Mana Tapu

Chapter 17

Slime clung to the dilapidated structures. It was a wonder that the rotting pieces of wood still clung to rusty screws. Bits of wood and paint would occasionally float away on the breeze. The drifting debris was caught on the crunchable grass. Years ago the rain had stopped pouring in great sheets. The change of season typically brought in a few dried leaves but this drought was intense— intentional even. Even though the people in Sector 5 had stopped fighting whispers of the Edwards incident floated like sparks in the air. The tensions were thick—just as threatening as the dried grass. In response to the outbreak of riots in Sector 6 the Guard had terminated their water supply. Without a raincloud in sight they only had two rivers flowing through the middle of the Sector from which they could retrieve water. It wasn't clean, but that's how the people had managed to maintain their fighting fire. Because of an absence of irrigation the once flourishing fields were dead and quite the fire hazard.

Beneath the scraggly shade of a withering tree Captain Arlo gazed across Sector 6. His eyes steeled themselves against the sorry sight. His frustration channeled its way down to a small, dried twig. With a crisp snap it gave way beneath his thumb, lodging a sliver into his calloused palm as a painful reminder. Not even the Captain of the Guard could deny that their city was collapsing. The once prosperous, thriving, trade city of Katomo had lost its life source. Without the Jewel or the Crown, the tenacious Katomo had fallen ill. The contrast between the original aspirations and the current reality fell somewhere near the difference between the ocean and a fresh spring. They each had the base of greatness but nothing can survive solely on salt water. Beneath the reign of the first King, King Lochbart, the cornerstones of their grand city had strategically been placed at the mouth of a narrow peninsula. As the city prospered they were able to defend the lush, fertile outcrop. The isolated cape jutting from the peninsula challenged the ocean currents and redirected schools of fish into accessible coves. History books were riddled with descriptions of their prosperity and glory. Now those books gathered dust in a well secured bunker.

Pushing himself off of the withered tree Captain James Arlo slowly patrolled the makeshift barricade. In addition to removing access to the city's irrigation the Elite had blocked off access to where the two rivers joined near the border of Sector 15 and Sector 6. They had reasoned that if a riot would break out again, this would be the most likely location. Crude walls sprung up like weeds around the river banks. There wasn't much water left to protect, as was the case for all of the rivers in Katomo. Steep banks dropped quickly into the muddy river. Rotting fish that were unintelligent enough to be caught on the shores lay rotting in a pitiful grave. Half of this Sector's Guard was stationed here, many of which slouched next to any meager shade they could find. Normally the Captain would find his Guard sitting up straighter when he entered a scene. In this kind of weather they weren't likely to recognize him as their eye sight was impeded by the heat.

"Put that out. We will not have a fire in close quarters."

The Captain halted and stared down an exhausted comrade. He let out a cloud of smoke and watched it lazily float away before ducking down again.

"I said," The Captain hit the smoldering cigarette out of his hand, "We will not have a fire."

Leaping to his feet the man hauled his arm back for a hit. Luckily for him his mind was clear enough to recognize his superior. Sunlight glared off of his badge as he stretched back. Keith Brock reflected harshly into Arlo's eyes. Stretching was a vain attempt to cover his attempted assault. Brock slowly saluted, straightening his posture.

"No fires."

"Yes, Captain!"

Footsteps continued until the Captain rounded another barricade. Once he was out of sight, Keith slumped into his shaded corner. He could still see the remains of his bliss slowly sinking into the black water. Raising his head to the buzzing dragon flies he started to cry.