Greenhaus Part 1: A Storm Brews by Bryan Reckelhoff Read Free Book Online Page A

zone, a move seen as an increase in status to those in the ‘Haus to whom these things mattered. When asked why he never wanted his family living quarters to rise above Zone 3 he would simply respond, “Because I am perfectly happy here, and I would never dare tempt an emotion like happiness.” Harvard loved the exterior unit of Annex 6, especially that they lived adjacent to the Gardens, a view that overlooked the constant budding of life and explosion of color. He thought of it as a residual gift to his family. Moving up a zone, there was no guarantee the view would be as good, since the relocation process was based on availability. They could be moved to the Perimeter, where color was nonexistent, outside the drab grays and browns of the nearby hillsides. Or even worse, stuck in the Mids, whose units had no views, except the guts and clutter of the ‘Haus.
    The alarm for power down sounded, ending the Engineering crews workday. Rangers would scour the fields, searching disabled vehicles for Outsiders. Wipers would wash the exterior, while Jacob wondered what they could have possibly done to earn their fate, to spend their days keeping the glass clean, when it was so easy to just follow the rules. After deconning, Jacob’s work day was complete and he exited the chamber feeling like a new man, partly due to his cleansing, partly due to his release of tension his career decision had imparted. His 2nd Feet squished and squeaked the glass floor beneath him as he made his way home.
    Jacob passed by his old apartment, something he often did even though it was out of his way. He liked to reminisce a nd see the old views from his childhood. In the back of his mind he hoped his father would return to their old apartment and Jacob would be there to greet him. Every time, he would taste the same disappointment, a feeling lessened somewhat by the incredible view of the Gardens below.
    As much as he loved his childhood view, Jacob and his mother moved out and up to Zone 5 immediately after his father ’s untimely passing. Their new view was terrible, just as his father always worried it would be. Jacob did not care though. Even as a kid he was keenly aware that although some things around the ‘Haus changed, really it all stayed the same. This day started the same as any other, he performed his job the same as he did every other day. The work day ended just like all the others, his duties complete when he finished the work laid out by the Sustainability Charts. He took the same route home, enjoyed his evening meal, and then settled himself into his sleeping chamber, just like every other day. But tomorrow would be different. He would turn in his paperwork, making his decision official. No longer would this cause him any consternation and he planned to sleep easy tonight.
     As he laid his head down to sleep, he said his final prayer, one that he said every night as far back as he could remember. This prayer had a special meaning for him since his father died and the nightly wish that accompanied the prayer was always the same.
     
    Mother Earth, Oh Mother Earth, how great your powers be.
    Grant me, grant me this one wi sh, shine your grace on me.
    When I rise in the morn ’, whether not my plea fulfilled
    Indebted to your bounty forever till my body’s chilled.

CHAPTER 4 (Ella Stone)
     
     
    A rebellious flame burned hot inside Ella. This was not the first time, nor would it be the last that she defied a direct order from a superior. The fortress sat behind her, but the Stone minicamp was not her destination. She craved solitude, to be alone with her thoughts. To think. To try and figure out why the Elders wouldn’t attack, if for no other gain than to kill a couple Rangers. Try as she might, she couldn’t make sense of their inaction.
    Her instincts guided her, Ella trusted them completely. They keyed her survival and hadn’t let her down thus far. Worn out boots and tired legs carried her in the direction of her