Let Freedom Die.

Johnny stared into the camera pointing down at him from the entrance to his home. That hadn't been here when he left. Such was life. He didn't really have much of a choice but to deal with it.1

He unlocked the door and walked inside his home. At least they hadn't installed one in his bedr- Oh, that one was new. Well there's always privacy in the sho- nevermind. That was a little awkward, but it's not like anyone he knew was watching. Just those faceless government jackals.2

He stripped his clothing and got in the shower. He hadn't yet started the extremely regulated water-flow when he heard a voice. It was coming from a two-way below the camera. This was brilliant.3

"Hello, John. It's been a while since I've seen you this vulnerable."4

Jennifer. His ex-wife of thirteen years, previously wife of six. 5

"Why, hello Jenn. When did you join the watchdogs?"6

"I didn't. The watchdog program ended yesterday. Overturned by a civilian initiative. Don't you watch the news anymore?"7

The truth was that he didn't. He couldn't stand it. Besides, to access information streams you had to log in. The provider and the government both knew exactly what you knew at all times. 8

Jenn continued.9

"Now the policy is total accountability for all actions. Anyone can access any one else's data terminals via the internet. Currently, there are at least thirteen other people watching you shower. You look good, by the way."10

"Wait, so anyone can see me?"11

"And they will. No action can go unmonitored. At least one person will have to be actively watching you at all times, I'm sure. It's not all bad though. There are, I understand, seventy three people viewing my data right now. It's flattering."12

He was slightly less than enthused over this, really. The thought of potentially thousands of other people looking at his ex-wife was unsettling, but not nearly as bad as any number of people watching him.13

People he knew. His boss, his daughter's friends, his neighbors. There were shivers up his spine when another voice shouted from the speaker.14

"Hurry up in there! We ain't got all day!"15

This was undignified! How was he expected to go about his day with people shouting at him, telling him to do something interesting?16

Then the shock came. Literally, a small electrical charge ran through his body. The water came on all by itself.17

Jennifer spoke again: "Oh, also, there are interactions available to make sure things go smoothly. Rewards, and punishments, the like. Put on a good show and I'll teach you a bit about the rewards."18

His face flushed red as his muscles stopped seizing. He would deal with this in it's own time. He went about his shower, washing exactly as he normally would - minus lewd comments, odd stimulation, and the eye of the public on him.19

He got out of the shower and rushed to his bedroom closet to get clothes. He tried opening a drawer, but it was stuck. All his drawers and doors were stuck. Except one - 20

"Jennifer! You have got to be kidding me!"21

They were able to control his entire home? The city had gone automatic years ago. He never imagined it would become inconvenient as this.22

He looked inside the drawer and found articles of clothing he never wanted to see again - things that Jenn had found amusing or attractive, and none of them suitable to go out in.23

Male lingerie was one of mankind's worst ideas.24

He received another shock. Where the hell were they coming from?25

He donned a red lacy bit, mostly because he had no choice at all. They wouldn't open his door until he did.26

But when they released him, he went straight to his own terminal. He had half a mind to message the senate about this. What gave anyone the right?27

However, something caught his eye. His high-school sweetheart was currently broadcasting, and it was filthy. Three thousand simultaneous views. She was popular, wasn't she?28

He clicked and watched. He had missed her since his divorce from Jennifer, and had wondered what had ever gone wrong.29

Well, now he could see her again anytime he wanted. Maybe this whole system wasn't so bad after-all.