BRANDED Preview: Chapter 3 by youryaleness, literature
Literature
BRANDED Preview: Chapter 3
3_ROUTINE
"…New York, New York… I want to wake up in a city, that never sleeps!"
An old tourist tune played from the speakers of one of the better kept up shops on 51st street as Chad continued his evening route. The song seemed ancient to him, but, as a New Yorker, he knew the song. It was one of the many tributes to their city, the greatest city on earth.
Most nights held little excitement for Chad. After the Second Civil War, the brief clashes with the Old Military rebels were all the Enforcers had to deal with and even that ended quickly. A major battle in the Grand Canyon ended the insurrection not four months after the
BRANDED Preview: Chapter 2 by youryaleness, literature
Literature
BRANDED Preview: Chapter 2
2_BLACK SHIELD
Raindrops rippled lightly upon puddles before a foot disturbed its peace.
Rikknel Ezzlin exhaled as he dodged an irradiated fist from one of the most dangerous super-powered criminals of the twenty-second century. Of all nights, Ricky was lucky enough to be where Atom, a nuclear-powered mercenary, was trying to assassinate a local crime boss, Alfonse del Toro, for a rival gang lord.
Normally, Ricky wouldn't do anything about such an act, as the city could do without another crime boss running an illegal cable of drugs, human trafficking, and robberies. But Atom wasn't going to just kill his target. He was all too theatric
Branded Preview: Chapter 4 by youryaleness, literature
Literature
Branded Preview: Chapter 4
4_DECISIONS
The air was crisp and cool.
At least, that's what Alan's humidity and temperature gauges read on his control panel. The pilot didn't like the outdoors very much, especially in the city.
It was how Squadron Lieutenant Alan Ferdinanz liked to spend his weekend nights, even if his officer friends were out drinking or going to the clubs. Their partying grew repetitious and involved lots of alcohol, which Alan wasn't fond of. More likely than not, they would be left with a hangover, unable to recall much of what was done the night before. Alan liked to be in full control of everything, and his mind was no exception.
The quiet, p
BRANDED Preview: Chapter 1 by youryaleness, literature
Literature
BRANDED Preview: Chapter 1
1_CORNERED
AUGUST 11, 2100 AD
Luke was wounded, lying in the doorway of death.
Lying on the rubble and residue of the battle, he let his mind space out for a moment. So this is how it's going to be? he thought. He felt heat emanate from his wounds despite the chilly nights of the Bronx. He grit his teeth and closed his mind to the pain that spiked all over his body. Granted, he wanted a bit of excitement on his patrol, but what he received was more than he bargained for.
At least it gives me something to tell the boys back at the barracks. He smiled and almost laughed. Or something to put on my epitaph.
Obviously, the rumors of new ro
Branded Preview: Chapter 5 by youryaleness, literature
Literature
Branded Preview: Chapter 5
5_SURGE
Chad raced down 51st street, pumping his arms and legs as fast as he could manage.
Finally, all the excitement he was looking for became a reality, a real chance at locking up a Hy-Bred for good. There were plenty of success stories that told of courageous acts from common Enforcers standing defiant against the renegade super-powered outlaws. Full raises, medals, and promotions were readily awarded. The victorious stories always drowned out the failed attempts to nab the convicts, so the supply of anxious Enforcers never seemed to run out.
Fear and doubt crossed Chad's mind. He was about to go against a Hy-Bred, something more da