Under/Under

Chapter 3

"Arise my subjects, for today is Worship day. For as I have risen you from the ashes of the surface, I also require tribute and time out of your day to thank me for the good deeds I have blessed everyone with. Arise from your beds and say the morning prayer with me." My wife and I both climbed out of bed to see the smiling face of Sarados on our pre-installed telescreen. He looked like the scum of the streets, with a square jaw and black eyes that peered into your soul. His straight black hair combed back was the style required by all males. We bowed our heads, touching the floor beneath us as we began to pray aloud.

O Sarados, through the Immaculate Originals,

I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of your Sacred Ruling,

in union with the Arbitrators of peace throughout Indigri,

for the salvation of souls, the reparation of defiance, the reunion of all Indigrins,

and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Sarados this month.

Revolution brings death, but submission continues life.

Amen.

"Now remember my subjects, today is a special Worshipday. For today is offering in which you give up something in exchange for your freedom from the surface. Anything that would be seen as contraband comes to Union Square and is taken by an Arbitrator for destruction. No harm will come to you if you come with repentance from your old ways. If someone you know has contraband items, then you will be blessed with meat from cows for an entire month and the person will be changed from his old ways in order to achieve peace in Indigri. Here is a list of contraband items." The words appeared on the screen.

Weapons

Items that could potentially be weapons

Music

Books of aggression

Books of opposition

Books of heresy

Other books that are not made by the government

Items that scramble signals

Homemade drugs

False idols

"Only peace can be achieved through submission of god, Sarados. And submission continues life." The telescreen shut off. I turned to my wife, and she looked at me in the same look as she had last night.

"Do you still-"

"No, not anymore. The last of the corn was eaten last night." I interrupted her, for the safety of the family. My father gave me a weapon which I hid inside the wall of our apartment. He told me never to use it unless revolution was at hand. I'm still not sure how it works, he could never tell me with the eyes of Sarados watching and his ears listening. Though now, compared to thirty years ago, the thought of revolution is less likely.

"Honey, I would love to stay at home, but I have two more hours of work I have to do in order to complete my quota. I will see you and Harper all afternoon. Remember, Sarados be praised." I hugged Helena with a single tear falling from my face. This is no place someone can live in. But we have to, there is no place to go. No other place. I released my embrace and she had a still look on her face, with complete composure. I marveled at the strength she has in her for whatever situation. I walked out and went past Harper's room. He was bowing at a poster of Sarados, chanting over and over again, "Thank you Lord for delivering us from desolation, and giving to us civilization." I wanted to say goodbye, but I couldn't. I smiled at him because the telescreen in front of me told me to do so. I opened and closed the apartment door behind me.