Running late, I push through the front door. Hustling away the door – slams behind me, bam. I jump over our white picket fence, instead of using the gate, and land on the walkway. This, of course, did not go unnoticed by our neighbors who frown while watching me. I give an uneasy smile and rush past them. Of course, in their world everything is so perfect. All around are cookie cutter whitewashed homes with huge front porches and white picket fence. In a word, utopic. Well, that is what the Order calls it anyway.
Rolling my eyes, I know what citizens would tell me. Ahem, Echo, if you just wear your virtual at night you could sleep and never be late. Ahh, they are right of course, but wearing the copper bracelet at night keeps me awake. It must have something to do with the metal. Anyway, I choose to take it off while sleeping. Gurgle-grr, ugh, a reminder that I forgot to eat breakfast. Ugh, now wondering if I should rethink my nightly ritual and just leave the bracelet on. Who needs sleep? At any rate, I am running behind. Which is not a good attribute for a good citizen. Especially now that I am 26 years old. Sigh, the golden age.
As world citizens we must appreciate this wonderfully constructed world. With towering oak trees with scattered limbs overhead, to the colorful tulips which lined gardens along the pathways. The azaleas are so thick we are unable to see past them as you wind around the curves of the walkways. Our world is manicured in every way, even down to the greenness of grassy areas and sprawling dogwood trees that are in bloom along every path. The sculptured pines and huge old oak trees draped their branches over the landscape. Cresting the hill, the sweet smell of honeysuckle fills my nostrils with its fragrance. Which a sense of peace and harmony. Line after line of flowering Dogwood trees scattered throughout the landscape punctuating the beauty all around. To the sweet smell of honeysuckle and green vines spiraling around each tree trunk. Ahh, honeysuckle is the sweet nectar of the gods. Indeed, the Order has given us a world of blissful perfection. Anyway, my obsession over being a good citizen is nothing new. All citizens want that. Finally reaching the outskirts of the neighborhood, sweat rolls down the back of my neck. Now trying to catch my breath. One last obstacle to trek uphill towards the bend. Then I will be home free. Well at least back on time.
Running behind is justified as last night it took longer than I planned to finish some last-minute memories for our Hall discussion today. Thinking about it gives me a nervous twitch. Just another of my wonderful flaws, panic attacks. Slowing my walk, I close my eyes and take deep breaths to control my breathing. My nose picks up the wild scent of the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle. The sweet aroma of nectar instantly settles my nerves. Ah yes, just what the magistrate ordered as my breathing slows. Pish, the magistrate finally got something right. These deep breathing exercises are a big part of my anxiety therapy. Although, they have not done much else for me. Well, I should not be too hard on them. They are direct representatives from the Order and liaisons to citizens. Besides, the magistrate are here to help us. My body relaxes a bit as my pace has slowed. Gradually, a renewed sense of calm crosses my face. Until –
“Ping,” I jump. The copper ring virtual clasped around my wrist throbs to gain my attention. It sends an intelligence alert directly to my brain letting me know my intuition is correct. indeed, indeed caught up on lost time. A low exhale leaves my body. Now I am feeling fully relaxed. Walking less briskly, I nodded to citizens who are meditating in one of the manicured public spaces found along the walkway. Indeed, thanks to the Order, we are blessed to live in such a dependable and lush habitat.
Unable to resist, I double check my virtual status. A sigh of relief as I am still making pretty good time. Soon the sunlight pierces through the dawn as a warm glow surrounds me. Beams of sunlight stream through the tree branches. Its bright warmth crosses my face. In the sky a fiery yellow sun slowly rises as it crests over the regal granite mountain. Making my way up the hill, Stone Mountain comes into full view. The spiritual beacon for the Southeastern region of the Americas. The majestic Stone Mountain is the natural backdrop for our region. It all seems so inviting as a breeze swoosh past me. Everything has its purpose for being. The mountain was here well before the establishment of the World Order. One of my favorite sights is how the foggy mist burns away as the mountain’s wonders become fully exposed to the sunlight. Its rounded peak is like a half-buried egg. This oddly shaped granite mountain leaves you with a sense of mystery and intrigue.
We are taught the mountain is a mystical place filled with wonderous history. I can imagine the stories it would tell over the millennia. The older generations remain superstitious about its presents. They say, if you listen closely, you will hear the faint whispers of the ancients as the wind swirls around its oval peak. The story for told is those whooshing whistles through the rocky crevasses and terrain are voices from days gone by. Yes, we have a perfect world. Well, almost.
Right now, I must focus on what is at hand and stop worrying over things out of my control. My friends and I remain focused on one thing, the Choosing. All citizens go through this time-honored requirement. It is only the most epic time in a citizen’s life. Even more so than reaching the golden age of twenty-six. Known as the time of vetting. We are in preparation for our permanent roles within the citizenry. This practice began in the dark days of the Cleansing. Known as the most chaotic time in human history. The driving force behind the time of Enlightenment. This is why once at the golden age citizens are required to recall the unpleasantries of our past, like the cleansing. So, we never forget these disturbing human lessons. Sigh, the golden age is just another unpleasant time forced upon me. Of course I cannot let anyone know my thoughts on this. It would be considered out of the ordinary.
This is why I am so anxious over today’s discussion. Everyone must share an absorption over their family’s ancestors who endured the Cleansing some 350 years ago. Augh, I shudder just thinking about it. Even though sharing each other’s abortion is my favorite part of citizen training. Especially those that involve history. But over such a dark time for humanity is just eerie. It is going to trigger one of my fits. Just the thought causes a cold chill to rush through me. Gosh, I know it will…I just know it. To be embarrassed again and then worse the whispers behind my back. Known as the misfit. It is humiliating. I am tired of going through these uncontrollable episodes…I hate it.
Month after month, the magistrate said a remedy will soon be given. Anything would be welcome if it helped my condition. Pish, but to be honest the Magistrate does nothing. All they do is repeat the same thing. ‘It will go away on its own, so don’t worry about it.’ And then there is dad and my family telling me, “Son, keep this condition secret to ward off any unwanted attention.” But how? How do you hide something that happens in plain sight? I just want to be normal. Like everyone else. Is that so bad?
Still, I follow the methods set by the Magistrate and hope for the best. Submerging myself into the refuge of my surroundings. To focus on the beauty of the sprawling gardens, flowers, trees, and smell the fragrant aromas. All the while luminates hover overhead, ready to give light at the end of the day. Yes, everything has a place in our society. Sigh, if not for all the good parts of our world I would surely go mad from these horrific dreams. Agitated by these rambling thoughts, I cut the bend to sharply and… Oh…Arg…Bump…Crash… thud.
Augh, “Hey…what the –” Now pressed against the bushes, only to realize I have unwittingly collided into Lisa.
She screeches, “Hey!”
“Oops, oh gosh, sorry Lisa. Really, I am sorry. Umm, here let me help…” Pulling myself out of the bush, I quickly reach down and pick up her copper virtual she had in her hand. I turned towards her to hand it back. Unfortunately, it occurs to me how funny this is as the corners of my mouth slowly curl into a faint smirk.
She snatches the copper ring from me with a grunt. “Huh, sorry, oh yeah right. Uh-huh.” Lisa glares at me. Pish, “Geez, you’re so weird sometimes.” Releasing a sinister snort. “You are such a daydreamer.”
Now frowning, I hated that nickname, and she knows it. Shaking my head. “Great.” So much for a peaceful walk.
Lisa by far is my closest friend. Our families have been friends for as long as I can remember. She is also one of the most intelligent people I know. Over time we have become the best of friends. Of course, knowing each other for so long also means she has the knack for getting under my skin –.
“Well, what do you have to say for yourself klutz?”
Ahem, “I said I was sorry for bumping into you, okay? I was just trying not to be late.”
She scowls, “Bump? Bump, you call that bump…that was no bump, you crashed into me.” She shoves my shoulder. “Get over yourself, Echo Bodhi.”
Oh great, the use of my full name is never a good sign, especially with Lisa. Goan. This is not what I had planned for today. She is not going to let this go. Ugh, then I noticed her looking at me. Great now she is carefully examining my appearance.
She shrugs in disgust. “Well, you could at least brush that bushy thing you call hair.” All the while ruffling it with her fingers. Then shove my shoulder as she waltzes past me. With a smirk, “How difficult could it be?”
I hiss under my breath while wiping my hair down. A long deep breath, “Ah yes, another perfect day indeed.” I changed the subject. “Anyway, Dad says the FSA Guardians are having outer space drills today.” She raises an eyebrow. Our dads are guardians. They have been working in the same regiment since before we were born.
“Yea, my dad said the same thing. Sounds like the entire regiment has exercises today.” Then gives me that mischievous grin of hers. “So, since your dad is a troop leader, why not find out what these drills are all about?”
“Oh, uhm, well, I suppose, but you know trying to ask him anything about guardian stuff is a moot point. You know the drill.” Ahem, I respond in a deep voice. “Son, this is a Federal Protective Service sanctioned, so I can’t discuss it.” Shrugging my shoulders, I look over at her.
“Aw, you do that so well.” Then excitedly, says, “I know, I know how it goes, but it could be something big. You know, just in case.” She has that twinkle in her eye that says, ‘I’m not letting this go.’
Ugh, I know that look. “Okay, I’ll see what I can find out.”
She wraps her arm around my neck. “You are the best. I knew there was a reason I love you.” Then pecks me on the cheek. Then with a shove says, “Well, most of the time, anyway.”
Topping the hill between the dogwood trees, below we can see the Hall just outside the town square. The sight brings back my anxiety on today’s absorption session.
Lisa observes. “Wow, you must be really off this morning, huh? What is going on in that crazy head of yours?”
Umm, “Just worried about presenting today and the umm, you know.”
Frowning, she rubs my shoulder. “It will be okay. You will do fine. Do not worry so much.” Then she cuts her eyes at me. “So, umm, have you been by the Magistrate lately, you know, for your issue?”
“No!”
She lurches back. “Okaaaay… Sheesh, I am just saying they may be able to help. You really need to get this whatever it is under control.” Deep sigh, “Especially right now.”
I hate the thought of going to see the Magistrate again. But she makes a good point. The Magistrates are the councilors to citizens and keepers of the law. So, they really should be able to help me. Yet, they never have. Plus, the last couple of sessions have made me feel uncomfortable. Acting much weirder than usual. Besides, I am tired of wasting my time with them and that so-called clinic. Nothing they have done has helped. They just keep repeating the same old thing over and over and over. You will grow out of it. So, do not worry – blah, blah, blah, then scoot me out the door with, “Have a wonderful day.”
Honestly, the older I have gotten, the freakier they have become. Those dark piercing eyes, pale complexion, and emotionless facial expressions now give me the heebie-jeebies. It is so strange for a citizen to see them this way. Even for a misfit like me. Still annoyed, I sigh, Lisa is right, and I do have an appointment with them later this week. I am not sure what has changed, but they are so bizarre. I have been part of this community my whole life. Why am I a misfit?
I reply, “Yeah, well, that is what I think every time I see them.” Then under my breath, “But they get so weird sometimes.”
She asks, “Oh, how?”
Suddenly realizing, she overheard me. “Huh, oh, you heard that. Umm, well they get excited when I talk to them about my experiences. They watch me with those deranged eyes and crooked smiles. Those dark black eyes creep me out. It is freaky, don’t you think?”
Tsk, tsk, “Huh, I have never really noticed. Listen, you are just overthinking as usual.” She peers at me. “Just do what the Magistrate says so you can put this behind you. Believe me, you do not need the extra pressure. Not at the golden age.” Sheesh, “We have enough to worry about.”
I know she is right. Pish, “Yeah, well, it always seems to get them excited, but it never helps me.”
“Ha, ha, finally, the humor comes out. Weird but humorous, nonetheless. But seriously Echo, just do what the Magistrate says. You never know. There may be a breakthrough or something.” Lisa then gives me a light push. “Hey, it could happen.” She smiles.
“Yeah, maybe I should charge them credits for giving them such amusement.”
“Really, you just had to go there, right? Someday your brain will be in a museum.”
“Ha, ha, now who’s the comic.”
She snickers, “Come on.”
Reaching the base of the hill and now within earshot of other attendees. We drop the conversation about me. Another reason to be grateful for my friends. They keep it between us. Well, most of them anyway.
As we emerged from the beautifully landscaped walkway toward the picnic tables under the huge ancient oak trees in front of the hall. Roger, Hanna, and Reggie are seated at our picnic table. Drawing nearer, a fellow hallmate shouted at me.
“Hey, daydreamer.”
Lisa glares at him. And I grit my teeth. My hands curl into fists. I hate that nickname so much. I glance over at Reggie, who smiles sheepishly with his head down. I know he is to thank for this. He is the clown in our close nit group and always up to something with his shenanigans. Reggie’s family are merchants and own a store on main street in town. Staring straight at him ready to punch him right then. But instead, I growl, “I’ll deal with you later.”
Now angry, a deep-throated snarl comes from deep within me. “The name is Echo. You would do well to remember that citizen.”
The boy recoils. “S – sorry Echo, I – I am just…umm well. I meant no harm. Pardon me.”
Still glaring at him. Lisa grabs my arm and pulls me towards the picnic table.
Twitching, I sit in a huff. I despised being called out like that. The affliction that Lisa and I spoke of earlier is the bane of my existence.
A Magistrate then appears on the top step of the hall. “Welcome to the Hall of Ivey everyone. Please enter.”
Lisa gave me a nudge. “Hey, come on.” We make our way to the entrance. She asks softly. “Are you okay?”
Gritting my teeth. I reply, “Yeah, just thinking.”
She winces. “Really?”
“What?”
Pish, “Nothing. Come on, or we will be late.” She says with a smirk.
Then, nudges my arm as she passes which causes a faint smile to cross my lips.
Entering the session room, I take my seat. Roger leans over and whispers. “Hey, Echo, I overheard the facilitator tell Reggie she plans on calling you first.”
“Oh, great, thanks for the heads up.”
Roger, unlike Reggie, is as good as gold. You can always count on him. I guess you would consider him the strong silent type. Since the cleansing, his family has always been in the industrial sector. He is steadfast and always has your back. For this I will always be grateful. His family have high hopes he will be promoted to the Ivey community.
After hearing I am to be the first to present today. My nerves stick in my throat. I hold down a slight gag reflex. Then slowly raised my head, sensing the facilitators’ eyes set upon me. Looking straight at me she smiles.
“Echo, let’s start with you this morning.”
Augh, I despise being the center of any attention. I gulp, feeling nauseous now as sweat trickles down my back. Trembling I Slowly rising to my feet. With labored breath, I walked unsteadily up front by next to the facilitator. She nods and smiles at me. Another gulp, I turned to face the other attendees. A deep exhale I begin.
Ahem, “S – so, I wish to begin my absorption with my Granddad’s words and impressions on the tragic time known as the Cleansing.” I took off my virtual and placed it on the pad on top of the table. At once everyone enters an absorption trance of awareness. Then my Granddad’s memory is shared with the attendees –
During the time of Cleansing, the harshness of life affected all people around the world. Disillusionment became widespread as citizens protested around the world. It was a time of turbulence and suffering by humanity never seen before. Years of algorithmic manipulation addiction introduced psychological brainwashing. People were easily manipulated by political power who controlled everything, to the point of human unrest. Eventually, citizens became tired of the lies and angry about the mistreated by all those who governed. Blaming them for the droughts, price hikes, and food shortages worldwide. Soon, organized rebellions became ramped as insurgent factions preyed on peaceful citizens. Once the power grids failed from widespread electromagnet pulse attacks. The world was thrusted into utter darkness. It all eventually fueled the collapse of many legitimate governments. Nations lost control of infectious disease labs. This caused the release of widespread dangerous virus pandemics. Disease wiped out entire populations. It was a time of terror to existence. Soon a united plea came from citizens around the world who sought an end to the madness.
I stopped the absorption. Ahem, “Grandad now shares those stories handed down to him from prior generations who lived in the time of the Cleansing. This shows how desperate people had become during this time.” Then I reengaged the absorption.
All legitimate government institutions were annihilated by the hands of insurgence or barely hanging on by a thread. However, one government entity remained. Hidden near a place called the Eagle’s Nest complex high in the mountain range of the Alps. The G20 organization was still intact. It was the only fully functioning political body left among the world governments. Emboldened by the people’s cry for help. The entity decreed that all other partially active governments should relinquish their authority to the G20. This act quickly paved the way to establish the new worldwide. After months of negotiation, the act was eventually implemented. Overnight, the G20 became the most powerful unified central government authority to ever exist. Citizens worldwide gave their allegiance to this new entity giving the G20 immediate worldwide governmental authority. Soon after, they took authority over a newly consolidated world army. The new government’s first act was to declare worldwide martial law. By then, much of the world population faced the perils of starvation, pandemic sickness, disease, economic collapse, nuclear attacks, civil unrest, and a doctrine concerning the end of days prophecy. This trauma caused fear throughout the world.
I again stopped the absorption briefly. “I was unsure what this ‘end of days hysteria’ was about. I searched the accumulated archives in the knowledge center. There was no clear reference to the motives behind this thought. I could find nothing on the subject in the knowledge center’s comprehensive archives before the cleansing period. Sorry to say we have no definitive answer to this prophecy except being an end of the world ideology.”
I reengage the virtual to continue the absorption session –
In these inhospitable and untrusting times, people and communities gathered to work together through the chaos around them. Pockets of citizens gathered into groups around the world. Helping each other survive. People showed compassion for one another, banding together in survival groups. Around the world, people tried to ‘live their faith.’ For two years, people were, stunned, brutalized, and utterly confused by the disasters which led to the world’s collapse. The G20 quickly sought to establish family refugee camps overseen by a new international FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). To this very day, that one decree is believed to have saved millions of lives.
Again, I interrupted the absorption. “My Grandad is about to share part of his great-great-grandfather’s personal absorption, handed down to us from generation to generation. Here is the absorption from my great-great-great grandfather –”
Given the hysteria, lack of food and water, energy, and work, I had no choice but to take our family to the refugee camp at Stone Mountain Park. This is where FEMA set up a family encampment sanctioned by the official G20 government. I tried to talk my brother Nick into coming with us, but he refused and remained with the rebels. This camp was the only way we survived the Cleansing.
After finishing Grandpa’s absorption feed, I pick up my virtual to end the presentation.
The facilitator smiles. “Thank you, Echo, for sharing your family’s story. Reggie, you are up next.”
I took my seat, releasing a long exhale, glad it was over. Reggie moves to the front of the room and begins his absorption from his great, great, great grandfather Edward Tatum’s absorption –
I was a caterer before the Cleansing and narrowly escaped a surprise attack on the lab where I delivered lunch daily. During the attack, I suffered a gunshot wound. Fearing for my life, I bolted into the hill country, seeking a hiding place. Finding a cave in the high cliffs, I laid down. My heart rate spiked, realizing this was where I would die. When by chance, two lab technicians stumbled upon my hiding place. They treated my wounds which saved my life and the life of my family. This was the beginning of the Cleansing for us. It destroyed our small catering business. We were forced to moved east…Reggie absorption continues I have that odd feeling.
Then the unthinkable occurred, I became lightheaded. A tingling feeling entered my body. Fidgety, everything deems around me. Argh, under my breath I whisper, “Oh no, no, no, not now…” Startled by my low groans, Lisa whispers, “Oh no, Echo, not now…stay with me…don’t do this…Echo…Echo?”
Augh, desperate, I try to control it, but it is no use. A flash of hazy light is everywhere.