Dystopia (Dystopia Trilogy Book 1)

Chapter 12

Note: This is the 12th 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.

Bits of merriment buzzed through the plant as those Dana's age hurried about, trying to spruce themselves up and prepare for their family reunion. True to her word, President Klens issued an order that those newly assigned to Waste Management be allowed to see their families. She even provided for their transportation.

A part of Dana wondered how long this good will would last. She shrugged it off as she pulled on her shirt. "Enjoy it for now," she told herself. She had her parents to greet.

"Which tie should I wear?" asked Sanders as he ran up to her, holding out two gaudy ties. Dana wondered where he got them.

"Why are you wearing a tie?" she asked.

"Because I haven't seen my mom for a long time and I want to look presentable."

"Hate to break it to you, Sanders, but ties do not go with our overalls," laughed Dana.

"Come on. Just pick one."

Dana gawked at him. Should she pick the black one with the pink polka dots or the yellow one with orange stripes? She covered her eyes and pointed. "That one."

Upon opening her eyes, Dana realized she had picked the yellow one with stripes. She hoped Sanders would approve.

"Good choice," he beamed as he ran off to put it on.

"Well," said Elsie, coming up from behind, "at least he won't look any more ridiculous than the rest of us."

Dana laughed. She finished tying her boots and ran off with Elsie to the meeting area. Excitement filled her.

"Oh, wait," said Dana, realizing she forgot her gift for her mom. "I'll meet up with you. I forgot something."

Dana ran back into the near empty barracks. She pulled out a wrapped box from underneath her bunk. As she jumped back to her feet, she ran into Mad Dog.

"Watch your back," he said.

Unsure of his motives, Dana took a step back.

"I mean it. Watch your back."

"Why are you telling me this?" Dana demanded.

"Because Tony was my brother. His mom took me in when mine died. What you did when the president was here-they don't like it.

Mad Dog walked away, leaving Dana alone. She fingered the smooth box, wondering what his message meant. Dana thought she had gotten away with it, since things had somewhat improved. But then she remembered the look on President Klens' face, that calculating look.

Realizing she wasted valuable time standing alone in the barracks, Dana rushed out. She pounded the metal stairs with her boots as she charged to the bottom level. Talking and commotion filled her ears when she entered the meeting area. Dana stopped in the doorway shocked by what she saw.

A feast fit for royalty filled the room. It had even been cleaned and decorated. A fountain rested on the table with clear, flowing water. Roast meat and fresh baked bread, along with trays of fresh vegetables, greeted her. It was as though the president had decided to break every rule of their society to have this. It had certainly quelled whatever Dana had almost ignited.

"Dana!" Elsie ran up to her. "Here she is, mom, dad."

Dana watched as Elsie walked up with her parents.