Liberty's Call

Chapter 1

I come from a place where there is never someone new to meet. We're all cooped up in our apartment buildings, and we can't leave unless there's an emergency or you're going to work. The Officers make sure of it.

The Officers are the protectors of our city. Every building has two of them, every block and street and avenue has two of them, and every city has tens of thousands, maybe even a hundred thousand. And you may not have expected this, but they're the only people you're allowed to talk to. I've gotten to know David and Jessica, my building's Officers, pretty well through the years, but I yearn to speak with someone else. Every here and there I can sneak in a conversation, and I'm allowed to email and text people for work, but sometimes I think about what things would be like in a freer world.

But I get it. Productivity can't exist without quiet. Everyone knows that.

I was separated from my parents the day I was born, and they barely had a chance to utter my name before I was taken away. That's what happens to everyone, but it wasn't always this way. Before Recto Itinere, families were happy and no one could feel as alone. I wish that I was alive back then, if only for a year or two. It seems so... different. Better. The problems of the 21st century feel so minor compared to what's happening now. At least then people wouldn't be starved for days for the simple act of speaking to someone. But I get this, too. Punishments need to be made so you fear them. And happiness isn't a right. Not in this world.

I completely understand why these rules are in place, but humans are social creatures. That's just how it works. It's been that way since the dawn of time and I don't see it changing anytime soon. We crave to hear the words of another being. Most days I'm lucky to overhear a conversation between a couple of Officers.

There is one other option, though, and I'm seriously considering it. Becoming an Officer would take a terribly long time, and I've heard it's a grueling process, but I've been alive for 19 years. What's seven more?