Matt Black - Book 1 of Re-Forge

New Beginnings

Three years passed since the Illuminati led French leaders unleashed Armageddon on Earth and came within a whisker of realizing their plan. As a result, Earth remains engulfed in a violent and turbulent nuclear winter, and none can say when or if, the world can heal itself.

In appreciation for their heroism that saved the colony, Matt Black and his close friends were permitted access to the tropical ocean cavern for recreation purposes. Access to this most valued resource required Matt's team to follow the strictest guidelines. There was a long list of rules to follow and breaking a single rule could result in a life ban.

Joshua was the group's fishing fanatic, and there wasn't much he didn't know about the subject. He was fishing a lot and drinking a little, but on the other hand, Steve and Hymie were drinking a lot and fishing a little. They enjoyed watching Joshua catch fish after fish though.

Joshua released his last catch and rebaited his hook, then he cast the new bait into the tidal channel running close to the shore. He saw Steve and Hymie loafing on their beach chairs and over the noise of the foaming surf, he yelled: "Come on guys, start catching some too. There's plenty more like this out there."

Steve smiled and waved as he picked up his rod and reeled it in a little to take up the slack in the line for Joshua's benefit, then put it back in the rod holder and raised his beer can in salute. Josh waved back and hooked a big one.

Steve leaned close to Hymie and quietly asked: "Did you put bait on your hook?" Hymie looked past Steve to make sure Josh wasn't looking, then frowned and shook his head in the negative.

Steve whispered: "Want another beer?"

Hymie nodded with a cheeky smile and chugged the dregs from the can he held before accepting a fresh one from Steve. He pulled the ring tab and sighed with satisfaction as cold froth spilled forth to cover the top. He slurped up the froth, attempting to get all of it before it could reach his fingers, then leaned back in his chair and idly swiped at a sticky fly as he revelled in the pristine ocean view.

Further along the beach, Matt, and Carl shared conversation about the upcoming mission as they walked. A pause occurred in the dialog and Carl asked: "Change of subject?"

Matt nodded and Carl continued: "You avoided answering last time but as much as I think about it, I still don't get why you married Sharon in a legally binding ceremony. I mean, in this modern society, people live with each other until one becomes disillusioned, then they move on to greener pastures."

Carl asked: "What is with that? She is glued to you anyway. In fact, I have never seen anyone with her level of conviction and loyalty. Taking that into account, why was it necessary to lock each other into a legal contract that binds you to each other for a lifetime? Why won't you explain it to me?"

Matt replied: "I avoided answering because I'm naturally wary about over sharing but then I realised that the person wanting to know is you, Carl, so I will answer. Sharon's parents are comforted to know that she will always be protected by me."

Carl said: "That goes without saying."

Matt said: "Of course, we are committed to each other anyway, but Sharon said that we now need a judge to break us apart and both of us must agree to divorce. She says it will help us work harder if we hit a rocky patch. However, all that aside, I think the true reason is less complicated. Sharon says that this level of commitment fitted her style, exactly. So, how can I argue with that?"

Carl nodded and said: "When you think about it, so many couples drift apart and end up with others. I guess Sharon wants to make that harder than normal. It is a good reason, and I can see that you will do anything for each other."