It's the year 2038 and a deadly virus has consumed the world for more than 14 years.
In Denmark, an unknown politician took it upon himself to create a safe space from the infected. As long as you abide by the 8 Obligations, you are allowed to live...
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Standing next to my dad, I watch as the busses drives past the gates and stops. The newly build wall provides some kind of safety from the chaotic world outside, and even though I am only a teenager, I know exactly how bad everything is out there. I was there when the creatures attacked. I watched them sink their teeth into the flesh of the kids that tried to run away when the schools were attacked. It still gives me nightmares. Every night when I toss and turn screaming my lungs out, my dad rushes into my room and wakes me up. He holds me tight while he promises me, I am safe and every night he apologizes again and again for bringing me to the evacuation of the schools.
As the doors to the busses open, children walk out. They seem scared and cold. But why wouldn't they be? These are the last kids the soldiers have found outside the walls. They are the survivors from the attack. I let my eyes wander over them. They are dirty and unrecognizable to such a degree that even if there was someone on my age, I wouldn't be able to recognize them. But from what I can see, there aren't any teenagers. Most of them were killed. Or infected. Dad says that teenagers are more vulnerable to the virus. That's why I can't go outside the walls. In here he can protect me. Keep me safe.
The scientists have discovered a pattern to the infection. My dad told me that last night. It is a groundbreaking discovery. It can save lives. I'm not sure how, but I trust my dad. He says I'll understand it better when I'm older.
He told me that studies have shown that there is something in the genetic code of humans that determines how easily you get infected. And since my dad is in the new government, they will use this knowledge to create restrictions that will make it easier to avoid the people that are more likely to get infected.
Those restrictions are for the greater good of mankind.
As the few teenagers, that were already in solitary, walks onto the town hall square, I step closer to my dad. Even though we are at the top of the stairs to the town hall, away from any possible contagion, I'm still scared. I don't want to die. And I don't want to be infected and change. Discreetly, I take his hand. He squeezes it slightly before he steps over to the microphone. More people have arrived. The adults have left the safety of their houses and are assembling on the Town hall square. Keeping a distance to the teenagers and the newly arrived kids that haven't been tested yet. On the ground there are markings to where people should stand. White painted lines separate people into those from solitary, the newly arrived and the people who have been behind the wall for a longer period of time. Furthermore, those who has been residents in The City is divided into section a, b and c. Inside each of the white markings that separate people, there are yellow crosses painted with five feet between them.
With ease, the people who have been here the longest, find a cross and stand there. After a while, the teenagers do the same, but the newly arrived kids are being guided by the soldiers. They don't know the way things work here yet.
When everyone has found a cross to stand on, my dad begins to speak. I can't help being a little proud. I know my father are one of the most important men in the new government. And when he speaks, everyone falls silent and listens.
"First of, welcome to those of you that have arrived today. In a short moment you will be guided to a secure facility, where you will be in solitary for 14 days until we are sure that none of you are infected. This is standard protocol, and for your own safety. When we know you are healthy, you will be taken to a new home, and I'm sure you all will learn how to act in our society in no time. I know the world is terrifying right now, but we have tried something similar before. We know how to beat it. We know how to avoid being infected. And I'm proud to see that each and every one of you, are following the guidelines of distancing. We must stay strong. And we must maintain the distance between us."
My dad lets his eyes glide over the people in front of him. A proud look on his face. I smile hesitantly. I know he's proud of me too. I follow all of the restrictions to the letter. Just as he has taught me.
"But that's not why I'm speaking to you today. I've asked you to come, because we have discovered something new. Something that can save us. We have discovered how the infection spreads. And who the infection spreads to. This Virus selects the people who are the weakest. The ones who are too weak in body and mind to fight the virus without turning. The virus attacks the people who deviate from the norm. Anyone who doesn't fit into the ordinary standards!"
My dad pauses as the news sinks in. The crowd starts shooting glances amongst each other. They all know who he's talking about.
"We need to remove these people from our society. Everybody who is a threat to humanity. The physically and mentally disabled, the sexual deviators, the people with chronical illness and the rebels who fail to abide by the rules of society! And that's why from this day, we will be testing everyone to find out who amongst you are a Deviator!"
I watch as some people begin to back away from the others. Fear is plastered all over their faces, but before they can run away, the soldiers catch them and pin them to the ground. Their screams echo in my head as I reach for my dad's hand again and hide my face against his chest. I don't want to be weak, but I am. I am weak and scared... and tears begin to stain my dad's shirt as I muffle my silent sobs against his body.
