Michael is thirty-nine and gay. Like his little niece, Kim, who has a learning disability, he is considered a non-citizen under the draconian Normalcy Laws. Kim’s parents quietly arrange to flee to New Zealand, where the Normalcy Laws haven’t been implemented. As Michael has a good job and has been careful to hide his homosexuality, he doesn’t consider going with them. Instead, he remains behind and goes about his business as normal until one morning when he is confronted by two Black Guards. Hooded, Michael is taken to what he assumes is the Department of Law. Once people are taken there, they never see the light of day again. Elimination is the only punishment in the New World Order. There he is interrogated by The Man, a handsome officer of the Black Guards. In a desperately hopeless situation, is there any hope of surviving elimination? No one ever has in the past, but Michael discovers something about The Man that hints at his situation not being as bleak as it appears. Can he dare to hope there is a way out? Or is he so delusional that his fantasies of freedom have clouded his judgment? Under the oppressive Normalcy Laws, nothing is certain.

Forbidden

When The Man began to unbutton his black jacket, Michael took the opportunity to back away until his calf muscles came into contact with the cold metal of the bed frame. Without removing his eyes from The Man, he lowered himself onto the mattress and watched as The Man finished removing his uniform.


Naked and erect he stood before Michael, allowing Michael to examine his pale, muscular body. In his natural state, The Man seemed almost vulnerable. Gone were the intimidating black uniform and high leather boots. Now there was just the man, his arms slightly raised at either side and wearing an expression of slight nervousness, presenting himself for inspection.


Chapter 17