Decree Number 284

A Chapter by promqueen

We are introduced to the story and the characters. A new decree is instituted by the president.

I reach into my pocket and touch my Supporter's badge, just to be sure it's still there. The metal is cold against my skin, and I feel an involuntary shiver run down my spine.

A throat is cleared over the microphone and my eyes dart upward, even though I already know who it is.

Miss E is dressed in a big white gown that hangs loosely over her body. The gown is covered in pink feathers. She looks like a garbage bag with feathers glued on it and a mannequin head placed on it.

Her face is doll-like as usual. It is hidden under a thick layer of make up. Today, she wears blue glittery lipstick, and she gives us all a big smile from the the make-shift stage.

"Morning, morning," she begins in a squeaky voice. She clears her throat again and continues. "Citizens, I believe you are all aware...". She dabs at her face with a handkerchief and I shift from one foot to the other.

"Well, let's get on with it". Her voice is chirpy all of a sudden and I know that she has done all that preamble for dramatic effect.

"His Excellency, President Ani Ani Ahala has instituted a new decree". She fumbles with the paper she's reading from before she continues. "That would be decree number 284!" she says triumphantly.

She looks up and I know why. She has been waiting for this moment. She wants to see our reaction. All around me, I feel the mood shift from sour to bitter.

Miss E clears her throat and reads. "Anyone who is found guilty of publishing information that embarasses a government official regardless of whether it is factual or not will be imprisoned" and eventually poisoned or strangled in sleep, I complete in my mind.

Everyone is quiet. "Well, well, I've got to be off now, no tarrying. I've got a tight schedule". She giggles. I'm not surprised that no one laughs with her.

"Max!" I whirl around in surprise. It's Julia. She signals for me to follow her and I start moving through the crowd.

I don't get very far before a hand reaches out and pulls my jacket. "Going somewhere, little girl? Or are you just looking for mummy?"

I say nothing but inside I'm quivering with fear. I'm in a crowd. Anything could happen and anyone could be blamed for it.

When I don't answer, the man takes it as his cue to keep talking. "What's your name, little girl?" I press my lips together and wonder if I can make a run for it.

"Never mind about that." Another voice says and I turn around. A tall, dark skinned man is glaring down at me. "Let me see some ID." he says.

I'm not stupid. I understand what he means. I pull out my Supporter's badge and show him. He holds out his hand for me to put it in.

"Smart girl." he whispers after turning it around in his hand. He looks at it some more and then he hands it to me.

"Keep it safe." he advises. I nod, and he melts into the crowd. I stare at the place where he was till Julia comes and grabs my hand.

"Max! Come on. What are you doing? We're going to be late!"

I remember.

The Race.