Wasteland

Prologue: Dark Day

Natalya Stormbear was not in the best mood of all. She was told that Empress Erica was authorizing construction for the nuclear power plant in order to meet high energy demands. Some people sees this as a solution for power. But Natalya was not stupid. She knew it would bring trouble not just to her family, but to the planet itself.

She opened the door and saluted to the Empress in respect. "Empress."

"General." Erica said as she put the pen down. "What brings you here?"

"Your highness. I urge you to reconsider. The nuclear power plant is not a safe solution." Natalya stated.

Erica sighed with a sad expression. "I feel the same way. But we don't have a choice. Solar Panels hardly work at night, and wind turbines will take too long to make. Years even. My hands are tied."

"With all due respect, this power plant is not safe. If anything, it could be the next Chernobyl."

"I understand what happens at Chernobyl was a great tragedy. But rest assured, construction workers are making sure not to miss even the smallest detail." Erica can see Natalya was still unsure of all of this. She then pulled out a blueprint. "But if it makes you feel better, I have made orders to construct a large city like bunker for the worst case."

"It would make me feel better if there was a cleaner solution." Natalya saluted and left the room.

Erica felt so horrible about all of this. But as she stated before, her hands were tied. They were running out of renewable resources as the city is expanding more and more. If only there was another way. If only.

* * *

A few weeks have passed, and the plant is around 40% complete. Each day, Natalya would look at the plant with irritation and hate that it was almost cancer like.

Today, she was with her friend, Audrey. She was helping her watch her 9 year old godson, Stanton Keene, and his 13 year old friend, Neo, and many of their friends. They were playing games and having fun. Later on, Stan, filled with curiosity, walked up to his mother.

"Hey mom. What are the people building in the west part of the city?" Stan asked.

"A nuclear power plant." Audrey answered.

"A death trap." Natalya added. Stan felt a little scared about it and Audrey gave Natalya a glance.

Dell, the smart kid, walked up. "Are they building that to solve energy shortage?"

"I'm afraid so. Alternate energy is out of budget, and Erica has no option. Plus, that man who proposed the idea. I don't like him. He's up to something." Natalya said as she tries so hard not to lose her temper.

"Who?" Neo asked.

"Gray Matt."

* * *

A month later, the plant was nearly complete. As it was close, the people were informed to turn to a specific channel on their TV, Radio, Internet, and other forms of communication in order to hear the announcement. Soon enough, the Empress was on. And by the looks of it, she was deeply saddened.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I am Empress Erica. Now, I am certain that most of you are aware that the new nuclear power plant is near completion and that most of you are concerned about it bringing forth new troubles. But in case that happens, we will need to be prepared. That is why today, I announce the completion of a nuclear bunker: A large city like bunker where it will fit a certain amount of citizens here. I hear by call it, Shelter City. And...unfortunately, there is not enough for everyone. So it breaks my heart to decide by lottery. As I go through the list, I will call out your name and you will be given access to Shelter City. The rest...well...I hope it won't happen. And remember, the lottery winners cannot exchange or sell their place by law. Any act would result in jail."