Struck: Born from the Storm

By T.J. Miller

No one wants to get struck by lightning, of course. But what if getting struck by lightning could grant you unique powers? What would you choose to do with those powers?

Struck: Born from the Storm tells the story of a special kind of lightning storm, one that strikes only occasionally—and strikes only Black men and women. Some of those struck turn their newfound abilities to the service of Black people and humanity as a whole. Others use their powers for evil. Either way, their stories all influence the world…

Written by a sci-fi/fantasy fan for other superfans, Struck illuminates the complexity of being Black across time and space while entertaining with stories of courageous superheroes, terrifying villains, and everyone in between. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Jul 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781977250599

T.J. Miller

A practicing attorney, T.J. Miller was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. He holds a psychology degree from Howard University and a law degree from St. John’s University. Outside of writing, in his free time, you’ll find him traveling, running, reading, and generally looking for the next adventure. Struck is his debut novel.

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Struck

Born from the Storm

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2022 T.J. Miller

v3.0

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2022902583

Cover Photo © 2022 www.gettyimages.com. All rights reserved - used with permission.

Outskirts Press and the OP logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my mother, my brother, and the rest of my family. Everything I do, I do to make you all proud.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Chapter 1: Hakim

Chapter 2: Kwame

Chapter 3: Hakim

Chapter 4: Ruth

Chapter 5: Anniya

Chapter 6: Thomas

Chapter 7: William

Chapter 8: Simone

Chapter 9: Miles

Chapter 10: Sean

Chapter 11: Nicole

Chapter 12: The Resistance

PREFACE

Race has always been an important element of this country. For the better and for the worse, it has remained a subtle, constant reminder throughout history. Struck examines the differing perspectives of Black people across time and how those perspectives influence their actions. As this group of Black people gain special abilities, their individual ideologies as they pertain to race and how they are affected by race are evident based on their actions and what they choose to do with these abilities. These actions can be seen as beneficial or detrimental depending on the viewpoint of the reader, but the ultimate goal is to examine how race (and treatment of others based on race) can be a trajectory on an individual’s life.

Struck is a work of fiction set in a completely imaginary world whose history parallels our own. Names, characters, places, and incidents depicted in Struck are fictitious or are used ficticiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or real persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

PART 1

CHAPTER 1

HAKIM

West Africa – 1700s

What are you thinking about, Hakim? Kojo spoke from a distance, trying to give Hakim his space.

He knew that pushing wouldn’t make a difference; instead, Hakim had to be left alone. Carefully, Kojo tried to confront the man but went quiet after getting no answer. As a friend and as a brother, Kojo had to be there for Hakim, so he decided to speak rather than ask.

I understand your anger, brother. I, too, saw what you saw. I know that it is only a matter of time before they come for us. Still, you know you can’t give up; you can’t let go like this.

I’m not letting go, Kojo. Evidently, something that Kojo said had now struck Hakim out of his brooding silence.

I know, I know. That’s not what I meant. I’m only saying that we have to be stronger, smarter. We cannot give in to emotion. We must have faith for a better future. Kojo shared his thoughts whilst staring down at the burnt-orange setting sun.

He had gotten comfortable and sat on the rock on top of the cliff. Hakim, on the other hand, was staring at the opposite side, toward the luscious forest. It was almost as if he didn’t want to look at the slowly sinking sun.

It’s a great view, brother. Don’t look away. Kojo paused and continued, Looking away from this beautiful view is certainly a sin.

Hakim was listening to everything Kojo was saying, though he couldn’t allow himself to feel at ease after what had happened.

How long are we going to live like this? Hakim asked as his voice got deeper.

I don’t have an answer for that, but we can only have hope—I hear that’s free. Kojo got up and stretched a bit. He was a man with short stature. He was twenty-one years old with dark chocolate skin and, surprisingly, had a full beard. Hakim and Kojo belonged to the African tribe of Yoruba, and their village was in the middle of the Western Ghanaian lowland forests. Hakim, on the other hand, was tall for his age. He was twenty years old with rich chocolate skin also and came at an athletic 6’1". All through his life, Hakim had known only one thing. He had darker skin, and so he had committed a crime. He and his tribe, and the rest of the African tribes, all had sinned because they had darker skin. Hakim and Kojo were explorers by heart and could never stay in the village for more than a few hours. They enjoyed going exploring as often as they could. Hakim’s parents worried about their son, though they knew he was a strong man and could handle himself in challenging situations. Kojo’s parents trusted Hakim, so they let him go on his forest adventures.

No, you are wrong, friend; hope is not free; it comes at a price. Hakim shared his thoughts, still staring at the forest, away from the now almost disappearing sun.

And what price might that be? Kojo asked. Hakim answered by waving his hand toward the forest.

The price of living under tyrants. The price of lost family. The price of lost friends. Look at that empty village. They had hope too, and now all that is left is a cold kettle and burnt-out fire. Even their memories didn’t get to live. The English soldiers took the people, and the storm took their proof of existence. Hakim pointed out the destruction that had taken place a few days ago for the Mbenga tribe. Now they are all gone, bound to be slaves for the rest of their lives. Their destiny had been set in stone. Torture and imprisonment, this is what they have left.

Still, we can’t fall to our anger. We need to be better than them. Kojo started walking down the cliff overlooking the now waning sunset.

It was now almost dark; the sun was gone, and the two men were now walking back to their village. They were quite far, so the walk took about three hours. After reaching the village, the two quickly left for their homes.

Mama will kill me, said Kojo and ran as fast as he could.

He was a good friend for Hakim. He kept him in line. Where Hakim was the hot-headed action-taker, Kojo was the calm-headed peacemaker. Hakim also went home after saying his goodbyes. Upon reaching home, he was greeted with two angry faces. His father, Nuru, and his mother, Adia, were waiting for him for dinner.

Young man, good of you to join us. Everyone here has been waiting for over an hour for you. Come sit, if you are done with your adventures, Nuru sarcastically implied. The elder African man, though fair, was known to be cynical, especially toward his youngest son.

Where were you, Hakim? We were worried sick! Adia was furious.

I went to look at the Mbenga tribe! Or at least what remains of them, and that’s practically nothing, Hakim came clean.

What! Nuru was furious. I explicitly told you NOT to enter those boundaries. What if the soldiers were still there? Nuru said as he frantically got up and came closer to him.

Hakim’s older muscular brother, Ajani, got up and tried to control the situation. Papa, it’s okay. You need to relax and take care of your health, please.

Sit down, dear; you’re going to hurt yourself again. Adia came to her husband’s aid and gave Hakim her share of words. And you! Don’t you have a care for your father’s health? You speak without care, and you live without worry. Your careless attitude will get you in big trouble someday, Hakim. She patiently helped Nuru into the other room and gave him some water. Her calm and peaceful nature always allowed her to temper her hot-headed husband.

What is wrong with you, little brother? Why did you enter that territory? Ajani scolded young Hakim. Ajani was older than Hakim by three years and was also one of the leaders of the village.

Come, your father is calling you, said Adia, who came from the room and called Hakim. He entered and saw Nuru sitting on the bed, looking at him.

You were always the inconsiderate type. What did I do to raise such a selfish boy? Nuru questioned.

But I wasn’t even close to the village… Hakim started.

Doesn’t matter! You need to think before you act. What if the patrol had found you? They would’ve captured you, and then…then they would’ve tortured you until you told them of our location. Or perhaps, they would’ve followed you, bringing them right to our doorstep. The Mbenga tribe was always unlucky. They were near the waters, and that is why they were found. We are living in hiding, son; you cannot go out there putting everyone’s lives in danger. If they would’ve found you, then they would’ve found all of us. Would you have wanted that on your head? Nuru asked Hakim, who was now visibly ashamed. Nuru sighed and calmed down. Come now, let’s all have dinner together, and Hakim, please be smarter. You are strong, but you let your emotions take over you easily. Come, my sons, and let us thank your mother for preparing such a blessed feast for us.

The family came together for dinner and spent the time talking and catching up. The meat wasn’t plentiful, but the meal more than made up for it with healthy greens and fruits. After dinner, everyone went to their rooms and called it a day. Hakim, on the other hand, couldn’t sleep. In fact, he couldn’t stop thinking about the empty village he had left behind. So, Hakim decided to write; he picked up his journal and started laying down his thoughts.

1703, Monday

They came, and they took everyone. I was close by when the English soldiers raided the Mbenga tribe and took everyone from the village. It is now as empty as the sea. Kojo was with me when they came. We were far away, so we could only hear gunshots and distant screams. Still, we knew what was going on. The English soldiers had come to take them. They imprisoned these people, innocent people, and took them to their jail cells. Some would be sold to the Americans, as many were put to work on farms. They were treated like animals; they were treated like devils. Fortunately, my village is safe for now; we are in hiding. Our village is within the forest, so no one dares to enter. Though, this is only a matter of time. By staying here, we are buying ourselves time. My brother, Ajani, takes care of the village. He has links with the tribe leaders, and it was decided that staying here was the best option. Deep down, I think they are fools. They simply don’t understand our situation—they are scared, even. Kojo was surprisingly calm when everything went down, and rightfully so for a man of his composure. I won’t lie; I was scared too when the English soldiers took away the Mbenga tribe. Maybe that’s why I stood there in silence… maybe that’s why I didn’t do anything. What could you have done? Kojo asked me, and to that, I didn’t have an answer. I am a strong man, but I couldn’t come close to even fighting those men. I know I would’ve gotten myself killed. Some days, I am thankful for Kojo. He truly keeps me in line. So now, I just wait. I wait for them to come and get us, because one day they will. It might not be tomorrow or the day after, but they will find us. When that day comes, I know we are not prepared. I know I am not ready.

Hakim closed his journal and went to bed. The village was small, and the people did try to live a good life. Still, Hakim knew the truth and awaited the outcome, because he knew he couldn’t do anything that would bring his people salvation.

The next morning, it was time to follow the routine for the day. A group usually went hunting for food, while some would gather water and other materials needed for the village. Hakim usually was with Kojo and went to hunt. The two were always separate from the big group because, as Hakim believed, bigger groups scare away good hunt. He was right in a way, and so the two always went alone to look for their prey. Kojo also got hunting lessons from Hakim, and that is actually how the two originally met. In the past, Kojo and Hakim were a part of the hunting group. While out, Hakim noticed that Kojo was failing miserably at the work he was given, so he came to help. The two then decided that Hakim would give Kojo hunting lessons. Not understanding Hakim’s motivation, Kojo agreed, and that quickly led them to become friends.

Just like we practiced yesterday, okay, just a flick of the bow. Treat it kindly. Treat the arrow as your last resort. Take a deep breath, and then release as you exhale. Hakim continued his lesson. As he taught, Kojo did the same and was successful in grabbing some rabbit meat for the village. They continued their hunt and soon headed back with some good meat.

Well, this will feed the village for a day or so, Hakim mused.

Maybe. Hopefully the others were successful too, or else we’re gonna be short for a while, Kojo stated while making the calculations.

I wish there was a better way, a way we could be free. We face this problem because we’re afraid to enter the other territories, afraid of the English soldiers.

We are free, Hakim. This is freedom. Or would you prefer to be a slave, working for people treating us like filth? Kojo raised a valid point.

I wish I could help them because they can’t help themselves, Kojo. They are living in constant fear, and because of them, we have to hold back, Hakim countered.

However, before Kojo could say anything, dark clouds suddenly closed in, and the sunny sky was now filled with imminent darkness.

A storm’s coming, like the other day. We need to get back fast. Kojo looked up as both men started quickly pacing toward the village. The atmosphere was getting wet and caused their vision to blur. The sun was completely covered with black clouds, and the rain slowly took over.

Can’t run in this mud much longer, Hakim! Kojo called out from behind.

Get a grip, Kojo, and hurry up! The two ran as fast as they could. Still, the village was far away. Thunder had now taken over. The clouds were writhing and roaring, and night had suddenly fallen in the forest. The tall canopy trees