The Nomad and the Jade Rose

By Novel Melody

In "The Nomad and the Jade Rose," author Novel Melody weaves a spellbinding tale of dark romance and suspense that will keep readers enthralled until the final, heart wrenching revelation. This intricately layered novel, the first in the series, explores the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love,

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.L.P Books
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781961816022

Book preview

The Nomad and The Jade Rose

NOVEL MELODY

The Nomad Series Book 1

Copyright © 2023 Alain L. Perez

Visit the Author’s Websites:

linktr.ee/novelmelody

NovelMelody.com

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the Publisher/Author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

​​ISBN: 978-1-961816-02-2 (English E-Book)

​​ISBN: 978-1-961816-00-8 (English Print)

​​ISBN: 978-1-961816-03-9 (Spanish E-Book)

​​ISBN: 978-1-961816-01-5 (Spanish Print)

​​ISBN: 978-1-961816-04-6 (Audiobook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023920993

1st Edition October 2023

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products are intended or should be inferred.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Programmed Desires

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

A Rose with Electric Thorns

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

A Triumphant Declaration

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Bittersweet Escape

Epilogue

Programmed Desires

Electric auras fill the night sky

Pink, Purple, and violet tones abound

As I coast through the city of dreams

I finally arrived, my Destiny unseen

Blinded by the lights and my desires

Time slows when I’m here

And I overlook all its faults

Whilst embracing what’s on display

To feed my blazing ambitions

The cold air stings when it hits the steel in me

Integrated circuits, I’m more machine than man

As I walk the city streets solemnly

I realize, I may have lost my humanity after all

Chapter 1

The winds’ howling tonight; visibility is at an all-time low, sir.

The Central Command has ordered a full stop until the storm passes.

This will be the last transfer for the night, lieutenant.

Idle chatter filled the transport vehicle on its way to its home base. Its passengers talked loudly with one another albeit to no avail. The wild weather lashed the transport vessel reverberating throughout its interior producing a cacophonous noise. Filled with machinery and men, one stood out amongst them all. Sitting in the corner, reserved, yet he commanded respect from those around him. Dressed in all black and wearing a military issued cloak he sat silently, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. After some time passed navigating through the windstorm, a soft but robotic voice began speaking overhead.

We have arrived at our destination,only those with an entry pass will be allowed to enter the city. Those without will be shuffled onto another transport and transferred for processing. Internal gears from large steel doors began to turn eliciting a hissing sound that silenced the lot.

Clear the drop-off zone! Could be heard from outside the transport.

As it opened, a tall and frail looking man with a large sword, that appeared too heavy to lift, and a small fat man with mixed red-blue colored hair, holding what appeared to be a child’s ball, were standing outside. What an odd sight! Stated one man to another.

The tall one attempted to walk in first only for his sword to bump into the doorway preventing entry; move aside said the smaller fat one before shuffling in himself.

With a high-pitched voice, he announced follow me if you have a pass. The man sitting in the corner was the only one to stand; he alone had a pass, a rare occurrence which filled onlookers with intrigue. He followed the odd pair towards the city gates doing his best to avoid the unnecessarily long sword in front of him while the small man glanced back occasionally smiling. Now this wasn’t a friendly smile. No, this was more of a imagining the man dressed in black as a pork dumpling type of smile. Practically drooling, the small fat man wiped his mouth and said My name is Jiba from district 10 and I process new arrivals with my old friend here Taka of district 9. We work for the central command.

The old man nodded although he appeared to be drifting in and out of consciousness. Half asleep to the untrained eye, but to the young man dressed in black, he could tell his new friend Taka had enjoyed one too many drinks. Upon reaching the gate the odd duo signaled to an ugly gray control tower to open and soon after the towering red doors began to move. District 15 with a neon glow was written on its doors which were as big as a house. The young man reached into his pocket and pulled out an entry pass presenting it to the two at which point they refused. 

We know who you are Danny, there is no need to identify yourself. Me and my friend here volunteered to greet you personally — we wanted to meet the special guest, and our competition, for the upcoming Fate tournament Responded Jiba while munching on a seaweed snack. 

Our competition you say, as if we’re equal, well – we’ll see about that Danny said with a stern look knowing full well they may try to take him out before the tournament ever begins. He took a step back slowly and clenched his left fist as if readying to strike first.

Calm down young man said Taka the tall drunk while swaying side to side. We came to introduce ourselves and welcome you back home he exclaimed, trying to balance himself with the sword. 

I haven’t met anyone from the inner districts before. You two are an odd sight. Danny quipped. 

You’re a real funny guy, huh? I’ll wipe that smile off your face outer district trash Jiba responded angrily, still rummaging through his snack bag. 

Save it for the tournament. You’re free to go Danny; We’ll be seeing you real soon Taka replied as the doors finally opened behind them displaying the city of Omega Shanghai in all its grandeur. 

Danny stepped forward, passing through them and entered the city at which point the doors began to close behind him. The menacing pair watched glaringly as the young man made his way into the city — his cloak swaying in the wind under the warm lights as he stopped to take in the view. 

We must inform him of Danny’s arrival Taka said to the small fat man Jiba while the doors closed.

I don’t see anything special about him, he looks weak and untrained, Jiba jokingly replied while tossing his ball from one hand to the next.

He’s been chosen by our superiors for a reason. He possesses a rare physical trait which would be an asset to us. For now, you’ll just have to learn to get along. Taka lectured his friend.

Or a menacing enemy Jiba responded with a smile as he caressed the small ball. 

Taka nodded as they headed into the control tower with the neon city lights behind them growing ever brighter casting their light over the city walls.

It was a warm summer night when Danny arrived back home; its neon lights burned brighter than ever before. He had just returned to district 15 in Omega Shanghai for the first time in years and so much had changed. While still clutching an entry pass in his hand, he raised it ever so slightly above his head to better focus on the breathtaking sight. Lavender and sage colors lit up the night sky while the city streets alternated different shades of pink and red. Carefully cultivated synthetic trees lined the walkways as far as the eyes could see. Bright green and fluorescent they mixed with red signs throughout. It’s hard to believe I’m back homehe murmured walking down the hill overlooking the city. 

The main entrance gate, engraved with the district number in neon, flickered in the darkness illuminating the old steel walls that surrounded the city. Its grinding noise reminded him of a wounded animal howling in pain as it came down behind him.

There’s no going back now, he thought to himself, searching for the transport platform located just down the street in outer district 15. The scent of roses and vanilla lingered in the air as he got closer to the platform and although it was almost midnight you could hear music and people in the distance. A light smile appeared when he recalled nostalgic moments in his district during his youth, but it quickly turned sour as the reality sunk in. The outer districts were inhabited by citizens who were considered unworthy to live in the inner areas. Inequality was rife within the city, even within the same districts, a hierarchy existed based on talent, bloodlines, connections, or usefulness to the city-state government. Those unlucky enough to be born in the outer districts, like Danny, had few options available to escape in search of a better life. Travel outside the city was prohibited and movement within the city strictly limited.  

Too many residents, the dream of escaping the outer districts was common but few possessed the tenacity to achieve it; those that did try to escape the soul crushing life of district 15 learned it came at a great cost. Working for the Jade Corporation was one such avenue or competing in their fate tournament which was held yearly. As if by design, the system was set up to draw people from outer districts into backbreaking, filthy, and dangerous jobs that were masked with a patriotic flair. Danny knew better. He could see past the lies that littered the streets. Posters showing the courage of workers outside of the walls, happy looking citizens working in the underground mines, children playing innocently in the outer district industrial zones. All a lie. Humans were bred to fuel the machine that was Omega Shanghai.

It’s been seven years, and nothing has changed, Danny thought to himself standing in front of a large recruitment poster on a side street. Vibrant colors and holographs that moved brought it to life. A dazzling scene that would make any resident want to join. It had the same effect on him. Now much older, Danny had just turned twenty-five and was back home due to pure luck. 

All citizens of Omega Shanghai were processed by an advanced computer system and their future determined at an early age. When a perfect specimen, as they called it, appeared, the system granted it a bountiful life in district 1. The O.S.P.R program had existed for over a century. Created to help rebuild the city, to repopulate, but not much else was known publicly about it. 

I left for a better life only to find misery and suffering unlike anything I could have imagined, he thought as he continued down a small path to his destination.

Memories of his childhood came to him as he walked past familiar streets, painted gray with streaks of fluorescent light down the center. Performers plied their craft while others competed for his attention. Young Man! Bellowed one of them from underneath an overpass. Dressed in a metallic silver coat with alternating patches of cloth. It looked ragged and he disheveled. 

Care to buy my wares? He asked Danny. 

I have the finest cosmetics, prosthetics, and aesthetics this side of the district. He exclaimed proudly while opening his coat displaying second hand, half-empty, or discontinued items that were deemed hazardous for personal use.

Danny stood there mesmerized, not by the items for sale, but by the man selling them. He talked so quickly, it was difficult to understand him, not to mention the light that bounced off his reflective coat half blinded him. 

His appearance differed from others in the area. Exposed skin was pale white but prosthetic enhancements formed patches throughout his arms and upper chest. Older gen stuff, some even looked exotic. 

There are more patches on him than the coat, thought Danny while observing him.

No thanks, I’m not in the market for anything now. He replied while shifting away but before he could leave the old man smiled, lifted his hand, and displayed an inscription of the Jade Corp that was hidden over layers of clothing. As he stepped forward, the reflection of light from neon signs across him revealed a more seasoned expression. With a wicked smile he said seems we have something in common young man with a shuffle inching closer to him. Taller than those around him, including Danny, and with snow white hair that contrasted his blue eyes. 

Are you from this city? Danny asked him while noting his wolf-like stare. 

I’m a traveler of sorts he belted out with a laugh never shifting his glare.

Foreigners had been banned in the city when Danny was young but recently merchants were being allowed inside to trade.

Perhaps he’s a trader from another city Danny surmised. 

Friends call me Max. I’m new in town! Could use a local friend to help an old man. I’ll make it worth your time he replied while extending his hand to him.

Danny paused, not knowing whether to trust him, before extending his hand slowly. I’m Danny, a Jade Corp engineer from this district. And… Sure I can help. Welcome to Omega Shanghai he replied as rain droplets began to fall. Thunder roared in the distance while flashes of lightning fused with the city lights turning cold reds into hot blues springing effervescent shades of violet. 

If you’re ever in need of anything, come to me, I’m your guy. Including work, I can always use some help. I’m not as youthful as I once was. He jokingly said as a tram roared overhead. 

I’ll add you to my ComTech replied Danny while scanning the old man’s face. The new generation of ComTech, an implantable communication device, allowed users to scan others in nearby and obtain their contact information granting them the ability to speak across vast distances. 

I have a feeling we’ll meet again Danny He replied while opening his coat towards other passersby trying to sell the old junk he was peddling. 

What an odd old man Danny murmured while continuing towards the tram station.

Large shadows roamed the night sky with many of them jumping from one building to the next, virtual characters created for aesthetics or advertisements were visible from as far back as district 15. Although enchanting, the inner ten districts were segregated from the other five and rarely did anyone from an outer district receive permission to enter. An entirely different world, right next door, so close and yet so far. As a youth, Danny dreamed of reaching those inner districts and living among the perfect residents. Not much had changed since then. 

What a mesmerizing view to behold, I imagine the show is better the closer you get. I never imagined coming back after everything that happened and now that I’m here I feel so much guilt for ever leaving at all. I just hope they can forgive me. I ran away from my problems only to find more and in the end abandoned everyone I held dear. Danny said softly. Workers that were sent outside the city walls remained there to prevent the spread of disease, radiation, or information on how the world really looked like outside the exterior gates. Although a young man of only twenty-five, he appeared much older with a stern look on his face and a sliver of a metal plate hugging his chin up to his right cheek. The result of an industrial accident mixed with advanced human modification to increase performance on the field, Danny was more machine than man.

Propaganda on a continuous loop played on large holographic screens outside of the station and could be heard for quite a distance spewing information to indoctrinate the masses. As a form of control, its effectiveness was unrivaled; Danny could hear some of it as he got closer.

Of the last major cities that remain in the 24th century, Omega Shanghai stands like a priceless gem, a blueprint of what a perfect city should be. Although destroyed in the Great War of 2280, the New China Coalition rebuilt the city and the omega added before its old name. Divided into fifteen major districts, each with their own unique identity, contribute to the greater whole. The final bastion of humanity in the east. Free of disease. Free of pollution. Free of corruption. An oasis for all… 

It continues. In an endless loop. Danny learned how to tune it out. Ignore it. 

He saw the truth beyond the walls. The old world, overrun with life and yet drowning in pollution. Hazardous to most but life still thrived in some areas. Adaptation by a myriad of lifeforms, ever-present. 

The only truth to that video was the description of the city, its layout, if you will. Danny thought while approaching the station.

The city was divided into fifteen districts in a circular fashion with the main ten districts surrounding the first which housed the most wealthy and powerful. Like the sun and its location in the center of the solar system, the city became brighter and full of life as you approached its center. The outer districts housed the peasants, farm workers, war veterans, gov-tech modified humans, whores, and anyone else the elites considered blemished. Changes in infrastructure were apparent as you got closer to the center districts; although touted as perfect, the city was far from it. The outer districts 11 through 15 were nothing more than slums with rampant violence, poverty, and hunger; this was the life that Danny remembered and the one he escaped from.

As Danny entered the station platform, he recalled all the years he spent toiling away in mines and radiation zones harvesting material for the Jade Corporation. Born in a peasant family with no real talent he volunteered to be sent to the far reaches of the planet to scavenge ancient battle sites for this behemoth of a company; in exchange he was promised his family would be cared for. A remnant of previous wars, it was the only company standing within the city that still operated across borders and had connections to powerful individuals around the world. Those that worked in radiation zones were marked by the company and underwent human enhancement surgery to increase efficiency. A small square with the Jade symbol was branded onto Danny’s neck on the left side just below his ear. He kept it covered with the jacket sleeves or his hair as many believed it to mean he was contagious or could spread disease, a lie perpetuated by the Jade corporation to keep people from asking too many questions. Ignorance is bliss or so they say Danny said aloud as he overheard several residents praising the central command and their minute contributions to the outer districts. I pray my family haven’t succumbed to the mind-numbing propaganda; I’ll be home shortly… I can’t wait he said under the cover of his breath as the tram opened its doors for passengers. 

Chapter 2

Danny picked up the pace and slipped through the glass doors on the city tram right before they closed accompanied by a small insect like drone that fluttered in behind him. Initially, he thought nothing of it, until it hovered near him in rhythmic motion until it matched with his I.D pattern. Wireless transmissions from Danny’s processing core identified him to the insect drone. Moments later advertisements tailored for him appeared on screens integrated into fences, displays within the tram, and building faces for different products. These insect-like drones roamed the city targeting resident multiple times a day; like a locust plague they filled the sky during the day almost blackening it. But never in the lower five districts as they were only allowed to target districts six and higher; the lower five districts were free of marketing drones for the legal inhabitants. 

Now boarding for District 15 a soft female robotic voice sounded overhead. 

He reached over his shoulder and smacked the small insect-like drone towards the floor destroying it. The true plague that casts a shadow over the city referring to the drones which are used to feed residents a steady stream of information inspiring consumption while monitoring their every move. 

The closer he got to his destination, the more apprehensive he became about reuniting with a family that he had not seen in years. As the train passed the first stop, Danny sat at the end of the tram and took it all in. He couldn’t believe he was back in the city or how lucky he was to be invited for the upcoming Fate Tournament. Soon after taking a seat, it began to vibrate; vanilla in color, it changed shape to conform to his figure. ergonomic nirvana in chair form. This is incredible, he said aloud. Only to gaze up at the ceiling and notice a crystal glass that allowed riders to gaze at the stars. 

A new addition to the outer districts, these trams were a hit with locals, including Danny who had never been in one. Mesmerized by the view and comfort he continued stargazing when the tram shifted directions on its way towards his hometown. Danny quickly grabbed a support handle but dropped his accidentally. Shit! My papers, I’ll be detained without them. He quipped while steadying himself. 

He leaned forward, exposing his right arm, while trying to pick up the pass. A Carbon black and ruby red metallic material covered the arm up to the elbow and just beneath the long sleeve, near the wrist, an inscription was visible. In neon green, it read Jade Corp R Model 43. A unique implant only given to those in the military operations division of the company; a division clouded in secret that specialized in the research of advanced weapons outside the city.  

He never noticed her presence. As if she appeared from thin air, a young woman retrieved the pass from the ground and said, 

You dropped this! while smiling at Danny. 

Danny was at a loss for words when he saw her not to mention it wasn’t his experience for people to be this courteous in his district. She seemed out of place. 

Thank you replied Danny while taking the pass from her hand. 

Before he could put it back, he glanced at her again, mesmerized by her violet eyes. The contrast was jarring, eyes as violet as a wisteria flower, yet dressed in blood red garments. She appeared young and well fed and content. 

She’s not from this district Danny thought to himself. 

I’m Rose she replied while extending her hand to Danny.

Hesitant to meet someone that appeared to be from an inner district, especially under his circumstances, Danny humbly lowered his head in respect and avoided grabbing her hand directly. His technical modifications are not normally found within the city and his presence within the walls could cause panic among the public. 

It’s nice to meet you he said while raising his head and making eye contact with Rose. She had fine facial features, powder white skin, and light pink hair which made her stand out. 

I’m Danny, from district 15, an engineer for the Jade Corporation. You don’t seem like you’re from around here replied Danny while observing her implanted tech. It was subtle but he could see enhancements in her eyes, implants in her neck and arms as well; she was not a normal citizen of the inner districts. 

No, this is not my home district, I’m here on business she replied while glancing at Danny’s hands. She slowly lifted her gaze focusing on his neck and chin which had metal plates implanted after an industrial accident courtesy of the Jade Corporation. Danny had rough features with scars covering his jaw line down into his chest interwoven with cybernetic enhancements and markings that appeared to come alive. A small sliver of this marking was showing near his right shoulder which stood out from his garments as it moved, morphed, and changed tones depending on its environment. Officially known as cyber marks, they were mainly cosmetic in nature although more advanced tech existed for military purposes. 

Can I ask what business you have in my district? Danny asked cautiously and with increasing intrigue. 

I came to prepare the district for the coming qualifier to the fate tournament and scout promising candidates replied Rose while reaching into her pocket to retrieve a small device. 

I know who you are, she continued while raising the device towards Danny. A few seconds later a large virtual screen popped out showing physical statistics, pass information, and employee records with the Jade Corp. 

It seems you know plenty about me and yet I know nothing about you replied Danny in a tense voice. 

Not yet but I have a feeling you’ll get to know me real soon Rose replied playfully while turning towards the exit on the tram. As it approached the next stop she said, This is my stop Danny, I look forward to seeing you again.

She exited the tram and walked to the end of the platform as the doors began to close. Danny could see her on the ledge, her hair swaying in the wind, as the tram passed, they locked eyes. He felt warmth in that moment even though her outward appearance and demeanor were cold. Suddenly a row of trees appeared breaking their eye contact as it rounded a corner onto its next stop. Danny shifted in his seat to see if he could see her one more time when suddenly a flash of light appeared and all he could see was a blur where she was standing. What was that! she disappeared he said aloud in the empty tram as it continued down the line. 

Now Approaching Fusang Station played overhead in a soft robotic voice as the tram pulled into Danny’s stop. Still thinking about the mysterious girl, he gathered his things and turned towards the exit door beside him. He could see outside, through the windowpane, not much had changed since he left and yet it felt so different. The warm night breeze had trees swaying while small pieces of litter tumbled through the deserted platform as Danny glided by. His mind racing faster than his feet, excited to see his family and thinking of how surprised they would be upon seeing him again after all this time. One light flickered on and off at the city center next to the tram platform and next to it the ration office where he would go with his younger brother to pick up his family’s food rations for the week. He recalled his youth, playing in the field next to the tram platform, eating at the rundown shop up the street, and falling in love with a girl in building 3. That girl reminded me of her; she had the same — smile, he said to himself while walking past the decrepit old building. 

Danny turned into a dark alley at the end of the road, flanked by old shops with wooden signs, the rot visible in-between the lettering as small flowers sprouted from the cracks in the foundation. After a short walk down the alley, he turned and crossed into an old red brick building with a dimly lit entrance. His family had an apartment on the second floor, first door on the right, still black with red streaks from rust. He paused right before knocking, unsure if he should wait until morning, but his yearning to see them again was too strong. Countless nights he spent under the stars dreaming of the day he could see his parents and younger brother again and now finally after all this time his dream was coming true. Danny took in a deep breath, raised his right arm, and carefully knocked on the door as he had a habit of forgetting his newfound strength. 

A smirk came to his face as he recalled the first day after installing the new arm implants when he grabbed an industrial wrench too hard, snapping it in two. A few moments later, the door pistons released pressure and the door creaked open causing some of the rust to peel off in some sections. To Danny’s surprise, an old man with a black cane appeared on the other side. The wrinkles on his face were so deep that it hid scars that seemed to tell a story if one had the time or cared enough. Danny had this puzzled look, confused as to who that person was and if he was in the right place. He communicated with his family on a yearly basis until he was sent to the African site for several years, communication at the salvage site was interrupted frequently due to fighting between local ravagers and jade corporation security forces.

Hello, young man, can I help you? Said the old man in a calm but stern voice. 

Danny responded, I am looking for the Wu family, I am their son, Danny, I have been away on business for some time now. 

The old man appeared sad, his expression changing to one of sorrow, as he lowered his head and said, I’m sorry, but I have some bad news for you. 

Suddenly, it felt as if the hall started spinning to Danny, he felt his heart race, and his body became tense. The old man asked him if wanted to step inside for some tea and offered him a seat. 

Danny declined his offer and pressed him raising his voice, What do you mean bad news? Did they relocate? Did they get sent to a colony? Where is my family? My little brother? 

The old man reached out and grabbed Danny’s right shoulder earnestly using him for support while slowly walking forward with the cane. A golden dragon was now visible on the cane, it seemed hand carved and painted, an antique prized by the old man that he carefully moved