must follow. There were no exceptions.
Integration was an organized and well executed process. First, anyone that was not inoculated against the N12 virus was administered the vaccine before stepping one foot within Erato’s walls. If someone was already showing signs from being infected, it was too late for them and they were not welcomed into Erato. The sick was either turned away or killed depending on their reaction. Second, people were tested to determine their mental capacities and skillset, and then placed in suitable jobs that fit their capabilities. If education was needed, it was provided without cost. Everyone had a job, must be on time to that job when scheduled to work, or there would be consequences. No one wanted to suffer the consequences of being exile to the Mojave Prison, which was located in Death Valley. People were assigned to live in specific regions depending on their jobs. The thousands of refugees that arrived in Erato were pretty much told what to do, where to live, how to dress, and where to work. There were no other choices.
Erato Biotrade eventually melded into the new totalitarian government, no longer using its full business name. They called the new nation the Erato Federation or just the Federation. The CEO of Erato Biotrade, Katherine Erato, was named Chancellor.
New laws were established. There was no freedom of speech, no right to vote, and no right to bear arms. Eight Senators were hand selected by Chancellor Erato to represent the eight regions.
Sweeping changes continued as the Federation became stronger. Every citizen was given an identification card with a Federation ID number. The ID numbers were also used as individual bank account numbers and contact information for communication purposes.
Erato Digital Points replaced all monies, and it could only be kept in Federation bank accounts and only accessed by using Erato Point Cards. Points were used to buy anything that was available for sale. Only the government paid points, and the amount of points depended upon the jobs of the individuals and how much they worked.
Any debt owed to banks, credit card companies, and/or loan companies were discarded and all financial institutions were a matter of the distant past. With the Federation fully in charge, their way of life was the only way. If it didn’t benefit the new Federation, it was summarily erased from existence.
Erato was a fully functioning country at the beginning of January 2025, and it was the only one in the entire world. Ceremonial celebrations of firecrackers, parades, and high society balls marked the beginning of a new time and a new world.
With so many monumental changes during a span of thirteen years, the human race was still at the brink of destruction. With no one having the ability to have children, there was no hope for the future, and without ever being told, most citizens of Erato felt this in the core of their souls. But still the citizens were grateful to have survived, deeply wishing within themselves individually for a new life and new dreams. The present was all the citizens of Erato had. That’s all they could ever hope for.
PROLOGUE
Coraset Prescott rested on the soft carpeted ledge of the picturesque window sill in her apartment on the 40th floor. She had a perfect, unshielded view of the western sky as the sun shined with brilliant hues of oranges and reds. It was a breathtaking sight she appreciated every evening.
This was her set time for reflection. Coraset lived alone. She was never married and never had children. Memories were all she had of her mother and two sisters, all of them passed away during the pandemic. The only family she had was her stepfather name Brecco, an eccentric scientist for the Federation.
Before the outbreak, Coraset worked for Erato Biotrade as Director of the International Humanitarian Aid Division. She was committed and loved her job. She was truly into making a difference in the lives of the unfortunate and destitute. When Haiti and Chile suffered an earthquake in 2010, Coraset worked tirelessly to ensure medical supplies and drinkable water reached the devastated nations. When Pakistan had major flooding, she sent pallets of bottled water, food provisions and medical supplies. Getting the supplies to the citizens during that time was nearly impossible because Pakistan really didn’t want Western society interfering, but Coraset never gave up and was successful in getting the aid into the country. When tornadoes tore through Missouri and Alabama in 2011, Coraset made sure Erato Biotrade was right there to assist afterwards. When the tsunami hit Japan, supplies were in the country within twenty four hours. She helped put Erato Biotrade on the forefront of humanitarian efforts in the world, and they were called many times to help smaller communities, as well.
Coraset was among the privilege in 2012 to be vaccinated before the outbreak, but she didn’t realize it at first. When she noticed the main survivors were Erato Biotrade employees, she knew they were responsible for the destruction of humanity, and she was devastatingly disappointed. The very company that saved lives around the world was the ones that destroyed it.
Bethesda, Maryland was where Coraset lived and worked before the outbreak. She had a corner office. She travelled the world almost every week. Now, she lived in the Barat Region and worked in a greenhouse as a horticulturist. She grew and harvested orchids. It was a job she chose when Erato Biotrade employees and executives were offered their choice of positions. It was out of the limelight, not in the least lucrative, and she could disappear into an uneventful life. A severe lifestyle change she never regretted choosing.
Coraset looked down at the empty streets. The lamps were lit. Bugs were dancing around the light source. She grasped the glass of Chambourcin Reserve with her fingertips and brought the glass to her lips. She hesitated, taking in the silence of her apartment, and swallowed the last bit of her drink. Coraset stood, took her glass and bottle to her immaculately clean open kitchen. She rinsed the glass thoroughly and wiped it clean with a towel that was folded neatly on the sink’s edge. She set the towel neatly on the counter and set the glass upside down to let it dry. Coraset corked the bottle and placed it inside the cool empty refrigerator. She stopped to gaze at the white and steel interior. It looked like a reflection of what was inside of her. An empty shell, nothing to give, and nothing to warm the soul. She slammed the door closed.
As she crossed the open room out of the kitchen area into the living room, the small computer on the coffee table came alive with a single beep. A red cursor on the top left hand of the screen blinked rhythmically. Coraset didn’t want to turn around. It was a personal message that was meant for her. Usually when an announcement was meant for everyone, her computer would simply start playing on its own and loop until she turned it off. She’d catch the news before she went to work or after she came home.
Coraset pulled the hair band from her right wrist, and choked her long black hair into a ponytail in one swift motion. She sat down facing the terminal and pressed the space button. The Erato symbol was centered showcasing an eagle with wings spread full length in front of olive branches designed in the shape of parenthesis. A message replaced the symbol.
FROM: 19
TO: 7772
NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOU PRIVATELY.
BARAT REGION, TOWER SIX, ROOM 104.
30 MINUTES.
Immediately, Coraset leaned back with a sigh and wondered why he wanted to meet so late. She didn’t feel like leaving her apartment that time of evening, but she knew the person behind the number. She’d go out of her way to help him anytime he needed.
Coraset dragged over towards her shoes that were placed neatly beside the door leading to the hallway. She put on a black jacket over her black sleeveless turtleneck, walked out of the apartment, and locked the door. Wishing she was going to bed instead of going out, she shuffled down the hallway.
The elevator door slid open revealing mirrored walls and a woman reading a glass tablet. Her attention didn’t leave the words that appeared on the screen. The pale woman was taller than Coraset with long blonde hair that stiffly lay in place framing her long thin face. The two women had seen each other before in passing, but they had a quiet agreement of not speaking to one another that suited them both.
