The Restricted Zone of Captivity
“Please step out of your vehicle, Citizen 350KA25.”
“What is your designation, guard?”
“Our new uniforms do not require designations.” “Maybe I’ll just call you Guard One Hundred Zeros.” “Careful with your mockery.
“Raise the barrier and I will be on my way.”
“You are not authorized to enter The Restricted Zone.”
“My wife is in there.”
“Yes, the records show that, but you are not authorized to enter.”
“It’s essential I see her today.”
“If you do not leave your vehicle, I will be forced to shoot.”
“No need to threaten me.” “You know the restrictions, Citizen350KA25.”
“The restrictions have changed since—”
“Since what?” “Since the truce with the Insurgents.”
“The truce is nothing but a diversionary sham.”
“Not what I hear.” “Be thankful you are not categorized as an Insurgent.” “Why my wife was categorized as such makes no sense.” “Sense or no sense, get out of your vehicle immediately.”
“Your uniform should have a designation directly above your heart, Guard One Hundred Zeros, if you do indeed have a heart.” “I will shoot!”
“Okay, okay…”
“Remove your clothing.” “I will not. The truce—”
“I will be forced to shoot.”
“All my clothing?”
“Quickly!”
“Since when has this been acceptable procedure?” “Since The Restricted Zone was established.”
“You and your goddamn Restricted Zone of Captivity.” “What did you say?”
“The Restricted Zone of Captivity. That’s what the Insurgents call it, I understand.”
“Like your wife?” “She is not an Insurgent.”
“Your pants also. Quickly! Quickly!”
“I can see some Insurgents approaching. Look. over your left shoulder.”
“Where’d you get that weapon?”
“From an Insurgent, if you must know.”
“You vile—”
“You forced me to shoot, Guard One Hundred Zeros.”
“Vile traitor—” “I thought you’d have better last words than that.”
“Vile vile vile…”
“The blood on your new uniform looks horrible. It’s a shame you’ll not get to meet my dear wife. The Insurgency will need all its followers once the hostilities resume.”
Canadian writer J. J. Steinfeld lives on Prince Edward Island, where he is patiently waiting for Godot’s arrival and a phone call from Kafka. While waiting, he has published fourteen books, including Should the Word Hell Be Capitalized? (Stories, Gaspereau Press), Would You Hide Me? (Stories, Gaspereau Press), An Affection for Precipices (Poetry, Serengeti Press),Misshapenness (Poetry, Ekstasis Editions), and A Glass Shard and Memory (Stories, Recliner Books).
