Keystone Trilogy Book II- Rift World

2

When Elias came to, he found himself in a small prison cell, in a hallway with many more cells, each filled with a prisoner. The floor under him was unsteady, so he knew he must be in some sort of skyship. He could hear the engines humming, and as he listened, they seemed to decrease in strength, which meant that they were nearing their destination. Elias figured that he and his fellow captives were being taken to wherever the rift was, to be thrown into another world.
"Alright, you guys, listen up! I know that you think we are nasty, cruel people, but we're not. There is a very good reason for all this, and you'll find out soon enough. If you'll follow me..." the government official led them off the ship and into a secret-looking compound. Once inside they were taken to a briefing room of sorts, where a scientist gave them further instructions.
"As you all know, we are approaching the end of mankind, and need a new place to live. We took it on as our responsibility to find a new home, so we opened a rift to another world. It is there that we are going to send you Colonists. Now, make no mistake, we will provide you with supplies, but ultimately you will have to fend for yourselves. We have no idea what the rift world is like, but it should be fairly safe. Think of it as an adventure, a start to a new life." "Well, I was pretty happy with my old life, to be perfectly honest."said a young man from somewhere in the back. "I don't like the sound of this "rift world". It sounds like a dangerous idea. Take me home."
"Since you seem very enthusiastic, you'll be the first to go through." said the scientist. A pair of guards came and dragged the man through a side door, with much kicking and screaming. This went on for a while, until it was Elias's turn. He went quietly, hardly saying a word. He was brought into a laboratory, full of whirring machines and frantic scientists. And there it was, floating in the middle of the room. The rift. It was hard to take in the fact that going through this... tear in the universe would bring him to another world. And that's just what it looked like. Almost as if someone had taken a big knife and cut the air, leaving a slot filled with glowing light.
It went by quickly. They handed him a backpack filled with supplies, and nearly threw him into the rift.

Elias hit the ground running. He barely had time to register that he was in an area of plains and rolling hills but no animals. He didn't see anyone else, either, but that didn't matter. He knew there had to be food or shelter somewhere. As it was, his water bottle was half empty, and his sandwich was nearly gone. If he died, what would happen? And where were the other Colonists? Did they die? So many questions, so few answers. The sun sank behind the trees, and darkness engulfed the land. Trees! Where there are trees, there must be life. Elias sprinted for the forest, but was disappointed. There was no sign of life, and it was pitch black. He laid down on a patch of lush grass, and slept.

When he awoke, Elias was surrounded by beauty. The forest he slept in was a wonder long forgotten back on Earth. Who knew that simplicity was so..... graceful? Elias wanted nothing more than to stay there forever, and soak it all in. Yet he couldn't. He needed to find food. Why was there nothing living in this amazing place? Surely there was a squirrel or a rabbit? There weren't even any insects. It was dead, yet alive. He could feel it in the air. This forest was full of energy. He searched for hours, yet found nothing. His supplies dwindled, and he had nothing to eat or drink. Suddenly a great lethargy settled over him. He stumbled and found himself on a small overlook. What he saw took his breath away. It was then that he knew why the forest was deserted. It was a ruined city. Elias stood in wonder for a few seconds, and collapsed.