Rising Up

3. Will’s Promise

3

Will’s Promise

Will was pumped full of hope. He stopped a block away from the Plauditorium and thought again about his humble parents and wise grandfather.

A sweet memory floated to the surface of his mind—a special, unforgettable discussion he’d had with his grandfather, Blake Verus. Will had spent many golden hours with his grandpa, time he fervently wished he could bring back. He had enormous trust and love for the old man, his balding head shiny as the moon, his eyes a paler version of green than Will’s own. The edges of Grandpa’s eyes crinkled when he smiled, and the grooves of his smiles were imprinted on his gentle face. He knew now they were only wrinkles. Back then, he thought his gramps had simply been marked with permanent happiness pleats.

His grandpa always seemed so wise; Will knew he had to be The Most Enlightened Being in the universe. He was the one who knew all the true answers to life’s puzzling questions, and yet he had the goodness and joy of the most ideal citizen of Tranquility. Will had always wondered why the old man always dressed in orange until he understood that he was a Level Thirteen, a Status worthy of deep pride.

Will had been only eight when his innocent, eager curiosity spawned the most important conversation of Will’s life. It had happened only a couple of years before his beloved grandpa passed away.

“What was the world like before?” Will had asked, climbing up on his grandpa’s lap.

“Ah. A bad place. We were starving. No money.”

“Did someone steal their money, Grandpa?”

Will turned his head and moved it close to his grandpa’s face so their foreheads were only an inch apart.

“Not any certain person, no. They had money in a savings account, but the banks failed. They never got their money back. They couldn’t make ends meet.”

Will pulled his face back, still keeping his eyes on his grandfather’s, but then leaned away.

“But your dad had a job, didn’t he?”

“Yep. Sent drones around the country. High demand for it, too. But after a while, no one could buy anything. Or send mail. People lived awhile on what they had. When supplies ran out, people did anything for food. They committed crimes. Even killed people. They were only out for themselves. It was hopeless.”

“That’s awful. You had to live through that?” Will climbed off his grandpa’s lap, pushing his arms up and down on his grandpa’s knees.

“Yes, buddy. That’s why you must promise to always follow the laws we have here in Tranquility.”

Will stopped moving. His grandpa’s tone was stern. It scared him a little. He plucked at the pajamas he wore, discovering that the white fabric actually had white dinosaurs on it. But Will couldn’t—shouldn’t—think about dinosaurs. His grandpa was talking about laws. That was a lot more important.

“What are the laws? How can I remember them?” Will rubbed his face, as if to erase the lines of worry on his forehead.

“Tranquility’s laws are always in the Cloud.” His grandpa pointed up.

“In the clouds?” Will asked, looking at the ceiling.

“Not an actual cloud, like the ones in the sky. It’s an invisible thing. Every person has access to ‘em. I have a printed copy, too. I like my printed copy. It’s solid—real.” Will’s grandpa shuffled across the room and opened a drawer in an orange bureau. He carried the printed copy back, treating it with great honor. “Let’s read it together, Will, and then I’ll teach you how to memorize them.” His voice cracked with awe as he began to read:

LAWS AND SOCIAL ORDER OF TRANQUILITY

Accord Number One

Every citizen will be issued an Alt from the time they are five years old. Each day’s Alt measurements for HAPPINESS will be collected, analyzed, and submitted to the Elite at City Hall. All citizens must commit to be a part of the Continuum Spectrum.

Every increase in points by 4000 on the Spectrum will result in approval for advancement in Status by the Elite Council. Achievement on the Status hierarchy will result in the following upgrades and privileges, including and limited to:

● Neighborhood – citizens will be assigned to a housing area in keeping with their Status

● Food – various levels of chef expertise and availability of foods by Status Level

● Clothing – color assigned to the Status with potential designer availability

● Jobs/Careers – increased levels of responsibility for leadership in the community

● Privileges – access to store products and services

● Transportation – available by monorail, sedans, and limousines

● Activities – community events, recreation and theater

“So, I’ll explain this, so you’ll understand. Your Alt. The points on it? It’s what you use to get everything. Food. Clothes. Toys. Your parents use ‘em, too. That’s what makes Alt points so important. Long ago, there was money. Now, you use your points. Understand?”

Will shook his head up and down in an exaggerated “yes.”

“Let’s look at your Alt, Will.” The old man turned Will’s wrist up to face him. “Your points. They’re good. Keep it up.” He gave Will a broad smile.

Will’s enthusiasm boiled over. He patted his grandpa’s face. “So, that’s why you live in Orange Glen, and I live in White Sands?’

“Yes, Will. If you work hard at being happy, no matter what happens in your life, you could live in Orange Glen someday, too.” Grandpa cleared his throat and began to read again:

Accord Number Two

All citizens who have achieved a new Status goal will attend and be recognized at Status ceremonies. This will be conducted at City Hall by the Elite, with the Magistrate presiding, on the 18th day of each month, at 7:00 p.m.

“Each year there’s a ceremony. A big party. At City Hall. But just for people who rise up to a new Status level.”

“How many times, Grandpa?”

“For what, Will?”

“How many ceremonies did you have?”

“Well. Let’s see. That would’ve been twelve.”

Will jumped up and down, his legs like springs. “That’s a lot!”

Grandpa chuckled. “You’re right, my boy. Keep listening.” His voice took on a more serious tone.

Accord Number Three

The Elite and the Magistrate will determine Banishment from the Tranquility community. Banishment will occur for producing and maintaining Alt numbers below Level One over a period of six months. However, no less than eight interventions will be implemented before a citizen is labeled a REM (Resisting Emotional Management). REMs will be released to The Outside and their histories erased. REMs are not allowed to return to the city. No deviants will be tolerated.

“This means that you always try to be happy. You follow the rules. If you don’t, counselors will work with you. But there’s a limit to the help. You have to want to change.”

“What’s ‘Banishment,’ Gramps?” Will climbed up into his lap. Suddenly he wanted to feel secure—to be protected.

“‘Banishment,’ Will, is when you’re no longer allowed to live in Tranquility.”

Will snuggled up closer. “Where…where would I go?” His voice quavered.

“There’s a place called The Outside. If you don’t keep your points up, that’s where our City Hall would send you. But, don’t worry. I know you’ll never be banished, Will.”

“How do you know?” Will’s face went a little pale.

“Because I know you, Will. You have the proper heart, and you’ll follow the laws.”

“Tell me, Grandpa! What should I do?”

“Stay happy—that’s all, Will. That’s all. Then you can rise up in Status. I’m dressed in orange—'cause that’s my Status color. But there are more. Both Accord Four and Five tell you what you need to know.” He read again.

Accord Number Four

Every Tranquilite will pledge himself/herself to uphold all laws in Tranquility. He or she will devote special attention toward the Values listed below, associated with the Status maintained by the individual:

White — Level 1: Purity

Ivory — Level 2: Unity

Beige — Level 3: Respect

Pink — Level 4: Loyalty

Brown — Level 5: Order

Turquoise — Level 6: Trust

Kelly Green — Level 7: Responsibility

Royal Blue — Level 8: Peace

Mint Green — Level 9: Conformity

Magenta — Level 10: Tenacity

Lavender — Level 11: Obedience

Yellow — Level 12: Energy

Orange — Level 13: Optimism

Purple — Level 14:Nobility

Indigo — Level 15: Integrity

Copper — Level 16: Resilience

Silver — Level 17: Enlightenment

Gold — Level 18: Wisdom

Accord Number Five

Citizens will dress according to their Status. Dress code violations will result in counseling and ultimately, Removal.

“Blue’s my favorite color! I’m gonna wear that!” Will’s face beamed like a Chinese lantern, already forgetting his worry about Banishment.

“I have no doubt, Will. You’ll do well.” Gramps dropped his blue-veined dry hand onto Will’s slight left shoulder and patted him.

“What else, Grandpa?” He rubbed his eyes. He was getting sleepy.

“The next part is about sickness and death, Will. But, again, Tranquility has everything figured out.” He patted Will’s shoulder again, this time ending his pat in an affectionate squeeze.

Accord Number Six

If, by some unknown reason, a member of the community becomes ill, Tranquility’s specialists may diagnose and treat the individual. Treatments include visualization, music therapy, acupressure and massage. It is the responsibility of the citizen to heal themselves through positive thinking. Injuries will be treated with the Medela machine. Tranquilites should reach the age of 100. However, at that time, the Elite will terminate life by merciful euthanasia.

“This says you’ll live a long time. You won’t ever get sick.”

“Sick? What’s that?”

“It’s when you don’t feel good in your body. A few people here are Medics, but you won’t need them. If you get hurt, Medics and a special machine can help you.”

Will frowned. “My body feels good.” He turned to gaze into his gramps’ eyes. He swallowed and then stared at the floor before asking, “What’s you-then-asia? Is that somebody’s name? Asia?”

“No, no, Will. It’s not you-then-asia. It’s ‘euthanasia.’ The government gives you a shot, and you go to sleep. You don’t come back, though.”

“But you’ll come back. You’re my grandpa. You have to come back after you sleep.”

“No, Will. I can’t come back.”

Will thought his grandpa looked sad. He was sad, too. He climbed back up into the chair next to him.

“Are you a hundred, Gramps?”

“Soon, Will. But I’ve had a good life. Don’t you worry. When the time comes, I’ll always be with you. I may be a memory, but a solid one. That you can never lose.”

Will’s brows furrowed, and his eyes welled up.

“Now, now.” Gramps hugged him with his bear-like embrace. “Let’s talk about something wonderful.”

Accord Number Seven

Since Tranquility holds its members in high esteem, awards will be presented to individuals who go above and beyond their responsibilities to the City. Alt points must be higher than the majority of people of that Status. This citizen demonstrates a dedication to the Status Level’s assigned value through service or written works. Recognition includes plaques, morning news announcements, and/or jewelry. The Augur Prize is one such honor, represented by a Status-determined, priceless ring.

“This means if you earn more points on your Alt than anyone else, you get a ring. Or, if you prove you have fully developed the character trait of that Status level.”

“Do you have a ring?” Will asked.

“No. But I hope that you might one day.”

A smile lit Will’s face, and his voice grew bubbly. “Who do I ask for one?”

“Ah, Will. You don’t. The prize will come if you earn it.”

Accord Number Eight

Individuals who achieve Level 18, Gold, are invited to join the Elite to serve in City Hall with the Magistrate. This council determines the best welfare for its citizens, drafts laws, and recognizes citizens in the community.

Will said, “Gold! It’s all about gold, huh?”

“Sort of. If you earn enough points, you become a high level. Level Eighteen. Part of the government. Make the laws. The rules. You’re called Elite.”

“If I’m a Leet, I can make the rules? I got lots of ideas!”

“Save ‘em up, Will. For some day. Now, listen carefully. These are the last of the Accords.”

Accord Number Nine

The Magistrate holds his term for life. In the event the Magistrate should die, members of the Elite will choose a new leader among themselves best suited for the position.

“Our leader’s called a Magistrate. He’s in charge. He and City Hall always have your best interests at heart.”

“Can I be a Magistrate?”

“You never know.”

Accord Number Ten

Notifications in writing made to individual citizens from City Hall will be obeyed without question for the good of all citizens and the peace of Tranquility.

“This means you need to obey the laws. Take orders. They’ll keep all of us from suffering ever again like the people of the past.”

Will shook his head up and down, to show his understanding, his eyes solemn as a prayer. “Okay.”

“Not just ‘okay.’ Promise me, Will. Promise me! No matter what, you’ll never betray your family or your government.”

“Yes, I promise.” Will raised two fingers in the air to show his pledge. “You can count on me. I’ll always remember.”

His mind snapped back to the present like the stretched release of a tight blind. He would make them all proud. His mom, especially, who told him to work hard and leave a legacy for future family members to follow like his grandpa. Perhaps at some point he could meet the Magistrate, Tranquility’s leader, and thank him personally for providing everyone, especially himself, such a wonderful life.