Idnahold: Invasion

Idnahold: Invasion

By Joshua Vernson

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9780463584200

Copyright © 2018 Joshua Vernson

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favourite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 1

A long time ago, the verdant and peaceful Moon-World of Slojiti suffered a major disaster. The Moon was hit by a series of small Asteroids that tore through the atmosphere and slammed into a large Volcanic field. Due to the concentration and frequency of the impacts, they lead to a series of devastating quakes which subsequently lead to the eruption of many volcanos. The danger was not limited to the lava and ash. That was limited to within a thousand miles, dust drifting excluded. The real danger came from the very dangerous gases, such as Sulphur and Carbon Dioxide, that leaked from the ground, leading to the gradual and slow erosion of the atmosphere. In addition to the ash destroying the ecosystem for thousands of miles, the moon's temperature slowly built over the next few decades, gradually stripping the moon of water and life. As days turned to years, the damage became too much for most of the wildlife. Some larger creatures died out very quickly due to the lack of food, while most smaller creatures managed to hang on and make it through to see the new dawn.

Today, the world is an arid and dusty rock; a far cry from what it once was. By some miracle, some of the Slojite people managed to survive and make it through the devastation. The city of Idnahold, also know as Canyon City, was miraculously positioned at almost the exact opposite side of the Moon from the eruptions and surrounded by a wide valley that protected it from the worst of the devastation. Though nearly all Slojite people were wiped out either due to the eruptions or due to inability to cope, all of the survivors, through rumours, knowledge, or chance, converged and gathered in Idnahold, making the city and surrounding areas almost the only populated place on the Moon.

However, though the people were protected from most of nature's wrath, there was nothing to protect the people from the desperation that comes from need to survive. The more people that came, the more scarce the resources, and the greater the rifts, or Canyons, grew. The city and surrounding areas are divided into innumerable parts due to the vast numbers of gangs, but the city itself can be roughly divided into 4 main regions: The surrounding area is home to mainly agricultural communities who live in comparative peace due to their importance and distance. The main bulk of the city is home to the vast majority of Slojite people. This area is a mixed bag, home to everyone from ordinary civilians just trying to live their lives, right the way up to the leaders of the toughest gangs. The only law is that which one of the innumerable gangs set. Some areas have surprisingly low crime, while others are literal warzones. The next region is known as the exclusion zone. Here there are a series of deep trenches and open land that is used, as the name suggests, as an exclusion zone to protect a region known as the Hub. The Hub used to be the Goern Corp Headquarters, named after the entrepreneur and founder of the original Corporation, Edgar Goern. Now, it is called The Hub of Science and Innovation, and the only place on the whole Moon that has peace and advanced technology. People who enter are strictly vetted and only allowed, even within the exclusion zone, with permission. Aside from monthly supply drops into the city, the Hub and the rest of Idnahold are socially, economically, and spiritually worlds apart. Understandably this causes great contention. For years they have lived in an uneasy peace, but recently the attacks on the Hub's outposts have increased, causing many within the Hub to argue the morality of using their extensive power to eradicate the city.

The city is comprised of narrow streets lined with densely packed huts cobbled together with metal sheets, wooden frames, and occasional dirt cladding. The ground is unpaved desert rock often covered in blood, urine, and other disgusting substances; the smell of nearly several hundred thousand people's body odour, excrement, and a wide variety of other substances lingers heavily in the air. Overhead, the building's rooflines almost overlap to create overhead shade that acts as a double-edged sword keeping the valuable water from being evaporated, but causing the smell and the humidity from leaving, save through the small gaps between them.

The people try to rush from place to place to avoid trouble. Most have become so used to the smell and the conditions to the point where they barely notice it, but others wear masks and take precautions to protect themselves from the dirty streets. Gang members line almost every corner in the whole city. Many just spend their days chatting and guarding, often scrapping with one of the seemingly infinite number of other gangs, while others size up marks for many purposes such as abduction, robbery, or simply to fight with.

Chapter 2

One morning on the outskirts of the large city, a Mercenary called Tack Mickel leans back in his chair behind his desk in his headquarters. Though the hut is small and somewhat humble, over the years the extensive reinforcements have shrugged off much punishment.

A small group of armed thugs enter the hut, watched closely by Tack's men. The leader, a scruffy-looking thug, looks down on the relaxed Tack with concern.

Fuck's sake, Tack. You know the Chiefs none too pleased with you. he says. Why do you gotta push your luck?

I've told the Chief many a time. I'm not going anywhere, and the contracts are fair game. he says calmly without even looking at the thug. Not my fault we're better than his crew, nor is it that you 'messengers' seem incapable of delivering that message.

Tack, listen. He's been terrifyingly patient with you. Were it not for all you've done for him, this place would be kindling by now. he says, desperately trying to get through to Tack.

Shh. Tack responds calmly.

The thug lowers his head as he sees the futility. He really doesn't want Tack to end up dead, but he sees Tack's pig-headedness is likely going to result in just that. After a few moments, he shakes his head and stands to leave.

Fine. he says disheartened. I'll relay your message, word-for-word. he sighs knowing there is nothing he can do.

As they begin to leave, they encounter Tack's second in command, aptly named 'Second'. The men throw hate-filled glances at Second as he responds in kind. After they leave, Second turns to Tack.

What did those drips of runny shit want? he asks in a hate-filled tone.

Don't know, wasn't listening. Tack responds nonchalantly.

Second sits down on the chair in front of Tack's desk as a nervous man stands in the doorway, cautiously poking his head in.

Um. Is this Tack Mickel's... place? he cautiously asks.

Sure is. How can we help? Tack responds in a helpful tone as he sits properly and waves the man in.

I need escorts to help me move house, today. I know it's late notice, but can pay 1 coin. Maybe 1 and half. he says nervously. It's very clear he has never required the services of someone like Tack before.

No problem. he assesses the man's appearance and surmises he is likely a Miner. Normal rate would be 3 quarter coin, but as you're a Miner, we'll do it for 1 half. he smiles.

The nervous man smiles back Oh, thank you, Sir.

Tack shouts for his Son. Donyl!

Donyl comes running in from outside as fast as he can. Yes, Dad?

Take a small crew and help this man with whatever he needs. Tack orders.

His ever diligent Son nods and escorts the man from the premise to carry out his orders with typical distinction in his ceaseless efforts to please his Father. Many in the city tend to compare Donyl's loyalty to that of a Dog and his Master. Somewhat accurately.

Almost immediately after they leave, a thug from a local loan shark walks in.

Tack. I have a... he is interrupted.

Where the fuck are you manners? Knock, you prick. Tack barks in stark contrast to how he handled the nervous man.

The thug reluctantly turns around and stands in the doorway, knocking on the door.

No one's home, come back later. Tack jests before getting down to business. What do you want?

The thug enters with an unimpressed look on his face.

You're a real fucking hoot, Tack. he sarcastically responds. Got a contract for you. Guy owes us 8 coins. he says while placing a note and 3 coins on his desk.

The thug leaves, clearly not wanting to hear any more of Tack's 'wit'. Tack looks at the note.

Second. You're in command till I get back. he says while getting up and checking the magazine of his trusty gun 'Mabel'.

In a small humble hut just North of Tack's hut, a young man holds his young wife in a romantic embrace while their young Daughter eats her breakfast on the table next to a fireplace.

Today is her first day of school. I can't wait. he says flirtatiously.

I knew you'd manage it. she kisses him passionately, but there is something else on her mind.

What's the matter, Sweetie? he asks affectionately.

She sighs I'm worried about the debt. I wish you didn't have to deal with those slime-balls. she responds as she looks down with concern.

He gently touches her chin and lifts it up, looking her in the eyes.

I'll have all the coins tomorrow, by the deadline. I'm your man, I won't let anything happen. he responds to cheer her up.

Just as they lean in for a kiss, the door suddenly flies open with extreme force and a bullet is fired at the man's feet. The couple fall to the floor and huddle in fear while the little girl dives into the fireplace, screaming.

Tack's large figure calmly and quietly walks in with his gun in his hand. He looks over to the cowering couple and stares at them intensely. Suddenly, he looks at the child.

I'm sorry, Princess. Did I ruin your Breakfast? he says in a calm tone, contrasting