[Slokais]

The year was 1985, and the hot summer days continued in New Liverpool, as a 16-year-old Joseph Chavez woke up early. No alarm clock, no parent shaking him awake just the sounds of the city. It was around 6:45 am when Joseph walked into the kitchen to start making breakfast for his family. His mother still slept, sharing her room with Joseph’s baby brother, Edmundo. His older sister, Esme was already up and about gathering their mother's piles of custom blankets she sold to their neighbors. Meanwhile, his young sister, Leila was just getting up to go to school.
“You excited, Joseph” Esme asked
“How much can I be when there’s so much pressure?” Joseph said as he took out yesterday’s rice from the fridge.
“Your the smart one, 1670 on the PNCE”
“True, though, you and mama keep telling me how important this is”
“You're the man of the house” Esme said as he walked to answer the front door.
In walked, Howard Chavez his eyes read from lack of sleep and a long night-shift.
“Your behind schedule, Joseph” his father said as he clocked immediately that breakfast wasn’t ready
“Sorry, papa”
“Say that to your mama when she wakes up with Edmundo” Howard said as he plopped down on the couch. His silver “Security” badge glinting off the light peaking through the windows.

Howard was a night-time security guard at the Port of New Liverpool, a busy ship and rail yard which was the backbone of the growing metropolis. He had taken the job a few months ago, in addition to his day job at a lightbulb factory not far away. It paid well, around 250 Marks an hour, better than the current 120 Mark minimum. Enough in a couple hours of work to pay for a hot meal, and enough to support the rent of their apartment.

Esmeralda Chavez walked into the kitchen just as Joseph plated up the food.
“Buenas dias, chicos” she said as she kissed her husband on the cheek.
They all took their place on the couch, which along with the table in front of them acted as the dining room. As Howard said grace, baby Edmundo looked into Joseph’s eyes. Even his baby brother knew the weight that would soon be upon him.

Joseph’s commute to school would have him transfer at San Fernando Road Station before taking the Northern Line to Buena Vista. From Buena Vista it was a 15 minute walk up-hill to his high school, Wells Catholic. He had been going for a little over a year now and was active on the school’s football team. It was his way of staying relevant and avoiding the classism and bullying that was dominant. As he entered the school, he watched as some of his classmates actually drove to school in their own cars. A rarity for city residents just 20 years prior was now a symbol of status and success.
“Hey, Jose,” a voice said from behind him.
It was Henry Villanueva, the captain of the football team, technically his teammate although Henry seemed to forget that.
“Where were you at Saint Mark’s yesterday night?”
“No”
“Oh, right. You don’t live in Northrock”
“Yeah, I thought you knew”
“Just curious, it was really great. Michelle Santamarina was there too”
“Great,” Joseph said as he opened his locker.
“Listen…uh, you have the answers”
“Yes” Joseph said pulling them from his bag
Henry handed over the 300 Marks just as quick as Joseph handed over the paper.
“Keep up the good work, Jose” Henry said

And he did keep up the good work, decades later on another summer’s day Joseph Chavez could be found however turning away. It started as a simple habit a few years ago. Yet now the Prime Minister was having multiple bottles being shipped every month from the best rice wine producers. Officially, it was a promotion of the product and would be used at business meetings to promote agricultural tourism. Unofficially, though he wouldn’t share.

It was a quiet day, and it was coming to an end. A knock came on the door, Joseph quickly hid his glass inside the top drawer of his desk.
“Come in” he said, as he stood up.
His secretary, Maria was followed by Virgina-Martin Correas, a young MSL from South San Fernando who was a rising star within the party.
“Ah, yes. Ms…” the Prime Minister said, shaking the hand
“Correas” the younger woman said, although he was taller than the Prime Minister by several inches.
“I see” he said, Joseph did not remember this man on his calendar although he heard his name spoken before.
The two of them sat across from each other on the two couches which sat in front of the Prime Minister’s desk. Typically meetings would happen in the Parliamentary Room next-door, but just for two was a bit personal.
His assistant saw herself out and the two politicians were left alone.
“So glad to finally meet officially, we met at a campaign event for the South San Fernando List”
“Ah, yes” Joseph said, trying to clear his mind and focus on the moment.
“I’m actually a huge admirer to be honest”
“Really, that’s interesting?” Joseph said, taking a piece of gum from his pocket
“That’s interesting” Virgina-Martin replied pointing at the gum
“Yeah, just something I do. You want some” Joseph said
“No thank you. I don’t eat sweets at this time of the day”
“Okay”
“Anyways I was wondering, if I could be part of your campaign team for 26” Virgina-Martin replied leaning forward
“What?” Joseph replied
“Sorry if I’ve overstepped myself here”
“No, no issue. I’ve been putting my team together”
“Really?” Virgina-Martin said, a little surprise in her voice

The Prime Minister returned to his desk.
“Should have done it sooner, really. I’m tired of this”
“How…” Virginia-Martin said, as she stood up to continue their conversation
“I’ve been at this for over a decade at this point. First the whole primary in 2016 with Zhang, then the general, then another election in 2018. Then another election in 2020, where I turned some of the keys over to Alexandra, then in 2022 against the old pendjea Weasley, now another run again”
“What about the Chavez Doctrine?”
“That’s in the past. How old were you when that came out?”
“I was at ACU”
“So old enough, to be active in politics”
“Of course”
“Well anyway, yes. I’ll put your name in the running of Campaign Chair”
“Great” the young MSL said as he turned to leave.

After she had left, Joseph slapped himself. He has been so easily tempted
“Can’t keep doing this,” he said, as he grabbed his briefcase.