It's 2141. Clones have taken over as the dominant species. Using brain nanochips to surveil thoughts and actions, they have pushed traditional humans down to a status of low-class workers in a discriminatory dystopia.
A nineteen-year-old aspiring me...
*NOTE: in case of doubt while you're reading the cheese puns, you can check a list that I've added right at the end with the references. Enjoy!
Shortly after Apollo had left the premises, Eros offered me a ride home that afternoon. The ride was quiet. Too dark clouds were hanging over our heads for different reasons.
I wasn't due to go to work, not after the success of Oyster's ad and Eros snatching me away from the preliminary party that must have been held there that afternoon.
He parked his red sports car in front of my home and we got out. I was fishing my keys from a pocket when I heard him say:
"I'm afraid I shall be very busy these days. I don't think we shall see each other as often as I'd like."
"I understand," I replied with sadness while he came closer to me. "You need to work on the new project that Apollo has appointed you for."
Or else, you might die. I was too scared of saying that last part aloud, so I didn't, but the stern look on his face told a similar, frightening truth.
"I'm sorry that you had to witness that," Eros added as if he hated himself, but he was able to get his wonderful smile back to say: "I'll do everything in my power to fulfil His demands, don't worry. I'll be fine."
But if he succeeded, I wouldn't since I was a rebel.
"If you get a chance to get out of trouble, out of Apollo's reach, promise me you shall take it, please." My plea was just a weak, rusty whisper.
He only smiled at me as if he knew better as if he pitied me for being naïve.
"Don't look at me like that, please. I'm worried about you." I guessed that escaping from Apollo's reach was nearly impossible. Eros belonged to his god, and that was it. I sighed with discomfort.
"I'll text you or call you once in a while," he replied, not answering my plea, "for the sake of keeping my sanity."
Then, he smiled a sad smile, kissed my forehead, and winked at me before leaving.
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My father was still at work.
The first thing I did once I had locked the front door was put those dangerous vials hidden between my breasts in the freezer. Then, I dialled Sigi's number. I needed to tell him about Apollo, Eros, and the vials which potentially contained the palaeoviruses.
It went into voicemail and I exhaled loudly. Stupid me! He was working too.
I didn't feel like calling Agape directly for obvious reasons. I wanted to get some extra help to deal with her the next time I would see her. I didn't want to be left alone with her ever again.
