“In three segments I will be returning. I will have enough space for you, your wife, and your children. You’re making a brave decision. Now you just have to bring them, and I will make sure you and your family will be protected from the Ascendancy. The Federation will keep you safe.” I nod and close the connection, wringing my hands waiting for my wife to get home.
I sit on the edge of the uncomfortable couch we keep in our living space, staring at the only entryway inside. I watch as my children arrive home, my three kids that each once held such youthful joy and exuberance. Now broken down into a cloud of defeated dust. “Hey Kids! How was school?” They only respond with a Varkh Etern.
Would they understand? Even want to join the Federation? Or had the varkh broken them. Then my wife walks in, exhausted, but smiling. I stand up and grab her hands gently leading her to the couch. “I think we might have a way out.” I whisper low enough for her to hear.
Her eyes went wide, “how?” It was a fair question, leaving the Varkh was nearly impossible unless you have a contact.
“A group called the Federation. They want skilled workers. We will be appreciated, all of us.” I look at her trying to convey sincerity.
“Theres enough room for all of us? The kids? Everyone?” She asks, trying to poke any hole she can in the escape.
I just hold her hands. “Yes, but just for the five of us.” Her face was filled with fear and sadness. “I won't let anything happen to us.” The words felt hollow as they left my mouth. I couldn't guarantee that we would make it out. “I promise.” I add onto the end. She stands up and goes into our room to prepare a suitcase.
I join her but walk to the kid’s rooms instead. I open the boys door and see my oldest staring blankly into a data-slate. While the youngest practiced his mind-binding strategies, obviously inflicting himself with anguish. He is willing to do that to himself.
What if we got caught? I thought to myself as I closed the door. I instead opened it to my daughters room, she was at the age where everything I did was embarrassing. I shut the door once she glared at me.
What would they do to my kids if we’re caught? Kill them? No, they're too loyal. They would kill me, and send the kids for re-education. But even if we did get away we would still be leaving our families. They'll be interrogated, perhaps attacked to force us to come back.
I finally opened the door to the master room. My wife is sitting on the edge of the bench staring at our photo albums of the fond memories we had. I just walk over to her and close the book, “I dont think we can do this…” I say with a desperate piece of honesty and she looks back at me.
“I know. But what are we going to do?” she looks back, scared as the connection may have already led the Varkh right to us.
“I’ll take care of it.” I say, as I walk out to the central computer calling up the Ministry of Truth hotline. “Hello, I have information on a potential rebellion operator within the Federation.” I watch on my wrist as my LM score goes up by 5 points
