Ahh. The taste of freedom. I'm finally out of jail.
The authorities gave me a ride home early morning. Didn't encounter any media on the way home. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The journalists probably have prepared hundreds of questions to ask me and the authorities are worried that I may say something seditious. Why should they worry about that. If I do say something to that effect they can arrest me on the spot.
I have a general idea of what's going on outside the jail. After all, I can watch TV news inside. From time to time, individuals are arrested, charged and convicted of the same crimes the authorities have charged me. The list of individuals who have left the city and wanted by the city under the same charges I have faced keeps growing.
I need a way to make a living, but there is no way fr me to collect the bounty on those wanted individuals. The contact information I have are those before they left. I don't think I can get my passport back. Even if I cooperate with the authorities, they would worry if I would use it as a pretense to flee myself.
My family is happy to see me, but they are worried that I would have trouble finding work. There are certain professions which are now off-limits to me. That would make my job search a little easier. Let me draw up a list.
Legislative councilor, out; district councilor, out; social worker, out; teacher, out; lawyer, out. Medical professional? Would medical schools even consider my application?
What about shops which have similar beliefs as me? I heard the authorities make frequent inspections in responce to complaints. Now that is something I have plenty of experience in — responding to authorities' questions. Would there be more complaints and visits if I were there though?
Maybe I should open my own business. Come to think of it, I would be a magnet for complaints and inspections.
Oh right. There is also a new condition for business to adhere to. Let me see. Directors, management, employees, agents and subcontractors "may constitute or cause the occurrence of an offence endangering national security". Does that mean I need to scour every online post for every potential partner, employee, supplier? Would I have any time left to run the business? I guess that means other businesses would stay away from me as well.
Wait! My driver's license is still valid. Maybe I can drive for a living. Not as a chauffeur, though. My background would make me unhirable. I wouldn't pass the background check if I apply to be a school bus or franchised bus driver. Lorries? That could fall under agent in the new regualtion for businesses. I don't have a car, so ride share is out. Minibuses? Taxis? They are on the way out.
snMaybe I can make a living as a Youtuber or internet personality? But what can I say or do? There certainly would be "concerning individuals" watching my posts and looking for anything inappropriate to report on.
Perhaps I can become an informant and snitch on those who I associate with. But would they want to see me? And how would I know that they have come snitches themselves? I guess my chance for that has passed when I refused to appear on camera, confess my wrongdoings, and how the new laws have brought stability.
Hold on. There is something I CAN do. How come I didn't think of this? (Picks up phone) "Hello. Is this the National Security Reporting Hotline? I am reporting myself as a national security threat."