Path to Prominence: Drifting Nation

By M. Robert Katz

The Liberator Fleet from Angel Bay crosses the ocean searching for a place to settle and restock. With thousands of lives to protect, they find a new land with both allies and enemies waiting for them. After gathering information, the fleet’s leaders realize continuing forward means taking even more risks. Separating from the fleet, one group heads out seeking information while those that remain carefully watch over their crew. Uncertain and difficult choices lie ahead in the next part of their journey.
On the other side of the ocean, hunters from Sanctum feel defeated with only questions and no answers. Their struggle leads them on a mission to discover the origin of the Marshlands’ chaos. What they learn will take them to a place they never imagined. The mission takes a new direction that will test their skills and bonds like never before.
A struggle between strangers, friends, and family continues with each navigating both physical and mental challenges. A new phase in survival, leadership and emotions begins for all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Jan 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662934896

Book preview

Location: Altic Ocean Year: 3021

A fleet of ships moves in formation across the open ocean. Fourteen are over a hundred feet long heavily armed with turrets and cannons. Eight have no weapons but are two stories tall and slightly longer. At the center lies the largest vessel almost twenty stories reaching half a mile long and four hundred feet wide. The Prominence towers over the fleet keeping its distance to prevent the others from being caught in its wake. With a combined population of over three thousand they’re made up of hundreds of soldiers, technicians, engineers, and citizens. Now known as Liberators their former homes were the colonies of Angel Bay and Arcadia. After various battles and difficulties they seek a new home away from the war torn swamps they’ve decided to flee. Large stores of food, water, fuel and other necessary materials were gathered in preparation of the journey. The ship containing the greatest amount of supplies and home to most of the citizens is the Prominence processing its own green house for growing fruits, vegetables and tanks that produce fuel. A vast communications system allows them to speak with each ship in the fleet by radio and wireless signals. After weeks of traveling they finally see land across the horizon. Each ship slows preparing themselves for a new world.

Slowly the Prominence lines up adjacent to the shore. The vessel is so large it takes over twenty minutes to make the turn. Once it stops the rest of the fleet take positions. Only a few miles away they see the coast is made of massive stone cliffs slightly taller than their own ship. On the shore thousands of smooth rocks of different sizes fill the beaches as the tide washes over them. Past the top are grass fields making the green contrast with the blue sky. On the Prominence observation deck hundreds have gathered to view their destination. Families and individuals of different ages and races all take in the sights for the first time in their lives. One group is the family of a young soldier named Argus who’s standing with his parents, aunt, uncle and their two children Atlana and Jasen. Next to them are Trill and Reigna who chose to join after they were taken from their homes and rescued. Close by stand the leaders and minds behind the creation of the fleet. Wheel stands out from the others with his dark and yellow pattern jacket and a cane he now carries as a result of an injury he sustained while Gaddrian’s scars make him easily noticed. Sane, one of their top mechanics looks through a pair of binoculars next to his taller teammate Maze and their younger friend Razz. Heads of security Amity, Tork and Corm stand with other soldiers. Many are part of a race called Dwellers with blueish gray skin and short dark hair. Most carry goggles around their necks because a trait that allows them to see in the dark makes them sensitive to bright sunlight. After a few weeks many have adapted to better handle small amounts during the day and don’t need them as often. Close by is their technician Skie who holds a small recording device to remember this moment.

It’s beautiful says Razz.

Where exactly are we? Sane asks.

It’s got to be one of the Viridi Islands. Argus answers. Supply ships from Arcadia passed them because they don’t trade in anything expensive.

They didn’t know what had value. Skie replies These people might we willing to trade.

What do we know about those who live here? Gaddrian asks.

They mostly keep to themselves. Argus continues. They only trade and travel between the islands. It’s said they get attacked by raiders from further north so they have some strong fighters.

Maybe they’d want our spare metal? says Maze. Could help them build weapons and shelters.

Each of them wonders what deals or opportunities could present themselves when suddenly Trill gains everyone’s attention as she points to the beach.

What are those? There’s a bunch of them.

A few take out binoculars and recording devices zooming in to see dozens of animals among the rocks. Each have short snouts and covered in gray fur with a layer of fat over long flexible bodies as well as large webbed flippers for hands and feet. Not far from the mammals are a few ten foot long birds laying on their stomachs. Covered in thick waterproof feathers with long wings acting as fins they’re suited for swimming and too heavy to fly. Long cone shaped breaks help catch fish and invertebrates in deep water.

Phoci and Gander says Wheel. Fish eaters, probably all around these islands. They’re a favorite food for larger fish. He picks up his cane looking at a serrated tooth on a plastic ring he had built into the handle as a reminder of an encounter in the water of Angel Bay.

Do you think it’s safe here? Reigna asks having survived dangerous encounters with animals and people during her capture.

Depends on what’s waiting for us. Wheel replies. Before we get any closer we should have crews start transferring from Prominence. Most have been on the same ships for weeks and need a change of scenery.

Good idea says Gaddrian. We need them to restock and check the equipment for any-

Hey, look Sane interrupts staring through his binoculars. There’s a building up there.

They see a stone tower stationed above the cliffs.

It’s a watchtower. Says Wheel. If they don’t know we’re here they will soon.

There’s a cave below it. Gaddrian spots a narrow pathway in the rock leading to the beach. Some poles around the entrance. Probably for holding torches to signal ships at night.

Should we check it out? Razz asks.

Not yet Gaddrian says moving away from the edge of the deck. Amity, Argus, start rotating the crews from Prominence to each other ship. Sane get some teams together to inspect systems that might need repairs. Skie, Razz, you’re on communications. Make sure everyone knows where they’re going and how much supplies to bring. Maze you’re with me.

Hearing his instructions they each prepare for their assignments except for Wheel who turns to Gaddrian.

Where are you going?

We’ll prepare a team to go ashore and try to make contact.

You still don’t know what’s out there. Says Wheel. There’s only one way to find out.

Wish I could join but if anything happened I wouldn’t be able to make a quick escape. Wheel says taping his cane on the deck.

Gaddrian replies Most would be glad not to be heading towards the unknown. But that’s not what we do.

Everyone in the group either smiles, laughs or shakes their heads. With their tasks clear they disperse around the deck heading for the nearest exits. A few families remain to look at the island and Wheel turns back watching the shoreline as Reigna walks over to him.

I hope you find what you’re looking for. Maybe, I should make sure we’re ready.

As he walks Wheel uses his cane periodically trying not to rely on it. As he leaves Reigna wonders what’s been bothering him. Over the last few weeks he’s spoken to her a few times but never for too long or in detail like he did on Angel Bay. She tries not to dwell on it and stays with Trill and Jasen’s family enjoying the landscape.

After over an hour dozens of small transport boats have been lowered into the water and crews transfer to new ships carrying supplies. One of their battleships has moved closer to the shore allowing a team to take a boat to the beach. Gaddrian and Maze lead ten soldiers steering to the waters edge and exit the boat before pulling it onto the sand. Taking their first steps on land after weeks at sea they adjust as they feel the ocean breeze. Surveying the area they watch grunting Phoci crawl over rocks while the flightless birds ignore them. High above another species of bird hovers over the shore and rests in cervices within the cliffs. Ahead lies a pathway in the stone leading up to a cave. Taking the lead Gaddrian walks away from the beach with Maze and the others close behind. They find the old metal railing at the base of the cliff surrounded by large rocks and more poles for holding torches. Gaddrian cautiously stops at the rocks looking up at the cave. Everyone is armed and he doesn’t want to appear as a threat by entering unannounced. Cupping his hands around his mouth he calls out ‘Hello’ as the team waits for a response and after a moment he shouts louder towards the cave. Standing silently the team either stare up at the entrance or look around the shore waiting.

Should we go up? Maze asks.

I don’t want to give the wrong impression. Maybe we should wait back on the ship until someone shows themselves.

That would have been smart. A voice calls out.

They turn as a young man appears from behind one of the large rocks up on the path holding a crossbow. With no time to react eight more suddenly reveal themselves from various positions holding bows and long barreled guns surrounding the team. Maze and the soldiers instinctively raise their own weapons.

Wait Gaddrian shouts. Everyone calm down, no shooting.

Maze and the team slowly lower their arms loosening the grip on their guns causing the others to do the same. They see the group is made up of men and women of different ages wearing tattered clothes mixed with old combat gear and custom weapons. The one with the crossbow is at least in his mid to late twenties with dark reddish hair.

I’ve never seen a fleet like that one. Who are you?

We’re called Liberators. Gaddrian answers. We’re travelers looking to trade.

You’re not with the Obeveklig or part of Tenebris? Never heard of them. Gaddrian replies. We were looking for somewhere remote and heard the people here are reasonable.

Reasonable? You mean easy to make a deal with so we get less while you take more.

He didn’t say that. Maze answers. We don’t take advantage of others.

Some of those ships have a lot of weapons.

For defense Gaddrian replies. There’s families and children on that big ship. Can’t leave them unprotected. I’m sure that’s something we can both understand.

Even armed you shouldn’t be out here. Never know when you’ll run into a pack of Orkil.

What are those? Maze asks.

All the strangers look at each other surprised that he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

You’re really not from around here. All right, I’ll talk with the heads of the community. They might hear you out. We’ll be back later with an answer but you’ll have to give up your weapons before we let you in.

That’s fair says Gaddrian. We’ll be waiting on our ship until then.

The young man nods before heading up the path to the cave as the rest of his people follow. Gaddrian’s team turns back for the boat.

That went better than expected. Gaddrian says. What are Orkil? Some kind of animal? Maze asks.

Don’t know but I saw scars on those things. He turns to the Phoci and Gander. Wheel said they’re part of the food chain. I think we should get off this beach.

Taking his advice they quickly get back in the boat returning to their ship.

Contritum Terra: Woodlands

Deep in the forest on the edge of the Marshlands dozens of soldiers have gathered. Over the last few days the combined forces of three colonies have been attacking bases and storage facilities. After receiving signals of an attack on the largest colony many who were preyed upon by the swamp’s factions took advantage of the disorder. Now they’re robbing their enemies of their means to travel inland to pillage and abduct their people. Most sites are abandoned allowed forces to gain new materials and intelligence including boats and maps of the region. Large transportation vehicles have been moving hunters and soldiers through a camp in the dense woods. The makeshift base provides support and relays information to areas throughout the entire region. Leaders of the movement give orders through radios monitoring the progress.

As a transport stops at the base camp the doors open and a small group emerges. Among them are four hunters from a far away mountain colony called the Sanctum. Harben is a young man with a rare gift allowing him to sense the presence of other living things. Flint is the oldest and most experienced born at a desert colony but taken and raised in the Sanctum. Soleus is a loyal skilled friend while his older sister Luna is a strong skilled fighter in her own right. Even though only the siblings are related by blood they’ve all grown up together as a family. Raised and taught by Harben’s father Yate they set out on a journey to avenge his death by raiders from the Marshlands and rescue his sister Trill and Reigna who was visiting at the time. After many ordeals and failures they managed to reach the colony of Angel Bay only to find the entire population had vanished. Now they’re returning to their leader hoping for a new strategy. Another member in their group is a young man named Vann from the Saber Cliffs desert colony. Trusted by Flint he joined as a representative and old friend. The group walks away from the transport as Vann heads to one of the tents serving as a communications post. While he gives them his findings the four hunters stand together thinking things over.

What’s our next plan? Soleus asks. How are we going to find them? They told Harben that Trill and Reigna are still alive. We can’t give up now.

Luna replies We don’t know where those ships went or how to reach them. They only sent us to survey the island. I don’t think they’ll let us search the entire coast just to save two people.

Assuming they’re still near the coast. Says Flint. They could be heading anywhere, even across the ocean. We don’t know enough.

The hunters fall silent again as Flint looks at Harben.

Ever since their journey back he hasn’t spoken much. What are you thinking?

Harben lowers his head When they had us locked up he told me that the one’s who killed dad were dead. Then when we escaped he said Reigna was taking care of Trill. What if they don’t know anything about what’s going on out here? They don’t know we’re looking for her. If we can’t get her back then what are we supposed to do? Is the mission over?

Feeling his uncertainty and anguish Soleus and Luna both hold him close struggling to find an answer. Even Flint has trouble finding the right response and stares at the trees.

I don’t know. Flint replies. I just… I don’t know what’s next.

Harben looks up sensing Vann walking towards them.

I told Nexus what we found. He wants to speak with all of us.

Refocusing their emotions they follow him to the tent.

Stepping inside they find a group of middle aged men and women around radios on portable tables. They’re either listening or speaking while some write down information on pieces of paper. Standing over the reports is Nexus the leader of the Saber Cliffs colony and one of the people who planned the attack on the Marshlands. Seeing the young hunters he lets another attendant take command and walks over to them.

Let’s talk where there’s less noise.

Exiting the tent they follow him a few feet away from the path of passing soldiers. He looks up at the cluster of trees before turning to them.

We had to move the camp after scouts sighted Tyrants miles away. They shouldn’t be able to reach us here. It’s been a long time since I was out of the caves for this long so forgive me if I seem a little distracted. So, the entire population of Angel Bay is gone and there’s nothing left?

Vann answers Only some of the smallest boats which we brought with us.

What are your thoughts sir? Flint asks.

They might have learned of our plans and relocated somewhere more secure. Perhaps they’ll wait it out while the other factions fight for control until they have the advantage. What perplexes me are reports of people from Arcadia at Angel Bay. You two saw it yourselves, soldiers wearing the same military uniforms working along side Marauders.

I’m not sure they were Marauders, says Flint. They had the same clothes and weapons but they treated our wounds and tried to feed us. There were dozens of people working freely around the docks without armed guards. None of that matches what we were told about them.

The one I fought was strange. Says Harben. He came to my cell trying to negotiate. It was almost like he knew things about me. He said he would help us if I gave him information but I couldn’t trust him with everything at stake. That’s when he got unstable. I thought he was going to finish me right there. It was crazy.

Luna asks You think Reigna and Trill are giving them information? If they’re being cared for they might not know how dangerous these people are.

Maybe that’s why they left with them. Says Soleus. They made them think there wasn’t a way back home.

Nexus speaks There are many questions we don’t yet have answers too. What we do know is this started with Arcadia. If there’s answers or even hints of what’s happened that’s where we’ll find them. Unfortunately the signals and distress calls we’ve been receiving aren’t promising. Multiple factions have struck the colony in an all out war. There’s fighting in the streets and ships battling on the water. Even worse it’s drawn out creatures from beneath the city. It doesn’t matter if they’re a gang member or citizen. Any caught out in the open are preyed upon. They say people are disappearing each day.

Then there’s no way into the city? Flint asks.

I’m sure there are entry points but what happens once your inside is the problem. I’ve spoken to the other leaders on the subject. We’ve gained some ships and found routes that could lead us there. It would require the most skilled people we have just to get close. If the mission is approved it would almost certainly result in high casualties.

The four look at each thinking everything over. We’ll go says Harben.

This isn’t an order. Nexus replies. As I said, it hasn’t been approved and the details haven’t even been finalized yet.

When they are we’ll be part of the team that goes. Says Flint. We’ll find answers.

I should go too. Says Vann. Someone has to represent your interest and offer any survivors a guarantee of safe passage and relocation.

Nexus stares at each of them seeing the determination in their eyes. While he fears for them he’s reminded of the life threatening mission he went on when he wasn’t much older. Balancing his role as leader with the safety of those under his command he makes his decision.

If we confirm the information is correct boats should be ready by tomorrow morning. I suggest you rest until then. Vann, I’ll need your help getting the course mapped out. Before he leaves Nexus turns to the Sanctum hunters. Yate will be watching over all of you.

The old man walks back to the tent with Vann following behind. All four continue to stand among the trees reflecting on his words. Thoughts of Harben’s father and the people waiting for them back home run through their minds. Trying to focus Flint speaks to them.

You heard him, we should get some rest

Slowly they walk together towards one of the transports to find available seats. Now that they finally have a plan and a new task they prepare for whatever’s to come.

Viridi Isle:

In the midday sun clouds pass overhead as the Liberator fleet remains docked off the coast. After two hours of waiting they see a small group at the cave entrance where they first made contact. Preparing to negotiate Gaddrian and Maze are joined by Skie who’s traveled from Prominence to aid them. Using Skie’s technical support they hope to show what they can offer. With only two soldiers joined by four technicians all nine of them take a small boat to the shore. Walking up the pathway they see the young man they first met now unarmed but the people around him keep their weapons at their sides. At the cave entrance Gaddrian stands in front of him preparing for his response.

They’re ready to speak but like I said, no weapons.

Gaddrian and Maze agree and along with their two soldiers hand their guns and blades over. Taking their spike guns one of them inspects it unfamiliar with its design.

Careful where you aim that. Says Maze. Trigger and recoil take some getting used to. We only brought them because we thought you might want to see what we use for defense.

They turn their attention to two of the technicians carrying packs. Show us what’s in the bags.

They hand them over revealing what’s inside as Skie explains These are flatscreen devices for information storage and communication. Since we couldn’t bring everyone together we wanted all of our leaders to meet.

Will they require our electrical system to use?

No, they’re each charged for at least two hours. The only problem might be getting a signal through these caves if we’re too far underground. We brought a strong booster to help.

Some of them aren’t sure what she means but all their equipment seems safe.

Fine, follow me.

After entering the caves the path gets wider and torches line the walls even few yards. Able to see in the dark Maze notices a series of large metal interlocking gates on the sides.

You use these gates to keep someone out? Maze asks. The young man just nods and keeps walking.

When we got here you were already waiting and the entrance was locked. You must have other tunnels all around. How often do you need to defend this cave?

I’m not a guide. The community will answer your questions.

They can tell he’s being straightforward and remain silent. After a few minutes they reach another larger section with electric lights on the ceiling connected to wires running down different tunnels. Most passages are locked by metal gates that only open from one side ensuring no one can get through. The young man and his team head down one of the only unlocked gates as the group follows. Walking uphill they can see sunlight ahead. Exiting the