A Beta tomorrow

By sanil singh

Kenny finds himself snatched and transported to a bizarre and treacherous realm. As he awakes in this strange land, a terrifying sight - a multitude of grotesque monsters lurking in the shadows.

It quickly becomes apparent that surviving in this new world will require all his strength and cunning.

But as he battles his way through this nightmarish landscape, he soon discovers that the monsters are not his only adversaries. Women and men, ordinary at first, reveal themselves to be part of a sinister plot that has brought him to this realm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9781446159798

Book preview

Prologue

The tension in the air was palpable as Christy scrambled to figure out what had just happened. She hastily grabbed her flashlight and shone it towards the turbulent water, only to glimpse a massive, otherworldly object beneath the surface.

Its golden, glowing form illuminated the surrounding darkness, sending shivers down her spine. Panic set in as Christy realized that whatever this object was, it had caused the sudden power outage and equipment failure.

Frantically, she reached for her radio, desperately trying to contact her team and warn them of the imminent danger. But to her horror, there was no response. The dam continued to groan and creak under the immense pressure, threatening to give way at any moment. The sound was deafening, drowning out even the most violent crashes of thunder.

With every passing second, Christy’s heart raced faster. She knew that time was running out, and she had to prevent the catastrophic destruction that awaited the town and its unsuspecting farms. Gripped by fear and determination, she made a split-second decision. She would have to venture closer to the object, risking her own safety, in order to restore power and save countless lives.

Taking a deep breath, Christy cautiously made her way towards the edge of the dam, her flashlight cutting through the darkness. The sight before her was surreal - the water churned and twisted, as if in response to the object’s presence. As she inched closer, she could feel the intense energy radiating from the golden ball,

With trembling hands, she took out her toolkit and began frantically inspecting the damaged equipment. The once bustling control room now lay silent and lifeless, its screens flickering with static. As she worked to restore power, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as Christy tirelessly fought against the clock. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the power surged back to life. The dam’s machinery roared to action, and the alarms blared as the system rebooted. The cracks in the ground stabilized, and the dam’s structure regained some semblance of stability.

With a mix of relief and exhaustion, Christy watched as the water returned to its normal flow. The golden ball slowly faded away.

She knew her work was not yet done, as the dam still needed reinforcement and repairs. But in that moment, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude that she had averted an unimaginable disaster.

Chapter 1

Should Have Happened

Kenny Morgan, with his greying hair and tired eyes, had grown accustomed to the mundane routine of his life. He spent his days at the appliance store, mindlessly restocking shelves and assisting customers with their purchases. It was a job that offered no fulfilment, but it paid the bills and kept him afloat. As he watched his younger colleagues discuss their dreams and aspirations, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy and longing. They had hope, ambition, and a future to look forward to.

Kenny felt trapped in a cycle of mediocrity.

The memories of that fateful storm, which claimed the lives of his parents, haunted Kenny to this day. It was a night that shattered his world, leaving him orphaned and broken. The weight of grief had consumed him, and he had struggled to piece his life back together ever since. The pain of losing his parents was so overwhelming that he had buried their memory deep within his heart, fearing that any remembrance would unleash a flood of emotions he was not ready to face.

Now in his late thirties, Kenny found solace in his solitary existence. He had distanced himself from his sister, avoiding any reminders of the family he had lost. His sister had persistently reached out, hoping to bridge the gap that had formed between them, but Kenny couldn’t bring himself to respond. He believed he had nothing to offer her or her grown children. He convinced himself that his presence would only bring disappointment and sadness.

As Kenny pondered his stagnant existence, the buzz in the air grew louder, almost palpable. It reminded him of the anticipation before a storm, but this time, it was not the weather that stirred his senses. It was the sudden realization that he had the power to change his life, to break free from the chains of his past and carve an alternative path for himself. The thought both excited and terrified him. Did he have the courage to step into the unknown? Could he leave behind the comfort of his familiar, albeit unfulfilling, routine?

With each passing day, the desire for change burned brighter within Kenny. Kenny yearned for a life that held meaning and purpose, where people would see him as more than just a faceless employee. The prospect of shedding his old identity and becoming someone else filled him with a mix of hope and uncertainty. It was a risk worth taking, for in that transformation lay the possibility of finding happiness and belonging.

The laundry had piled up over the past few weeks, and he hadn’t done a proper load. The scent of stale sweat, and detergent filled the air as he sprayed the perfume, hoping to mask the unpleasant odour. He sighed in frustration, realizing that this was just another example of how disorganized his life had become. As he hurriedly dressed, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of embarrassment. The torn underwear and makeshift perfume-sprayed solution were reminders of his current state of chaos and neglect. But he pushed those thoughts aside and reminded himself that he couldn’t afford to be late for work.

He sighed, realizing that his morning routine was always chaotic and rushed. The cluttered state of his apartment reflected his hectic lifestyle. He had been meaning to fix the sink and the toilet for weeks now, but he never seemed to have the time. The mess in his closet frustrated him, but he didn’t have a spare moment to tidy it up. As he glanced at the clock on his phone, he noticed he was already running late for work. With a final exasperated sigh, he closed the front door behind him, leaving behind the disarray of his home for another day.

At the end of the hallway, the landlady stood by the window. She fixed her gaze on something down in the streets.

Kenny had always found her appearance intimidating, with her stern gaze and the constant presence of her pistol. Despite her imposing demeanour, she had a reputation for being fair and protecting the residents from any potential dangers. Kenny often wondered what had caused her to be so cautious. Perhaps it was the rough neighbourhood they lived in, or maybe she had experienced some personal trauma in the past.

Kenny respected her dedication to the safety of the building’s occupants.

However, her silence towards Kenny had always left him feeling a sense of curiosity and unease.

As he approached the lobby, he noticed that the rich businesspeople seemed to be in a state of agitation. Their loud voices echoed through the spacious area, drawing attention from other tenants. The men, dressed impeccably in tailored suits, glinted their expensive watches under the bright lobby lights. Their black caterpillar moustaches appeared almost comical against their otherwise serious demeanour. The matching eighties haircuts added an air of nostalgia to their overall appearance.

In contrast to the well-dressed men, the young lady stood out in her casual attire. Her effortless style exuded a sense of confidence and independence. Her perfectly tousled brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face in a flattering way. The brown-eyed girl’s puffy cheeks gave her a youthful charm, accentuated by her adoring smile, which seemed to light up the room.

As Kenny eavesdropped on their conversation, he gathered they were discussing someone who was supposed to be present in the lobby but was noticeably absent. The men’s frustration and disappointment were palpable, clear in their furrowed brows and tense body language.

However, despite the tension in the air, the young lady remained composed and composed. Her cool demeanour stood in stark contrast to the men’s agitation, and she often interjected with a reassuring smile and calming words, diffusing the tension momentarily. She possessed a natural grace and an ability to handle tricky situations with ease.

Kenny couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. The encounter with the girl had been brief, but it had left an impression on him. Her beauty was undeniable, and he couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to strike up a conversation with her. However, he knew deep down that he didn’t stand a chance. Kenny was just an ordinary guy, while she seemed to belong to a world of elegance and sophistication that was far beyond his reach. He tried to shake off his thoughts and focus on the present, reminding himself that he would likely never see her again.

The weather had dimmed a little, with the clouds casting a shadow over the city. Despite the change in weather, he appreciated the fact that his run-down apartment building was conveniently located just a corner away from his workplace.

As he stepped outside, the hustle and bustle of the city greeted him. Cars honked loudly, and pedestrians hurriedly made their way to their destinations, some even sprinting. Amidst the chaos, a few bicycles weaved through the morning traffic effortlessly. However, homeless people caught Kenny’s attention.

One of them had set up camp right in front of his apartment building, drawing the attention of a uniformed police officer who was attempting to engage in a conversation with him. K

Kenny cautiously stepped onto the curb, momentarily unaware of an approaching cyclist. In a close encounter, the cyclist narrowly avoided colliding with him, offering a half-hearted apology as a raised middle finger before speeding away.

Continuing down the street, Kenny’s gaze shifted to the beggars who were a regular sight. Among them was a young, emaciated lad holding a cardboard sign that pleaded for food, water, and air. Standing beside him was an older gentleman who appeared dishevelled and intoxicated, holding a sign that unabashedly stated, Need money to drink.

Kenny was barely making ends meet himself and couldn’t afford to give them any financial help. The younger stranger seemed capable of finding employment, as he appeared fit and able-bodied. The older gentleman was quite upfront about his desire for cash to fuel his alcohol addiction. Kenny had neither the means nor the willingness to spare any money for them.

A gigantic building stood tall, its brick walls contrasting against the blue sky. The banner, in bold black letters, was a stark contrast to the vibrant yellow background. As Kenny approached, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

Big Joe, a legendary figure in the business world, had left behind a remarkable legacy. His larger-than-life personality and unbeatable deals had made him a household name.

However, time had passed, and now it was Little Joe’s turn to carry on the family business. Little Joe, a shrewd and savvy businessperson, had successfully expanded the brand, opening stores in every corner of the country. Despite the change in leadership, the spirit of Big Joe’s deals still lingered in the air, promising customers incredible bargains and unbeatable prices.

A teenager stood shamelessly at the front corner of the store, smoking.

Calvin’s towering figure and muscular build made him an intimidating presence among his peers. With his unkempt hair and a permanent scowl etched on his face, he exuded an air of arrogance that often-put others on edge. His reputation as a troublemaker preceded him, and many had fallen victim to his relentless teasing and taunting.

Despite being the store manager’s son, Calvin seemed to revel in his ability to bend the rules and go against the instructions given to the employees. His rebellious nature only fuelled his reputation as a bully, making others wary of crossing his path.

Stu, the store manager, had always been a stickler for professionalism and had a strict policy against family members working together. However, much to everyone’s surprise, his son Kenny had recently joined the team. It was an unusual situation, and many employees were sceptical about how it would play out.

An unfortunate water leak had caused the parking lot to become wet and muddy. Stu warned everyone to stick to the designated walkways and avoid cutting through the parking lot to prevent any accidents or mess. Despite the warning, Kenny’s left foot slipped on the slippery surface, causing him to lose his balance. Luckily, he caught himself just in time, narrowly avoiding a fall.

To his dismay, his foot had landed on something that appeared to be dog faces. He quickly grimaced and instinctively scrubbed his shoe against the rough texture of the concrete footpath, desperately trying to remove the unsightly mess. Eventually, he cleaned his shoe as best as he could and continued his journey towards the front door of the store.

As he approached the entrance, Calvin, known for his sarcastic remarks, couldn’t help but make a snide comment. You’re late! Stu is looking for you.

Kenny ignored him.

He weaved his way through the bustling store, dodging customers and navigating through aisles filled with appliances and gadgets. The shelves were overflowing with shiny new products, beckoning customers with their enticing features and sleek designs. As he made his way towards the back of the store, he couldn’t help but wonder why Stu was looking for him. Did he forget something important? Or maybe there was an urgent matter that needed his attention. Kenny’s mind raced with questions, but he pushed them aside, determined to focus on his work. After all, with the increasing number of customers pouring in, he knew he had to stay focused and provide excellent service.

‘Morning’ said someone as someone brushed past him.

‘Morning’ Kenny replied.

He looked back and realized that the dog shit was still stuck in his shoe. It was leaving stains on the red carpet. He hurriedly reached the office staircase and entered before anyone could trace the stains back to him.

Stu’s office was off-limits to most, making his sudden appearance a rare occurrence. Stu’s dishevelled appearance added to the surprise, with his unruly hair and rumpled shirt contrasting with the usual air of authority he exuded. The dimly lit staircase, adorned with peeling wallpaper and creaking floorboards, created an eerie ambiance that added to the mystique surrounding Stu’s domain. As Stu descended the staircase, the pungent smell of old curry mixed with a foul, mysterious odour grew stronger, making Kenny’s discomfort clear.

Stu was in his early forties, but his appearance made him seem much older. Despite his stature, his presence commanded attention. His belly protruded over his belt, straining against his worn-out suspenders. His clothes, a mismatched combination of faded plaid shirts and baggy trousers, hung loosely on his frame. The deep lines etched on his face told tales of a hard life, contrasting with his youthful spirit. His sunken eyes, though tired, sparkled with mischief, hinting at a mischievous nature that belied his physical appearance. People often underestimated him, assuming he was older, but little did they know he possessed a sharp wit and a wealth of life experience. His weathered hands, adorned with calluses and dirt stains, revealed the toil he endured to make a living.

Stu told someone down the hallway, I’ll get back to you about this. Kenny couldn’t see who Stu was talking to because he was at the bottom of the staircase. People had seen Stu talking to himself in his office.

Kenny climbed the stairs while Stu stood with his door open. From the top of the stairs, one door led to Stu’s office, and the other led down a hallway with offices on the left and glass windows on the right, overlooking the warehouse and loading dock.

As soon as Kenny entered Stu’s office, Stu