The Binary Era: Chapter 1
THE BINARY ERA
CHAPTER ONE: THE GAYLORDS
Society had split into factions. Governments were dismantled. Nuclear war broke out, and the human race was decimated. The ones with the power, the ones with the bombs, the ones with the privilege – they thought they won. These powers took over a newly-weakened population, and devoted their efforts toward EFFICIENCY, claiming this would protect the earth from war, scarcity, and extinction. Diversity and originality were blamed. After all, diverse minds have opinions. Opinions create dissent. The ones in power elected “the perfect human” to lead their world, their nation, toward maximum efficiency.
The President banished anyone who was deemed “different.” Where did they go? It was a mystery to everyone but him. The people who aligned with his expectations were forced to work in service of the nation, suppress emotion, and obey, no matter what.
I. Art and music was banned.
II. All colors besides black and white were banned.
III. Gender was restricted to man or woman.
IV. Women were to be obedient and feminine. Men were to be leaders, masculine.
V. Men were to be with women and women with men, only.
VI. Love is inefficient. Repopulation is the only priority in couplings.
This time is now known as the Binary Era, which demonized differences and exalted efficiency.
But the President did not know about the secret meetings and gatherings of like-minded individuals who rejected these imposed ideals of society. These individuals, hes, shes, and theys, continued to believe that our differences, our emotions, and our love for one another make us who we are. These things are what bring us happiness. This secret society came to call themselves - The Gaylords.
The Gaylords met secretly in different undisclosed locations. Their emblem of freedom, a feather was engraved on coins that they carried, not only for good luck, but also so they were able to identify each other safely. If you did not have the coin, you could be a spy, or worse – one of The President’s army.
Humanity continued to suffer from its decimation and The President ordered an extensive cloning effort to repopulate, and The President chose only the humans he considered ideal subjects. He of course chose his own son, Nitsua. But the President did not know that his son was one of the leaders of The Gaylords, and when The President cloned him, he would inadvertently grow their secret society by thousands.
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