The Fall of Elysium, Volume IV: The Laborer

As the Trajian Empire's war for global unification grinds ever onward, the capital city of Elysium faces threats from all angles: The toppling of a delicate political balance, a burgeoning class struggle, and rumors of a plot to assassinate Emperor Felix's only surviving child, the Crown Prince Mathias.

Day laborer John Harding believes he has finally had a bit of good luck after being hired on at the prestigious Ballard Transportation Combine. The first cracks begin to show after the unwelcome appearance of Commander Smythe at the BTC headquarters, and soon John finds himself torn between the integrity he owes his family and the living that will provide for them.

When the company's owner, Victor Ballard, hands down orders he hopes will protect them all in the uncertain future, John is chosen to carry them out. Now John must choose which man to be, and hope that choice does not ensnare the ones he loves most.

Originally published on Kindle Vella -- Includes Chapters 31-40.