Heart of Humanity (Reliance on Citizens Makes Us Great!)

By S. L. Wallace

With the Elite no longer in control and the Divide closed, the people of Terene expected change. They knew life could be better; they had seen it. During the recent coup led by Guy Bensen and Keira Maddock, televiews throughout the world aired footage of the more technologically advanced and peaceful realm of Mediterra. It was exactly what the Working Class citizens of Terene wanted for themselves and for their children. But change often takes time.

Six years have passed. Life in Mediterra is all eleven year-old diabetic Noah can remember and all his sister, Nadine, has ever known. Now a new President is in power, and their father, Scott Maddock, has decided it's time to move his family back to Terene. He says things are different now. He says things have changed for the better. Noah isn't so sure.

At first glance, this is a futuristic dystopian political thriller, but at its core, Heart of Humanity is a story of compassion. By skillfully weaving together several characters' viewpoints in a first person narrative, the realm of Terene comes to life, magnifying universal issues such as bullying and prejudice. Part three of a trilogy, this novel also stands well on its own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. L. Wallace
• Release date: Feb 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301835744

S. L. Wallace

S.L. Wallace is a teacher and life long writer who is a descendant of the famous William Wallace. Like him, she believes in freedom and independence. Unlike him, she fights her battles with the pen, most recently taking a political stand against recent changes in government at both local and state levels.

Book preview

Duty Calls

Geoffrey tapped my arm. This would be his fourth question in an hour. I ignored him and focused on the ceremony, anxious for the new Gov to officially take charge in the western city of Vanover and relieve me of my duties here. Geoffrey cleared his throat. I scowled and swiveled my leather executive-style office chair to face him. It wasn't like this was our first, third or even fifth Exchange of Power, and Geoffrey had been at my side since the beginning; he knew the process.

My team observed as 10 men and women dressed in business suits saluted two flags and recited the new Oath of the Realm, guaranteeing to protect and honor all citizens equally, something that hadn't been done in Terene in over a generation. Our next task would be to escort one of the ministers now standing before us to the capital city of Tkaron. He or she would represent the realm as a member of the main branch of Parliament. In this way, all eight territories would be represented. No one knew who the next Prime Minister would be. The ministers would offer a list of three candidates, and the citizens would vote.

Geoffrey pointed at the transceiver clipped to my belt. It silently glowed, announcing an incoming call. I let out a breath, brushed my suit coat further aside and unclipped the small device, ready to hit 'cancel.' Whoever it was could call back later or leave a message. Then I saw the number. Keeping my eyes and most of my attention facing forward, I lifted the small device to my ear and spoke quietly so as not to disrupt the ceremony.

Dani?

Scott. Danielle's tone demanded my attention.

Just a minute.

I pushed my notepad to Geoffrey, stood and quickly moved to the outer office.

From behind the welcome desk, a young woman with long dark hair and ruby red fingernails watched a newsvid on the teleview embedded in the wall. On the screen, my best friend, Guy Bensen, gave his daily newscast. With an air of stoicism and serenity, he reassured the masses that the process of change would continue. Guy was exactly what Terene needed. Only his closest friends knew he hated being the center of attention.

I hurried across the room to the window and spoke to my wife. What is it? What's wrong?

It's Noah.

My heart jumped to my throat as I thought of my five year-old son. I swallowed nervously.

It's his liver, she continued. The doctor says he has cirrhosis. Scott, he needs another transplant.

I reached for my waist and remembered the painful removal of my kidney. Cirrhosis?

The final phase of liver disease.

Wait, the final phase?

Oh, Scott. It came out of nowhere.

How long does he have? I whispered.

We have a little time. They're already looking for a donor.

I rubbed my forehead. Any donor they found would be no good. It was time to tell them Noah's complete medical history. How much time do we have?

A few months maybe, according to his doctor. When can you come home?

We'll finish here by the end of the week. Then we're scheduled to fly back to Tkaron before heading for the eastern seaboard, but I can be back in a day or two. I glanced at the secretary. I'd give her Brody Delaney's number. That should get me an earlier departure.

I'll try to get a flight out tonight, I assured her. Love you.

I love you, too.

I took a deep breath. Another transplant. Unfortunately, my son had not inherited my healing abilities. I dropped my hand to my midsection. We'd have to convince Noah's doctors to take part of my liver. We'd have to tell them everything.

For Noah, I whispered, turning to look out the window.

The golden yellow, flaming orange and scarlet red leaves of a Douglas maple shone in the midday sun. We'd break for lunch soon. I'd have to talk with Geoffrey about a change of plans. I'd been away from my family far too long.

-Scott-

Moving On

I sighed and reached over to turn on my small, shaded desk lamp. Shadows darkened the circular outer office as another grey cloud obscured the late afternoon sun. Heavy blue drapes framed the massive windows. Perhaps there would be snow. The children would love that as it so rarely snowed in Mediterra.

I leaned back and closed my eyes. Was it really time to move on? Time. It passed so quickly. Cool autumn days turned into cold winter nights, days became months that turned into years, and children grew. A knock sounded. I turned in the direction of the President's office and immediately stood when the older man entered the room. His hair had whitened since I'd first met him.

Oui, Monsieur President? Comment puis-je vous aider? I asked.

President Thomas loosened his red tie and smiled. We should speak in English. You may find the practice helpful.

I chuckled. Oh, we practice at home too. I was just thinking about that.

About what's to come? For you personally, I mean.

Yes. It's been a long time. The change will take some getting used to.

It always does, he said. Ten years in office, six with you at my side. I hope it's been worthwhile.

Educational... Satisfying... Yes, it's been worthwhile.

The President of Mediterra sat across from me, in one of the ornate wooden chairs reserved for guests. His two other advisors had already left for the day. Their desks stood empty; their work completed. It was just us.

M. President?

Bah! What does it matter where I sit? Tomorrow, we'll be the same. Just two men on their way out.

I waited for him to continue while he stared out the window behind me.

Winter's a good time for this, he said. People stay indoors and focus on the future. By spring, everyone will be ready to start anew.

Spring, only one month away. One month to aid the incoming administration, one month to complete the transfer of power, and then...

What will you do? Where will you go? I asked.

What do you mean? The President steepled his index fingers and rested them against his chin.

You’ve served two complete terms. In the past 10 years Mediterra has grown and prospered under your leadership. You have every right to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, but I know that’s not your style. So what’s next?

The President looked at me and smiled. Magalie and I have been talking. We're excited about having the opportunity to work together again.

Haven't you always worked together? I asked.

In tandem, yes, but now we can run workshops and give speeches as partners. She'll no longer have to stand silently by my side or travel away from home as an ambassador. He paused. What about you?

I turned and looked out the window, worried about how to explain without being disrespectful. I decided to keep things simple.

We have to leave.

I expected that. You must miss your home. You've been away so long. After all these years since the coup—what is the saying? You hope the dust has settled?

I nodded.

Surely it's settled by now. You and your family are no longer in danger. Isn't that correct?

Well, yes, but it's more than that. Six years at your side. Isn't that enough to make me a full citizen? I turned back and looked him in the eyes.

The President shook his head. President Leclair does not share my views. He's not comfortable with your condition.

He looks at me as if I have some kind of disease. You've never done that.

It doesn't mean I agree with what they did to you. There's a reason human modifications and cloning are illegal in every realm.

The infamous Palamara report showcasing Ramsey Corps's dark secrets had aired throughout the world about a year before the coup. Images of my missing fingers, my comments about being cut up without anesthesia and tests of my regenerative capabilities would forever be part of humanity’s collective consciousness, but the unwilling star of the show had been my clone, Noah, only four years-old at the time.

You think I don't know that? Do you think I asked for this? I hadn't meant to sound so harsh. President Thomas had never been anything but a friend to me.

He spoke quietly. You know I don't, Scott.

How long will we be allowed to stay after...

After the transfer of power? I don't know. He spread his hands wide. You've always known you were a guest and not a full citizen.

But with the marriage—you must be able to do something. And what about Danielle? Does my condition taint her as well?

She's a citizen and will always be welcome here, but there's a fear. He paused again. You must have thought about it yourself. What would happen if you were to—how can I put this?

Breed? I asked bitterly.

You're not an animal, far from it.

We won't, I said quietly. After so many years, if we were going to, we would have by now. I looked away, out the window at the impending gloom. Although Danielle had always hoped to have children of her own, she understood why we couldn't take the risk. The injection had changed me at the cellular level, in ways that would be passed along to our offspring. My sister, Aimee, and our adopted daughter, Nadine, had proven that. But apparently trust no longer mattered, only fear.

Again he said, You always knew you were a guest in Mediterra. What was done to you, though beyond your control, is highly illegal.

A new thought occurred to me. Have you jeopardized relations with Terene by keeping me on for so long? Maybe you shouldn't have let me stay.

He smiled. Always thinking of others. President Leclair would be a fool not to notice all the good you've done. Without you and your friends, the goodwill we've established between our realms would not exist.

I thought about that, then said, But he probably won't let me or the children stay.

President Thomas shrugged. Perhaps, perhaps not. Spend the month getting to know him. Work your charm, and I'm certain you'll continue to be an asset to both our realms, no matter where you live.

***

Time is relevant, I said a few nights later when I returned to my seat after clearing away the dinner dishes. Across the table, Dani helped the children begin their schoolwork. Outside, snowflakes spiraled to the ground. After three days, the white flakes had begun to lose their novelty, at least enough for the children to be able to concentrate on their work. Danielle looked over Noah's head and met my gaze.

When I'm away from you, it passes far too slowly, and when we're all together... I paused and watched Noah help Nadine sound out a word. His dark wavy hair matched mine and Keira's, while Nadine had acquired Aimee's straight honey locks, braided by Danielle just this morning. After successfully sounding out the word, Nadine looked up triumphantly with piercing grey eyes. Sadly, those beautiful stormy eyes were the reason my sister simply could not keep her.

Danielle walked around the table and rested her hands lightly on my shoulders. I know. I feel the same.

I reached up to pat her hand before tilting my head back to look at her. A few strands of long black hair brushed my forehead as she leaned down. Her soft, full lips gently caressed my own, then she pulled back and smiled. Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled in the soft glow of the ornate crystal chandelier.

Being married to an art dealer means your whole world is infused with beauty. Classical paintings of ballet dancers hung on opposite walls. Across from the carved wooden entrance to the sitting room, a mirror hung in a dark cherry frame. Even the dining table with a matching cherry finish had long slender, dancer-like legs. Danielle loved the ballet. In costume, she would have made a stunning ballerina.

Danielle draped her slender arms over my shoulders, hugging me from behind. They've grown so quickly, she said.

Papa? Noah looked at me with bright green eyes.

Nearly six years ago, doctors took a portion of my liver to save my son's life. That had taken care of the cirrhosis. But by age eight, he had developed type one diabetes. Now, at 11 years-old, he controlled it with a healthy diet and regular insulin injections.

Yeah? I asked.

Can you help me with this?

He held up some wires. His school's science fair was a little over a month away, but Noah wouldn't tell any of us the details of his project.

You want your old man's opinion? Finally! I rubbed my hands together and stood up. What would you like to know?

Um, I just want you to hold these aside while I attach this one.

Nadine looked up from her book and giggled.

What are you laughing at? I gave her a monster face, and she laughed even more. Are you almost done with your chapter, young lady?

She nodded.

Do you have any other homework?

She shook her head.

What was the story about?

A tickle monster, she said.

It most certainly was not, not with a title like Bijou et le Souris. The cover portrayed the face of a fuzzy, orange cat. Even so, I put on my most horrifying expression and wiggled my fingers at Nadine. She screeched and bolted out of her chair, and I followed in close pursuit.

A short time later, we collapsed onto the sitting room sofa in a fit of giggles. I turned on the evening news while Nadine got out her dollhouse and miniature furniture. Her favorite part of playing with her dolls was setting up the rooms. She did it differently every time. The telescreen embedded in the wall glowed, but I tuned out the voices and watched my daughter at play. Danielle sat next to me, and Noah curled up in a chair with a book. I turned off the teleview and looked at the three people who meant the world to me.

We need to talk, I said quietly.

Noah carefully inserted a bookmark and closed his book. Nadine set down her toys and moved closer to her brother. She looked at him inquisitively, probably wondering if he knew more than she did. He shook his head and shrugged so she leaned her back against the foot of the chair and returned her attention to me. Danielle clasped my hand.

As you know, a new President has been elected, and that means my time at the palace will soon end. I'll need a new job.

Nadine tilted her head. But if you can't work at the palace anymore, what will you do? Will you become a doctor, or a teacher, or a policeman?

Will we have to move? Noah asked.

Nadine looked at her brother in alarm and then turned to look at me with wide eyes.

We may have to, or we may want to. Your maman and I have been talking, I paused and looked at Danielle. She nodded. We think it might be a good time to move back to Terene.

By Aunt Keira and Uncle Guy? Nadine asked.

Yes. I waited, expecting further questions. Both children were silent for a few minutes, as they mulled over this new information. Danielle squeezed my hand, and we waited patiently.

Finally, Noah looked at me, an unspoken question in his eyes.

What is it? I asked.

Would Nadine move in with Aunt Aimee?

No, of course not! Danielle spoke a little too quickly.

Why would you even ask that? Nadine said, turning around to slap her brother on the leg.

I held Noah's gaze and shook my head slightly while Nadine's attention was diverted.

No reason, he said. I guess I just wondered if we moved, if the house would be big enough for all of us, or if you and me would have to live somewhere else.

Nadine turned back to us, her eyebrows scrunched. We wouldn't, would we?

Of course not. Danielle stood and moved closer to the children.

I followed close behind. And nothing's been decided yet. Take some time to think about it, to think about what it might be like to move. You might have questions. I knelt on the floor next to Nadine and looked up at Noah. Ask your mother or me anything. Promise?

They both nodded solemnly.

Papa? Noah hesitated.

Yes?

When would we have to decide? I mean, your job ends soon, doesn't it? The new President—I forgot his name.

Leclair.

Yeah, President Leclair. Doesn't he start really soon?

His term already began, but I'll still be needed for a little while, helping my replacement get settled and learn his job, so we still have some time.

How much time?

If we decide to move, we wouldn't have to go right away. We'd have a couple of months, I suppose.

Noah, what's troubling you? Danielle asked.

It's the science fair. I've been working so hard on it. Will I get to present?

I reached for his hand and pulled him into a bear hug, the kind I used to give him before he decided he was 'too old for that stuff.' He didn't push away. I'll plead your case before President Leclair himself, okay?

He grinned up at me. Tomorrow?

It'll be my first priority.

Okay. Thanks, Papa. And Maman? Don't forget about my appointment at the hospital tomorrow. He pushed himself upright and returned to the chair.

The hospital? Why? What's going on? I asked.

He's interviewing one of the doctors for the science fair. That's all, Danielle said.

Oh that's all, is it? I looked at Noah. "Aren't