by
Sambgood
Short Story: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Nine year old William wanted to go home. Eight year old Billy thought he was home. William and Billy were the same person. (excerpt)
The once great state of Anacity had the nick-name “Mercenary state” due to its high number of private military companies based there. But in 2001, leading company ZeX Services was found performing inhuman experiments—with the state government’s permission. Anacity, eventually forced to secede from its parent nation, fell into depression.
2017. Nobel district now rests on the 8,000 acres of land that housed Zex Services’ facilities. With the New Anacity Plan in place and Control Officers to enforce it, the Mercenary state is out to regain its high place in the world.
But for 9 year old William, the world is going to pieces. His parents are dead; he’s being sent to Nobel Group Home; and an unusual Control Officer forces him to take a new identity.
But after taking on the persona of an 8 year old boy named Billy, the world begins to make less sense.
Why does no one adopt the Group Home children? Why is there so much adult supervision? And why is Dr. Cox so adamant about gaining their love?
Billy’s scared to know the answers. He’s not sure if he even cares.
But William does—and William won’t go down without a fight.
