Arcadia: Fallen Colonies II

by Ashley Ashforth

Genres: Dark Fantasy; Science Fiction Romance; Dystopian; Cyberpunk

Synopsis

Survival Demands Sacrifice, Love Defies Boundaries-Welcome to The Fallen Colonies.

In a world teetering on the edge of oblivion, where the remnants of civilization battle for survival, Arcadia: Fallen Colonies II unfolds, a relentless odyssey through a grim, post-apocalyptic future. Brace yourself for a gripping tale where alliances are forged in the crucible of chaos, and love blooms amidst the ruins.

Stacy, a privileged daughter of the Stratos, is thrust into a relentless struggle when her partner, Killian, becomes a pawn in a game of betrayal. Separated and facing unimaginable odds, Stacy must navigate a treacherous path where nothing is as it seems. The enigmatic Dr. Oric holds the key to unfathomable secrets, and Killian's involvement forces Stacy to confront her deepest fears.

In the heart of the wasteland, amidst the shadows of despair, a found family emerges. Alan, a charming medic, and Violet, a determined mother, join forces with Stacy, forming an unbreakable bond. Together, they unravel the sinister machinations of a society that thrives on darkness.

As enemies become allies, and love defies the boundaries of a broken world, Arcadia: Fallen Colonies II paints a vivid picture of resilience against all odds. Grim dark undertones paint the landscape, offering a stark backdrop to a tale of hope and despair. In this fast-paced narrative, friendships are tested, loyalties are torn asunder, and the line between love and hate blurs.

Prepare to be enthralled by a world where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur. Readers aged 15 and above, thirsting for a relentless, action-packed saga, will find solace in the pages of Arcadia: Fallen Colonies II. Join this epic journey where found family rises, enemies transform, and love, in the face of annihilation, becomes the ultimate weapon against the darkness. Dare you enter the chaos?

 

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Release date: April 30, 2024

Publisher: Palmetto Publishing

Print pages: 290

Sample

Chapter 1Gareth

Gareth leans up against the elevator wall with his arms folded, watching his large family fawn over each other, ensuring everyone is pristine for the ball. He catches his mother’s eye, and she licks her fingers, tucking away the defiant wavy locks that have fallen into his eyes. Gareth brushes her hands away in disgust and presses himself further into the corner. They’re technically a higher class, but their ranks won’t matter here. There’s always the hope of an advantageous marriage elevating the family to a higher class. Greed is what motivates them.

Gareth is perfectly content with being invisible. He’s never left wanting. Everything he could ask for is at his fingertips, and he’s grateful for his rank. At this level, he can pursue any position in any department that may interest him. Any higher class and he’d be stuck inheriting roles like his cousin.

The elevator doors open wide to the entrance of the Great Hall. Hundreds of people in gowns and sleek suits flood the doors. Gareth’s family, overflowing with excitement, quickly forget about Gareth as they make their way into the crowd. Some stop for the flashing lights, hoping to be noticed by the media.

A vehicle pulls up, and the doors are opened, allowing a couple to join the chaos. Eustacia and her escort emerge. Her silver hair is slicked back, revealing the triangle tattoos on her cheekbone, the brand of the Nox heir. She looks as miserable as ever. Making himself as small as possible, Gareth weaves through the crowd, sneaking up behind her. “Crack a smile, cousin, or they might see the real you,” he whispers in her ear. Eustacia whips her head around and a grin spreads from cheek to cheek. She squeals with excitement as she pulls him into a tight hug. A man with orange hair scowls at the affection she gives him. “Careful, I don’t want too much attention tonight,” he says as he pulls her away.

“I’ve missed you, you little rat. Where have you been?” she says, hunching over as if it would allow them a private conversation.

“Where have I been? You’re the one galivanting with the bottom-dwellers,” his eyebrows wag.

“Watch it. I searched for you, but you weren’t home when I visited.”

“Well, I may have been trying out an apprenticeship in the Security Department, allowing me access to other levels.” He grins and lifts his wrist discreetly, jingling bracelets hidden

under his cuff.

“Taking advantage of your freedom, I see.” She raises a brow.

“I’ve found delight in exploring the other cultures of our development,” he says merrily.

“Oh, you rascal. You better be careful. Don’t get into any trouble. I won’t be able to bail you out on certain levels.”

“I wouldn’t burden you,” Gareth smiles, and with a kiss on her cheek he whispers, “I think your date is getting testy. See you later, sweet cousin.”

Stacy rolls her eyes but gives his hand a squeeze before he disappears once more into the crowd. He has mastered stealth over the years and makes his way back into the elevator without anyone’s notice. The doors shut and Gareth leans against the metal walls with a large sigh. He pulls his sleeve back and chooses a key card at random before scanning it. As the elevator jolts with movement, he places his hands back in his pockets and takes his place once again, leaning against the elevator’s railing.

The people he left behind live for the invitations and excitement of daily gossip. Gareth, on the other hand, is bored of it. He’s considered nearly an adult. Nineteen years old, and he has yet to choose a career path, yet they’ve already found him a life partner. The thought of living with a stranger for the rest of his life has never been appealing. Though Astrid is no stranger, he’d do anything to get out of that arrangement. Desperate to lead a more fulfilling life, he’s asked to explore the many options of the Development. Delaying his career means a delayed wedding. He refuses to settle as a drone technician, as that’s what his father has experience doing and can be passed on to his son.

The elevator comes to a halt, making his innards feel as though they’re trying to catch up with the rest of his body, and the doors open to a whitewashed hallway. Making his way down the hall, he notices two men in black pass through the intersecting entrance: security. Gareth freezes. Deep in their conversation,

the men don’t see him in passing. On the wall, there’s a directory of the entire station. He can recall the map in his mind in perfect detail thanks to his photographic memory as he moves along to the next elevator. Quickly he scans the bracelet that matches that of the elevator code. This elevator moves sideways, throwing off his balance.

The ride is short as the doors open to the great sunlight of the arboretum, level 8. His eyes adjust quickly. Stepping out of the elevator, the arboretum has acres of fields providing sustenance for the entirety of the Stratos Development. This is one of his favorite places to escape to. It would take days to walk around the whole of the cylindrical fields. Those working in the fields all wear a brown uniform of different styles. The fields are worked by hand, allowing the development to conserve energy and keep the air clean, maintaining the purity of the produce. The first field is all grain, and he walks through the tall yellow stalks in awe as he stares overhead. The glass ceiling curves up and over like a giant dome, allowing total exposure to the sun and other stars that would’ve been hidden at this time of day on the earth’s surface. It may be hard work here, but after the last incident caused by the Cole family, they’re not willing to risk using machines for this work. Perhaps the view makes up for the hard labor in this sector; it’s something to behold. Though the fields are at an angle, the gravity levels have been manipulated, so it doesn’t feel as though you’re aslant. He doesn’t wander far into the fields so as not to draw attention to himself, being fairly overdressed in his off-white suit.

The heat from the arboretum has him sweating. Wiping his brow with a silk handkerchief, he retreats to the elevators again. Returning to the halls, he recalls the way to Factoria, level 5. This time using a bracelet made of dark metal, the elevators descend further. When it comes to a stop, the heat spills

into the elevator like a thick, damp cloud. Factoria. The doors open wide to a dark city lit only by the neon lights of the signs and advertisements. There’s no natural light. Gareth rubs his hands in anticipation. Stripping his jacket off, he’s left with a sheer white shirt that droops at the neck, and he rolls his sleeves up to his elbows as he makes his way through the corridor. The fragrance in the air is unfamiliar, with a sour, smoky aroma. The streets are filled with goods and those looking for a trade. The goods for trade include scraps of fabric and electronic parts, wires, plastic sheets, and tubing. Some of the scrapped parts have been turned into intricate jewelry and clothing.

Most people come to these levels only to hire those with skills they can’t find above—maintenance and repair workers, carpenters, stonemasons, mass production of clothing through sweatshops. On the other hand, Gareth comes for the nightlife when those workers have finished their shifts, and they find recreation in their strange danceclubs. They’re nothing fancy by any means, but they know how to enjoy themselves.

Gareth runs his hand through his unruly raven hair and walks the colorful streets, admiring the change of scenery. Crowds of people pile into trams as they head home from their shifts. They rush off with a gust of hot air. As he browses the street market, he overhears a couple of men as they pass. The boisterous group couldn’t be much older than him, perhaps in their twenties. They’re excited to visit a new club that has become popular as of late. He follows the group at a distance.

He’s led down several dark alleys, searching for the right one with a red fire escape along the building’s side. Finally, they come to one with muffled music, and the alley curves into a staircase sinking into the ground. The small, barred windows are blacked out. As the men open the door, the music screams into the silent alley before they disappear behind it. Gareth looks up and down the path before he follows. The door is heavy as he yanks it open—the noise of humans and music blasts

 into him.

The lights flash more colorful than the streets outside. A horde of people are on the dancefloor, some dripping with sweat. Their way of dancing is so different from that of the upper classes. The music is much louder and strange yet pleasing. Further into the club, on the back wall of mirrors, is the bar. He takes a seat on one of the stools. The bartender looks him over with a scrutinizing eye. “What can I get you?”

“Surprise me.” Gareth smiles and hands over the coin. The bartender scans the currency with a large grin. Grabbing a pole with a hook at the end, he fishes out a bottle from the top shelf. The bartender hands the coin back, pouring a bubbling pink liquid into a glass before him.

“Would you like a booth?” he gestures toward a roped-off area further away from the crowd with luxurious velvet chairs. There are already a couple of people in one of the booths, one wearing an off-duty military suit and the other in a gray suit with a black leather collar, indicating a very high ranking. The other two in his company, one male and one female, look as if they eagerly anticipate an exciting night.

“No, thank you. I prefer not to mix with that kind.”

“Whatever shoots your rockets,” he says before moving on to the next customer.

Gareth watches the crowd of people bouncing in sync with the music. On the edge of the group, a girl sways to the music as if she hears a different tune. She’s with her friends, but they can’t match her rhythm as the music gets more energetic. He’s curious after watching her for a couple of songs. Finishing his drink, he starts to make his way over to her, bouncing along and smoothly moving through the crowd. Gareth’s isn’t the only attention she’s caught, as another off-duty officer cuts in before Gareth reaches her. He whispers in her

ear. She nods her head before allowing him to escort her. The crowd parts for them as they head toward the booths. Her friends look after her with concern.

He quickly returns to the bar and taps the counter for attention. “What are those men doing here?” He nods in the direction of the booth.

“They’re recruiters,” the bartender says indiffer-ently.

“I think I’ll take that booth after all.”

With a nod, a tall woman in red skintight vinyl appears and leads him to the booth across from them. The guards watch the crowd as the gray suit puts his arm around her and speaks into her ear. The girl folds her arms, showing no interest in the man pursuing her. Gareth can’t hear much over the loud music but can make out some words by reading their lips, though what he catches doesn’t make sense without context. After some time and what looks like a negotiation, she agrees to leave with them. Gareth follows as they make their way through the city to the elevators. Another group of civilians joins before entering the corridor.

Gareth waits a minute for them to arrive at the elevators before peeking through the door. He leaves the door slightly ajar and waits for them to file in. As the doors close, he peeks in to see which level they head to. The elevator drops two levels. Quickly Gareth scans his identification code, and another elevator opens. He looks through his ID cards until he finds one for the Department of Health and Scientific Exploration, the DHSE. He scans it, and the elevator begins to fall. The doors slide open and he enters the DHSE lobby. No one has noticed his presence, so he quickly hides behind a reception desk. Security is on guard as they watch the civilians fill out their forms.

Three assistants come out to take the applications. At least ten applicants are signing the paperwork. When they finish, the assistants scan it. “Thank you so much for joining us today,” the

attendant says clearly, her voice calm and sweet. “My name is Ella. I’m thrilled to be working with you all. You’ve been invited to the DHSE because we need your help. In return, we want to help you advance in your careers and society. Before you accept our offer, I would like to clarify what we expect of you. We’re testing a serum intended to help you become stronger and healthier. You’ll live in our facility until the trial period has ended. We need to see how it affects you physically and socially. We’ve chosen you because you’re all very different in body type, blood type and personality. You may have a negative reaction, which is why you’ll always be monitored. If you have a negative reaction, our doctors will correct it quickly and efficiently so that your experience has minimal discomfort. Before we start, would anyone like to decline and return to their original department?” Everyone sits quietly, looking at each other. “Then let’s get started, shall we? If you would follow me.” She turns to lead the way as the group follows.

Each volunteer is led down a hallway. The security guards begin to leave as they are no longer needed; one assistant stays behind. The brunette Gareth has his eye on watches warily but is the last to finish her paperwork. Approaching one of the assistants, she hands over her form. “Thank you, Ms. Pruitt,” the assistant says. “If you’ll follow me.” The automatic door slides open, leading to the hallway. Gareth slides in before it closes and locks. They pass each applicant in their exam room. The strangest part is that each exam room has a two-way mirror. Most wouldn’t notice, but if you look carefully, you can see movement behind the mirror due to faint lighting.

He follows as quietly as possible until Pruitt is shown to her room. “Just wait here, and the doctor will be in to see you soon.”

“I have some questions,” the woman says, raising her hand.

“Doctor Oric will answer all questions.” She looks as though she’s going to ask anyway, but the assistant closes the door behind her. He watches her as she nervously picks at the hem of her top. Just as he’s about to enter the room and speak to her, there’s a strange noise at the end of the hall. He hesitates, but curiosity always has gotten the best of him, and he ends up following the hall further. There are a few empty exam rooms, and one patient strapped to a reclining chair in the middle of another. The patient is a young male with blonde hair and very sharp features. He’s breathing heavily and regularly flinches. Frames sit over his eyes, wrapping snuggly around his head. The frame has dark tinted glass so you can barely see his eyes. Gareth waves, trying to get his attention, but it’s as if he can’t see.

He backs out and investigates the next exam room. A female is in the same situation. She yells out and looks as though every muscle in her body is strained, a vein in her forehead protruding. Looking down at her clenched fists, he notices blood dripping. “Hey.” Gareth touches her shoulder to get a response. She screams out as blood drips from her nose. He jumps back and watches as her body goes limp. He backs out of the room and starts moving back up the hallway as quickly and quietly as possible.

Just as he’s getting close to the end of the hallway, he runs into someone coming from the intersecting hall. Gareth trips over him but is caught by a metal arm. “Hello,” the man greets him curiously.

“Killian Grey?” He recognizes him from a program he had seen months earlier. Everyone knows Killian Grey.

“Yes?” Killian raises a brow.

“Hey, can you help? You work here, right?”

“Yes. Are you alright?”

“There’s a girl back there bleeding. I think she’s in pain. Something’s wrong.” Gareth points down the hall. Killian follows Gareth as he runs back to the room. He removes the visor over the girl’s eyes

carefully.

“How did you get in here?” Killian asks Gareth, eyes focused on the girl.

“I followed one of the assistants.”

“Are you one of the volunteers?”

“No, I… Is she okay?”

“She’ll live. What’s your name?” Killian asks as he opens the girl’s eye and checks her pupil with a light.

“Gareth Nox.”

“Nox.” Killian twists around to face the young man. “You’re not supposed to be here, are you?”

“No, I’m sorry.”

“You should go,” Killian says in a low voice. “Now.”

“What?” Bumps rise on his skin.

An assistant comes in to help Killian and Gareth begins to back out of the room, but he spins around to see Dr. Oric blocking his exit. “Good evening, Gareth Nox,” Dr. Oric grins. Stunned, Gareth takes a step backward. “I know what you’re thinking.” Oric holds his hands up in surrender. “This is the end. I’ve been caught illegally roaming in sectors I don’t belong to. A capital offense. I am dead.” Oric says playfully, “Tell you what. I won’t tell if you don’t. In fact, I’d like to give you an opportunity of a lifetime. Walk with me.” He pats Gareth on the shoulder before turning out of the room.

Catching up with Oric, Gareth steps into the man’s path, bringing him to a stop. “I’ll go back to the sky levels immediately,” he says. “I apologize for my disrespect to you and the other sectors. I can wait for security to escort me back if you don’t trust me to return on my own.”

“Gareth, don’t worry.” Oric smiles. “You’re not in trouble. I need your help. You’ve proven to be inquisitive, resourceful and intelligent. We could use someone like you on our team.”

“Really…” He’s skeptical.

Dr. Oric continues into the lobby and sits on the white couch facing the window,

with a view of the storming clouds below. Gareth takes a seat next to him. “I know you’ve been struggling. Your parents have contacted me with concern. You’ve been ‘rebelling against them,’ as they put it. However, I consider it a healthy curiosity. You’ve been arguing about your right to choose your companion and your career. You have rights. If you know you won’t have a satisfying life in that position, then you should have the ability to explore other options. The recruits you just saw, they’ve all joined our most recent experiment. I’d like you to join it, but not as a patient. I want you to be something of a placebo. We need someone to be our control subject. You won’t be given any drug.”

“I don’t think so.”

“If I may speak frankly.” Oric doesn’t wait for the approval. “I know of your arranged marriage. Astrid is a good girl, not very bright, but she does what she’s told. Unfortunately, if you accept my offer, that arrangement would need to be dissolved.”

“I’ll do it,” Gareth interrupts.

A large grin returns to Dr. Oric’s face as he looks out at the clouds. “Now, don’t be hasty. There’s so much work in finding a new career, starting from the ground up, and we don’t know how long this experiment may carry on.”

“I said I accept. Void the arranged marriage.”

Dr. Oric turns his head with a smile and holds out his hand. Gareth looks at his hand and beaming smile. With a firm grasp, they shake on it.

 

Chapter 2Stacy

Upon entering the grand ballroom, the tall arched ceiling echoes with the high-society guests chattering. Clothed in a white inverted V-neck gown, it flows elegantly as Stacy is escorted across the large ballroom. Her suitor, a copper-haired man, is dressed in an indigo suit with a white sash wrapped around his side and draped over his shoulder, symbolizing his pursuit of the Nox family. He’s holding a conversation all on his own as Stacy feigns interest. Looking around the grand room, she searches for one person in particular. It’s been three months since she’s seen or heard from him. Finally, an event that includes all families is allowing her to reconnect. She’s already searched the hall and is about to give up on the idea when Killian is escorted in by Ella, who’s never out of arm’s reach.

Seeing him in person has her heart racing. His mannerisms have her captivated. Killian smiles at everyone approaching and greets them with a slight bow with his hand over his heart. The hard, bitter exterior has melted away. It’s bizarre to see strangers bring these foreign expressions out of him. Stacy is drinking Killian in when she’s interrupted. “What do you think, Eustacia?” her companion asks.

“Hmm?” Stacy’s attention is returned to the tall thin man standing before her. Though he has a prominent societal position, she finds it hard to keep attention on his boorish rattling.

“Would you be able to introduce me?” he asks.

“Introduce?”

“To Killian Grey. You are John Nox’s daughter, after all. I know you’ve made his acquaintance already. You were on stage with him during the interview.”

“Yes, I have.”

“I’ve never met someone from the gutters,” he says as he bites his knuckle in anticipation. “They must’ve been hiding footage of him.”

“Why would you say that?” Stacy says nervously.

“He’s murdered people in cold blood. What would keep him from murdering us all? They must’ve been hiding something.”

“I suppose.”

“Don’t make me beg. Introduce me, Eustacia,” he says as he walks off in Killian's

direction.

“Of course, Elliot, why not.” She follows the man her father chose to accompany her. She looks after him in disgust. He crosses the room, excusing himself as he pushes past people, not caring how many gowns or toes he stomps on along the way, eventually standing at Killian’s back as he speaks with another guest. Stacy catches up with him just as he taps him on the shoulder. Killian turns to face him. Looking at Elliot indifferently, he waits for the man standing at least six inches taller than him to speak. Killian watches him curiously as Ella leans in to whisper into his ear. A wry smile crosses his face as he nods in acknowledgment. He tilts his head, looking down at Stacy. The contrast between Elliott, over six and a half feet tall, and Stacy, only reaching 5’2”, has inspired a wicked grin on his face.

Elliot clears his throat impatiently. “Eustacia Nox, isn’t it?” Killian says to her instead, grinning.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Grey.” She plays along with his facade. Elliot clenches his jaw. “Have you met Mr. Elliot Cole?”

“Elliot Cole, I’ve been waiting all evening to meet you.” Elliot introduces himself and reaches out to shake Killian’s hand.

“Well, I hope I can live up to your expectations.” Killian reaches out with his metal hand. Elliot winces as the mechanical hand grips his tightly.

“Tell me, how did you come to be here?”

“I was recruited.”

“Yes, but how did you get here?”

“I took a car.” Killian chuckles. Elliot chuckles with him but is irritated as Killian avoids his probing questions.

“I’m surprised you’ve made it to this level of society with a history like yours. Do you feel guilty for what has passed?”

“Elliot...” Stacy tries to intervene, but Elliot holds his index finger in front of her face, silencing her.

Killian looks over Elliot once more before speaking. “The Cole family. I understand you’re an heir to the agronomy.”

“That’s right.” Elliot smiles with pride.

“You’ve been taking control of production as of late. I heard about the few who had lost their lives due to communication errors before initiating the reapers. It’s a shame. Those families must be devastated. Tell me, with their blood on your hands, do you feel guilt for what’s passed?”

“Those families were compensated.” Elliot adjusts his suit as if it’s squeezing him.

“I wonder what kind of compensation can heal the wounds of a lost loved one. Well, you did your best.” Killian pats Elliot on the shoulder consolingly.

“I’ve answered one of your questions. Won’t you respond to my own?”

“Of course I feel guilt.” Killian pauses for a moment. That answer apparently wasn’t enough for Elliot. He waits for more insight. “Though some of them deserved to die.” He steps closer to Elliot as if to tell him something in secret. “In the end, I did what I needed to survive. I’d never question anyone’s motives if it meant choosing your own life over someone else. Let me ask you a question...” Killian looks up into the man’s eyes as he rests his right hand on Elliot’s shoulder. “Tell me, what do you hold most dear to you? What’s the most important thing to you? What would be the most devastating thing to lose? It could be your mother, a sibling, a lover...” Killian glances at Stacy. “A favorite blanket?”

“I would say it’d be myself and what I’ve built for myself,” he says, looking down on Killian with his chin raised. “Nothing’s more important to me than myself.” He grins.

“So, if someone…” Killian gestures to the room filled with those occasionally glancing at Killian with admiration. “If any one of these people, including myself, threatened to take everything from you, possibly even your life, would you not do everything to remove that threat?” Killian asks, tightening his  grip on Elliot’s shoulder.“I would.” Elliot’s grin is muted as he pulls Killian’s hand away. ...