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A sneak peek.
A projector screen flickered to life against a school wall. Kids, scattered amongst the crowd, shared whispers of excitement. A new program was ordered by the state for all schools to present to scholars, Year 12s and up.
A countdown began, static transitioning each number to the next.
3…
2…
1…
A black screen appeared as a short tune of patriotic propaganda music blasted, composed of drums and trombones. The music ended and the screen panned from darkness to an image of Big Ben, the flag of the British Social Republic waving high above the spires of Westminster Palace.
A narrator’s voice, an English accent in particular, boomed to fill the void of sound. His cheery tone, meant to instigate optimism in an assumed bored legion of students. Although, they couldn’t show it even if they wanted to. Even then, whatever the government had to say that was important as to present a nation-wide film must hold some interest.
“Children and scholars of Great Britain, this, as you may know it, is Big Ben, located in London, the birthplace of the Revolution.”
The speaker explained in an optimistic yet serious sound.
“Our great nation is constantly under attack by infiltrators of the Labour Party’s ideals, which we all hold so very dear. It is our responsibility to answer the call of duty to defend and honor these morals should they ever come under fire. Even in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Soviet Union, this very same responsibility is inscribed in their code of honor. To think, comrades across the world protect the ethics of Marx.”
The narrator’s voice then became grim.
“In such a time like this, these attacks, these assaults on our liberties as citizens of Britain, have come into fruition and should we fail to stop such a perilous plot, we will forever be oppressed by the menaces of the bourgeoisie class.”
“As such, it is my duty and even YOUR duty to act as guardians for bread and labour and repel the American forces back to shame in their harbors and mainland! Defend the Canadian dominion! The British Social Republic lives, always and forever!”
The speaker exclaimed passionately as the projector screen flashed off.
The teacher sat up from her chair, forcing a smile and shoving optimism into her voice. One student raised his hand and very swiftly the teacher called on him.
“What does this mean, Mrs. Dorothy?” The student asked, a strike of fear possessing him.
“The government has called upon the youngsters of Britain to defend our possessions in Canada. You will be drafted in the name of this great country.”
Stutters and whispers were exchanged as the males in particular processed this. They had known of the American invasion of Canada for weeks, it had been declared by the President that a state of war had now existed between Great Britain and the United States. But a draft? Shouldn’t the military be prepared for any conflict? Was the military a powerful one, as all State films and television shows insisted it was? Or were they all lies? Questions of resistance brewed in the hearts and minds of the student body. None of it made sense. However, their loyalty compelled them to put down such thoughts. They would fight for their nation as willed.