Sometime in the future...

Ground Zero checked his ammo bag. Four boxes of 9mm and three boxes of 22 Long Rifle rounds. His pistol and rifle were now his instruments like a soldier not the musician he used to be. His emergency preparation paid off after the attack. But now survival meant fending off the national security forces. It meant making oneself small and un-noticeable.

Blogging was out and any Internet trail ended after the election. Remaining held up in his fortified home was paramount. Most of the roads were blocked and new check-points were appearing. The government was categorizing every citizen and resident. Those with too little background and traceable record, like him, were sought or watched along with all known to them who were critical of the regime before it took power. Obama turned out to be all the Right feared he was.

Ground Zero found himself in the exact reverse situation of 25 years earlier. Then he emulated Abbie Hoffman. He went “underground.” He over-estimated the importance of his FBI file from his activist years. Assuming a file with Mossad too, he felt it best not only to leave the country, but also to not fill out a census or register to vote.

Now the government was “progressive” and he was “conservative.” Republican rule had nothing on Leftist rule. They had no compunction to throw out civil liberties and free speech. After the attack, emergency measures were instantly instituted. But Ground Zero had gone his whole life not being noticed. And up until now it has kept him free of unwarranted interference.

Throughout the country “The Network” had sprung up. Anyone could join the Network. Those who join would not be considered the most outstanding citizens in their communities. In Ground Zero’s town, they were mostly hippies and illegal immigrants. Their job was to identify all “insurgents” or supporters of the insurgents (anti-government army) who did not show up on the regime’s radar. The odd-balls and loners. People like Ground Zero.

He had not officially joined the movement, but he did support them. Ground Zero was known by some hippies. He had given them music lessons or bought pot from them. They knew he was right-wing and most resented it. He knew it was only a matter of time before they would report him to the Network.

It started with a phone call. A Mr. Kahn called from Homeland Security in Ground Zero’s state. His passport had expired and Mr. Kahn told Zero he would need to renew it. He was being drafted into the governments overseas “Common Core.” They said they would be sending him to Northern Africa. He will be in the Common Core Theater Group. They will perform the stage versions of “Dreams From My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope” The group will be on tour for at least a year.

He had the books like all Americans. It was required reading. Mr. Kahn told him to start sketching songs from the books. Any song selected for the shows would bring praise from the regime and possible fame and fortune for the composer.

Then he let Ground Zero know that they were aware of his former blogging and political views. Mr. Kahn was impressed that all of that had ceased and recommended that he take down his blog with it’s now dated posts. After all Obama won and it’s time to move on…

Though the thought of working as a composer was always enticing, Ground Zero was aware of others being drafted into the Common Core and then disappearing. Draftees lose all Internet access and once you leave the country it is very hard to stay in touch. So he decided not to renew his passport or show up for any production meetings.

He waited for them to come. Like most in his town he refused to hand in any weapons to the authorities. Many like him waited for the security force to show up and have their weapons confiscated, or fight it out. Sounds of rounds being spent were getting closer to Ground Zero.

Then it hit him. A little tune started to develop in his head. The harmony appeared and magically he had a complete song. It was the best song he ever wrote and he sat there with his guitar, pistol and rifle, singing the chorus.

They were at his neighbor’s house. He shot arrows at the security forces’ truck and they fired a few rounds into his house. Zero walked out of his house with his guitar and started singing the song.

Mr. Kahn came out of the truck.

“It’s a great song.”

“Why do you need an XD 9mm when it’s not your instrument?”

“That little rifle is no match either.”

“Your country needs your real talent.”

  “What’s this gig pay?” asked Ground Zero.

“It pays you live to play another day.”

“I’ll do it.” he said.

He had planned to go on welfare anyway if Obama won. So now he would earn his government cheese and do some music too. He might even meet some interesting people and get away from his usual routine. No one was working since the attack and the air and water might even be better in Africa since there were no nuclear detonations on that continent.

It seems Ground Zero was no hero. No final show down with destiny for him. Why did he even start with weapons and Survivalism? It was just natural. Most animals want to live. They don’t always know how they will do it, but they mostly get it done through design or improvisation.

The Muslims of Northern Africa loved his song “I’ll Stand With The Muslims” They believe in President Obama. He withdrew all American forces from Islamic lands just as they asked. The Islamic Nation is strong and rivals the West and China as a superpower. Obama is undeterred by the attack and his signing of a peace accord with al Qaeda has empowered Mohammed’s army. Ground Zero was hailed after each performance. Then the story got out that he was a Jew. The source of the story was the US Embassy in Lagos Nigeria.

Though they loved the show, some Nigerian Muslims could not wait to express their feelings for the composer. Parts of him were spread all over town. Before they could disarm him, finally he got to use his 9mm pistol. He had never stopped waiting for them. His performance as a member of the Common Core was unconvincing. In life and show business, sometimes they either love you or hate you.

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