is a message for you at your terminal. Marked Urgent, Sir. A soldier, apparently out of breath, reported.

I'll check it on my Guardian. I acknowledged. He saluted and ran off.

I pulled my Guardian out; it is basically a high advanced cellphone that I only use for email. Opening up a secured channel, all network access within fifteen feet of me will be cut off aside from my connection. These Guardians can be hacked, but the individual would have to be within fifteen feet of me; hence the network shut off.

Sender: Anonymous

Receiver: Battle General Adrian Gospel, Blue Commander

Title: 5478F98

The test subject arrived today at 0958. The subject was injured. Bruised and some broken bones. I have to wait for the subject to heal back to 100% before testing. The 32C Elixir has already been prepped, but the only setback is we do not have the 54T Variant. Per instructions, the 54T and 32C must enter the subject simultaneously. On another note, the child was tagged from Purple District with a Genetic Evolution Level 59%. Which is within the range I need the subject in. The shipment will arrive within the next week. The child should be healed by then.

END OF MESSAGE

I have many questions, but something like this does warrant my attention. Someone outside of the Aura Coalition owns 32C Elixir. 32C Elixir is the key ingredient for the Rogue and Assassin programs, basically altering human genetics.

Ava, open a secure line with General McKinney and General Burden.

Yes, Sir.

General McKinney speaking.

General Burden.

32C compromised, I stated as I began to descend the wall. To get on top of this, communications need to be restricted until we gain favorable intel.

Roger, Code India initiated. Briefings will be in an hour. General McKinney disconnected.

There was something eerie about this, someone high on our level betrayed us, and we are about to find out who.

CHAPTER ONE

SPECIALIST KLIMT

Name: Klimt, Liana

Rank: Specialist

Ancestry: Irish Descendant

Description: 23 years old, 5'8", Athletic build, medium-length brown hair, light brown eyes

Genetic Evolution Level: 65%

I was assigned to Bravo 43rd Military Police Station, which was nowhere near my preferred place of station. At least I am done with basic training. From what I heard; Military Police are no longer deployable. Our job now is to police the communities From the Middle level to the Sublevel. Aura council believed the Military Police Corp shouldn't deploy simply because we do the same tasks as infantry, assaulting objectives, offensive maneuvers, and what have you. Not to mention, Aura would save a whole lot of money by using the Corp as a police force here. I am somewhat of an intel broker but without the pay. Knowing things is my talent if I can call it that. The station I am going to is on the sublevels. Mostly homeless or poor citizens live here. Many soldiers state that sublevels are the worst to patrol, while others say it's the best place to gain experience.

I don't really care where I am stationed. I just wanted to be near my little brother, Wayne. He was about four years old when I left, but now, he is five years old. I did not want to leave him, but to get my life in order before taking custody of him, this had to come first. My biological mother is a monster, always angry, controlling, and extremely abusive. Since she is a well-respected public figure, all my reports were buried and forgotten. Wayne idolizes soldiers; he watches every war flick, old and new. He always thought that it was the responsibility to protect the strong. I want to be that type of soldier in some shape or form.

The bus began to stop in front of a convenience store called 'One Stop.' I noticed a Sergeant leaning on a police truck parked a few feet away. I knew he was waiting for me because of our unit insignia's patch on his arm. As I got off the bus, I walked over to the Sergeant. Good morning, Sergeant. I was wondering if you were waiting for a Specialist Klimt? I inquired.

Yeah, I am. Sergeant Florez, 34th Law Platoon. Put your stuff in the back and stand by the vic. I am going to grab some bagels and coffee. Do you want some? He asked as he got off the truck.

Name: Florez, Vincent

Rank: Sergeant

Ancestry: Panamanian Descendent

Description: 27 years old, short black hair parted to the back, 5'9", muscular body type, dark brown eyes.

Genetic Evolution Level: 100%

Plain and black coffee is fine, Sergeant, I replied, he seemed a bit bothered with me. I can see he wanted to be elsewhere than here. I guess picking up new personnel isn't a normal job.

Hell yeah. Sorry if I seem out of energy; I have yet to have my morning coffee. Florez headed towards One Stop. The sublevels were very crowded; people were moving, avoiding each other. All doing their best to stay out of each other way. I wonder how many will make it to a higher level. Life within the city was trying but living in the sublevels is significantly better than living in the wastelands.

Two high-class women came out of the convenience store; they are like two diamonds in a pile of dirt. Therefore, I hate everyone on the skyline level. They think what they are doing is for the good of the people here but, it's all just for show. They want to make themselves look good to whatever company they work for. The better they look, the better chance they get to grow up in the corporate latter.

Balle, I can't wait to go home from these slums. I hate being around these degenerates. The pale skin lady was insulted. The other one seemed disgusted about this place too. Yeah, I just want a damn promotion. That is all. She replied.

Sergeant Florez walked past them to get to the truck. One of the ladies tapped him on the shoulder. He stopped and turned halfway and waited for them to talk. Question, how can you work down here with all these homeless, low lives? She inquired.

Usually, I get up in the morning, get my cup of coffee, and a bagel with cream cheese. He replied, he seemed unbothered by their disrespectful tone. He turned to face them. Look, I get it. The people here are too low for your standards. People here knew that everyone from the top despises them. You don't need to be here. Your bosses never came here. I work for the people who need me the most. I like the people here. I don't have to ask myself if people here hate me or like me. They will always tell you what's on their mind. They are still honest people. Can you say the same for yourselves?  He stated as he waited for their response.

They seemed dumbfounded, unsure if they could give him the right answer. Florez stood there taking sips of his coffee. Listen, I understand that you need to get promoted. If you have to resort to doing something you do not approve of. Then find another job; you are not benefiting anyone here by pretending to care. There is a lot of experience you can gain, but if you are close-minded as you seem. You are only hurting the people you are meant to help. Be safe. Florez turned and headed my way.

Got your soulless coffee. Get in the truck; we are heading out. I got in the car as soon as he said that. I am excited to see the station.

We were on the road for some time; I saw people wandering as if there were nowhere to go. Sergeant Florez was quiet; he doesn't seem like the talkative type. I wonder how long I am going to be his soldier. I am overthinking as usual. I took out a holographic picture of my little brother.

My brother said all soldiers are heroes, and he couldn't wait until he was of age to join. To me, those movies and shows were nothing but propaganda, indoctrinating kids by glorifying military service. I say that while I am in uniform. He wanted to see the rest of the world, not just from the cage looking out but explore the wastelands.

I thought that kind of thinking was dangerous, we are safer inside than out, but I feel the same. I want to see something other than a bunch of cluttered buildings. Athens was enormous; no one knows how big this city is. We are one of Athens's most prominent districts in the Black District, aside from Red and Blue.

Klimt, why did you join the service? Sergeant Florez inquired; he had one hand on top of the steering wheel and the other resting on the window. I did not answer right away; I don't know why I joined. I wanted to set an example for my little brother, who idealizes soldiers. Not sure if that is an excellent reason to join. I said, counting the pillars we passed.

Good enough for me. I have fought in many skirmishes amongst the Southern Border. It wasn't as exciting as a war flick. I saw his combat patch; he served with the Quebec 78th Military Police Station. They were known to deploy there. Yellow District was always having issues with Bandits and Clashes with the Black Rain Military. All my reading and research have been paying off lately.

From what I know, Blue Division is the most active military presence in the Frozen and Northern Desert Wastelands. Their soldiers are the most formidable force to come up against that most bandits and scavengers avoid running into them. Hell, some Scavenger convoys rerouted to a longer route to avoid them.

Red Division is the most feared; their marines kill first and ask questions later. Battle General Siliah, The Bleeding Lion, ensured her Marines were always in top physical form. She is in top physical condition for her age. A few daring bandit groups attacked a convoy for Red Division Marines. The specific Bandit group no longer exists. That being said, they are second to Blue Division.

Black Division is the ghost of the wastelands. Agents of Aura, soldiers who operate in the shadows, originated from Black Division. No one in the wastelands knows they exist, but they work in the wastelands every day. They are the reason why Exo Mercenary Company exists. Rumors say they run it, but I doubt that is true.

Hotel 45, Station. Upon your return, meet with Station Commander. You have been reassigned to Blue District. Also, you are taking an Advanced Placement test. Good luck.

Roger. He replied.

Blue District and an Advanced Placement Test. Damn my luck. He was not too happy about that. I don't even know what that is. What is an Advanced Placement Test? I wasn't sure if I should ask or not. It's a test that will place me in a higher rank. If I pass with high results, I'll gain the rank of Sergeant First Class. I was not planning to take one. I can see his jaw clench.

Looks like I won't be your team leader for long. Going up north. Something doesn't seem right about this. They usually let soldiers know when they are going to another station months in advance.

Looks like it, I replied.

He was silent for the rest of the ride. Something about the Black district bothered me like it was missing a soul. We were at the bottom, the low sublevel of the Black district. Athens has three levels in every district. The surface-level, where all the rich live, the middle level, where the middle class lives, and the sublevel where the rest lives. I was fortunate to live in the middle level, my father was a lawyer, and he made enough to stay in the middle. If I play my cards right and go far in the military, I may live on the top level.

CHAPTER TWO

MAJOR LEWIS, MARIA (SHADOW)

Name: Lewis, Maria

Rogue Alias: Shadow

Rank: Major

Ancestry: Mexican Descendent

Description: 26 years old, 5'9" muscular/well-toned body, long dark red hair, Sclera black/iris purple.

Genetically Enhanced.

Humanity, a species consumed by science and power, manifested a method to enhance the human body into an inhuman threshold of power. These enhanced humans became the Apex of the battlefield. Any nation that did not have its own Apex was doomed to fail. Must I ask, what else were we to do? To wither and die? To be consumed by this dying world? After all the death, we must remember our persevering trait, survival. As the sins of humanity behind our tail, we can only quicken our pace. Closed off cities, abandonment of unfortunate souls, and the race to the death of this world. Leaving is our only option, but we have to survive before then.

I was once an orphan, a child abandoned by her parents. I do not believe in fate, but the day they left, I knew the die was cast. Although, it was not long until Rogue recruiters found me, I did not argue. It was the parents' job to give purpose to their children. But, as I said before, they left me with nothing. So, I gave my body up to science; I became something more than human. The whites of my eyes turned black, and the color of my iris became purple. Dr. Rok, my handler, told me that they do not understand why they change, it is the same result, but the iris is different from rogue to rogue. It bothered me none; in the end, as long as I have a purpose in life, I will become the best there is.

I sat by a weird machine in the lab while Dr. Rok paced back and forth. His hands shaking, signaling his anxiety. I didn't pay much attention to it; he seemed a bit skittish most of the time. He is the only one who has stuck by my side since I was a child. I owe him more than I would like to admit. Rok, why are you pacing so much? I asked as I scrolled through the new catalog of Dime's dresses. I am also a shopaholic; I love my dresses, especially the new brand that just came out. He hasn't answered me yet; he is the only one I am patient with. As soon as I was about to buy this amazing dark red dress that would most definitely compliment my curves, he stopped.

Shadow, I-I know you wanted to go to 43rd Quebec Taskforce, and I tried to tell them you were the most sought out rogue...b-but they decided that you'll take command of 1st J-Juliet Taskforce. A-apparently, they are supposed to be a new type of task force. F-focused on the search and destroy missions. T-this request came from General of the Rogues. He sat down, trying to catch his breath. I crossed my legs which is the universal sign of ' I'm pissed off. I am the best rogue, and they promised me the slot I desired, and now they are taking that away from me. All the work I put into securing my position with a Quebec task force, I am being rerouted?! It's not his fault. When the General of the Rogues speaks, its law. You are being a bit dramatic, Rok. Take a sip of water and take your meds. Are you coming with me? I asked.

Yes, of course. I don't trust any handlers up in Blue district, and I put almost all my work into you. He said as he tried to swallow his pills.

It looks like I won't be able to live with my boyfriend now. I am very disappointed about this. However, A new type of Taskforce? I can make my mark, and my name will be known. I just wonder why the sudden need for a new task force. Well, Time to stand in line and wait, Shadow. Rok stood up; I followed suit. Let's get this dog and pony show out of the way.

I was standing in line in my numbered slot. The sun was radiant on the day of the Rogue Initiation Ceremony. Finally, an event people in Purple District looked forward to. The streets were covered with vendors mainly selling products sponsored by the Rogue Training Division, R.T.D. Children would see what new technologies to look forward to and find a new favorite Rogue to fall in love with.

Rogues were orphans who agreed to join the Aura Coalition Military. Unlike other regular soldiers, these orphans were vetted by their genetics and recruited by the R.T.D. However, they were not forced to be in this program. Many said no, and they were left alone. Rogues are rare; only a few in thousands could spot them. The only place that people can get a guaranteed glance of Rogues was at the Rogue Initiation Ceremony, which is why it is one of the most popular events. The ceremony only happens every four years. Every time this event showed, companies would release new technology or display upcoming products.

Attention! Attention! The ceremony will begin in thirty minutes! Please, start making your way to the Mist Theater. The announcer yelled over a Microphone; people began to make their way to the theater. There was no rush. The theater was huge, and the capacity could fit millions of people at a time.

A girl came up to the announcer and tugged on his pants. Oh, yes, my lady, how may I help you? The announcer asked kindly.

Sir, how can I become a rogue? The little girl asked. The man did not know how to answer.

Be a good girl; do you have any parents? The man asked.

No, they were killed. The girl turned away.

Awe, my lady. I am sorry. I didn't mean to bring bad memories. But listen, one day, they will come to get you and ask you if you want to be a rogue...Once that day comes, say yes... By the way, what's your name? The man asked the girl.

Mil. She smiled at the man before leaving. The man watched her runaway. Mil...

Four hours into the ceremony, Rogues stood in line gossiping about their assigned Task Force. Ruin! I was assigned to the 24th Romeo Task Force! One of the Rogues rejoiced. Great, Viper! I got 11th Quebec Task Force! Ruin laughed.

Rogues are called by the names given in the Rogue Academy. During their training, the Rogues were given a Genetically enhanced treatment. They were injected with a series of five shots containing a chemical they called 'Elixir 32C'. The treatment they put us through made us the strongest, most intelligent, and fastest humans on earth, even to the one percent that is completely evolved.

Shadow, what did you get? A medium-short blue hair, her iris is green, she stood at five feet and ten inches, with a slim but athletic body. I, Shadow, was one of the high-scoring rogues in my class, as I complained earlier. The higher the score, the lower level they were given. The status shows how skilled and what rank the Rogues are. The scale for the Rogues is different from the Enlisted and Commissioned soldiers in the Military. The lower their level, the higher their rank.

Juliet 1st... Not Quebec 43rd...Complete bullshit. I'm told with my level; I would get my preferred Task Force... This choice must be a mistake. What did you get, Poison? I was not in the best of moods, being the first Rogue to leave the Academy as a Major. I requested to go to Quebec 43rd Task Force with my boyfriend, but the powers needed me elsewhere.

They have me in Quebec 2nd. I will be working with Battle General Lurk...So excited. Poison sarcastically stated, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms. I'm sorry; he is just terrible. I laughed.

For the next Rogue, she ranked the highest amongst her class and other classes—the first Rogue to attain the rank Major in decades. Her name is Maria Loren Lewis! Also known as SHADOW! The announcer introduced.

Well, I'll see you on the other side, Poison. I waved as I stepped onto the stage. The spotlight shined on me, but I was unaffected by its brightness. The crowd was applauding, and I could hear something the crowd was shouting.

You are amazing!

The best Rogue ever!

Bring victory to Athens!

A girl in front of the crowd looked upon me as if she had just seen her hero. The little girl closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and shouted. Don't ever fail, Shadow! I want to be just like you! My name is Mil, and I'll surpass you! She opened her eyes, and the crowd was silent. Her voice echoed through the stands. I stopped in front of her kneeled to get a closer look at the little girl named Mil. Then, you better promise me one thing, girl. I extended my right arm out my hands curled into a fist. You better catch up. Mil was paralyzed; she did not know I would stop or the crowd to stop shouting. She reached out and hugged her hand around my fist with her left hand. This gesture was a show of respect and promise.

I smiled and stood up. I'll see you soon, Mil. I walked to the center of the stage. I was the driving inspiration for Mil's dreams from that day on.

'Juliet 1st... damn my luck!' I whispered to myself.

The ceremony went on and on; people came and went. They bought the best technology and preordered the upcoming. Being the Rogue Development Division's primary revenue, they did not have to worry about funds for researching and developing new exoskeleton suits for their rogues. Every time the Rogue got promoted, they received a new outfit with modern technology advancing their abilities and strength.

I was about to leave the stadium, but someone was waiting for me at the entrance. It was General Mist, General of the Rogue Council. Ma'am. I saluted as I approached her. She usually doesn't attend these events, so it was a bit off-putting for her to be here. Hello, Shadow. I wanted to talk to you about your preferred station being changed. If you have a minute. She was the highest-ranking Rogue amongst us, but she was extremely humble. I wonder if her power ever got to her head or she was always this kind. I understand that they need me to lead 1st Juliet Taskforce, Ma'am, I answered, and honestly, I think I know who made a choice.

"Yes, that was a choice I had to make. Shadow, something is going on in the Wastelands, which