It is a dark time for America. Disease and drugs have plagued the country. All war allies have abandoned the government. Other countries have ravaged the military. Cancer rates have also increased. Ever since the war, presidential elections have been scarce. Protests and fights are prominent, as the people want an actual president. The police still operate under the law, but no one mandates them. Poverty is at an all time high as well. To the people of Florida, It appears as if the country will stay this way forever. However, it seems as if a light shines through the darkness, as the government decides to hold the first presidential election in 10 years. Top candidates line the panel, but one in particular catches the attention of the public. Known as Raymond Howard, he entered the election at the beginning, but no one knows of his origins. During the months of the election, he holds a rally. In his hands is a box with a gold lid. As he steps up to the podium, the croud begins to whisper and chatter. Raymond clears his throat and begins: "My fellow Americans!", he exclaims loudly, "As you may know, I am running to be your president." The croud cheers loudly at this comment. "Now, I know some of you are wondering what I bring to the table in this.", he starts, "And the answer to that, is the future of our country." He unlocks the black box he holds in his hands, and holds up a small microchip. "This is our future!", he exclaims, "This microchip is the key to peace in our country and in our world!" The croud listens in anticipation to every word he says, eyes glued to the microchip. "Disease. Injury. Cancer. All of these things are destroyed, removed with my microchip!", Raymond explains, "Cancer cells can be destroyed, injuries healed. And all for free." The audience gasps at this revelation. World peace, at no price at all. "Here is a test subject to prove this microchip's worth!", says Raymond, "Carlene!" A woman steps onto the stage and Raymond introduces her. "This is Carlene.", he says, "She had cancer, but with my microchip, she is cured." Photos of Carlene's treatment appear on a computer screen, and the croud claps loudly. Raymond stands confidentiality as the croud cheers him on with a chant: "Raymond!" "Raymond!" "Raymond!" In the months since the speech, Raymond's votes have gone higher than any other candidate, and it is announced that he has won the election. He holds another rally, this time to celebrate. "Thank you for your continuous support, America!", he exclaims, "Soon, the product of the century will be available to you all, and America will become whole again!" The croud cheers, and many people ask the product release date. "Don't worry!", says Raymond, "The product is available as soon as this rally is over, but you can get one now at the table over there." He points to a medical table where doctors are getting ready to accept patients who want the microchip. "America will prosper once more!", he says, "And the time for rejuvenation is now!" Raymond walks off stage and the audience heads towards the medical table. In the months since Raymond's rally, almost everyone has the microchip. There are some who don't trust it, but they are outweighed by the number of supporters. Across the country, people celebrate the new age of America. Throughout the celebrations, everyone thinks the same thing: America is back to the way once was. But they couldn't have been more wrong.  

Joel Collins, a married man from Orlando, Florida, was the most finicky man you could ever meet. He did not trust most technology, aside from phones and computers. When President Howard announced his new life saving microchip, Joel was the first to rebuke it. "It's a whole load of baloney", he tells people whenever they ask. Today it was one of his friends from high school, Creyan Goodwin. "Come on man!", says Goodwin, "I'm in perfect health!" Joel glances at Goodwin's right hand, where a cigarette is lit. "I wouldn't say that...", says Joel. "But with the microchip, you can smoke for as long as you want", says Goodwin, "Wouldn't you like that?" "No. Not at all.", says Joel with a serious expression. Goodwin snorts, and walks away smoking. "Joel!", says a voice from inside the house, "Dinner is ready." "Coming, honey!", says Joel. He heads into the house and comes face to face with his wife, Mari Collins. "So?", she asks. "I told him that I don't support it.", responds Joel. Mari looks at him solemnly, and walks away. They often quarrelled with each other over getting microchips. Joel thought the family was safe without them, but Mari thought otherwise. She and their son, Kane, both got microchips. Joel sits down at the empty dinner table and prepares to eat, but suddenly, the sound of breaking glass catches his ear. He runs out the door, to see Goodwin throwing rocks at his window. "Creyan?", asks Joel in surprise, "What are you-" Goodwin turns around, and Joel stops talking at the sight of him. His eyes were glowing red and his hair was messy and unorganized. Suddenly, Goodwin lunges forward. Joel tries to get the weight of Goodwin off of him, but Goodwin is too strong. Joel then notices a rock on the ground next to him. He grabs it, and hits Goodwin on the top of the head. Goodwin falls to the ground, and Joel escapes into the house. "Mari?", he calls aloud. He waits for a response, but no one answers. "She left.", says Kane from his room. "Oh.", says Joel, "Where did she go?" "I don't know.", says Kane, "She just said that she was going to take care of something." Joel feels too bewildered to respond to what Kane said. Why did she leave without telling him? She's probably coming back, he thought. Joel walks over to the living room and sits down in a chair to listen to the news. "A robbery at a Florida bank was thwarted by police officers today. Other bystanders recall seeing the suspect suddenly having glowing eyes." "Glowing eyes?", asks Joel aloud. What happened to his president's words about peace? He turns off the radio and heads into his bedroom. It felt empty without his wife being there. "She's probably getting a new job or something.", he says aloud, "She'll be back." However, it would be a couple of weeks before he would ever see her again.     

Raymond Howard stood in the oval office. News cameras stood aloud around him. "It's time.", says a reporter from behind a camera. Raymond walks up and turns on his microphone. "My fellow Americans.", he starts, "As you may have heard, there have been multiple robberies across our fair country." He stops and clears his throat. "But know this: As your president, I will persist those who dare to endanger you.", he continues, "These robberies will end. I won't let them interfere with the everyday life of this country. We will persist and prevail. Thank you." He exits the oval office as the news cameras stop rolling. Stepping into a side room, he closes the door quietly. He pulls out a cell phone and calls a mysterious number. "Is everything going ok there?", he asks. "Yes sir. The microchip test went exactly as you planned.", says the person on the other line. "Good.", says Raymond, "I don't want anyone to know about this. If you tell, severe consequences will come your way." He hangs up, and leaves the room unnoticed. 

Joel sits in the living room listening to the radio again. It had been 2 weeks since his wife had left, and he still hasn't heard from her. Suddenly, he hears the sound of the door unlocking. His wife busts into the house, exhausted. "Honey?", asks Joel, "Where have you been?" "I was...attending to some things.", she responds. "I see. Well I have to get going.", says Joel, "Oh, and I dropped Kane off at school this morning." "Thanks.", says Mari. Joel kisses her on the cheek and heads out the door. He worked at a book publishing company and his hours were always long and drawn out. Most of the day went by normally until lunch, when a woman came into his office. "Can I help you?", asks Joel. "MmmHMmm", says the woman. Suddenly, she lunges forward at Joel, eyes glowing bright red. "Not this again!", he exclaims in anguish. He dodges out of the way, and the woman flies through the glass window behind him down to the ground below. Joel covers his eyes during the impact. "Hey!", says someone from down below, "What are you doing up there?" Joel hides from view as people point up at his office. He heads down the elevator, and heads back home to rest his nerves. Suddenly, a car rams into him from the side. He stands up, his car fortunately not damaged in the crash. "Hey!", he exclaims at the crazy driver, "What are you-" He stops talking after he notices a bright red glow coming from the other car. "Another one!", he thought. He heads back home, where Kane has already been picked up at school by Mari. "Hey, Mari!", he exclaims, "You won't believe what-" He stops in his tracks. Mari stands down the hallway, eyes glowing red. Kane approaches him from behind, also sporting red eyes. "Not you as well!", he exclaims solemnly. He runs down the hall around Kane and Mari who chase him. He grabs his keys and escapes the house. He heads towards the city where smoke is sneaking into the air. "What has happened to our country?", he asks solemnly.