Why They Fight

"It is 4:30 a.m. Michelle. It is time to wake up," a soft automated female voice whispers, Michelle; it is time to wake up." "Alright, I'm up, I'm up, just shut up." Michelle snaps at the clock. At that moment, the voice-operated clock begins to play the programmed music set for mornings. Michelle begins to sit up, stretching her body as she tries to shake the world of slumber; she realizes that after today her whole world will change. This was a very important day for her. As a journalist, she must be ready at all times, but it has been a while since she had to get up so early. This is a very unorthodox manner of doing things in her field. Usually all interviews had to be approved by the interviewee and management. She was personally approached by military personnel for this assignment instead of getting assigned the interview. The higher-ups had no idea and she saw this as a great opportunity to move ahead. She would be the first reporter to get an exclusive interview without the usual censorship. It was unheard of having an uncensored interview with military and political personnel. The Republic was very strict on what was put out there about its leaders. This had always been the norm for Michelle and others that grew up in the new Republic. "Telescreen on." she commands her voice activated system, "Turn to channel 3. Music off." while heading toward her bathroom in her dark apartment, passing by the kitchen, "Coffee brew." At that moment, the kitchen lights come on and the coffee maker begins to percolate. As she approaches the bathroom she reluctantly calls out, "Bathroom lights." The lights slowly come on as she enters the area. Michelle stood there looking into the mirror. This was something she performed every morning when she woke up. Running both her hands through her curly brown hair, she sighs, as her hair falls back down on her shoulders. She looks into her own light brown eyes that seem to change colors in different lights. She felt that her eyes where her best feature. She never truly felt as beautiful as others saw her. Men would always complement her on her flawless naturally tanned skin, her full lips and her nearly athletic body. She always felt that a man would say anything to get close to her. She exercises almost everyday after work, because of her belief that she is not physically where she should be, plus all her life in school and everywhere else the Republic had always pushed that sound health shows loyalty to oneself and the Republic.