Reddened Wasteland Read Online Free Page A

he so
nervous? It was just Velar.
    When he finished scolding himself, he opened the door.
Velar was on the other side, wearing a short skirt and a tight purple shirt.
She was over-encumbered as usual by her book bag. 
    “Uh, hey, Velar,” he said with a goofy smile.
    He felt stupid. What had gotten into him? Here he was,
fumbling over his words, and worrying at his appearance over a girl he talked
to every damn day. Maybe it was just having her in his apartment again without
an alcohol buffer that had his nerves shot. He smiled uncomfortably.
    She returned a confused half-smile and raised her
eyebrows.
    “You alright there?” She asked as she stepped inside
and dropped her bag on the floor.
    “Yeah, I’m fine, just haven’t eaten yet today, think
it’s making me loopy,” he said.
    “What? Loopy? Nice save, dipshit,” he
thought.
    She didn’t seem convinced, but she moved on, “Alright,
so what really happened today? You were acting so strange at the site. I was a
little worried about you. It freaked me the fuck out when those men took you.
And then you returned and I was so happy to see that you were okay that my
nervousness washed away,” she sat on the ground, “That is, until you started
acting weird as shit,” she giggled at the last part.
    “I know. I can explain that,” he frowned as he
recalled the day, “So, this guy, Bragog calls me into his office. Apparently,
he works for The Union and oversees this whole operation. I usually just get my
orders delivered through a slot in the morning, then deliver them to all of
you. So I’d never seen this guy before, not in my entire life,” he shook his
head, “Today was just… Surreal.”
    “Okay, well go on, don’t leave me hanging,” she urged,
sitting up on her knees.
    “Easy there! Give me time for fuck sakes, I’m trying
to build suspense!” he chuckled as he sat down next to her, “So, I get to his
office and he tells me about etchings being left around the mine. Apparently,
it’s a symbol that closely resembles another from a long time ago. Before you
or I were even born.”
    “Before you were born? Oh, so back on Earth?” she
winked.
    “I’m not that old, you dick,” he feigned offense, “Be
serious, now. This is very serious. The symbol matched the one from the
terrorist attacks back in the day. The group of people responsible were called
Liberty’s Flame, and this new group calls themselves Liberty’s Hammer. If this
group is resurfacing… well, it’s a big fucking deal,” he frowned.
    “Oh yeah, then why did they send you?” she was still
teasing, “Okay, okay, okay… I’ll be serious,” she forced her smile away,
“Honestly, it does sound like it could be bad. The radio station never talks
about it, but I heard stories of that from my parents before their accident. I
always thought it was weird that The Union would avoid talking about something
so big. It only reinforces my belief that they are hiding something,” she
looked into his eyes, “Which only confirms my belief that they are hiding
something.”
    Velar held his gaze for and extended moment. She
always thought he had beautiful eyes, they were so unique. Just another weapon
in his arsenal of good looks. He could probably talk anyone into anything with
eyes like that.
    Alerik broke the eye contact and stared forward,
“Well, I am inclined to agree that the government might be hiding things.
Regardless, if there is a terrorist organization forming in our mines, we may
need to put this government conspiracy talk on the back burner. There are a lot
of good people down in those mines. Innocent people.”
    Velar deflated, “Yeah, I know. Sorry, I’ve just had
these thoughts for so long, it’s hard to even think about working with Union lackeys. But, you’re right. Liberty’s Hammer is more of an immediate
threat,” she sighed loudly, “What do you need me to do?”
    “Meet me in the employee locker room tomorrow. Before
shifts start. And bring a