Dystopia (Dystopia Trilogy Book 1)

Chapter 9

Note: This is the 9th 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 next day, Dana awoke like everyone else and put on her clothes, ready to work in the Waste Management plant for another day. She ambled into the eating hall with everyone else, wishing for more sleep. The clinking and clanking of spoons barely registered. She shuffled through the line with the rest. More glop. This time it was red. She didn't want to know what was in it.

As Dana sat with Elsie and Sanders, an extra slice of bread appeared on her tray. Curious, Dana looked up. Mad Dog stood there, holding his tray. He never said anything, but Dana understood the message. It was for Tony.

She smiled in appreciation. Words were not needed, as they had come to an understanding.

"Morning all," said George as he sat down.

Dana noticed a slip of paper with the insignia of an eagle on it. She reached for it for a closer look, but George snatched it and buried it in his pocket.

"What-"

"Nothing," said George in a tone that indicated he did not want to talk about it.

Dana let it drop. Whatever he was involved in was none of her affair.

"Listen up!" yelled Officer Burroughs.

Silence fell upon the room.

"I have two very important announcements," continued Officer Burroughs, "First, we need people to go to the agricultural district to pick up their discarded material. George Saule, Dana Ginary, and Lionel Hoffman, you just volunteered. Second, the president will be visiting later this week. I am certain you will all wear your best attire and show her the respect due. Remember your position and we will have no discourse."

Dana groaned. She had never volunteered to pick up more garbage, but "volunteer" was a meaningless word in her world. She also did not look forward to meeting the president. Dana didn't know much about the woman, but figured she was just like everyone else who held a position of power.

"That is all for now," said Officer Burroughs as he snapped his electronic pad off and left.

"Saule, Ginary," said an officer. "Let's go. You have your assignments."

Dana looked down at her half-eaten breakfast. Looks like I go hungry again. She pushed her bowl to Sanders, while George gave his to Elsie. Someone should at least be able to eat it.

Together, they stood up and walked to where Lionel-Dana had never met him-stood waiting with another officer. The two officers led them to a truck parked just outside. A hint of a chill rested in the air, informing Dana that summer was ending and winter was coming.

"In," ordered the officer, pointing to the back of the truck.

They obliged. Five officers waited for them inside, each armed with guns. Dana sat on a seat that felt like it had been made out of sharp rocks and concrete. A huge jolt bounced her as the truck sped forward. Her head ached from the movement.

Jerking side to side, Dana's stomach felt queasy as she vainly tried to hold down her meager breakfast. Unable to hold it any longer, she turned away from the others and vomited. Feeling better, Dana took her seat again. No one looked at her. She guessed they had seen it all before.

Dana peeked through the small opening in the canvas roof of the truck. They had left the city and entered a more rural area. She had never been to the Agricultural District, but knew that it lay away from any signs of civilization. Those within the Agricultural District were even more removed from society than the ones in Waste Management.