A New World: Awakening Read online

  A New World:Awakening

  A Novel by John O’Brien

  Copyright © 2012 John O’Brien

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in review, without permission in writing from the author. You may contact the author at [email protected]

  Cover art by: SM Reine

  http://smreine.deviantart.com/

  This book is dedicated to all of my wonderful readers. Thank you so much for all of your messages and good-wishes. You make my day over and over again by your thoughts and kind words. I appreciate that you took the risk to get the book(s).

  This is for you.

  The New World series is a fictional work. While some of the locations in the series describe actual locations, this is intended only to lend an authentic theme. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Also by John O’Brien

  A New World Series

  A NEW WORLD: CHAOS

  A NEW WORLD: RETURN

  A NEW WORLD: SANCTUARY

  A NEW WORLD: TAKEN

  A NEW WORLD: AWAKENING

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Once again the story seems to have developed a mind of its own. There were a lot of open threads of the story that were, once again, supposed to be included in this book but it had a mind of its own so they will be pushed to the next – maybe.

  This story took a little longer to write than the others. It probably had something to do with keeping all of the threads intact. Or, perhaps it was the early spring and summer that brought the rare sunshine. I am pleased with where the story is going even though I had to move some of those loose threads in the next one. I do feel this book is a little departure from the others in that I wanted to capture several characters more in depth. I have plans for these and have to build them into those plans. For that reason, I am a little worried about how this one might be received. I do hope you enjoy it though.

  This story is a lot of fun to write and watch the characters grow. I sometimes, okay mostly, don’t know where each character is going or what part they will play. I enjoy writing their stories as much as the overall story. Several characters that were supposed to be placeholders have grown into major characters while others have changed from my original conception. I like that. It keeps the story and characters fresh and I am surprised by the way they turn out. They have become a part of me and I find they are constantly on my mind. They call when they want the next part of the story written.

  There are a few more books in this series to come. I’m not sure of the final count as each book takes on a life of its own once started. There are a lot of threads that need to be brought together and plenty of stories within yet to be told. I can’t believe this is the fifth book and the time line is only about 4 months into the aftermath. For that matter, I am surprised this is the fifth book. I have a great many supporters and I want to thank each and every one of you. I truly have the best readers.

  John O’Brien

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  As usual with all of the books, I would first like to thank my mother, June O’Brien for the many hours she has spent editing. This is besides finishing the first book of her series, ‘The Blue Child Series.’ I encourage you to take a look at it, ‘On the Mountain.’ It is sincerely a great read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

  I want to give a very warm thanks to the review group. Your insights and catching the things I missed, and there were a number of them, was a huge help. Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas and chats. Alex Ranka, Alexandra Snyder, Andrew Johnson, Andy Bilton, Craig Vitter, Dan Shaw, James Jackson, Jessica Woodman, Joe Mahoney, Johnny Clark, Larry Sullivan, Laurel McMeredith Andreasen, Rachel Estok, Russell Hicks, Sharon Van Orman, and Wendy Weidman. Thank you!

  A big thank you to SM Reine for putting up with me through the cover art design. I’m a pain and fully realize that. Thank you for weaving your magic once again. The result is truly incredible and I thank you for your time and effort.

  I am truly appreciative of all of the messages and mentions. I enjoy each and every one of them and would like to thank you all for writing. I enjoy the chats and messages we pass back and forth and it makes my day to receive them. I hope this book is as enjoyable to you as the previous ones. This is a cliché but so true, I write this story for the readers. If it wasn’t for you, this story wouldn’t be what it is.

  If you do happen to enjoy the story, feel free to leave a review. Reviews are important for two reasons. One is that’s how the books get up in the listing which of course means more sales. But more importantly, it lets me look at what everyone thinks of the story. Only through looking at the reviews and messages can I become a better writer.

  Okay, let’s get on with the story!

  John O’Brien

  Prologue

  Michael Benson. He rolls it around on his tongue and in his mind; tasting the familiarity of it yet it feels foreign at the same time. Sitting in the darkened room that was once the lair to his pack, with the painful ball of fire in the sky burning outside, certain memories begin to integrate with his other thoughts. He feels certain abilities and knowledge come into being; more a knowing of what things are without actually understanding how to use them. New picture images roll around in his head like a fast moving slide show, none settling for any length of time before moving onto the next.

  Michael, as he thinks of himself now – more of a complex picture image rather than actual words – feels other packs nestled in their lairs both near and far, resting the day away before heading out for their nightly hunt. It is more of an awareness rather than actual thoughts or images; much like a compass points to a magnetic source. He knows he can send out a call to gather them into a pack but waits wanting to get used to his new awareness. As the slide show of new thoughts flicker through his mind, they integrate with previous memories.

  The flashes of light he noticed on previous nightly hunts triggers a feeling that these are not good for him or the packs and should be avoided at all costs. He doesn’t know what they are but feels they don’t bode well. Michael also remembers the loud bangs heard at times throughout the night and the strewn, mutilated bodies of his kind lying on the paved streets when he investigated the noises. Without knowing the how, he knows the bangs were directly associated with the loss of pack members including his own.

  He searches ways to avoid these but without knowing how they work, the answer lies hidden yet just on the edge of awareness. Sitting with his back to the cold wall with his knees drawn to his chest, he feels a frustration much like when prey escapes or when he is unable to gain entrance to a two-legged lair. He feels that somehow all of this is associated with the two-legged ones holed up behind the tall walls of their lair just down the road. Yes, he knows the word “road” rather than hard path now just as he knows the flashes of light and associated bangs that accompany his run-ins with the two-legged ones, resulting in the loss of many of his and neighboring pack members, are guns. The danger of the two-legged for him and others of his kind increases his fear. Fear mixes with anger aimed at them for the losses.

  He slowly rocks back and forth. His self-awareness continues to grow and he feels pleased. Somehow knowing that his new found knowledge will give him an extra edge in gathering food and combating the two-legged ones, he plans to call to the others when the time is right. For the moment though, he will keep to himself. The gathering will take place only when he is ready but for now, he will scout and become more comfortable with his new self.

  One uncomfortable thought arises with his new cognizance. He knows he and the others are limited in their ability to travel distances in search of
food; the distance dictated by the hours of the night and the ability to find shelter from the painful, deadly burning light of the day. He also becomes acutely aware of his ability to communicate in more detailed and complex images than others of his kind. They won’t be able to understand so he will have to learn how to convey these advanced thoughts into images the others will be able to comprehend. Michael knows this will require him to micromanage the actions of his pack more while on the hunt but he understands better how to trap prey. New thoughts surface about how to gain entrance to previously inaccessible lairs. These ideas are overwhelming to his senses and for that reason alone, he will hold off the call to the packs. He stretches out his legs and slides along the wall to the floor to rest until the call of the hunt brings him out of his slumber.

  His eyes open to the darkness of the small room. He senses other packs also coming out of their rest and readying for the nightly hunt. Rising, he becomes sharply aware of his missing pack members. The hunt will be more difficult without them but he needs to let the overwhelming aspect of his awareness settle before gathering others. He steps from the room, alone for the first time in a long while, and enters the vast main area of the store. Safeway, he thinks, remembering the sign on the building when he first came to following the loud explosion of light and noise. Trotting to the broken glass entry, he carefully steps into the night, painfully aware of what happened the last time.

  Members of his pack lie scattered around the entrance; their bodies torn asunder and in pieces. Michael casts his eyes about looking for anything outside of what he knows as normal. Seeing nothing, he steps further onto the paved surface of the parking lot. He lifts his nose into the air gathering what scent the still air of the night holds and glances towards the large lair of the two-legged ones situated a short distance to his left. Standing amidst the mutilated bodies of his former pack members, anger boils to the surface. Another time, he thinks catching a faint odor of prey riding on the night air. Turning to his right, he heads down the darkened streets to track down the smell of food.

  Running through the streets, he senses other packs searching the streets and adjacent fields for food. He knows that his new abilities will place him ahead of other pack leaders and he will be like a magnet to them. They will recognize him as an advanced pack leader and be drawn to him. He doesn’t want that to happen as yet, not until he tests his new awareness. Practice makes perfect, the phrase arises out of nowhere yet he knows this is just another past memory surfacing. He shuts out the ability of the others to sense him. He is surprised by his ability to do this and is taken aback momentarily as his sense of the other packs vanishes. His head clears of any thought of and from them. He stops, startled, and then continues his hunt down the darkened streets; his pounding feet echoing off the buildings to either side. When I’m ready, he thinks cornering a small night animal in the back yard of a burned neighborhood. The kill is quick and he settles down to feast.

  Story Time: A Tale is Told

  “Jack, what the hell is going on?” Lynn finally intrudes on my wish for quiet.

  “They’ve cornered a small pack of dogs,” I answer.

  “What the hell does that mean?” Lynn asks looking at me with a strange expression on her face.

  Her question shakes me out of a reverie-like state. Images continue to flash through my head without actually interfering with other thoughts. Well, as much as is possible. Right now, a squirrel passing by will interfere with my thoughts. The pictures that float through are in a separate part of my mind; cohesive but separate. They are similar to a picture story but as a form of communication. The images themselves actually depict whole thoughts, ideas, and action.

  “Jack?” Lynn asks trying to get my attention.

  I shake my head and look down at her. “What?” I say leaving my reverie once again.

  “What the hell does that mean? Who has cornered a pack of dogs? And what dogs? What the fuck are you talking about?” She asks.

  “I honestly don’t know. I have these images in my head and it’s like they’re talking to me. I know and understand what is happening through them,” I answer as another series of images flash through.

  These new images are not serene as they flash uninvited into my mind. As I try to figure out what is going on, I realize the images aren’t exactly like pictures or anything coming directly from sight. It’s not like looking through someone else’s eyes. The forming images definitely represent ideas, actions, or thoughts.

  “What the hell, Jack? What is it exactly you understand?”

  “Night runners,” I answer still stunned by the revelation.

  “You can see and understand night runners, Jack? Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Lynn asks wondering if I’ve finally flipped or am on some trip but definitely concerned.

  “I feel fine and I’m not sure what is going on. This is just as crazy to me as well,” I answer.

  “So you’re saying you can read the minds of night runners? Can you read my mind, Jack?”

  “You’re thinking I’m crazy and wondering what mushrooms were included with dinner.” I reply.

  “Okay, so you can read minds. My bad. Seriously though, Jack, what is going on?”

  “I really wish I knew. All I know is I am getting these images in my mind and I can understand them. I don’t want them and they are coming without my asking for them,” I answer feeling stunned and wondering if I’m not in fact going crazy.

  I can normally figure things out pretty quickly but this one eludes me. Well, that’s not entirely true. I have a big idea about what is going on but not ready to face or voice it yet. Something strange is happening and happened, that’s for sure. Exactly what and what it means is anyone’s guess. A flicker of fear surfaces. I mean real fear. Not the anxiety of the unknown or the rush of adrenaline a firefight brings, but fear such as I’ve not felt in a long, long time.

  “I’m hungry. Let’s go finish dinner,” I say turning back toward the stairs. “Oh, and Lynn, I think we should keep this to ourselves for the time being. At least until I can figure out what the hell is going on.”

  “Yeah, I agree. I wouldn’t even know how to bring something like this up. Most would think you’ve gone off the deep end and others would be fearful,” Lynn responds.

  “Do you think I’m crazy?” I ask as we start up the wooden steps.

  “No, Jack. I don’t know what is going on inside that head of yours, like I ever did, but I don’t think you’re crazy. Well, any more than you already are,” she answers.

  “I’d like to take Craig out and train him on the 130 in between our search for survivors so we have a few pilots who can fly it just in case,” I say as we continue our climb up the wide steps.

  “I thought you were heading out to look for the soldiers’ families?” Lynn says.

  “Yeah, I was going to head out right away but I want to make sure things are good here first. I think there are some lessons to be learned from our last little encounter with the marauders. The night runners were held at bay to some degree by lighting the perimeter and clearing out the immediate area. I’d like to do the same here before I leave,” I answer.

  “I’m sure Craig wouldn’t mind learning but you’ll have to ask him. What are you thinking in regards to clearing the area?” Lynn asks.

  “Let’s talk about that in tonight’s meeting,” I answer.

  Heads turn in our direction as we approach and settle at the table. Questions arise, with regards to my rising to go stare out of the door, in the eyes that are focused on me but there are no actual inquiries. I pick up the fork, still with its last uneaten bite attached, and begin where I left off before leaving the table. I continue dinner like nothing happened but with the images still flying through my mind. They do seem to have settled into a more orderly fashion and aren’t quite as pervasive as they were when they first came. They are, however, still weirding me out. I’m still not sure they’re even real. I mean, it’s not like I can verify what I’m “hearing.
” I can’t just walk up to a night runner and ask. I’m not sure they’d respond kindly to a friendly tap on the shoulder.

  A particular image flashes in my mind. I try sending a thought out, an image of thought if you will. It’s a mental scream of, “Shut the fuck up.” The image I get in return is a sense of startlement and that particular sequence of images goes ‘silent.’ Hmmmmm… Interesting, I think forking another bite into my mouth.

  The group meeting that evening covers a variety of subjects. Bannerman begins by mentioning that we’re ready to begin bringing in livestock and horses if they can be found.

  “The barns and stables are about finished. With the weather holding for the most part, they should be okay outside until the buildings are complete. I mean, I’m no rancher by any stretch but I’ve talked with others who are more familiar with that and they said it should be okay,” he says. “We just need some cattle transport and horse trailers in addition to actually finding any livestock which are still alive. I’d like to send a team or two out to locate some.”

  “I can do flyovers in the area to see if I can spot any,” I respond. “I have an idea where some were located before all of this went down.”

  “Sounds good,” Bannerman responds. “I think this should be included among the many priorities we have going right now.”

  “I agree,” Drescoll says. “Is the plan still to head out right away to look for the families of the soldiers?”

  “I was thinking of doing just that but I think we may have to delay that now. I think the folks at the high school had the right idea of keeping the night runners at bay. We do have the walls but that doesn’t mean they are insurmountable. If we’ve learned one thing, it’s that the night runners are extremely adaptable. I’m thinking we should clear the immediate area out soon.”