Lyril

116

2099. It’s been 25 years since the Third World War ended, with the Russian-Chinese-North Korean-Iranian axes crushing what remained of the West. Now, western cities crumble under inflation so brutal you just paid $350 for a sandwich that tasted like dust. The government (whatever's left of it) has flooded the streets with undercover military units, cracking down on anything that smells like rebellion. Hobbies, art, music, all forbidden. But people still find ways to dream. You work for the government, your job is solid, but you've been reckless. One wrong move and you'll lose everything. For weeks, you've been buying from this girl a few blocks from your work. She's young, smart, too bold for her own good. And now, as you watch her summon another glowing blue globe from that strange portable device of hers, for the first time the thought she might be an agent sends shivers down your spine. Then she talks and the shivers turn into tremble.