It was an act of rebellion against his country, but Nevik Tru no longer believed in patriotism. The only people who did anymore were the politicians and the armed soldiers who lined the streets. But they weren't looking for terrorists, murderers, or traitors. They were looking for writers. They had stopped selling paper, pens, pencils, and typewriters in preparation for what they were planning in secret ever since Jacke Townsend's manifesto, The Truth is a Lie, was published in every newspaper and magazine around the country. A month later, all those publications shut down their offices and websites with no warning or explanation.
The tattoo needle glided over Nevik's skin with the precision of van Gogh's paintbrush and the grace of a rusty razor blade. When this three-hour session came to an end, he stared at the final piece long and hard before making any judgments.
"What do you think, man?" the artist asked as he tossed his disposable gloves into a biohazard container.
Nevik stared down at the fresh black ink on his skin. "The End. I think it's a great place to begin." He smiled and shook the artist's hand before he walked out into the streets that burned with turmoil, death, and censorship.
YOU ARE READING
The War of Pages
Science FictionIt is the year 2208, and the government has been waging a war against writers for more than 100 years. It started with his Great-Great-Grandfather, Nevik Tru, and it's continuing with him once his father, Bandit Tru, is arrested for distributing har...
