27

"A sense of humor," Eugenie says. "How refreshing." She squeezes your hand warmly.

Eugenie gestures toward one of the chairs across from her. "Please, sit."

You do.

Ms. Cochard's office is literally plastered with holo-posters of her campaign. She catches you studying one showing the State as a large mother figure, arms open, embracing a crowd of small, faceless people. "I believe that the government should be given the power to protect its most vulnerable members, even against their will. VE is a good example," Ms. Cochard says. "Don't you agree?"

You remember the first time you heard of VE.