Well we are getting there.

One girl said. “I wonder just how they will test and how they will deside who to lock up.”

Vine said. “The tests will be a lot like the ones in the cupboard there. But likely tell them a bit more. I am not sure how much the tests have changed, but the little ones matched the bigger ones sixty present of the time. In the camps if your results were in the top group you were a mutant, a nonhuman subject. So far I have not seen where they are setting the limit. In my opinion anyone with a result out of the bottom five is at risk. The leader of Candor set at the second level with spikes to the third. I think your leader was in that same area but I am not sure. Mare set at four, and all her trusted staff had results below hers. She test her self and them every three months to see if there was any change.”

“She must be a head case or something.”

A guy nodded. “The stuff after she wrote in rank at the camps is classified but some of her early writings are not. They are dark and twisted. She was obsessed with the wastes and the toxins there. Mare discovered a lot of the modern medicines, by looking for poisons.”

Keven said. “It was a capital crime to speak of any high ranking military or government official in less than flattering terms. I never saw where that was removed. It might have gone unenforced for a time, but I wouldn’t push it now.” Vine walked slowly back to her desk and sat down, making sure the numbers on her wrist where visible.

“You have to be joking? What happened to free speech? I know we were told we had it in government.”

Paul said. “Hate speech is not allowed. Saying a leader is wrong is hate speech. Or so the law now says. Some crazy people managed to use the law to cause damage, so changes were asked for and accepted with out much thought. By the time people realized what they had given up it was to late. We had censored schools teaching us what to think, and singing the leaders praises. They know that the new laws will be accepted because we have been taught not to question our leaders. Do you think that this is happening in any other room in the city? I bet you walk down the hall and every other class room will be saying how necessary the new rules are. Not going over the harm that they can do, the ways they can be abused. No, all you would hear is praise of our leaders wisdom and desires to see us safe. I bet Mr. Wells has a script he should be fowling now. After all everything we are taught is decided by the government. Web search education laws when get home if your parents haven’t blocked government sites you will be able to read them. There are scripts in them for how each subject should be taught.”

One of the boys in the back said. “Is that so Mr. Wells?”

Mr. Wells picked up some papers. “We were not informed what was going to be said only that it would be disturbing and we should lead in by saying how our leaders are wise and only have our interests in mind. Then we to follow up by leading a discussion about why what was said was right for the nation, and ways that our life’s are better for there rule. Any fear was to be answered with comments about how wise our leaders are, how much they care for our safety. Now as the day has ended I am to close the by telling you that your government loves you and will always look out for you. There is a homework assignment do next week and likely my replacement will expect it, if not Ms Hinby will. A eight to ten page paper covering all the ways the government has made your lives better. Every teach has list of things related to their subject that they are to permitted to bring up in class, and are to say is inappropriate if a student does. One such is the fact that genetic mutation pass from parents to child, in some cases, but never do they pass like a cold. Yes some of the changes caused by the toxins are inheritable. But all living have been changed by those toxins. The close you are the more changes you must have in order to live where you do. Those who’s bodies couldn’t adjust to the toxins the disaster left died. It was a globe event. Felt less in some place, but it was felt. That is why this study is wrong and scary. The goals stated do not make since so they cannot be the reason. Yet why hide the reason if it good?” The bell rang. “Make of it what you will. Most of your parents will tell you I am wrong. Remember to leave all school issued items here. The have trackers in them, by the way. You are free to go.”

Vine stayed seated at her desk with her wrist on display until people stopped walking by. Then she stood and went her locker, making a show of checking that there was nothing belonging to the school in her bag before putting her bracelet back on and getting into her coat. Picking up her bag she turned to Mr. Wells. “Safe travel sir. I have it from a person in the know that you will find her at the end of it.”

He said. “You took a foolish risk today child. Thank you for it, I hoped it did some good.”

Vine said. “I am not the only one who decided to blow up any illusion of safety today. The Goddess will not lead me astray. If even one person had there eyes opened it was worth it. By the time anything said hear reaches someone who will see what it was I will be long gone.”

He shook his head. “You four be safe out there, don’t linger around here to long. Travel smart, remember the easy road is the wrong one.”

Not have to talk it over the four of them went to Perkones, one of the two diners in town that wasn’t showing the stickers. There was a few more people than normal but they were able to get a table in the back. After setting there bags down they went to see what he had the buffet that day. It was loaded. Jul said. “What did your freezer stop in the night again?”

Mr. Perkes said. “No we have to go to Mexter for family matters and I couldn’t stand leavening the food in the freezers. I gave a lot out and cooked this. I expect you four to eat, not just snack, I will send notes home saying I forced the food on you. Or call your folks if that is better.”

They laughed and got a plate to get started. Vine said. “Mexter? That is a long trip then.”

He nodded. “We are going by train. Leven in the morning. I pity anyone else leaving from Patrn station, what with my kids it is going to be a mess I bet. It is going to be a bit cowered fro rush hour.”

Vine nodded. “I bet it will be.” She got her first plate and went back to the table.

Jul said. “Well so much for waiting tell brake. So how do we do this?”

Vine said. “I am sorry but we can’t risk it. I wanted to give you all the time, but if you are going we have to move now.”

They nodded. Paul said. “It was foolish to wait anyway, but the extra time sure sounded nice on paper. Will we be able to get far enough way before we have to avoid trains?”

Vine said. “We should still be able to use the trains as planed. We will just have to change a bit directions a bit more often. But with the ids and names they will have trouble tracking us. You can take tonight to say good but. Dress in wild clothes in the morning, put school clothes over them. That will make it hard to find us on the cameras once we get reported. Which will take a bit of time as I think things are likely to be a bit of a mess at the school. I will meet you at forks and we will make for Patrn. The normal business travels pulse the extras will help cover what way we went. No one will know us on that side of town. Otherwise the first part of the route stays the same.”

Jul nodded. “Sounds good. Now then with all this food we had best call home and see if they will come eat. Save trouble over not eating supper.”

Paul pulled out his phone. “Hi dad what are you doing at home?” “Oh well we are at Perkones and they are taken a trip so have cleaned out the freezer. Yes I am aware you are not going to come here and eat when you have your own restraint but I wanted to let mom know where I was as he is insisting we help eat the food. I will see you tonight then.” He hung up and handed the phone to Keven, knowing he could never mange to find his own phone. “There I have permission to eat. Oh and remember to forget the cells tomorrow. Lock it in your drawer or something so you don’t pick it up out of habit.”

Keven said. “I left mine at school I think.” His mom picked up. “Ya we are at Perkones and he is having a freezer cleaning day so thought you might want to come over. Um I think it might be at school. I’m not sure. All right see you in a bit.”

Jul hung up as well. “Mine will be here before long I think. My older sister answered, so I can’t be to sure.”

Vine found hers and dialed. “No nothing is wrong we just headed over to Perkones and found he was have a freezer cleaning day. I thought you might want to know.” She looked around. “Yes it does look like there are some large tables open, most of the smaller ones are filling though. Well will see then. No I am not waiting, lunch was less filling, and I need something to more filling. Yes I suppose we can move to the bigger tables. Keven’s and Jul’s families will be coming as well. All right see you in a bit.” She hung up. “Well he wants us to secure a couple of the big tables so we can all sit together. Guess it is to be a dinner party.”

Mr. Perks said. “Take the left dinning room, that should be enough room and will make him happy.”

Vine said. “Only if you promise to charge him more for it, only far.”

He shook his head. “No wonder your farm dose so well. Fine, it’s a deal. Now go on and get in there. I need this table.” Lauging the kids took there plates and drinks to the other room and took seats together at one of the tables.

Vine took out a note book and wrote out a list, tore it out and folded it. “Keven, this is for your folks at home. It is how to find help to get all the family to safety. We can’t make it if we take they young ones, but this guy will have the connections. I know they said they wont go, but this guy will be around for a few months yet, should they change there minds. It will not be cheep, but if they make the first payment I can help with the rest.”

Keven nodded. “I don’t know if it will do any good. They are willing I go, but say they don’t need to. I hope they realize they do in time. Do stop blaming yourself Vine you are doing all you can. You gave out three addresses in that class room, and a dozen others on the walls. You can’t blame yourself for those that won’t listen.”

Vine nodded but was saved from answering by the arrival of Jul’s family. “Jul what is this? The man said we were in here? We can’t.”

Jul said. “It’s covered mom, Jul’s Father arranged it once he heard. Wants us all together he said. I went ahead and order the drinks, he will be bring them in a bit so you can go get you food.”

She shook her head but said. “Well kids you heard him so come on let’s see what they have out.”

Mr. Perkes said. “We are running full menu as well. If you do not see what you want just ask. I will be happy to get it for you. Vine, I just set out some of that spiced beef you liked so well. The drinks will be set up on the side bar here shortly, but the little ones will likely need a bit of help.” The dinner conversations stayed light and friendly. If Keven’s parents were a bit more subdued and watched him a bit much the others didn’t notice it.

The more serious dissections took place one everyone was home. Keven helped put the younger ones to bed that night, making sure that he told them each that he loved them. Some were old enough that they looked at him oddly. Gene, Kevens closets sister start to turn on one of her shows. Keven said. “Before you start that, Gean you are going to have to come home to watch the kids for mom tomorrow. I know I said I would. But in light of the news I am not going to be here.”

“That is not fair. You said I could go.”

Keven said. “I know I did and I am sorry, but I can’t be here, and Richard has work. Maybe you can talk Hank into it, Or just have them over here?”

Gene said. “What are you doing? It had better be important! This isn’t fair.”

Keven said. “Nothing about it is fair. Yes it is important, and caused by events beyond my control.

There father said. “Gean you know your brother wouldn’t go back on his word to you if he had a choice. I will go see if Mrs. Smith can come sit with the kids.”

 Keven followed his dad out of the room. “Dad you will tell them latter won’t you? Vine wants you to have this. Should you change your mind the guy here can help. I don’t want to leave you.”

He said. “You have to go boy. If you satyed thay would just take you away. We are safe with you gone.”

Keven said. “I hope you will be. But take this and think about it, think about the kids. How will they make it in one of those camps? I love you all and. Just be safe.” He turned and fled.

His mom came to his room latter. “Your father gave me the note and told me how upset you were. I want you to know we are not in danger. When this madness is past we will see you again. But now you need to go with your friends.”

Keven said. “You really think it will pass? I hope you are right.”

Paul got home and found a party going on. Olver said. “About time you got here lad. Come your cousins have been looking for you.”

Paul said. “Odd night for a part isn’t it. There is school tomorrow after all.”

His uncle said. “We are celebrating the news. It is about time something was done about that menaces. I am glad they finely got things set up.”

Paul said. “I find it troubling that they are not saying what percent of the population they will be locking up.”

“It is just mutts what does it matter?”

Paul said. “What makes a Person into a Mutt? What defines the difference? I have not seen that explained. I find it disturbing that laws can be so easily set aside by applying a vague liable and saying that they are not human. How is it deferent from raced biased slavery? Which is all so against the law in case you have forgotten. But then given how easily laws are being changed I might well be legal when I wake up.”

He said. “You make it sound like they are being made persons. They are just going to be confined tell the health and safety is known. Much like the plague victims were. They are not going to be abused.”

Paul said. “Isn’t that what they said when they first built the camps? I might not be allowed to know much about them but I do know they were not good places to be.”

Olver said. “This is not the camps, there will be watchers and inspections. It will be safe.”

Paul said. “The camps had inspections yet still people were starved and beaten. If it is above open then why build three layers of solid fencing around it? What? Were you to busy celebrating to look at the pitchers they showed? People have already used the there not human to justify beatings, how long tell it is rap and murder as well? NO I see nothing worth celebrating in the new laws. Just take a walk down second and forth tomorrow and see what the effects of the announcement for yourselves. Then tell me how it is a good thing. I went to Joe’s for years. His shop is locked, the sign on the window says gone east to avoid persecution. How can that be a good thing? You enjoy your party. I am going to bed.” He left not waiting to hear what they would say.

One there he turned to his computer and called up the images if the refurbished camps. When there door opened he moved out of the way of the screen. “This is where they will be sending people Uncle. Does it really look to you to be a place that has nothing to hide?”

Olver said. “I do not know what has been going on at that school of yours but I intend to find out.”

Paul said. “Mr. Wells has let us have a few free, uncensored, dictions. But you need not complain about him. He won’t be there. He gave up his job today, as did the NGB anchor and I am sure a good number of other people. It is late and I have school. So father if you don’t mind I am going to go to bed and see if I can’t wake in a better mood.”

Olver said. “That is the only wise thing you have said tonight.”

Paul waited to make sure he was going to be left alone then set about adding the last few items to his bag then slipped down the back stairs and out the gate to hiding spot he had tested weeks before. He stashed the bag, he would exchange it for his book bag in the morning. He then made it back to his room and wrote a note for his parents to find after he was gone.

Jul and one of her cousins volunteered to help the young ones into bed then joined the others in the living room. Jul paid no attention to what was on, but thought about what she needed. As she had been carrying her school books in the big back she wouldn’t have to find way to hide it. But she did need to get it packed and that was going to be tricky. She shared a room with two others. Her aunts said. “What is wrong with you Julbthy?”

Jul said. “Just tired. I think I am going to turn in early.”

Her aunt said. “You have sat though a show you hate and not said a word. You are not tired but troubled. Don’t fool me. Now what is going on in that head?”

Jul said. “Just thinking about the disturbing news is all.”

Her brother said. “Come now it is not that bad the government is just doing what is necessary to see we are safe. It just has our best interest in mind. I bet Father will be able to get a better job and we will be able to get a bigger house.”

Her aunt said. “I have put in to get one of those grants to set up a yarn store in one of the vacant buildings. If I get it there will be chanches for you girls to earn some spending money.”

Jul said. “I know the party line, but Mr. Wells didn’t stick with the script, which by the way the teachers did have. He showed it to us. It let us talk as we wanted. Did you know the sayed the same things about it being watched and above bored when they first made the camps? Aunt I think a lot of the yarn comes from the east. How is having imports blocked going to affect your plans? What about mine? Should I give up my dreams because some silly test says I would be best off being a tacher and housewife? That is not right for me, but the government says it is and if I buy the line the government is always right. Should I then believe they know me better than I do?”

Her mother says. “The government knows what is best for the nation, how to keep us all safe and secure, it is not the best judge of people. Everyone knows those test are flawed. That said I do think you should think about what you want, not what your friends want for you. The government is asking nothing more of you than what God wants. It is your duty to keep a happy home, just wait tell you find the right person and you will see.”

Jul shook her head. “I do not see how it can be right to lock people up and take there belongings biased on some undisclosed criteria. They are people just like us! Did you know we all have minor changes in our genes made by the toxins? We have to in order to live. Some have more but that just means that they can take high levels of it. Mutations do not pass around like a cold does. That was known before the disaster. So how do they pose a threat?”

Her father said. “I clearly need to visit your school. They are not to be teaching those things. You are far too young.”

Jul said. “Dad I have understood inherited traits for years. Mr. Wells didn’t say anything I didn’t know. He just said it as an example of what the government would not let them teach us. You are free to go to the school, but I would wait. It is likely to be a mess. I am sure there will be a number of parents there. He did not shut off the feed until after the newscaster left his desk. As well as letting us talk freely all afternoon. Look I am clearly not fit company tonight. I am going to go get a start on the paper about all the good things about the government everyone got given. Don’t looked so shocked. It was a part of the script. Mr. Wells said his replacement will likely expect it to be handed in on time, and I am going to need all the time I can get to come up with eight pages of crap. Love you.” She stood and headed down the hallway. Along the way she placed some of toys out into the middle of it so she would have warning if anyone came down the hall. Once in her room she started packing. She had finished and was writing a note before anyone started down the hall.

The other two came in. “Lights are to be out in ten minutes. Can I copy your paper?”

Jul said. “You had better plan on writing your own. I don’t think mine will do you much good.” She put the notebook in her drawer. Her sister would find the note afterschool tomorrow. But the school would like