The Habitual Humanity Omnibus: Habitual Humanity

By J. M. Tompkins

In 2069, America is split between citizens and outsiders.

 

The citizens have it easy—so it seems. They have access to medical care, education, and jobs. But they're also measured by the Citizen Code. Every aspect of their life is monitored and calculated into this single score. If it's short of perfect, they could lose their citizen status.

 

Forced to live off the grid, the outsiders have no benefits from the government, but also no Citizen Code which measures them. They have freedom, but also hardship.

 

Then the government launches a secret project to enhance their military power. They're breaking scientific barriers, but the accolades and achievements don't come without sacrificing a few morals.

 

 When the government focuses their new pet project against the outsiders, the outsiders fight back.

 

The Habitual Humanity Omnibus includes the entire novella series and will take readers through an epic, pre-apocalyptical American journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Creativity Untamed, LLC
• Release date: Dec 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798985016468

Book preview

The Habitual Humanity Series Omnibus

America's greatest science experiment will be her ultimate fall.

J. M. Tompkins

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Copyright © 2023 by Creativity Untamed, LLC

Cover Illustration by Creativity Untamed, LLC

Typography & formatting by Typographer Creativity Untamed, LLC

Editing services provided by Creativity Untamed, LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, 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.

This entire series is dedicated to my husband.

I'm so lucky I found someone to share my life and dreams with.

WASTEBASKET

NOVELLA 1 | UNWANTED HAS A NEW MEANING

YEAR 2069

August Paxton

B riefing at 0900 hours! Sammy Gomez yelled to everyone sleeping in the racks on the SSN-912 Minko . There were twenty-four racks, twelve stacks of two, with white linens and thin curtains for privacy. With only a four-hour rotation to get to sleep, the men groaned at the interruption.

August Paxton sat up rubbing his face. He was a lanky teenager who'd never seemed to fit in - before now. Now, his ability to hustle ass and never complain scored his acceptance among the crew.

What for? he asked.

You'll find out at 0900 hours. Sammy drummed his knuckles on the wall and walked away. He didn't look like he belonged on a submarine. Sammy looked like he belonged on a beach with his tousled dark hair and naturally brown skin.

What the hell? Tim said. Tim was the bubblegumer of the crew, the only other new guy besides August. Since Tim was naive and gullible, he'd gotten assignments to locate things such as the Bosun's Punch or an Ash Receiver.

"Don't be a bent shitcan," August said.

"What's a bent shitcan?" Tim asked.

An asshole with a bad attitude. You'll get a rep for that. August dropped out of the top rack and landed with a thud. He opened his locker, pulled out a pair of camouflage pants, and slid them on. Five minutes, he said as he walked out.

The crew gathered in control central, which was the largest room on the Minko. Dozens of glass panel screens, which were manned around the clock, displayed data and controls in a multitude of colors. Now, the room was packed tight with Navy men and buzzed with speculations about the change in plans. Until Captain Warren Herbert entered, then all talk stopped.

The Captain was a big man. Add in his three-week-old beard and menacing eyes, and he looked downright formidable. The crew would scramble to get out of his way unless he was pouring out shots of whiskey.

Is everyone here? the Captain boomed.

Aye, Captain, the crew replied in unison.

I've told you to cut that shit. He stepped into the center of the room where everyone could see and hear him clearly. We’ve lost signal on a drone programmed to collect information on China. We are the closest vessel to the last known GPS signal. It's our duty to find this drone, recover its data, and destroy the evidence. The Captain turned and touched the largest piece of glass on the wall. It transformed from columns of information to an illuminated 2D map.

I thought drones could self-destruct? Tim asked.

The crew gave him the side-eye for interrupting the Captain, who dropped his hand by his side and took a step toward Tim.

If you open your mouth again, you're going to be on this mission, the Captain boomed. Returning his attention to the map, he pointed at a red dot situated to the east of a town labeled Taetan. This is the last known location of the drone. As you can see, this is not China. That's the good news. It's North Korea. That's the bad news. When the self-destruct sequence was activated, he turned just enough to give Tim a warning look and then he faced the rest of the crew, there was an error code and then it went dark. We need to ensure we're the ones to recover the drive.

He reached up, grabbed the glass by its edges and with a tiny upward jerk, took the glass off the wall and laid it flat on a table in the center of the control room. It automatically formed into a 3D map as though miniature earthquakes and tectonic shifts were creating a new land in mere seconds.

"As you know, North Korea is the world's Wastebasket, where we dump our trash. What you may not know, is that the natives are psychologically impaired and possibly dangerous. The extent of their impairment is unknown. They're potentially comparable to a primitive civilization. We must take precautions.

Sammy, as an engineer, you're going. Blake and Lucky, you're going for extra muscle. Darius, you're going too. These men may need a medic. I'll get us as close as I can to Songang-ni. The Captain pointed toward a town near the coastline of the Yellow Sea. "Pack the necessities and your NWU Type III. We'll be there around 1300 hours. At 1310, meet in front of the lockout trunk with your packs. You'll get the box and take the BEIB to shore. Find the drone, secure the data, and destroy the evidence. Radio when you're back and we'll prepare the lockout trunk. Sammy, Blake, Lucky, and Darius get a rotation of sleep. Officers, reassign your teams as necessary to ensure all shifts are covered."

The Captain held out a folded piece of glass to Sammy. It was about two inches wide and three inches tall. Here's a copy of the mission, maps, and more.

Thank you, sir, Sammy replied, taking the device. As Senior Chief Petty Officer, he'd command the direct-action squad.

Any questions? the Captain asked.

Tim raised his hand.

You're not even on the mission, August said through gritted teeth.

Tim lowered his hand.

Crew dismissed, the Captain boomed.

The crew filed out of the control room, save those assigned for navigation, communications, and other operations. August was shoving Tim in the shoulder on their way out when he heard a familiar voice.

August! It was the Captain. August felt a tug in his stomach, unsure if he'd done something to earn a verbal lashing.

Sir? August replied, saluting and standing at attention. Sometimes the Captain liked formalities and sometimes he scolded them for it. August suspected it was to keep them on their toes.

The Captain shifted his weight and put his hands on his hips. You're going too. It'll be good to have two engineers on the crew. Tell Sammy and get a rotation of sleep.

The Captain stared into August's eyes and August wondered if the Captain was watching for a reaction or hoping for one. August, nervous and scared of both the Captain and the mission, couldn't think of anything to ask so he just said, Yes, sir.

At ease, seaman, the Captain said.

August relaxed his shoulders and the Captain turned away. With the moment for questions elapsed, August realized he had a ton.

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August rushed through the tight corridors of the Minko. He wanted to talk to Sammy, the one person he could look like an idiot in front of without worry. He burst through the door to the racks and came face to face with Lucky and Blake, who were standing in front of their lockers stuffing their packs.

August felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. Blake and Lucky looked through people, as though they weren't there. And they hardly spoke, unless they talked down to someone. Tim had tried to befriend them once by asking where they were from, if they had family back home, or girlfriends. They answered each question in a single word and in unison. 'Kentucky', 'No', and 'No.' The conversation made crew members weary of them and Tim avoided them like the plague after that. They weren’t related, August considered, as they looked nothing alike. Lucky was white, thick, blond, and square-jawed while Blake was black, tall, and athletic with a long face.

August knelt beside a lower bunk where Sammy was sitting with his locker open.

Cap put me on the mission.

Sammy raised his eyebrows.

No shit, I'm serious, August said.

Lucky elbowed Blake and they snickered in unison.

August ignored them and whispered to Sammy. So, North Korea? I mean, is it as dangerous as it sounds? Isn't that the place where that guy went crazy?

Uh, yeah, Sammy replied. Everyone went crazy there. There's no law, no food, no anything.

August felt his stomach flip. He took a deep breath.

Sammy leaned in closer to August. You are young, aren't you? North Korea took over multiple recycling contracts. It seemed a good idea at the time. A starving country was given a new industry. It was a chance to rebuild their economy, political relationships, society. Everyone got jobs at the plants and I mean everyone, including kids and pregnant women. They were working with chemicals without suits, masks, or even gloves. It causes mental problems, ya know, makes people go crazy. He tapped his finger against his head. Well, North Korea is one big giant loony bin full of trash.

Blake, who was flexing his chest muscles under a thin white shirt, said to August, So write your mother your last letter, tell her you love her.

He might meet his first girlfriend and make little loony babies, Lucky laughed.

Blake and Lucky both seemed giddy with excitement. It was the most personality they'd exhibited. Their energy was equivalent to kids going to a candy store.

Sammy threw his pack into the foot of his bunk. Cut it out. Get some sleep, he barked. Sammy rarely gave orders despite his rank. The crew had a natural respect for him because he helped anyone and everyone. August took his orders to mean he wasn't too thrilled about their behavior either. Sammy pulled the privacy curtain shut as he lay down.

August turned away from the men and approached his locker. The weapons were in the box, so he only needed to ensure he had the basics. He got out his pack and, as the Captain had ordered, shoved two Type III uniforms in it that matched the coniferous forest found on the southwest shore of North Korea. He also stuffed in a couple of pairs of socks and boxers, his good boots, and a toothbrush. He never went anywhere without his toothbrush. He picked up the latest letter from his older sister that was hidden below his personals. It was the busy season on the farm, and she'd told him about how well the crops were or, in some cases, weren't doing. She'd also confided her skepticism of their parents’ ability to keep working so hard. He returned the letter to its spot. Taking a personal item was believed to jinx missions, and all seamen took superstitions seriously. He zipped up his pack, slammed the locker door shut, and climbed into his rack.

He pulled the thin privacy sheet closed and shut his eyes, but all he could do was toss and turn. He couldn't stop wondering what it was going to be like exploring the Wasteland. Would this place be like entering an insane asylum without any walls? Had all the people gone mad? Would they be sick and need help? If they did, what could he do? No matter what he found there, he knew the experience would change him forever.

Before he knew it, Sammy was banging on the wall. Get up! Meet at the mess hall to pack MREs!

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The squad stood outside the lockout trunk donned in their black dry suits, air tanks, clear earbuds, and camouflage waterproof packs.

"Just like in training you swim out, grab the box, and by then the BEIB will be waiting for you." The Captain took his time to stare each of them in the eye.

The men replied in unison, Yes, sir.

Open the hatch! the Captain yelled.

Tim rushed forward from the crew of onlookers and turned a crank until there was a heavy click. Then he hurried back out of the way as though dallying would mean he'd have to don a dry suit as well.

Get in boys, the Captain bellowed. He added in a softer voice, Godspeed to you. He placed a hand on the shoulder of each member of the team as they climbed into the tiny lockout trunk.

There were only five of them and it felt like climbing into a sardine can. August could only move a little from side to side without bumping into something, the wall or one of the guys. He’d learned fourteen Navy SEALs could fit into this room before embarking on a mission. He'd never been claustrophobic but wondered if pretending to be now could get him out of this.

After the men had donned their masks, the Captain boomed, Close the door!

Tim rushed forward again, pausing to nod to the team with a somber expression, then pushed the heavy, solid, metal door shut with a deafening clang. The clang echoed in August's mind until the sound of Lucky's voice came over the radio.

Fuck Tim.

August couldn't help but chuckle. Fuck Tim indeed. The sound of a roaring waterfall filled the room and all humor left him. August's breath quickened. The sound was so loud it was deafening. All he could do was stand there and wait, watching the water rise. First, it engulfed his feet, then his ankles. The green water inched up the wall, splashing everywhere. Then it covered his knees. When the water reached his neck, he gasped for air as the water consumed him.

He felt something on his shoulder and jerked. He looked to his side and saw Darius looking at him with concern.

You alright? Darius mouthed. Saying it out loud would've meant everyone could've heard it through the radio. August appreciated Darius for that. Darius Jones was one of the nice guys, one of the ones that was supposedly going to finish last. He was fit, average height, caramel skin, and gentle eyes.

August stared back at Darius, gasping.

Slow, Darius mouthed.

August began counting to five with each breath in and each one out. Darius nodded his head in encouragement.

When August could breathe normally again, he said, I thought I'd only have to make it through that once in training. He grinned, trying to make light of his panic.

Darius laughed. Yeah, that's what I thought, too.

A green light illuminated beside the hatch, indicating the room was pressurized and they could swim out. The hatch, basically a large cylinder, projected from within the lockout trunk out into the sea. It looked like the end of a gigantic enclosed slide, but this wasn't going to be a bit of fun.

Sammy swam into the hatch. All they could see was Sammy's feet treading water as he opened the outside door, their portal into the sea. Once his feet disappeared, Blake glided into the opening as smooth as a shark. Darius wasn't as graceful. He caught his oxygen tank on the edge of the hatch and struggled until August pushed him downward, releasing him from the rim. Lucky shook his head before he swam inside the tunnel in one single stroke.

August swam into the black void of the hatch with the dim green of the Yellow Sea beckoning from the other side. Once he emerged, it took a moment for his eyes to adjust, and he could see the shape of the Minko. She was a beautiful sub, sleek and powerful, even for an old girl. He closed the door to the portal, sealing it shut by turning the large wheel until it was taut. He headed straight toward the tower where his squad was already opening the door to obtain the special-forces operations box, or the box, as they called it. Originally, the box had been intended for the SEALs, but since the Minko was near retirement and the equipment becoming outdated, it was downgraded to an emergency kit for special situations they'd hoped would never arise.

Sammy and Blake each took a handle of the box and kicked off. Darius closed the panel and followed with Lucky and August right beside him. Barely a year into his six year service and August was swimming out of an escape pod, grabbing an old Navy SEAL operations box, and heading into enemy territory. Was it even enemy territory if it was no longer a country? What was a land without a ruler, government, or military? It was hard to fathom even though August had come from a part of America operating under martial law. But America wasn't without government and it certainly wasn't a giant loony bin, yet.

When August surfaced, it was the strangest dusk he had ever seen. There was an orange and green glow. He touched his face mask and realized it was covered in algae. It smudged across his mask leaving streaks of green and yellow, but it was clear enough to see the bright orange blue energy inflatable boat they called a BEIB. The boat was one of many stored in various locations on the exterior of the submarine and was mobilized for emergencies. Or in today’s scenario, a direct-action mission. It was charged by sharing the submarine’s waterpower source and could stay charged for weeks. He swam to the stern and pulled himself up.

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The BEIB was smaller than the one he'd trained with. There were only five seats, three in the front row and two in the second. In front of the seats was the cockpit, and behind them in the stern were two storage areas below deck, one door propped open with the box placed inside. Sammy headed toward the cockpit. Darius shuffled to the front row to change while Lucky and Blake stripped themselves of their dry suits in the back row.

August wanted nothing more than to get out of his own suit, disgusted by the fact it was covered in algae. He yanked off his face mask.

Ugh! August exclaimed. A pungent smell of rot stung his nose.

Worse than the crapper, Blake said, already sliding on his uniform.

They should call it the Green Sea, Lucky replied.

Why is it called the Yellow Sea anyway? August asked, pulling at the dry suit to get it off.

It used to have so much yellow sand, it would turn yellow, Sammy replied.

But not anymore, Blake said. It's just polluted. He flipped the disgusting body of water the bird.

Get ready! Sammy barked. He took the glass tablet out of his pack, opened it, placed it on the gray console, and tapped the screen. The cockpit and the tablet lit up simultaneously. The deck revealed several electronic controls as the tablet turned into a miniature 3D image of the same map the Captain had used during the briefing. This time it also included a 3D compass hovering above the landscape. It quivered every time the boat bobbed over a wave. Sammy touched the map on the eastern shore nearest Songang-ni.

A familiar robotic female voice, they referred to as Alaine, said, Activate self-navigation?

Yes, Sammy replied.

Safest route calculated. Monitoring systems on, Alaine said. There was a pause when nothing seemed to happen. But then Alaine spoke again, Engine running and all checks complete. Start the mission?

Yes, Sammy replied.

The boat moved by itself, slow at first, but then picked up speed.

Won't the bright orange boat attract unwanted attention? Darius asked. He was already in his uniform and securing weapons on his person.

Nah, Blake responded. The Wastebasket is pretty empty these days. And no military to give a shit. He pulled out a FN SCAR assault rifle out of the box. Plus, we'll be ready for any stragglers. He nudged Lucky with his elbow and smiled.

Lucky reached into the box and pulled out a rifle. Man, they gave us guns from the Mesozoic era, didn't they? One point per man, two points for kids, five points for pregnant women.

Shut it! That kind of talk isn't welcome here! Sammy yelled, spinning around. We're getting in, getting the intel, and getting out. Those are our orders.

Yes, sir, Lucky replied.

August, now stripped of his dry suit and wearing only his boxers, looked over at Darius and raised his eyebrows. Darius shook his head. August pulled on his uniform and secured his own weapons.

With the boat heading to their destination, Sammy peeled off the dry suit and dressed in uniform. He double checked their inventory, ensuring each person had a pistol, rifle, ammo, and knife. With their weapons secure, Sammy called them around the console.

Alright, gather ‘round. We arrive at Songang-ni, at 1420 hours. When we see the islands of Kirin-do and Changrin-do, he pointed at two islands on the image, keep a look out. Probably not a concern, but I want to be safe, not sorry. Sammy double tapped the 3D map and it zoomed into North Korea, keeping both Songang-ni and Taetan within view.

This is our route. At the word 'route', Alaine drew a bright red line between their anticipated landing point and the last known location of the drone. The stripe went over roads, towns, and what looked like crops. We're going to avoid previously populated areas as much as possible in order to skirt by without unwanted attention. He looked up at Blake and Lucky, Understand?

Yes, sir, the men responded.

Great. So here, he pointed at Songangi-ni. We'll immediately head to the west to go around the town until we reach this road. He pointed at a long road running from Songang-ni to Taetan.

Sir, won't the roads be dangerous? Darius asked.

They didn't have much in the way of transportation before. Without gas or electricity, we can assume the roads will be the least of our concern.

Darius nodded once, Thank you, sir.

Sammy returned to the map. We'll follow the road except where there’s a town or city, then we go around. We do this until here. He pointed to the south side of Taetan. This is where we leave the road and head into the hills in the east, where the location of the drone was last known.

Sir? Darius asked.

Sammy looked up at Darius. If he was annoyed, he didn't show it.

The towns we'll go around, it looks like the best route is through farmland. Darius traced a few of the little rectangle patches captured in the image of the land. Wouldn't farms be the most probable areas the natives could be?

Our intel indicates they've suffered a loss of organized agriculture and society. We're going to take precautions by monitoring areas before moving in. Our mission is to get in, get out, fast. But also, alive.

And what about the natives? Shoot on sight? Lucky asked, crossing his arms.

Shoot when necessary.

We don't know what they're like, they could be hostile, Blake said.

We have ammo and muscle. The upper hand, Sammy stated.

They may want to eat us, Lucky added, cocking his rifle. I bet they’re hungry.

Sammy straightened his back and shoulders. You have your orders.

Yes, sir, the men said.

Blake and Lucky said it with a sneer.

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Standing on the shore of North Korea was like walking into basic training, foreign and unknown. The first day in the Navy, August had a strange unshakable feeling he was entering a realm of unmoving darkness. At the time he'd thought it was because he was a Survivor from off the grid while the military was part of the Civilized. He was a farm boy with no history, no Civilian Code history which was the only way to apply for a job, have a credit history, or even open a bank account. He figured he'd get over it and he had only a month into training. But now, standing on a sandy beach looking over a calm sea with no sign of the sub that brought him here, unnerving apprehension slammed into his stomach.

They landed west of the city, just as Sammy said. On the other side of the trees would be farmland and a small village, but they wouldn't go there. They were going to take the dirt road hugging the perimeter of a crop, past a marsh, and then around Songang-ni.

Sammy threw his arm into a large circle motion, a sign for heading out. They jogged through the sand, a slow and arduous task with packs and boots. The dirt road emerged from the sand as though the beach itself were trying to escape the polluted sea. August paused before stepping onto the road. There was no evidence of traffic, no footprints, and no wheel impressions. Stepping onto this road would mean leaving a mark, touching the untouchable. His team pounded their boots into the dirt without a thought, leaving the indentions of their treads behind. The five of them were here and there was no going back. August stepped into the lane.

A farm, just as empty and void as the road, expanded before him. He crossed the street and knelt, running his fingers into the untilled dirt and bringing up the dead, dried remains of a corn stalk. The brown hue wasn't due to the dirt, but the dead corn. He scanned the field looking for any sign of life, but his effort was futile. No one was here, no one left. He thought about his sister's letter. Is this what would happen to his parents when he wasn't there to take over?

August, are you sightseeing? Blake yelled from farther up the road.

Come on, August! Sammy barked. The rest of the squad paused, looking back.

August stood and released the corn stalk, turning away before it hit the ground. He readied his rifle and followed his squad. Blake stared at him with disgust, his lip curled. August jogged by, not even bothering to glance at him.

The road took a sharp left, past the dead crop that morphed into a thick brush of tall grass and trees. They kept their steady jog until Sammy abruptly left the dirt road and entered another barren field.

You gonna sightsee here too? Would you like for me to take your picture? Blake asked August.

August ignored him and kept pace with the crew. After circling a marsh area, they emerged onto a road. It was one thing for a dirt road to have no sign of life, but here, on a paved road extending from one major city to another, it was ominous. There were no humans, no cars, not even tire tracks from life before. If it weren't for the cracks and faded paint, he'd almost believe it was new.

The men kept their rifles at the ready and watched, all around, looking for someone or something. Within less than a mile they took a right onto a bridge and an impoverished land with a small village of ten white stucco buildings covered with black dirt, or maybe it was mold, lay before them. One building stood five stories tall. The rest were two or three stories. The windows were busted out and there were no curtains or lights. A barren wasteland just as the name proclaimed.

Where'd the people go? Blake asked.

I'd go into the wilderness. Lucky glanced over his shoulder at the group and then back into the forest. He turned and slapped Darius on the back, making Darius jump, and released a loud laugh.

Darius took a deep breath, his jaw tightening, and glanced at August. August nodded his chin toward the direction Sammy was going and they both followed suit.

Not far past the village they took a left, straight into a valley surrounded by hills of brush, the evergreen trees rising on each side. They took this part slower, listening and watching for any sign of life. Not too far in, Blake held up a fist, looking to his left. They all stopped, pointing their weapons strategically to cover each direction. They held their breath and waited. After a few minutes Blake made a forward motion with his hand and they continued at their slow pace. August figured Blake was just messing with them.

When they emerged from the trees thirty minutes later, Sammy threw his hand up immediately. They were on the edge of a manicured field with large red and white conglomerate rocks placed in rows. They were about four feet tall and would have been damn hard to move without machinery. There was no building, no road. The men crouched down, aimed their rifles and watched the area. Once again, there was no sign of human life.

Let's go. Sammy took to the edge of the field, avoiding the center.

What's he doing? Blake asked Darius.

Respecting the ground. It could be a memorial site of some kind.

Who gives a shit? Blake broke away, running straight across the field. Lucky followed suit.

Darius and August paused in step.

Come on! Sammy barked, the annoyance in his voice unmistakable. Darius and August picked up their pace again, keeping in time with Sammy.

When they reached the other side, where Lucky and Blake waited for them to catch up, Sammy stomped right up to the pair. If you break formation again this will go on your permanent record! He turned in a semi-circle to face everyone. Safety in numbers. Leave no man behind. We stick to the plan and don't pull any crap! He stomped off.

Before he could get any farther, they heard a revolving whomp whomp whomp of helicopter blades.

Get down! Sammy yelled.

Each man huddled beside a rock or dove under the brush.

Above them an old PD12-V appeared with a large net full of trash swaying below it. On the side of the gray chopper was the familiar red star with a yellow outline. It flew over them to a nearby field and hovered for a moment. The net eventually released, and the trash fell from the sky. A deafening sharp sound of crashing glass filled the area. The helicopter veered and flew back the way it came.

When the whirlybird was out of sight, and Sammy emerged from his hiding location, the squad reassembled.

Head out! Sammy yelled.

Blake and Lucky paused, letting Darius and August go ahead of them.

They followed a road over mountain peaks where the green rolling hills descended in front of them. It was beautiful, serene, and if it weren't for the fractured highway, cutting through the land like a venomous snake, it would have felt like a new world. The road split and they took the path heading east. Within a few hours of leaving the mountain terrain, they could see another village ahead of them, blank and lifeless like everything else. They escaped into a field where Sammy threw his fist up into the air and the men stopped.

It's 1933 hours and the sun will set at 2000 hours. We'll camp here for the night, hitting the road at 0600 hours. We'll be there tomorrow by 1000 hours or earlier. We'll get what we came for, get out, and be back at the boat tomorrow night.

They set their packs in the middle of the isolated brown land. They had a clear view of the area and the only movement was the slight sway of trees in the distance. They hadn’t even seen much of animals save an occasional bird.

Sammy opened an MRE and took a bite. Blake, you'll take first watch. Then Lucky, August, myself and then Darius. Two-hour shifts.

Yes, sir, the men said in unison.

What was up with you back there? Blake asked August.

What? August asked, taken by surprise.

That first crop? When you were sightseeing? Blake looked at his MRE as though it could hold a more interesting conversation.

Oh, I was just curious. August didn't want to go into it.

Curious about what? Lucky asked.

August sighed. He was pretty sure they weren't going to let this go. My parents are farmers.

What does that have to do with- Blake started. But then he looked up from his meal and straight at August. "Wait, you don't mean, one of those farmers, do you?"

Yeah, I mean one of those farmers. Most farmers in America, England, Japan, and China, worked in large vertical buildings known as Utopias where the building provided the perfect environment for developing protein, fruits, and vegetables. Farmers were scientists. They were revered and one of the best paying jobs available. At least as long as the work was in one of the Utopias. His parents were the slum of the earth. They dealt with real live animals rather than 3D printers. They tilled the earth themselves instead of robotic arms digging the perfect hole in a planter box. They were covered in sweat rather than wearing crisp white doctor's jackets.

Holy shit, we have a real genuine rancher on our hands, boys! Lucky stood up and walked over to August, slapping him on the back. I thought they were extinct! He was laughing as he sat back down.

What about you, Lucky? How'd you get your name? August asked, desperately wanting to change the subject.

He's never lost a poker game, Blake replied. Lucky grinned from ear to ear.

Counting cards? Darius asked.

Something like that. What about you? Got a girl back home? Lucky asked.

No. Darius shook his head and took another bite. You?

We're free men. Lucky and Blake said in unison.

Sammy, August and Darius instinctively looked over at the pair. August rubbed the back of his neck.

What about you, Sammy? Got a girl? Blake asked.

Sammy smiled. It was the first time he'd smiled this entire journey, which was saying a lot for Sammy. Judy. Beautiful. Sweet. I need to get us out of here because I'm proposing as soon as I get off this assignment. Got the ring and all.

Gettin' serious! Lucky whooped.

Congrats! August said, reaching to shake Sammy's hand.

Congratulations, Darius said in his usual soft tone.

Blake just grunted.

This little rendezvous has put a kink in my timing. Let's get in and get out like the Captain said, because I got a girl to get home to. Let's get some sleep. Blake, you're up. Sammy scooted down until his pack was in a perfect position as a pillow.

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It was 0200 hours when August woke to Lucky nudging him. Your turn, Lucky whispered.

August blinked; it took a moment to collect himself. How's it been? He asked, realizing where he was and that it was his turn for watch.

We've got company. Looks like some kids screwing around.

What? August sat up quickly.

Just some kids running around out there.

Did you wake Sammy?

Nah, they're no threat. Lucky smacked his gum and pivoted where he crouched, watching the perimeter.

August jumped up and ran over to where Sammy was sleeping with Lucky close behind. He shook Sammy hard. Sammy! Sammy!

Sammy was immediately alert. What is it?

There's kids all around us.

Screwing around, Lucky added.

How do you know they're kids? And what does 'screwing around' mean? Sammy sounded annoyed. He transitioned to a kneeling position, picked up his rifle and aimed his eye through the night vision sight. After a quick scan of the perimeter he said, I don't see anything.

There's one right there, Lucky said, over toward the road. He jabbed his thumb in the direction he was referring.

Sammy spun, checking the west side with his night vision. He looked over at Lucky. It does look like a kid. Sammy's face bunched up as he looked Lucky over. How can you see?

Lucky's rifle was strapped across his back. I've got good eyes, Lucky replied, smacking his gum again.

Why are you just now waking me? Sammy demanded.

They're just messing around, sir. It didn't seem to be a big deal. If they got any closer, I'd shoot them. There's only four.

And how do you know there's only four? Sammy asked.

We counted. Blake said as he walked up, and as an afterthought he added, sir.

All hands-on deck, except you, Blake, you get a round of sleep. August take the south side, Lucky east, I'll take west and Blake, wake Darius to take the north.

I've had plenty of rest, sir, Blake responded.

When? Sammy demanded.

When Lucky first took watch, I got an hour. It's all I need.

An hour? It was a question, but Sammy's tone made it sound like an accusation.

Yes, sir. That's all I need, Blake responded.

Fine, Blake take the north but wake Darius and have him watch too. All hands-on deck.

August, keeping himself low to the ground, moved to the south side of their small camp and burrowed into the grass. He propped his rifle on top of a rock and scanned the area with his night vision. There was one child about seven hundred yards out from their camp. He was a small distinct green shape on the scope. August knew he'd be hard pressed to make the shot. He was a sub engineer, not a sniper. And he didn't want to shoot a child, he just wanted this night to be over.

The child remained there for over an hour watching the camp. August stayed in his position with his rifle aimed directly at him. Was this a reconnaissance? He wondered who could be behind it, the Chinese? Would they have brought in children? A rogue native group? Then August heard steps coming up right behind him. His heart sped up, he turned quickly and reached for his pistol, only to see Lucky approaching him. He released his breath and briefly closed his eyes.

How's it going? Lucky asked, popping his gum and grinning. He'd probably seen August's panic.

One child, pretty far out.

"Same for us. We've confirmed, again, there's four. They're observing, getting a feel for us." He didn't hide the annoyance in his voice when he said ‘again.’

A youth reconnaissance? I'm not sure I buy it.

I'd use kids to do my dirty work.

That's messed up.

Maybe, Lucky popped his gum again. But it'd get the job done.

August rubbed the back of his neck. What's with you and gum tonight?

What do you mean?

You waited until the middle of the night to start chewing and popping gum?

Sorry, Lucky spit it out. I'll save it for the daytime, he said in a sarcastic tone.

Thanks. Now I'll roll over on it.

Lucky laughed as he retreated toward Sammy.

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As soon as the darkness gave way to a dim morning light the child ran away into the south until he was a tiny dot disappearing into the landscape. August scrambled to his knees and waddled over to Sammy.

My kid ran off, August said.

So did mine, Sammy replied, still watching through his scope.

Blake, Lucky and Darius walked up.

Guessing they all ran off? Sammy asked, standing.

Yup, Blake and Lucky responded. Blake pulled out an MRE and tossed it over to Sammy. How about breakfast, boss?

The squad nodded and started to dig in their packs while constantly scanning the perimeter for signs of activity.

On Sammy's last gulp of field expedient coffee, he said, Okay, we hit the road. Keep an eye out. Be fast and quiet. He glanced at his watch. We leave in five. Blake and Lucky at the lead. I'll take the rear.

Exactly five minutes later Blake and Lucky jogged across the field with the squad close behind. As they approached the road, Blake threw up his fist to indicate for everyone to stop. The squad crouched low, listening and watching.

Lucky leaned over to August and said, The eeriness of this place gets to me. He popped in a fresh piece of gum and winked.

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They took the road in a two-column formation. Blake and Lucky holding the front. Darius and August watching the sides while Sammy monitored the rear. The journey led them through more dead land. It was a clear day and vision was good, and they could see even farther using their scopes.

At one-point August said to Darius over his shoulder, What did you think of last night?

I'm not sure. Nocturnal children? The thing is, their exposure to chemicals more than likely would have caused infertility. It doesn't make sense. Darius scrunched his face in deep thought.

You really enjoy what you do, August observed.

Darius smiled, I do. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, an endocrinologist. From what I’ve read about the Wastebasket, I didn’t expect many children. His faced scrunched again in contemplation.

Well, they had to follow us there, August thought out loud.

Maybe not, maybe they live nearby, and our voices carried.

August thought about it. I guess it's possible. But is it probable? We go all day without attracting any attention but just randomly camp in the only place where there's people? August felt the nervousness again and rubbed the back of his neck. No matter what, he was sure he didn't like the answer.

When Taetan appeared on the horizon, they held their position and veered off the road, toward hills rising in the distance. Sammy had his finger in his ear, pushing on the ear bud to hear Alaine guide him where to go. When they were outside of the range of the drone, they saw a few white stucco buildings nestled within the hills. Sammy threw his arm up and they gathered around him. He knelt to emerge himself into the grass and they followed his lead.

The drone is over there, somewhere around those buildings, Sammy said. We'll monitor the village for thirty minutes. If we don't see anything, we move in.

Yes, sir, they all replied. They got down into the dirt and kept their eyes on and around the area. For thirty minutes they monitored abandoned stucco buildings and dead crops. August felt they were being watched. He twisted to glance behind them, studying the crests of small hills for movement, human or animal, but he didn’t see anything. He jerked his whole body when a leaflet fluttered in the wind.

Move out! Sammy called when exactly thirty minutes were up.

They jogged in formation until Blake dropped to his knees, held his fist up quickly, and then aimed his rifle at the top of a building. The men got down and aimed their rifles in the same direction. Shadows of tiny human figures stood on a rooftop on the east side of the village.

What are they doing? Lucky asked.

It can't be the same children as last night. It doesn't seem logical, Darius responded. His eyebrows creased in his contemplative expression.

What is logic in this Wasteland? Sammy replied. We have no way of knowing. We have to get closer.

They inched forward, keeping their rifles on the little figures. A row of children walked out from the west side, forming a line.

Engage? Lucky asked, aiming his rifle and not taking his eye away from his scope.

We don't know how many there are, Sammy replied. We could open fire and start something we're not prepared for.

There's five on the building and five on the ground, Blake replied.

Scouts, Darius said. They're using children as scouts.

If there's more, they're near, Lucky added.

Keep formation and let's get closer. And keep it slow. I prefer not to have dead kids on my conscience if I can help it, Sammy replied.

You're in charge, boss, Blake said.

The village was exactly like the last one. It consisted of only a few white stucco buildings that were a few stories tall, popping up here and there, all with busted out windows. They held nothing but the same dark void.

Seriously, what happened here? August asked in a shaky voice, keeping his attention on his target.

Keep your head level. You don't think about that shit. That shit doesn't bother you. Got it? Blake said under his breath. His arms and shoulders stiff.

Got it, August replied. But how could a people being left to die, abandoned by the world, not get under this skin?

The drone should be on the other side of these apartments. Sammy stated, pushing his finger on his earbud as they got closer to the largest building. Blake and Lucky, you stay here and cover us.

Sammy, August, and Darius circled the building to discover the large gray Global Hawk drone protruding from the back of the five-story apartment building. Twice the height of August, its large head was shaped like a beluga whale. It spanned almost all the way to the other building behind it. One of the wings had gouged a deep chasm during its unprecedented landing, ripping the wing off, which now rested at an awkward angle beside the plane.

August, get the data, Sammy ordered and tossed him the tablet.

August rushed to the side of the drone while Sammy and Darius kept watch. He flung open the side panel and took out a connector from his pack. Attaching the tablet as quick as he could, he then jabbed a tiny USB drive into a port. Within a minute the message of connection and approval appeared on the screen and the data downloaded. August tilted his head to the side. He'd never been able to connect and download data this easy. As soon as he double checked his work, he navigated the settings to initiate the self-destruct sequence. It was as easy as playing a child's video game. The computer accepted the command immediately, without requiring passwords. As soon as the ten minute countdown began, he tossed the tablet back to Sammy and jammed the USB drive into his own pack.

The voice of Alaine emanated through his earbud. Ten minutes until self-destruct sequence initiates. Get at least five hundred meters away.

Done? Already? Sammy asked, after hearing Alaine.

Yeah. That was easy. Too easy.

You verified the data downloaded?

It's all there.

Sammy curled his eyebrows. You just uploaded top secret data in minutes? What was it, one gigabyte or something?

That's what I'm telling you.

Nine minutes and forty-five seconds, Alaine counted.

Sammy shrugged his shoulders. Make a ruckus to give the people a chance to get away.

Yes, sir, August and Sammy said.

Sammy raised his hand to his ear while turning to make eye contact with Blake and Lucky.

Initiate radio. Sammy paused and then said, Get the natives to the safe zone. August heard the echo in his ear bud.

Sammy, August and Darius began to yell and waved their arms over their heads. More children appeared on rooftops behind the drone.

Run! the men yelled. They waved their arms in exaggerated movements trying to communicate to get away.

The men ran between the two buildings and out into the open dead field. Blake and Lucky, glancing back as they ran toward the safety zone, had big smiles like they were excited, enthusiastic even.

August heard a loud thump. He turned and so did Sammy, who quickly pointed his rifle in the same direction. Several children crawled out of a second story window and onto a porch roof. A girl, who looked about nine years old, had jumped down and landed on a piece of scrap metal, creating the loud noise. She wore a thin yellow dress riddled with stains and rips. Her weightless dark hair drifted in the air as she stepped forward and then stopped.

Run! August called out to her while Sammy waved his arms.

She came a little closer. Now that August could see her better, he wasn't sure she was a little girl. Her dark hair streaked with gray, prominent wrinkles curved around her eyes and lips, and blue veins marbled her chalky translucent skin.

She's not a child. Darius said, voicing August's thoughts.

Help us? the woman-child asked. She stepped forward again, raising her hands to show her palms. She cocked her head to the side as though asking if it were okay to get closer. Then she took a few more steps. The other children climbed down from the roof behind her.

Help us? she asked again. Her voice sounded soft and delicate.

Three more stepped forward to join her. They were close enough for the soldiers to realize they weren't children either, they were men. They were all short, under four feet tall. Their bodies as underdeveloped as the woman-child but with blotchy beards and growths bulging from their necks.

Darius took a step forward. They have malfunctioning thyroids. I bet they've suffered with it their entire life. That's why their bodies are small.

Four minutes, Alaine counted.

Sammy took off at a run, not bothering to look back. August waved his arms to show the adult-children to follow and then pivoted to trailed Sammy toward the safety zone. August glanced back and saw the adult-woman running with a limp, yelling back at the other natives.

Three minutes.

Blake and Lucky slowed to a walk once they reached the limit, turning to face the oncoming group. Sammy, August and Darius ran past them, turning to see if the natives would be able to make it in time.

Two minutes.

Sammy, August and Darius waved their arms to indicate to run faster. Some of the natives were almost there, but others lagged. August realized this sudden burst of exercise on malnourished bodies had to be taxing and painful. He ached at the thought he couldn’t help them.

One minute.

The adult-children merged into one large group, spread out across the field, and helped each other toward the soldiers. Some began to slow down. Sammy, August, and Darius yelled for them to keep coming. Some of the adult-children grabbed the arms of others, pulling them along.

Thirty seconds.

A few of the adult-children collapsed, not getting back up again.

Twenty seconds.

The woman-child and a few others clambered forward. They eyed the soldiers, distrust revealed through their pinched faces.

Ten seconds.

Blake and Lucky raised their rifles.

August screamed, What are you doing?

Five seconds, Alaine counted.

Sammy shifted toward the commotion. Do not fire! Do not fire! he yelled, jutting out his hand.

The drone exploded with a loud boom and shook the ground. A massive fireball erupted into the sky. The walls of the buildings burst outward.

Blake and Lucky dropped to one knee. A sharp ratatatat of automatic rifle fire joined the thumps of the falling debris. Screams emanated from the adult-children, confusion and fear riddled their faces with wide eyes and open mouths. Some raised their arms in defense, others to cover their eyes. Some collapsed, holding their sides or stomachs, blood pooling into their tiny hands. More fell, screaming, and some were dead before they hit the ground.

August charged the two assholes. He'd rip the rifles from them. He'd punch them until they were unrecognizable. Darius projected his arm out, wrapping it around August's chest, tackling him, and bringing him to the ground.

Darius held tight as August screamed, No! August rammed his elbow into Darius' side and Darius made a deep umph, but he didn't let go.

The bullets stopped flying. Lucky and Blake stood up, smiling. They fist bumped one another.

Sammy, standing behind Darius and August, stood in silence. He seethed in anger. What? Sammy clinched his fist and took a deep breath. Was that?

We heard a shot. They fired at us sir, Lucky said, his expression nonchalant.

Darius released August, rushing to the aide of the adult-children. Moans and screams of anguish emitted from the few surviving victims.

What shot? Sammy asked in a slow, controlled voice.

It was loud! We're sure you heard it, sir, Blake responded.

The fucking drone? Are you saying you thought the drone's explosion was a shot at you? August asked, his voice rising.

That wasn't our experience. They took shots at us and we took defensive action. Blake raised his eyebrow.

Lucky opened a piece of gum and tossed it into his mouth, winking at August.

There's nothing I can do for them, Darius called out. He stood straight up and leaned back. With his arms stretched out to his sides, he released a deep, guttural yell toward the clouds.

There's something I can do, Blake stated. He walked into the crop with a swagger, his shoulders leaning from side to side with each step. He reached behind his back and pulled his pistol from its holster. Moans of pain turned into frantic cries of panic. Blake stood over the woman-child in the yellow dress, listening to her pleas. He aimed the gun at her head. After a single pow her pleas fell silent.

You can still have fun before she turns cold, Blake called out to Lucky.

No thanks, I can have a go at Darius' ass, Lucky sneered.

August took off at a run, rammed himself into Lucky, bringing them both to the ground. The injustice, disrespect, and disregard for human life infuriated him. August swung a punch at Lucky’s face. Lucky wrapped an arm around August's neck and squeezed.

Cut the shit! Cut it! Sammy yelled, running over and grabbing Lucky's arm, ripping it away from August. He then grabbed August's shirt, pulling him up. Go over there. He pointed to one side of the field, and you, jackass, over there. He pointed to the other.

The other two surviving adult-children screamed louder. Blake approached the closest, a woman-child, and stared into her eyes. He pulled the trigger. Pow! Blake meandered to the last survivor, a man. August could see a tiny hand reaching up into the air, shaking. Pow! Blake holstered his gun in one smooth movement.

The small village blazed, filling the sky with black smoke. A prominent smell of gun powder, body odor, and excrement permeated the area. Fourteen dead bodies lay in the field in mixed pools of blood.

August approached the woman-child. Her brown eyes were wide open and the fear she felt was still prominent on her expression. She was a victim of greed, and then neglect, and now, what was it? Indifference? He struggled to understand.

We have to go, Sammy pulled at his arm.

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They jogged through the field and automatically took a left onto the main highway leading away from Taetan. They didn't stop until they veered off the highway back into the crops they'd crossed the day before. As soon as they turned, Sammy threw his pack down hard and it landed with a thud. He paced in a circle. The other men stopped and watched,