Dystopia (Dystopia Trilogy Book 1)

Chapter 7

Note: This is the 7th chapter out of 20. Each Friday a new chapter will be posted. However, if you wish to read it now, it can be purchased on Amazon, B&N, iBookstore, Kobo, and Smashwords. You can also follow me on Twitter (JMRUL) and facebook.

The clatter of pots and utensils bounced off the concrete walls as Dana stood in line with the others waiting for their supper. She held out the bowl on her tray. This time, the server dumped green glop in there. Wrinkling her nose slightly, Dana put the bowl on her tray and moved down to the bread bin. She searched through it until she found one that didn't have weevils all over it. Can't they give us something edible? Noticing that an officer watched her closely, Dana scooted down to the beverage table and picked up a glass of water that was mostly clear.

She found Elsie and Sanders and took her place beside them. They immediately dug into their food, thankful to just have something to eat. Few words filled the spaces between their chewing.

Once finished, Dana put her dishes away and noticed George heading out. Fingering the watch in her packet, she knew what she had to do. Pushing her way past people, Dana caught up with George. She grabbed him and pulled him outside, away from the officers that always lined the area.

"I got payment," she said. "Now where is the underground?"

"It isn't that easy," said George.

"Then make it that easy." Dana stared at George with determination. She needed medicine and she needed it now.

"Look," said George. "They keep their location secret for a reason. The council is always trying to close them down."

"You said that if I got payment, then you would take me to the underground market. I held up my end."

George rubbed his face, clearly not liking the situation. He thought Dana would never be able to find the money necessary to pay for what she wanted.

"Fine," he relented. "Meet me at my place at midnight. I know you know where it is and I know you know how to get there without being noticed. And come alone."

George walked away. Midnight, that was four hours away.

Dana slowly walked back to the barracks and her bunk. She nestled in it, not bothering to get undressed since she would be having to leave in a few hours.

"Hey, what happened to you?" said Elsie.

"Oh, just tired," said Dana.

"You're sneaking out again, aren't you?" Elsie noted that Dana had not undressed.

"Keep your voice down," hissed Dana.

Elsie and Sanders both moved closer, making certain no one listened. "Where are you going?"

"I have to get something for a friend," said Dana. "I don't want to discuss it."

"What something?" pushed Elsie.

"Medicine," whispered Dana. "You know that red-headed girl that wanders around here? Well, her Nana is sick and I am going to go get some medicine for her."

"Why?"

"Because no one else will."

"We're coming too," said Sanders.

"No." Dana's voice was a bit louder than she had wanted. "Look, George said to come alone. I barely earned enough of his trust for him to take me there anyway. I don't want to lose it because I dragged along a couple of friends. He's very secretive."

Elsie and Sanders exchanged looks, not liking the entire idea.

"Fine, but you better make sure that you are back before morning, or you know what will happen," said Elsie.