Fallen Earth: Rebuilding

Chapter 1: Ashes of the Waste

)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBgp5aDH23g opening score)

Our story opens up on just another day in the Grand Canyon Province. The sun was scorching everything in sight, the clanking of hoofs on old, cracked pavement sounded out, and the general chaos of shouting and shooting rang throughout town. Grinning, Sheriff Wesley realized that everything was normal. When he was in town, nobody dared to even punch anyone...At least where Wesley could see it. With a wistful smile on his face, He thought back on his career as sheriff of the town. Growing up in Midway, he didn't see much action. But with the bandit uprisings a few years back, he realized he had to take action. His first step was becoming the town's self proclaimed sheriff. Striding through town with a fancy leather duster and trousers, he brought law back to Midway with his fists and his old .45 Magnum. Having fought off bandits, wolves, and even an entire riot, Wesley has seen alot. Just wish i could finally see the sights, and get out of town, he thought. For as long as he could remember, Wesley had always wanted to travel. See the sights, get some air, have some fun! But as long as there was chaos and anarchy in Midway, He would have to stop it.

Sighing, Wesley went back to surveying. Looking towards the highway leading out of town, he noticed a small convoy approaching. Taking out a pair of binoculars, Wesley whistled at what he saw. An entire convoy of shiny, MILITARY vehicles! They appeared to be in perfect condition, and now that he thought about it, were heading straight towards him. Desperately Trying to think of a plan, Wesley came up with nothing but a blank. Deciding it was best to not mess with men with military gear, he slowly held his hands up. After 10 seconds, the Humvees arrived. With loud roaring filling his ears, the threatening vehicles circled around him, throwing up massive clouds of dust and dirt. Feeling his lungs get dry from dust inhalation, Wesley covered his mouth with his sleeve and loudly started to cough. When the dust cleared, he took a closer look at the arriving men. God damn!, He thought. Even they're armor and guns are military grade. Where do they even find brand new armor? Looking at the Humvees close up, his mouth fell open. Holy shit.....50. CALS?, he thought. Unable to find words, Wesley simply stared in shock at the awesome display of pure power in front of him.. Hearing a door open up, Wesley quickly looked up and noticed a man stepping out of the lead Humvee. Gazing at the new comer, the man was wearing an old business suit just as clean and fancy as the rest of the convoy. Grinning, the man walked up and held his hand out. "Wesley Drake, i presume?"
Taking his hand, Wesley simply smiled back. "Nice to see you, Smith."

5 Years Later

Stepping out of his helicopter, Wesley couldn't help but think back 5 years earlier when his old friend Smith approached him with an offer. Smith had made a wonderful find: Old military tech, unused and fresh as the day they were made. Smith then formulated a plan: With all this wonderful stuff, why not reclaim America? Thinking ahead, Smith got his closest friends together and formed the New Republic Of America. NROA for short, they have already managed to reclaim small areas out of the canyon and have gathered support all over the Province. The NROA have already recovered a prototype radiation purifier and a small airforce base. They didn't get much from it, but they did manage to repair some helicopters. The NROA only really used them for transportation of high value stuff, but Wesley still loved them. Shading his face with his hand, Wesley quickly ran inside the Lab to escape the desert heat. Seeing a trio of scientists running at him, Wesley wished he was still in desert patrol. Shaking his head, he walked to the rambunctious scientists, thinking Damn four eyes..... Nearly being blown over by the oncoming scientists, Wesley could barely hear what they were saying;
"Sir, you need to read this!"
"I told those bastards back in the capitol this was worth it!"
"Get us some bloody troops over here!"
Rolling his eyes, Wesley reached for his Magnum and held it in the air. Aiming at the ceiling, He pulled the trigger. With a mighty !BANG!, a hole the size of a quarter appeared in the tiling. Lowering his gun, everyone instantly quieted. Taking a deep breath, Wesley bellowed "ONE PERSON AT A FUCKING TIME PLEASE!". Seeing the scientists back down, Wesley pointed at the first man. "Hand me the report!". With trembling hands, the scientist handed a folder to the incredibly annoyed Man. Flipping through it, Wesley rolled his eyes and closed it. "Andddd you were smoking what?", he said with sarcasm. The Scientist Frowned, and said "But sir, it's true. We really did find a portal!". Facepalming, Wesley said "Well, take me to it."

Holy Crap.... Wesley thought, looking at the singularity of color and sound in front of him. The "portal" appeared to be a circular....hole.....in space. It appeared opaque, and was a seizure inducing rainbow of red, greens, oranges, and purples. Putting a hand to his chin, He quickly did some math. "I think we can fit some Geo-survey devices and some diggers in there....".
"But sir, we don't know whats on the other si-". Seeing the angry glare of Wesley, the scientist shut up.
"Well, send some drones in! I don't care about any shit about foreign contaminants or diseases, this might be a second chance for the human race!". Gulping, the Scientist quickly whistled and gestured at some nearby technicians. Walking away, they returned a minute later, hauling a drone. The small Rover had 6 wheels encase in a tread, a wireless video recorder, solar panels, an air sampler, and a radio transmitter. Grunting, the tech's heaved it onto a pre-prepared ramp leading into the portal. Taking positions around consoles, the scientists begin calling out system checks.
"Transmitter online!"
"All wheels in working order sir."
"Got a little cut in one tread...Fixed it!"
"Air sampler equipment is 100% A-Ok."
"Solar cells working at optimal efficiency."
"Camera o-God dammit, lens flare!"
"Batteries all charged. No leaks detected."
"Sending it in..."
Chewing on his finger nails, Wesley was praying to any god out there that this worked. The rover slowly trundled towards the portal. As soon as it touched it, warning klaxons blared!
"Sir, we got unknown energy signs emitting from the portal!
"Holy shit! These things are off the charts!"
"TAKE COVER!"
With a bright flash, the room was bathed in light.....As it cleared out, Wesley noticed that the portal was now...transparent. "I WANT THE GOD DAMN BARRIERS UP!" Flinching at a loud clang, Wesley's view of the portal was immediately cut off by the emergency barrier. Glaring at the scientist who ordered the barrier to be shut, Wesley yelled "Get the vid feeds up!". Waiting a few seconds, the Scientist manning the video screen gasped. "GET THE HELL OVER HERE!", he yelled. Beckoning towards Wesley, he approached and could only stare at the picture on the screen. Trees......