Hi Steemers! I am happy to present my new anarchy themed novel! I will post the entire book for free via steemit posts, a chapter or two at a time.
Title: Will
Genre: Science Fiction, Political Thriller, Comedy Synopsis: Early 30th Century Earth is literally divided by a mysterious wall. On the dark side of the wall, millions suffer from mind control, despotic rulers, war, pain, and suffering. On the light side of the wall, it is the complete opposite. There is peace, freedom, and prosperity. One day a man from the dark side manages to get to the other side, a fateful event which will change the world forever.
Happy Reading! Please upvote and share!
Please note: To begin reading from the beginning, refer to my earlier steemit posts or download the book for free on my blog @ Makingtheoligarchyobsolete.blogspot.com
Chapter 7
A rickety train chugged past computer programmer number 0777 as she walked home from work on a bitterly cold evening. Her tired face let out a deep sigh as she held onto her cap so it wouldn’t be swept away by the devilish wind. It was a long walk, nearly an hour, but computer programmer number 0777 couldn’t afford the train anymore. Energy to heat her house was just too high and taxes were due next month. Under normal circumstances, if her husband were around, she wouldn’t have to fret so much about paying bills. She wondered how long until he would be back. She missed him too much, as did their son. She kept telling herself, though, that her husband had done the right thing. He had been given an offer he couldn’t refuse. The problem was that she didn’t know anything about his mission. She didn’t know where he’d gone, what he’d be doing, or how long he’d be away. They don’t call them top secret missions for nothing. She knew he’d be back one day, though. She just had to be patient, strong, and resilient. She was a proud woman, though, and considered herself lucky. Today was visitation day from her eight year old son. He was doing his studies at the Department of Caretakers, like all children were required to do, and was coming to spend the evening with her. Her child was doing well. So smart, top of his class. She was also thankful for living in such a free country. Tyran Max was a brave and intelligent leader. Yes, 0777 was truly a lucky woman.
She arrived at Residential Tower 113B and was greeted by the plump door man number 1100. The door man gave her a jolly fat smile and greeted 0777. “Awful cold, isn’t it?” 0777 grimaced and agreed, “Indeed, 1100, indeed it is,” as she walked towards the elevator. With a pleasant and energetic smile 1100 asked, “Did you hear? They’re having a bonus arrow lottery this weekend. You think you’ll try your luck?” 0777 decided to lie and replied, “Maybe. I’ll give it some thought,” as she was silently praying impatiently for the elevator to arrive. Why would she want to risk her life to win some cash? Sure, there was some sick pleasure to be derived from the whole spectacle. Thousands of arrows shot straight into the air over a crowd of thousands of people. Whoever came out unscathed, without moving, was awarded a large bag of crisp bills. Too risky, though. If she didn’t have her children, then maybe she’d risk her life for some dough, but not now. After a few seconds of eternity, the elevator made its happy noise of arrival and, relieved, 0777 stepped in.
She got off on the third floor and walked through the dim hallway to her apartment door. Once inside, she couldn’t help but lament at how dingy, dark, and inhuman it seemed. “Damn place is falling apart. At the very least, it needs a decent paint job,” she thought as she glanced around the room with contempt. She wanted to get everything in order before her son arrived, but was too tired from her long day of toil. She decided to just plop down on the sofa, let down her long chestnut colored hair, and turn on the television to relax for a bit. She flipped through all the channels offered by the Freedom Television Network. Just the same old stuff. News bulletins flashed by, energy sources dwindling, prices set to go up again, the war drags on, food prices on the rise. Buy this, take that pill, feel this way about that, laugh at this, don’t laugh at that, cry here. What was the point of it all?
Her melancholy meanderings were joyfully cut short by the arrival of her cherished son, Student 2001. He startled her a bit as he came bursting happily through the door. “Mama, I’m home!” he shouted with elation as he ran towards her. She bounced off the sofa to meet him and give him a warm embrace. “Oh, my love, you’re home early!” “Yeah, is that ok?” he asked innocently. “It’s better than ok, it absolutely wonderful!” she shouted with joy. “I’m sorry the place is such a mess. I just got home a bit ago.” Of course, the place literally could have been a sky-high mountain of garbage and he wouldn’t have cared. He was just happy to see his mom. Missing his father somehow made him appreciate his mother more. “Mom, when is dad coming home?” he asked with wide eyes as he sprung himself onto the faded sofa. She sat down beside him and tried to hold back the tears. This was one of those situations where lying might be valiant. No, not now. Just be honest, she thought. “He’ll be home as soon as he can,” she said as she attempted to give a reassuring smile.
Trying desperately to change the subject, she asked how everything was at school. “Good,” came the vague reply. Then, “I have a question. In class the instructor said that the black wall is there to protect us. Is that true?” “Yes, of course it is.” “How do you know it’s true?” the boy persisted. After a brief pause, she explained, “Well, because I was taught that in school when I was your age. Everyone knows the wall protects us.” “Protects us from what?” he begged for more information. “From chaos and the violence and death it brings. Without the wall protecting us from the chaos of the other side, there wouldn’t be any peace. Do you understand?” The boy put a small finger to his mouth in an inquisitive manner. “Are we at war with the Royal Region right now?” She grimaced. This was not the happy visit with her son she was hoping for. After all, she only got one visit per month, so she wanted to make it count. She sighed. “Yes, we are fighting a war against the Royal Region, unfortunately.” The boy now looked confused. “War is chaos and death, isn’t it?” Her face was now a bit flushed. “Yes, I suppose it is.” “Then the wall isn’t doing a very good job,” he said matter-of-factly. She looked at him with a raised brow, “No, I suppose it’s not.” “Where,” she continued, “Do you get all these questions, anyway?” Absolutely uncertain as to where questions came from, he responded, “From inside.” “But,” he added, “I can’t ask questions at school, so I save them all for you.” She smiled at his innocence, “Well, that’s great my dear. I’m happy to answer them for you.”
If you like what you just read, you can find more of my writings for free on my blog. makingtheoligarchyobsolete.blogspot.com
You can get a paperback version @
http://www.lulu.com/shop/todd-borho/will/paperback/product-22837973.html