Short Story Channel

Book 2: Soul Code

"We interrupt this program for an important message." A voice boomed over televisions and radios all over the world. "A new law has been passed by the government. This law decrees that all electronic devices will be in control of the government do to over use and abuse of power around the world. From this day forward. All electricity sources will be shut off at a dead line.  Thank you for your cooperation and we from RENOVA, wish you good day." The voice went silent and everything resumed as if nothing happened. But everyone knew what had happened. From that fateful day forward, we have been monitored. Nothing has ever been private, unless you knew where to go.

Staring up at the ceiling, I thought about how far I had come in life. Everything was great for me! There were Pretty girls, good apartment, just out of college. One down side was I was living alone, I couldn't seem to hold down a job and girlfriends seemed to only want to stay one night. For a handsome and charming guy like myself I hated this situation. I let out a loud sigh and watch the dust fly around in the sunlight coming through the open window. I didn’t know what to do with my life anymore. My freedom was slowly disappearing and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it which frustrated me beyond belief.

There was a knock at my door which tore me out of my moping period. I stood up with another exasperated sigh and headed to the door. “Coming!” I yelled as they continued to knock. 

“Well hurry up then!” a voice shouted back. I opened the door to see James standing there. James was undoubtedly my best friend. I wish he would room with me but since he is always working he doesn’t really come home. He works for the company RUN which stands for Rebel United Nations. I’m also part of RUN you could argue since I am against the new republic.  But then again I would say that more than half the population would be.

I opened the door and stepped aside to let James in. A smile was plastered on his lips along with excitement in his eyes. James is an attractive man. He has tasseled brown hair and blue eyes that would make any women want to fall to her knees and beg for an instant marriage.  He usually wore a suit for work which he hated but had to wear. Sadly enough he didn’t want a relationship and he was perfectly happy with how he was living aside from the face of the government.

“I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU!” James practically yelled in my ear. I rubbed the tired out of my eyes and looked at him.

“What would that news be?” I asked trying desperately to be as enthusiastic as his was. James took off the tan trench coat and pulled out a letter. His smile widened and I swear he was going to freak out as if a famous boy band had come to this apartment.  James opened the letter and began to pace the room and read.

“Dear Mr. Daniel Philips,” he began. I cringed away from my full name and sat down on the leather couch that occupied my living room. “You have been accepted into the RUN program. During your testing you have shown extraordinary results and great potential.” He looked up from reading to see what I was thinking. But all I could do was just sit there stunned. I couldn’t believe it. I made it. I got the job! I was officially now part of RUN.  James was content with my reaction and continued reading from the paper.  From this point I had stopped listening. I was trying hard not to hyperventilate. “Welcome to the team Mr. Philips. We are proud to make you part of the alliance.” James finished reading and held his arms open. “Well? Your thoughts for people who can’t read minds please.”  I began laughing. I jumped up and hugged James tightly.

“Is this really happening?!” I yelled as I paced the room holding my head trying to tell my brain to calm down.

“Yeah! I found out this morning when I went in. they were going to send someone else but I volunteered to go instead.”  My heart raced. I could feel the adrenaline running through my entire body. Only two people get this job.  Once a year they hold the testing for the RUN Program. This had been my first year to apply and I got in. It was better than any pleasure I had ever felt in my life. This was pure heroin.