Heart of the Matter

Cecilia took a step forward into the rubble and reached down to pickup a small heart-shaped locket. She grabbed the chain and lifted the necklace to her eyeline. The locket was delicate and beautiful and looked so out of place surrounded by all this destruction.

She laid the locket in her other hand and wiped away the dirt. It fell open and Cecilia noticed the clasp was broken. Inside there was a picture of two little girls in white dresses.

“Find anyone Counselor?” a voice spoke tersely behind her, bringing her back to reality.

She blinked back tears and stuffed the necklace in her pocket.

“No, they’re… they’re all dead Masha…” She took a shaky breath and look over her shoulder “How could you let this happen?”

Her accusation hit hard, causing Masha to take a step back down the pile of debris.

“Me? Y-you think I did this? That I wanted this?”

“You knew what Eric was planning and did nothing to stop him.” Cecilia turned aggressively and took several steps toward Masha, looming over her. “You supported him and look what he did.” She gestured around them. The buildings still smoking. The city reduced to piles of brick and ash.

Cecilia pulled the locket out and hung it in Masha’s face. “There were children here! Innocent people who didn’t need to die!”

“Look we all knew there would be casualties. This-

“THIS IS NOT WHAT I AGREED TO!”

Cecilia pushed past Masha and walked back to the Humvee. She slammed the door as she sat down and began to cry into her hands. The tears ran down her hands and dripped off the locket still swinging from her fingers.

This was exactly what she had feared since the vote.

*One week Earlier*

“Americans are more aware than ever about the corruption in our government. I believe if we go public with our vision and allow tours of our facility, people will stand with us.”

“Counselor Cecilia, with all due respect, I think you are being very generous. The American people might see the corruption, but they are not ready to make the hard choices.”

“Eric, Yo-

“Counselor…” Eric corrected her with a smug smile on his face.

Cecilia sighed and closed her eyes briefly.

“Counselors we have been going back and forth for weeks on this decision. I think its time to let the people vote.” Another counsel member chimed in calmly.

“Yes, a vote sounds like the right idea!” Masha chimed in

“This is not yet your decision, Masha.” Cecilia said, frustration bubbling under the surface. “Why is she even here?”

“Moving on… I move that we plan for a compound wide vote by the end of the week. Counselors Eric and Cecilia will prepare speeches and then we will all vote. A neutral party will count the votes and we will begin planning. All in favor?”

Hands raised around the table. All were in agreement.

“Approved. The announcement will be made during dinner. Dismissed.”

Cecilia’s eyes lingered on Masha as she fawned over Eric. What did she see in him? She rolled her eyes and moved out of the room and headed to her apartment to write her speech. At least she would get to spend the next few days away from Eric and with the love of her life instead.

The morning of the vote came quickly, but Cecilia felt prepared. She believed that people were mostly good and would make the right choice.

Everyone filed into the dining hall and spoke amongst themselves until everyone was accounted for.

“Good morning everyone. Thank you all for taking time out of your mornings to be here. We will try to make this quick so you may go about your day. First, we will hear speeches from Counselors Eric and Cecilia. We will take a few questions at the end if needed and then vote. Once you have voted you may grab your breakfast.” Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. “Wonderful. We’ll Have Counselor Cecilia begin.”

“Good morning citizens. As you all know the American Government is brimming with corruption. Nearly every politician is in the pocket of some large corporation. They do not work for the people, and have not for many years. This last year has given Americans a real insight into the way things could be if the government worked for them as it was meant to. My plan would be to go public with our movement and get our counselors voted in to office. We will begin to influence change from within and change the systems to work for the American people. The change will not be instant, but it will allow us to influence change across America in every way. Thank you.”

The moderator motioned for Eric to take the stand and say his piece.

“As Counselor Cecilia mentioned there is corruption in every inch of the government. However, I do not believe we can effect change from within. I believe the corruption is too engrained in our society to be washed away so easily. What I propose is a complete dissolution of all government systems. We will need to go in strong and make it impossible for them to resist change. The American people are capable of governing themselves. We will give each government official and army personnel the opportunity to join the new world. If they elect not to, they will be asked to leave the country. Thank you for your time.”

The moderator stood back up and thanked the Counselors for speaking. “We will now take a few questions.”

“Counselor Cecilia, what makes you believe Americans will so easily accept our way of life?”

“Great question. In the last 3 years since moving in to this compound we have made significant strides towards automization of jobs, allowing our members to focus on their chosen studies or creating art. Really allowing our people to do whatever they are drawn to. This is something many Americans are begging for right now. And that is just the beginning of what we can offer.”

“Counselor Eric, your plan sounds a bit aggressive and I am worried about the potential for a large number of casualties. Ours and that of those in the positions you mentioned. How do you plan to mitigate that?”

“Yes, I understand your concern citizen. I believe if we wish to enact instant change, we do need to make a show of force. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid a few casualties, but if we stick to a plan, we can keep them minimal.”

The crowd began to murmur with agitation. The dissenting opinions becoming louder and louder until the crowd was divided.

“Quiet down. QUIET!” everyone looked upset but became quiet. “Fighting will not move us forward. Let us vote.”

The vote went quickly and people settled down to eat as the votes were counted. The council moved into their meeting room to tally the votes. They collectively held their breath as Masha read the results.

Eric would get his way.

Plans were made quickly. They would infiltrate major cities on July 4th and clear out government buildings. Once cleared they would be destroyed. A speech would be televised to explain the new way of things and then the government officials would be given the chance to join them.

When all was said and done Americans would finally be free to live their lives however, they saw fit. They would be free.

The morning of July 4th came and Cecilia was filled with dread. She turned to look at her lover. She was sleeping peacefully and Cecilia didn’t want to wake her. She wished she could just stay in bed all day with her but she pulled on her clothing anyway.

Eric made things sound so simple in his speech, but Cecilia had a horrible pit in her stomach.

Cecilia collected her breakfast tray and found a seat as far from Eric as she could. She picked at her eggs but couldn’t bring herself to actually eat.

“Are you feeling alright CeCe?” Savanah set down her own tray and straddled the bench, facing Cecilia and began to rub her back.

“I didn’t think you were awake darling.” She leaned over and gave Savanah a quick peck

“Don’t avoid the question CeCe.”

Cecilia cupped Savanah’s cheek and tilted her head. How did she ever deserve this woman…?

“I am fine darling. I just feel uneasy about today. You know I don’t trust Eric.”

Savanah met Cecilia’s hand on her cheek and held it for a moment. “I know my love but there is only so much we can do now. After tonight we never have to worry about him again. Just think about Montana.”

Cecilia nodded her head and tried to eat. Montana. When this was all over, they would finally get to leave. Cecilia owned some land in Montana that was just waiting to be farmed. They had a few couples that were eager to join them. This evening they would all pack up and head out.

The day dragged on as they compound went through final meetings with their teams across the country and prepared for the liberation of America.

There was so much room for error in this plan. People can be so unpredictable when they are scared.

Just as they were preparing to leave Savanah met Cecilia at the Humvee in the garage. They kissed and made plans to meet later despite the fear in both of their eyes. They knew they might never see each other again, but it was easier to pretend for now.

They piled into the truck and began to pull out at 1:05 leading a caravan of trucks. Things were well under way in other major cities by this point.

Eric flipped on the radio and changed the channel until they found a news station. He wanted to keep tabs on everyones progress.

“Reports are flooding in of an insurgence of capitol buildings across America. We don’t know much at this time but what we do know is troops have been deployed to Washington DC as a precaution. Stay home. Protect your family. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves.”

“God D- What are we supposed to do now.”

“Masha, we have a back up plan. You know that.” Erics voice was calm. Like he planned this…

“What backup plan Eric?” Cecilia spoke through her teeth, staring down Eric as he drove.

“It’s already in action.” He looked down at his watch “Just a few more minutes now.”

He pulled out his radio to speak to the other trucks in the caravan. “The capitol building is now under military protection. A back up plan has been set in motion by my team back at the compound. Be cautious as we move forward.”

Cecilia grabbed Eric by the shirt “What did you do Eric?” she spoke frantically “Tell me!”

Suddenly there was a huge explosion in the distance.

The car fell silent as they rounded the corner and the city came into view.

The capitol and surrounding buildings were reduced to piles of debris. Small fires were scattered around and people were running away from the center of town while they drove closer.

Eric parked at the edge of the blast and the rest of the team followed suit. Everyone piled out and waited for instructions.

“Spread out and look for any injured. Save who you can.”

Cecilia launched towards Eric in a rage but was pulled back by another security guard.

“Take a walk Counselor. Cool off.”

Cecilia spat at Eric and walked towards the debris. There was no reason for this...

As she climbed up the pile of debris something glinted in the sun. Cecilia took a step forward into the rubble and reached down to pick up a small heart-shaped locket.