[This is a story built on every trigger you can think of. It has them all]
E01 was among the first babies born in E District after 4411 was established. Being assigned the number 01 was clearly lucky.
But that statistical good fortune had nothing to do with his life.
In the utterly miserable first half of his life, E01 saw Brandon Duoan three times.
The first time, he used fake credentials to enter the city and buy medicine. Huge floating screens played the other man's inauguration speech on a loop. This "new governor of District 4411" seemed like the same loathsome sort of person as every other member of the elite. Perhaps too pleased with himself, or perhaps feeling that he'd finally gotten what he wanted, the politician was obviously overexcited during the interview, unable to hide the smile on his face as he spoke.
The second time, E01 had just been charged with the serious crime of "violent resistance against law enforcement." Before the sentence, with its terrifying punishment, could be carried out, the governor of 4411, stirred by public opinion, called on the Mechanical Council and the Independent Court to conduct a fair review of the entire case. As a result, E01 was lucky enough to receive a lighter sentence.
The third time, he was at the new quarry where he was serving his labor sentence when he spotted a familiar face among the new prisoners. The newcomer was being held down by a bunch of troublemakers, meekly doing as he was told and kissing the squad leader's shoes.
E01 watched coldly for two seconds.
A man who didn't like getting involved in other people's business strolled forward unhurriedly, parting the crowd of onlookers. His lazy movements held no hint of aggression.
Then he punched the squad leader, who had been laughing loudly, right in the face.
Theme: Seeing humanity through human eyes.
