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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2023 Politician
"Don't work to long, honey." My wife says to me as the doorbell rings, and I move towards the entry to answer it. "Dinner will be ready soon."
"I won't, love. It'll be quick." I kiss her on her cheek, and she smiles at me and shakes her head knowingly before going back to the stove. "I love you."
"I love you too" she responds without turning away from the meal she is cooking. I do love her more than words can ever describe. And she is part of the reason I'm going to do this. I can't stay silent and watch the government ruin this country anymore.
I walk out and open the door.
"Hello Mr. Morgenstern." I greet the man at the door. "Please come on in." He shakes my hand and enters. "We can talk in my office." I say and gestures for him to follow me through the house.
Once inside the office, I close the door meticulously. My kids tend to have long ears, and I can't have them listening in on this conversation.
"So," Mr. Morgenstern turns towards me, "you wanted to talk?"
"Yes." I wring my hands together. My palms are sweaty. My heart racing. I'm betraying my country. But I do believe it's for the right reasons. "I've been told that you are the one to talk to about concerns for the governments way of leading the country."
"And who might have told you that?" Mr. Morgenstern crooks an eyebrow as he studies me.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that. I promised to never reveal their identity." I respond. "Safety matters."
"Smart person." He speaks. "This is a delicate and dangerous matter, so I will respect the anonymity of your source." He sits down in the chair behind my desk, crosses his legs and looks me straight in the eye. "But do tell me why I should trust you."
It's strange for me to see someone else have the audacity to take my chair in my own office, but somehow, I understand that this is the first loyalty test. He is trying to provoke me deliberately. Maybe to see if I can put my pride aside for our common purpose. And I can. I acknowledge the fact that asking him for help. That puts me beneath him, and I will gladly take that role if it means saving this country from its doom. I have seen the things that goes on behind closed doors. I know about all the cover ups.
"You should trust me because I believe in your cause. The current government isn't the right fit for this country. They are lying and cheating the people and I will no longer be a part of it."
Mr. Morgenstern leans forward in the chair.
"And what do you think you can bring to the table?"
"I will maintain my position in the current government and work from the inside. Provide you with intel. Be your personal spy."
"And you are sure you want to take that risk? You have a family to think of." He asks and I nod.
"It is because of my family I want to do this. I can't be the role model for my kids that I wish to be, if I sit by passively and watch them burn down this country from within. I would never be able to forgive myself." He leans back in the chair, smiling slightly. He seems pleased with my answer, and I continue. "But I want to make clear that my family is the most important thing to me, and I need to be guaranteed their safety."
"I can make no such promise." He says. "It would be an empty promise, and I do not want to give you that. But I can promise you this: I will do everything in my power to keep your family safe, but I am not all that powerful."
"I respect your honesty." I respond. "Thank you." I take a deep breath before giving him my answer. There was never really any doubt in my mind, but it still feels strange to conspire against the government. "I accept the terms. I will be loyal to your cause."
Mr. Morgenstern stands up, walks over to me, and places his hands on my shoulders. Then he smiles and corrects me.
"Our cause. You are a part of this now too."
"Our cause." I respond.
A knock sounds on the door and I call for them to enter.
"Mom says dinner is ready." My son peeks in his head.
"Thank you, my boy" I respond and then adds, "come here for a second. There is someone I want you to meet."
He steps into the room and offer Mr. Morgenstern his hand.
"Hello sir" he says.
"Hello. I'm Valentine Morgenstern, and who might you be?"
"My name is Alec. It's nice to meet you Mr. Morgenstern."
