The Childless Society

By Joel Foote

The Childless Society - An action-adventure, futuristic science fiction drama

One hundred and fifty years into the future, Canadians, known as Crehus (Created Humans), are prisoners in their own country; sterilized and unable to have their own children through government deception. The government now produces children in birthing labs and raises them in child rearing centers. Population control and conformity has been achieved through the ruthless use of technology.

Jack, the main character, is a high ranking government employee who reluctantly agrees to act as a media spokesperson to report on illegal "Family Survival Group" activities for prosecution. Family Survival Groups are illegal because they want to reinstate family values and practices into society, but several high ranking government officials wish to keep things as they are.

Dorissa, Jack’s partner, is the superintendent in charge of a birthing lab. After stumbling upon, and joining a Family Survival Group, she concocts a scheme, without Jack’s knowledge, to create children using reproductive cell samples that were harvested by the government years earlier from each member of her Family Survival Group.

The story takes us through the creation; the discovery of the creation; and the pursuit by the government, of this Family Survival Group, as they try to flee Canada and escape with their children to the United States of America, the last free country in the world..

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joel Foote
• Release date: Sep 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310948039

Joel Foote

Hello. I am retired printer who has dabbled in writing off and on ever since boyhood. I feel everyone has a book inside of them. (Some, more books than others). The book that I wrote, for the most part, took the better part of a year. After fruitless attempts to find a publisher, and a few years in limbo, I happened upon the "Smashwords" website. I hope that you enjoy it. Your response shall determine for me if there is to be a sequel. Thank you.

Book preview

The Childless Society

by Joel Foote

Copyright 2009 Joel Foote

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Chapter 1

Help me! I need help, yelled Bruce, as he frantically made his way from the boat carrying Jack in his arms. Even though wounded himself, he knew Jack was much worse. I’ve got a seriously injured man here. He’s lost a lot of blood.

Jack was slipping in and out of consciousness. He could feel the life ebb from his body. He coughed. A trickle of blood discharged from the corner of his mouth. He tried to speak. I…I…

No. Don’t talk, pleaded Bruce. Help is coming. You’ve got to hang on Bro. Please God. Help him. Help him to hang on. Tears were rolling down Bruce’s cheeks.

Jack only managed a slight gurgling sound before closing his eyes.

Sir, they’ve got wounded, said the soldier.

The ambulances are on the way Sergeant. Get some men and help them to that grove of trees by the roadside, replied Livingstone Richwaters, the United States Attorney General. All of a sudden Livingstone saw him. Steven Laurence, former External Prime Minister of Canada. My God Steven, you did get hit!

A tall, slender man, being helped along by two other men, one on either side, looked up. I’ll be okay, he managed. But Jack, pointed Steven, he’s hurt real bad. Please help him Livingstone.

Quickly turning around, the Attorney General loudly shouted, Sergeant! We’ve no time to wait for the ambulances. Those wounded men have to get to a hospital now. Help them onto my chopper for immediate departure. I’m sending over one more. They must be evacuated at once.

God bless you Livingstone. I’ll never be able to thank you enough. There are others on the boat…With children…Down below. Not all of us made it though, Steven sighed.

Soldiers are on their way now to get them out. I’ll see you later in the hospital my old friend. You men there! Take the Prime Minister over to my chopper on the double. And be careful with him. See that he’s put on with those two other wounded. Turning now, to Dr. Foxing and Tim, the Attorney General asked them if they were alright.

I’m a doctor and yes we are fine, thank you Sir. We must go see to the children. Some of them were injured in a motor vehicle accident but I’m sure they can wait for the ambulances to arrive, replied Dr. Foxing.

How is he? Steven asked Bruce when he got to the helicopter.

It doesn’t look good, replied Bruce. He needs emergency surgery fast.

Jack opened his eyes a crack. At first, all was a blur. Then, slowly, he began to recognize Steven’s face gazing down upon him as Steven tightly clasped his hand.

It’s alright son. We’ll have you fixed up in no time.

Jack slipped back into unconsciousness.

As the helicopter was lifting off with the wounded men, the United States Coast Guard was removing all passengers from the tug. They included a large group of children who had been secured down below for their own safety. Suddenly, a strikingly attractive woman broke through the crowd, half stumbling, in the direction of the Attorney General.

Jack! Jack! Where are you? she cried, desperately looking around.

Can I help you? asked Livingstone Richwaters.

My partner. Jack. Do you know where he is?

He is with the Prime Minister and another man. They were all wounded in the fighting and are on the way to the hospital in my helicopter.

Oh no! cried Dorrissa. How badly is he hurt?

I’m not sure. But I promise you he’s in good hands. He’ll receive the best of medical attention. Eying the woman discreetly he asked, You must be Dorrissa. I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re one hell of a brave woman.

You’re Attorney General Richwaters? Steven has spoken very highly of you. Please Sir, I must see Jack.

It won’t be long now. I expect enough ambulances to arrive for you all very shortly. It’s really amazing, added the Attorney General, looking at the rescued group as they were coming ashore. I never believed I’d see real children escape from Canada. The President will be thrilled."

Excuse me Sir? said a soldier standing at attention. We found a body in the Pilot House. It’s over there covered up. A Dr. Foxing, who is with these people, has identified him as skipper of the vessel. He said he was a native Canadian.

There can’t be many of them left. Very well Corporal. The President will be notifying the Canadian authorities of this incident directly. I’ll let him know. Has the Coast Guard cutter commander finished his report about the scene of the wreckage as to whether or not any human remains were found?

Not as yet Sir? replied the corporal.

Keep me posted. That is all.

Attorney General Sir?

Yes Sergeant.

I have the President on the line.

Good. Excuse me Dorrissa. I mustn’t keep the President waiting. It shouldn’t be long before…

At that precise moment the ambulances needed to transport everyone to the hospital arrived.

Oh, here they are now, said Attorney General Richwaters. They’ll have you at the hospital in no time. I expect to be there myself later this evening. Steven Laurence is a very old and dear friend of mine. I hope to see you then and we can talk more. I can’t wait to hear your story. Give my regards to your Jack and the other man. I pray you receive good news upon your arrival. I must go now. Bless you.

Thank you Attorney General. I look forward to talking with you later.

On hearing her name, Dorrissa turned around.

Dorrissa, Dorrissa, called Becka, who, standing in the midst of the children, began waving wildly once she had spotted her. Have you seen Bruce?

It all began innocently enough, on a Saturday morning five years earlier in the year 2149. It was late in the fall and daylight was reluctant to emerge. The weather forecast had said it was to be a cloudy grey day with possible showers. The siren, of which every residence had one, sounded a wake up call at precisely seven a.m. Jack 1145A12 rubbed the sleep from his drowsy eyes. He smiled affectionately at his partner Dorrissa 172A12 lying beside him. Jack was positively enamored by Dorrissa. They had been together for nine years. Jack and Dorrissa were both Crehus which was the common term given for created human beings. They had been test tube babies and were both conceived at birthing labs, coincidentally, in the year 2104. As no one celebrated birthdays anymore, the day and the month were irrelevant. Not that they knew the dates anyway. It only mattered that they were both now in their forty-fifth year of life.

Dorrissa casually stretched and grinned at Jack as she caught the loving stare that seemed to make his eyes sparkle and dance.

Hey sleepy head, time to get up, said Jack, as he maneuvered his arm in such a way as to deliver a playful poke.

Ouch, now you’re in for it. I’ll make you pay.

Jack laughed, Promises, promises.

Dorrissa was a devastatingly beautiful woman, especially now in middle age. Her long, honey-colored, blonde hair complimented indigo blue eyes. A slight pug nose, full pursed lips, and dainty ears that continually played hide and seek with you, completed the picture. She was definitely a looker.

Oh, it’s too gloomy to get up today, said Dorrissa. Furthermore, it’s Saturday. How about if we pretend it’s night time?

We can’t do that, stated Jack. Don’t forget we have a new boarder arriving at noon. Besides, the government deems it slothful to sleep in, he said, lightheartedly. I’m kind of hungry too, he added with cleverness.

Jack thrust himself into a sitting position. He was tall, lean, and muscular with brown hair, green eyes, and a ruddy complexion combining sharp chiseled features that bordered on majestic. An almost constant smile, permeating his lips, would charm all onlookers in his presence. They were an attractive pair by anyone’s standards. Dorrissa propped herself up on one elbow and kissed Jack gently on the cheek. He closed his eyes and let her scent engulf him.

Shall I make breakfast, handsome? she asked, tousling his hair.

I’d love that. I’m famished.

Dorrissa rose and walked casually to the chair by the bureau where she had placed her robe. Turning and cocking her head to one side, she saw that Jack had been watching. She puckered her lips and wiggled her rear in a haughty manner as she grasped the robe.

Jack….Watching? He couldn’t take his eyes off her. So long and slender, with legs that climbed to the very height of her navel, she was gorgeous. How he wished he could pretend it was night time. Damn that boarder he thought.

Dorrissa threw back her head and laughed impishly as she donned her robe, ascertaining that she had read his thoughts quite accurately. Very proud of her figure, Dorrissa was thankful for the gene pool she came from.

Gotcha, she said, and laughed as she turned to leave the room.

Jack leaned back and reminisced about life before Dorrissa. He had been partnered with three other women previous to meeting Dorry, as he liked to call her. The last woman was Celeste. He was quite fond of Celeste and assumed they would be life partners. But it was not to be. When his rating advanced from C to A, Celeste’s remained stationary and by law they were required to separate. An A rank was the highest a Crehu could obtain other than the addition of a plus symbol which signified the very top level of government. All partners were required by law to be the same rank.

An A rank came with every privilege imagined. A real house with a yard, furnished lavishly with state-of-the-art appliances and your own car. You had freedom to come and go as you please, including in and out of the country. No curfews. You had admission into all the best restaurants. Everything a person could possibly dream of. Both Jack and Dorrissa, with a mixture of hard work and sheer determination, had obtained this rank by age thirty six, far earlier than many.

Your name, number and rank, along with your picture, were required by law to be worn in full view on an identity card when not in your residence. A red maple leaf under your photograph signified you had the right to travel outside of the country. The letter D beside it gave you the right to drive. The back of the card contained a holograph of your thumb print for additional identification. It could even be used to charge purchases and pay bills.

Jack was #1145A12. The number one meant that he was a first generation Crehu. The next three numbers, 145, signified that he was the 145th person to be named Jack in the year that he was created. The last two digits, number 12, referred to the year of his creation. Considering the first year for created humans was 2093, and Jack was created in 2104, he was a 12. No one had a last name. They were deemed to be irrelevant and had been discarded. Jack had attained a high level job at the Rank Institute-Hillcrest Division. He sat on a panel with other government employees and they reviewed people in regard to raising or lowering their rank in society. Dorrissa had a prominent position in a birthing lab. Her rank allowed for top clearance with total access to every aspect of the entire operation.

The house they lived in was part of a remote upscale neighborhood surrounded by a green bank (which had been the term for a wide strip of undeveloped land) sixty miles from the city. It was a four bedroom bungalow on a quarter acre lot in a community of homes which were built in the mid to late 1900’s. All single homes within city limits had long been demolished, replaced by high rise living centers and industries. In these vast cities was where the majority of Crehus worked and lived. They resided in spaces. SPACES – (commonly called space or spaces) stood for Special People Accommodation City Existence Sites.

Honey, breakfast is ready, called Dorrissa.

I’m coming.

Better hurry up. Don’t forget the institute is sending us a new boarder today, she mocked.

I know. Sloan 2168T36.

By 2075 the majority of Canadians were choosing not to conceive children. The ones still being born, usually in lower class communities, were prone to gang membership, violence and vandalism. The country began clamoring for real justice and an end to the lawlessness and criminal activity. On hearing this outcry the government believed it to be a mandate for change. Medical advances had made possible the procreation of life by growing a human fetus, full term, inside an artificial womb in a laboratory. With the population in steady decline, the situation called for drastic measures. The government commenced searching for ‘a solution’.

Jack walked into the kitchen as Dorrissa removed two trays from the oven. All food was purchased at food allocation areas and came frozen, canned or prepackaged. Fresh food was only found at farm centers, child rearing centers, or high class restaurants. The night sky had finally been expunged, captured instead, by a misty horizon. The kitchen light reflected off the large stand up freezer and helped to brighten up the room. Jack sat at the table.

Bacon and eggs, or sausages and pancakes? asked Dorrissa.

I’ll have waffles and syrup. No, on second thought I’ll have waffles and ice cream. Chocolate, replied Jack, feeling highly amused with himself.

Dorrissa glowered at him before answering. Fine, make it yourself. All this hard work slaving over a hot stove, she joked, has given me a ravenous appetite. I shall devour all of this, no problem.

Truce, truce, I beg of you, bantered Jack, humorously.

Forget it. It’s eggs on pancakes for you.

Ooh, yuck.

Jack and Dorrissa discussed the weather and the coming of winter while they ate their breakfast. They talked about the trip that needed to be made to the city with Sloan the following day. He had to be carded before starting employment on Monday morning. Dorrissa mentioned she was having some problems with a few new girls who seemed to be brash and unmotivated in the performance of their duties. Jack believed they would better themselves with further guidance. It would just be a matter of time. Upon finishing his bacon and eggs, lucky that Dorrissa had taken pity on him, Jack remarked out loud, Bacon and eggs, how I wish they were fresh not frozen. Just like the ones at the farm center we had this past summer.

Weren’t they yummy, squealed Dorrissa, eyes wide in reminiscence. Every morning for two weeks we couldn’t get enough of them could we?

Don’t forget the mouth-watering steak and scrumptious fish. Fresh not frozen, said Jack.

Oh stop. I’ve just finished eating and now you’ve given me a craving, replied Dorrissa.

I miss having real cream in my coffee, stated Jack.

Enough already. By the way, we’re out of canned milk and you’ll have to have your coffee black. Sorry, she smiled. Do you ever wonder what it would have been like if we had been raised purposely to be government farm center workers? Just think of getting to eat fresh food every day and to be around animals all the time, she added.

Jack and Dorrissa had been taking farm center holidays for the past few years. Two weeks in July and always at a different location. They would also take two weeks at a cottage up north, usually a week at a time. They had only been out of the country for vacation on two separate instances. Dorrissa loved all animals very much. The government considered domestic ones a nuisance, irrelevant and wasteful. The importance of food production was too valuable to include pet food. Pets were banned in the principal population as a result. Jack hadn’t heard what Dorrissa had said. He had been thinking about the boarder, Sloan, coming that afternoon. He did not want to share his life with Dorrissa with anyone. He had taken more than enough boarders under his wing over the years and didn’t relish the thought of another one. But what could he do?

Jack, did you hear me? Jack, Dorrissa repeated. She reached out her hands and clapped them briskly.

Oh…ah…I’m sorry. What did you say Dorry?

Dorrissa reiterated what she had said.

Whoa, just a minute now, replied Jack. Those farm workers have a hard life. Up before daybreak, not finished until well after dark, they work year round in all kinds of inclement weather. I’m certainly glad my genes didn’t end up in that selection. We couldn’t ask for a better life than we’re living.

Jack knew the government was not as high and mighty as it proclaimed to be. Climbing up through the ranks he had witnessed many distasteful things but he was no fool. He knew where his bread was buttered. On a farm center, he smiled to himself, and wisely kept his thoughts private.

I suppose you’re right, replied Dorrissa. No, I know you’re right. It’s just that I wish …"

Don’t forget Dorry, interjected Jack, our dream. Remember our dream. Focus on our dream. The way things are going, and the money we are saving, we’re sure to be able to retire when we are fifty. That’s only five years away. With our rank we’d be approved by the government to rent a small hobby farm or cottage up north somewhere.

I know. I’m not forgetting.

Jack continued. People retired and allowed to move up north can own animals. We could have a small garden. There are no sirens to rule your life. We can get up when we want, go to bed when we want. Even if one of us has our rank raised to A+ or A++, we can still be together. You know it’s only a change in the letter that would force us to become unpartnered. Unless of course, you decide to leave me some day of your own accord, Jack kidded.

No never. Not ever my Darling, Dorrissa protested. She got up from the table and threw her arms around Jack to squeeze him tightly. Of course you’re right. I’ll always be with you, she whispered in his ear, nibbling delicately on the lobe.

Suddenly she pulled back. Placing her hand on Jack’s chin, raising it so their eyes would meet, she said, It’s a good thing the government can’t see how much we care for each other. It could jeopardize our A ratings.

Jack didn’t reply right away. He nodded his head in agreement thinking not only that but they would give us different ranks just for spite.

Dorrissa, said Jack finally, firmly and directly, you’ve got to promise me something.

What? Dorrissa replied, wary of his tone of voice.

Promise you’ll be careful never to show this kind of affection to me in public, okay?

I promise.

By 2078 the birthrate was exceedingly down. Increased immigration, which had once been the solution, wasn’t working anymore. Even new immigrants didn’t want to have children. With people unwilling to procreate, the government determined they must do it for them. This could be done by passing legislation requiring all healthy adults to provide egg and semen samples and preserving them in state-of-the-art frozen cell bank repositories. Human cloning had previously been outlawed. Creating test tube babies seemed to be the logical answer. But they couldn’t force people to raise children. That would not produce responsible, well adjusted adults. The government would have to do this also.

But how could they keep natural born children from later association with government raised children and possibly contaminating their values? They couldn’t. The only clear way to stop this from happening would be by preventing natural childbirth. After giving this much thought, the government secretively decided to try and develop a serum that, upon injection, would destroy a person’s reproductive organs.

In 2080 a law was passed requiring all persons between eighteen and forty years of age to donate two reproductive samples to one of three centralized cell bank repositories that had been built in 2079. This was done on the pretext of safeguarding the country’s reproductive capabilities. Government deception explained the purpose of the repositories as being able to accommodate coupled partners that wished to have children in the future, the ability to do so. They said studies showed people’s reproductive systems were being detrimentally affected in part by long term consumption of genetically modified foods, environmental contamination and pollution. They also told everyone that scientists were working on a new serum to counteract this. Everyone would then be vaccinated without worry of future reproductive problems.

Jack poured himself a cup of coffee.

Want to smoke a number? he asked Dorrissa.

No thanks. I really want to tidy up and have a shower before the new boarder arrives. I hope he’s easier to get along with than that Karen bitch they sent us last time.

Jack chuckled to himself. Ah, Karen he thought. She was a real piece of work. At first she seemed rather pleasant, always saying please and thank you. He remembered her saying, "Your home is so beautiful. I could live here forever."

Within less than a month her real personality emerged. Karen was a slob, plain and simple. The kitchen was always a mess when she left it and her bathroom fared no better. Only average looking at best, she developed the habit of sitting around on weekends dowdy and unkempt. The final straw came one day when they overheard her talking on the phone in an unrelenting and catty manner about the people she lived with. Jack filed a report with the Rank Institute. At a subsequent hearing she was downgraded to an F, sent to live in a space in the city, and work at a factory.

In 2083, the last year of natural childbirth, scientists made their breakthrough and the government realized its objective. The new Rod serum, better known as the Rod shot (which secretly stood for Reproductive Organ Destruction but was referred to as Reproductive Organ Defense) was administered to everyone over eighteen. All persons under that age had to receive it within a week of their eighteenth birthday. Anyone failing to do so would be tracked down, arrested, and sent to prison. Vaccinations that were given to women contained an aborting solution that would terminate any child being carried in the womb. There was wide-spread panic across the country when a simultaneous occurrence of miscarriages took place. The government feigned ignorance but promised to investigate leaving no stone unturned. As time wore on, and no new natural childbirths were happening, it was unanimously determined that the whole population over the age of eighteen had become sterile.

Even though most were not interested in having children, all were outraged that they couldn’t. What started as a miniscule outcry had turned into a groundswell. A new political party, called the Peoples Party, was formed in 2086 as a consequence to the turmoil caused by the Rod shot. No one knew of the government’s hideous intention in developing the serum. The scientists who devised this catastrophic substance were made scapegoats and the public were told that they had been sent to an Artic prison compound. The government, once they knew the serum worked and not about to take any chances, had gotten rid of them well before the Rod shot was even administered. They were never heard from again. Unfortunately for the country, no one knew or even dreamed how much the new Peoples Party would change the face of society.

Jack took his coffee and sat in the living room. He opened a drawer in the side table by the couch and pulled out a bag of grass. Decriminalized in 2014 and legalized in 2017, it became a tax windfall for the government replacing tobacco which, the use of, was ruled illegal by 2020. He rolled a joint and leisurely placed it between his lips. Although it was readily available to digest in many forms there were lots of people who still enjoyed this old-fashioned method of indulgence. Jack was one of them.

Taking his coffee out onto the balcony, Jack lit up. He sighed as the smoke entered his lungs and watched as leaves fell spiraling down from fruit trees planted many years earlier. A new breed developed from genetically modified grafts designed to withstand pests and disease they had yet to come to fruition. It seemed the government, he laughed at the intended pun, was still trying to ‘work out the bugs’. Jack lay back on a settee and smiled as he took another toke. Boy, if the government ever wanted to pacify people and create a laid back society, they sure hit the nail on the head when they legalized this stuff, he thought.

In 2088 the Peoples Party took power becoming the Peoples Government. During the previous five years the former government had steadfastly collected reproductive samples and administered the Rod shot to everyone attaining the age of eighteen. Once in power, the Peoples Government decided to continue this procedure while they studied their options. In the end, for the sake of uniformity and equality so they said, it was carried on. Within another thirteen years, by 2101 they reasoned, all natural born Canadians would have received it, all would be sterile, and the country would be on a level playing field.

Costs associated with building three large cell repositories, the collection of cell samples and statistics, along with ongoing maintenance had all taken a huge financial toll. Taxes rose dramatically in the two years prior to the formation of the Peoples Party and they came to power with a promise to lower taxes. In a clandestine closed door session the government decided to implement a purging of thirty-three percent of existing cell samples as a cost saving measure. This had to be done in a way that would not garner disapproval or lower their public esteem. All samples and corresponding files deemed by them to be least desirable would be transferred to a single location. Once completed, the repository would be blown up with the blame placed on terrorists.

When this took place, in 2089, the government feigned horror, shock, disbelief and finally outrage. Complete control must be taken and taken now! they had said. The War Measures Act was proclaimed. All borders were closed, civil rights suspended, non-citizens expelled and the army called out. By no coincidence, upcoming elections were also postponed. All security measures deemed necessary would be taken to protect the remaining two cell repositories.

With the implementation of the War Measures Act and the power that it yielded, the government, after short contemplation, inaugurated change. Canada was made up of provinces and each province had a provincial as well as many municipal governments. Long a thorn in the side of the Federal government, it was time for them all to be abolished. Using the War Measures Act, the provinces along with all lesser forms of government were dissolved. One country only required one government. Cost savings would go towards much needed government projects such as child creation. From now on the Peoples Government would collect all taxes and administer all laws. The Prime Minister, Mr. Philip Jefferts, a Torontonian born and bred, abandoned Ottawa and moved his cabinet ministers into the former Ontario Parliament Buildings at Queen’s Park.

In 2090 birthing labs were built throughout the country. Not only could the population level be controlled, but the population itself would be controlled. There would be an end to juvenile vandalism and crime. Children would be raised not only by strict government standards but also to perform specific jobs in society thus guaranteeing one hundred percent employment in the workforce. Legislation was also passed making the government sole inheritor of a person’s estate. They were, after all, looking after everyone now from birth until death. Because no one was having children anymore the government was now your next of kin. Most of the country was in complete agreement. The children presently growing up in families would be the last. Being in the nation’s best interest, the government believed the public would embrace this idea provided it was presented properly. It was and they did.

The siren sounded in the Yorkton Child Rearing Center. All lights came on simultaneously with a loud thud. Sloan 2168T36 abruptly sprang from his bed and proceeded to dress. Looking around the room, he watched as other Crehus readied themselves for breakfast. No one said a word. That was how they were raised.

Schooling was dusk to dawn. Talking in class was prohibited. Education was for twenty one years, English was the only language taught. Children learned on virtual reality computer programs administered by teachmasters. When older, they would work in classrooms designed for the type of work they would eventually perform.

Sloan was a second generation Crehu created in a birthing lab in 2128. His donor cells came from two Crehus who were eighteen years of age at the time with their identity known only to government lab workers. All Crehus were given a T at birth which stood for temporary. In Sloan’s eighteenth year he submitted two cell samples and received the Rod injection. Now in his twenty-first year he would be introduced into society. No partnering was allowed to take place before the age of twenty-five, at which time the rank of T would be substituted by another.

Although the facility was called a child rearing center, Sloan was certainly no child. Strong and stocky, with curly black hair and hazel eyes, he had spent his entire life here, never out of the compound. The only adults he had seen were resident teachmasters and government employees.

By 2092, birthing labs had been built on the outskirts of every city in the country. The first Crehus were conceived that year, reaching full term in 2093. Donor cells of similar characteristics were matched together. The best ratings were groomed for high level government jobs. Sloan’s cells were of this type. The lowest ratings were reserved for the menial jobs in society. Child rearing centers were built beside birthing labs and both facilities were guarded and contained in massively fenced compounds with state-of-the-art security features that included closed circuit cameras. Fearful of adult contamination, no one could leave until twenty-one. Only teachmasters, employees, and government overseers were allowed entry. Subjects that pertained to the child’s chosen career were taught. History was declared redundant and discarded. Only the history of the Peoples Government was taught, ‘Crafted’ in their own image. Religion was banned. Anything pertaining to it confiscated and destroyed. Children only needed to know government, being the supreme entity, as creator of all.

While young, both children and teachmasters were continually being moved around so that no bonds of lasting friendship formed. The government would be their only bond. In their tenth year the sexes were separated. Unable to curtail the raging hormones of youth, a blind eye was turned to same sex relationships. At least pregnancy could not result and that was all that mattered. It was the government’s view that such relationships were perhaps a meaningless source of fun and a way of relieving tension, thus giving the young Crehus future experience for partnering.

Sloan finished dressing. By now, everyone had departed for the eating area to consume breakfast. He didn’t care. He was glad to be leaving today. Twenty one years in this place was more than enough. He was a man now, albeit a loner, and had turned out just as the government had imagined he would. In all the time Sloan had spent growing up amongst different groups of children, the teachmasters had been thorough in the compliance of their duties. Government rules and regulations being what they were, the adults in charge intervened whenever they saw him about to cultivate a relationship with another Crehu. Either he or the other child would be moved elsewhere. It was only during his teenage years that he was cut a bit of slack. The die, unfortunately, had already been cast. He was who he was.

It was when Sloan transferred to the top floor, where all Crehus find themselves in their twenty-first year, that he first met Trent. Their attraction to each other had been dynamic. But Trent had left for the city more than a month before. He had been processed for a life in the medical field and was now practicing that profession. Sloan had been groomed for high level government service. He would be sent to live temporarily with a partnered host couple in a real house outside of the city and meet them for the first time today.

Hey!

Sloan looked up. It was Tim 225S23, (S for scholastic) a surly little man new to teachmastering and pompously authoritative.

Daydream any longer and you can forget about breakfast.

I’m coming! I was just getting my things together.

You can do that later. Gonna’ miss you Sloany-boy, last day an’ all. Hardly got to know you, said Tim, exhibiting a scurrilous smile.

Thank Government for small mercies, thought Sloan.

What’s on the menu today?

Leftovers, laughed Tim, as he turned and walked away.

Just like you, replied Sloan, under his breath making sure Tim couldn’t hear him. I can’t wait to blow this place, he said to himself, as he proceeded down the hall to the eating area.

Hey. It’s Sloaner the Moaner, one of the kids bellowed upon his entrance.

Shame shame I know your name, Sloan thought. I’ll look him up in the future when I’m settled. He looked at the clock on the wall as he sat down for breakfast. 7:38 a.m. He smiled. Less than four hours to go.

By the time the country’s birthing labs started creating the first Crehus, the government was reasonably sure of complete control over the future population but desired an individual safety measure to hedge their bet. This was done with the invention of the DAD microchip - (commonly called Dad Chip) which stood for D.N.A. Activation and Disclosure. In 2101 when the first group of Crehus reached their eighth year, a Dad Chip was surgically implanted in their left armpit. This would be used for future monitoring of a Crehu if need be. After reaching adulthood, upon introduction to society, with a flick of a switch, all Crehus could now be watched and have their every move traced.

Only a few of the upper echelon in government knew the real terminology for it. It was a well guarded secret. They classified it as D.N.A. Activation and Destruction. In a worst case scenario, a high frequency microwave could target a specific D.N.A. makeup and cause that unique, one-of-a-kind, microchip to break down and dissolve. This would release an irremediable toxic poison resulting in instantaneous death.

Painless and untraceable, the death would resemble a heart attack. Autopsies were now obsolete, having been deemed needless expenditures. Everyone knew of the chip for monitoring Crehus and accepted the importance of it. Only a select few cabinet ministers and the Crehu monitoring center managers knew the finality of high frequency microwaves. For any non-law abiding Crehu, instead of the high cost of Artic imprisonment, this would indeed be their ‘final solution’.

After showering and getting dressed, Dorrissa rejoined Jack in the living room.

Ready for a number? he asked.

Not now. The new boarder will be here in a few hours and you shouldn’t be getting stoned either.

Oh yes, first impressions and all, eh?

Jack, being in a pleasant state of mind, watched as Dorrissa sank into the oversized armchair across from him. Crossing her legs on a matching footstool, she let out a sigh of contentment.

I have a surprise for you tonight, quipped Jack.

What?

You’ll see later.

Come on Jack, don’t do that to me.

Do what? Jack asked in delighted innocence.

You know very well that I feel a surprise is only good when it happens and the longer the anticipation the less of a surprise, Dorrissa responded.

Knowing a good retreat when he saw one, Jack said, I’m going to be on the media screen tonight.

Are you kidding? said Dorrissa, her curiosity peaking.

I’m going to be on the Crime Channel. The government busted a Family Survival Group on Friday morning. Apparently they had been monitoring this lady for some time and a raid was carried out. They caught seven of them all together. You should have seen the stuff they confiscated.

Dorrissa was sitting on the edge of her seat motionless, eyes bulging, mouth agape. She had heard of these groups, though only through gossip. No one she knew had ever seen proof of their existence. Jack, seeing Dorrissa so affected, became more excited.

Up until now the government always prosecuted these people in secrecy. It was their contention that any publicity of these groups could lead to more of them being formed. Unfortunately the reverse seemed to be the case. People getting involved out of sheer curiosity are being brainwashed, with more and more becoming converts. The government has now decided to expose them to the whole country and let everyone see the consequences they will suffer.

But what stuff? What did they confiscate?

They had books, films, things on history from long ago. I’ve heard about it, but never seen it until now. There were old television shows about families. One was called Leave it to Beaver, another Little House on the Prairie. They also had children’s books and stories. Dick and Jane or something, I don’t know. I had to go verify and document them. Everything was videotaped and destroyed. What they did is even worse than tobacco smuggling. They will all be downgraded to a Z rating.

What will happen to them? Dorrissa asked showing concern.

We all know Z stands for zero and that’s their apparent worth now. They are being held in a containment fortification right at this moment. But come Monday morning, they’ll be off to Hotel California.

Hotel California. That was a slang name given to the Artic prison compounds. The head of the Supreme Court coined that name after a century old song he remembered hearing when he was a boy that stated, ‘you can go there but you can never leave’. People sent there were never heard from again and that suited the law abiding population just fine. Family Survival Groups, given that term by the government, existed to remind people what it was like before birthing labs and child rearing centers. They would show films and read books in underground gatherings. These groups consisted of people who wanted to reverse the direction that the country had taken by bringing families and natural childbirth back into mainstream society. They would try, using any means necessary the government believed, to recruit others into their groups and win them over.

The Peoples Government considered these groups to be antagonistic and hostile towards them, undermining everything they were trying to accomplish. It was the government’s opinion that Family Survival Groups were made up of dangerous radicals who posed a most perilous threat to their administration. Anyone found involved in such a group would be given no tolerance and exiled to an Artic prison compound. The government had always worried about the formation of such groups. It had been decided long ago to remove children from the entire population so the longings of motherhood, parenting and natural procreation would wane and eventually disappear. Simply put, the government did not want people to have children around. For this reason, all television, movies, or anything pertaining to or showing children or families in any form was decreed unlawful and banned.

The front entrance buzzer shattered the silence as it blared over the loudspeaker. Jack and Dorrissa were contemplating lunch at the time.

I’ll get it, said Dorrissa, rising from her chair. As she walked down the hall, she passed a potted fern and made a mental note to herself that it could use a good watering. Upon opening the door, she saw a rather attractive young man standing before her. Black curly hair poked out from under a cream colored fedora that was pushed back and tilted sideways at a precarious angle atop his head. Piercing hazel eyes, dimpled chin and a full sensuous mouth completed the picture.

Hi, come on in. My name is Dorrissa. Welcome to our home. Just put your bags down here for now and I’ll take your coat and hat.

Sloan, not uttering a single word, stepped in and placed two suitcases on the floor beside the wall. Dorrissa, thinking this seemed quite strange, closed the door behind him, took his coat and hat and put them in the hall closet.

We’ll leave your things in the foyer for a minute. Come and meet my partner.

Sloan followed Dorrissa down the hall, passing an alcove containing two burning candles that rested on a mantle. A large picture of the Peoples Government showing all the cabinet ministers sat between them. Upon entering the large, lavishly furnished living room, Sloan’s eyes bugged out at the sight of the luxurious surroundings.

This is my partner Jack, said Dorrissa, as Jack rose from his seat to greet the new boarder.

My name is Sloan 2168T36, said the stranger, with a seemingly, pathetic indifference.

No need to be so formal. We go by names, rather than numbers, in this house, said Jack, as he smiled graciously, extending his hand in welcome. Sloan vacantly stared at the hand. With a look of remembrance flashing across his face he reached into his back pocket, pulled out an envelope, and placed it into Jack’s outstretched hand.

Here are my papers.

Jack looked at the envelope. It was addressed, Jack 1145A12 & Dorrissa 172A12 Personal and Confidential.

Why don’t we all have a seat, Jack suggested.

The refusal of a handshake bothered him. After reading the contents thoroughly he said, Well Sloan, everything seems to be in order. I have to take you to the city tomorrow and get you an identity card so you will be ready for work on Monday morning. I was thinking …

I’d like to come too, Dorrissa interrupted with excitement. It’s been an unbelievably long time since I was there last and I think I’d like to indulge myself and do some window shopping.

Window shopping? questioned Jack, wearing a half mischievous smile.

Hearing problem? was the saucy, obstinate retort.

Welcome to the real world Sloan, said Jack, still trying to gauge the manner of their new boarder.

Could you show me where my space is occupied?

We don’t call them spaces here, Sloan. We call them rooms. First we’ll grab your bags. Your room is just down the hall, said Dorrissa.

And space isn’t occupied here. It’s us that occupy space, replied Jack.

You don’t say, Dorrissa muttered at Jack’s wit, as she left the room with Sloan in tow.

Jack leaned forward and rested his head in his hands, elbows on his knees. He rubbed his thumb and forefinger back and forth over the unshaven stubble on his chin and entered into deep thought. A puzzled look came over his face. Who was this man, this Crehu, Sloan 2168T36? He’d only been in this room for a few minutes but his mannerisms seemed abrupt and unfriendly. There is something, I’m not quite sure he thought, but something. I just can’t seem to put my finger on it.

It bothered Jack to think that he had to share his home with a person that made him feel, not afraid, but uneasy. Unfortunately, most residents of homes were obligated to take in boarders, upon their departure from child rearing facilities, who were destined for swift rising in the ranks. These recently graduated Crehus needed to be introduced to society gradually. Still, he thought, this is not the first time we’ve hosted boarders. In the previous eight years there have been close to two dozen passing through our home. Jack looked out the window. The sun was trying to break through. He felt the roughness of his whiskers which made a scratching noise as his fingertips rubbed them. He knew what he must do in order to size Sloan up. He had to mentally feel him out and search for his hidden personality.

This will be your room while you’re living with us, Dorrissa announced briskly. Clean bedding is in the closet and there is a dresser for your clothes. You’ve never seen a real antique wooden dresser before I’d wager. Both it and the closet are lined with red cedar and give off a most exquisite aroma. The bathroom down the hall is all yours. We have our own en suite off our bedroom. I’ll leave you to get organized now. Are you hungry? Jack and I were thinking of having some lunch.

No, I’m fine.

Very well then, when you are ready to see the rest of the house or if you have any questions you’d like answered, we will be in the living room. See you later.

Later, said Sloan, as he placed his luggage on the floor. Cool. My own bathroom he thought.

Dorrissa returned to the living room and was about to sit down beside Jack when he suddenly rose and moved towards the window, motioning for her to follow.

I don’t like it, he said, in a low whisper that only she could hear. First impressions were very important to Jack and something about Sloan seemed to arouse a feeling of great anxiety in him.

What do you think of Sloan? he said, emphasizing the word you.

It’s hard to tell yet. I will admit there is a certain aloofness about him that irritates me, but perhaps he is just shy. This being his first day away from the only life he has ever known and been accustomed to. Why don’t we give him the benefit of doubt and see what develops?

Maybe you’re right. I just don’t know. We’d better keep our wits about us though. I’m having bad vibes about this and I’ll most definitely be glad when he’s gone.

After a light lunch, Jack and Dorrissa retired to the living room to idly lounge in front of the media screen, the modern day television set. It was the full height of a wall, just as wide, and the picture was completely three dimensional. It was also a two-way monitor that gave government the ability to interrupt programming at any time and come directly into their living quarters to see and converse with them. The potential of that happening, although rare, was enough to keep any Crehu on their toes. Most telephones and computers also had two-way viewing capability. Content for all channels was prescribed and regulated by the government. These consisted of the Crime Channel, news and weather channels, learning channels, comedy and relationship channels (same sex and opposite sex programming) and movie channels. There were also sports channels and government information channels.

After watching tomorrow’s weather forecast (mix of rain and cloud), Jack turned to the Crime Channel. The purpose of this channel was not only to replace, for the most part, the justice system of courts and trials but also to keep the public in line by remembering that, But for the Grace of Government go I.

C’mon Jack. Let’s not spoil a nice day.

The video of that Family Survival Group should be on tonight. I wouldn’t want to miss it.

Gee wiz Jack. It’s just reruns now. Nothing new comes on the media screen until eight. That is when you will get to see whether or not you’re as good looking as you think you are, Dorrissa teased.

What d’ya mean? Jack questioned in pouting protest. Well, I guess we could surf through the movie channels.

Now you’re talking!

After arranging his personal effects, Sloan strolled to the bathroom stopping to look at the different pictures hanging in the hall on the way. The door was open. There were no surprises here. He sensed there would be a bathtub. He had never seen a real one before. There were only showers at the child rearing facility. Sloan locked the door and quickly shed his clothes. He ascertained a moderate temperature, stepped in and sat down. Staying for almost a full ninety minutes, he was truly in paradise.

Looking up from the screen, Jack glimpsed Sloan as he rounded the corner.

Hey, come on in and grab a seat, he said, in the friendliest voice he could muster. We’re just catching a flick. It should be over momentarily.

Sloan eased himself into an oversized hi-back and saw that they were watching some kind of outer space adventure. Dorrissa said hi. He and the other students back at the center were rarely given the time to watch movies.

When it was finished, Dorrissa took him on a tour of the house. Off the kitchen was a dining room that, in turn, led into a gathering room containing over-stuffed couches and chairs and had a sound system for listening to music. There was also a main floor laundry room. The basement consisted of an exercise room, built in sauna, washroom with a shower, and a walk-out patio to the backyard.

Sloan was profoundly impressed. He had never imagined that Crehus could live like this. What a sheltered life his had been. He then and there resolved to work long and hard to achieve, or rather surmount, this lifestyle. Wanting it so bad he could taste it, and it tasted sweet.

That evening, after a dinner that was awkward in terms of conversation, the three of them huddled in front of the media screen. Jack had tuned in to the Crime Channel.

Sloan, Jack asked, have you ever watched the Crime Channel?

"I watched it whenever I could. It’s my favorite reality show. The motto being, said our head teachmaster, A lesson taught, a lesson learned."

I see. Well… I have a surprise for you, for us all, tonight.

Jack went on to tell Sloan about what had happened on Friday. Sloan hadn’t heard of Family Survival Groups. They were never mentioned in child rearing centers. Even adults had only heard rumors of their existence. Tonight, for the first time, the whole country would see one of them being arrested.

It’s on! Dorrissa yelled in excitement.

They watched astoundingly as government controllers, which was what law enforcement personnel were now called, stormed the basement of a building. Four females and three males were taken into custody. Two of the males resisted and were beaten savagely into submission. It was all very repulsive.

Oh My Government! cried out Dorrissa. I know that lady.

What? Jack exclaimed.

Sloan averted his eyes from the screen and gazed upon Dorrissa in wonderment. Seeing his reaction and quickly realizing the difficulty her statement had placed Jack and herself in, she replied, I don’t really know her. Not socially or anything. Her name is Marge and she works at the food allocation area. She always lets me know what the specials are.

Trying to divert Sloan’s attention from Dorrissa’s original comment, Jack replied, Who will let us know what the specials are now?

An intermingling nervous laughter, although Sloan didn’t join in, helped to change the subject. Turning back to the media screen, they saw Jack mugging for the camera in photogenic splendor.

Hello. This is Ryan 1342N20 (N for newsperson) reporting for the government Crime Channel. I’m here with Jack 1145A12 who is representing the Rank Institute and is documenting evidence against these people. Jack, can you tell me what the controllers have found?

Yes I can Ryan. It appears to be a collection of twentieth century artifacts, all propaganda, created solely for the purpose of establishing a harmonious society that never really existed in the first place.

Uh huh, could you elaborate on that?

Most certainly. There are ancient copies of television shows that were made to let viewers see the pretense of supposedly happy family life with exhibited fun and laughter, joy and togetherness. It is preposterous, dogmatic nonsense. We all know that juvenile crime and violence was rampant back then. Society was facing inevitable doom and the government, in its wisdom, took control of an alarming situation. These people also had books pertaining to families and children. It was all very repugnant by its nature.

Did you get a chance to view the films or look at any of the books?

Apparently the films are being studied as we speak. It’s my understanding that they will be destroyed upon their conclusion and the viewing of them is illegal to anyone other than government judicial officials. I did get a chance to leaf through a couple of books though and their concepts, I must say, were unbelievably ridiculous.

Can you tell me Jack, what will happen to these people?

Yes Ryan. They will be deported to an Artic prison compound and incarcerated for their remaining lifetime. Sufficient to say, it’s a grave penalty.

I think we can surmise a double meaning in the word grave, Jack.

Oh. Did I make a pun? Well never mind. The point being, the punishment fits the crime. Anyone, and I repeat, anyone, apprehended in this sinister activity will face the exact same outcome. Repent or beware!

Thanks very much Jack. Ladies and gentlemen we have just been speaking with Jack 1145A12 from the Rank Institute. Now it’s back to crime control. This is Ryan 1342N20 saying goodnight all.

Jack clicked off the media screen and slammed his fist down on the arm of the couch. Damn, they cut off my goodbye. Quickly regaining his composure he asked, Well folks, what did you think?

Pretty impressive, said Dorrissa.

Interesting, dead panned Sloan. I knew that you must have a fairly high position in government but I didn’t know you worked at the Rank Institute. What’s it like?

Just a job Sloan, just a job, said Jack, as he sat in contentment trying hard to remain stolid and nonchalant. While Jack was leaning towards believing Sloan to be fake and contrived, Sloan considered Jack to be a boor and overtly arrogant. The stage looked to be set and the battle lines seemed to be drawn.

The three conversed for a while longer until Dorrissa declared it was time for her to call it a night. Sloan never acknowledged her leaving and Jack said, Farewell. Yonder lays thy pillow. Go rest ye weary head. Sleep the sleep of the righteous and dream the dreams of greatness. See ya later kiddo.

Jack asked Sloan if he had ever had a beer. Of which the reply was a solid no. Bringing two back from the fridge, he handed one to Sloan, who took a drink. Yuk, how can you drink this stuff?

Relax. It’s a taste you have to acquire. It’s actually quite good for you. They say there’s a steak in every bottle.

You don’t say. Maybe I’ll become a vegetarian.

Did Jack hear right? Did Sloan make a joke? Could he be wrong about him? He was tempted to ask Sloan if he wanted to smoke a joint before they crashed for the night. Perhaps that would be a good way to check him out. Common sense kicked in however, and told him that would be a foolhardy thing to do. Thank Government for common sense, he thought.

Do you want another beer? asked Jack, downing his.

No I’m fine.

What’s the matter? Kissing the bottle?

No I just finished. I think I’d like to go to bed, said Sloan, standing up to leave.

Suit yourself. Hope you don’t miss the other boys too much tonight.

Sloan shot Jack one of those perpetual ~if looks could kill you’d be dead~ glances and then turned his head and briskly walked away. Almost out of the room, he stopped and turned. Speaking to Jack point blank, he asked, What did you mean by that remark?

I was just kidding. It was a joke.

It sounded more like an insinuation to me.

If you thought that I was implying that you like boys you’re wrong. Your sexual persuasion, whatever it may be, is none of my concern. I apologize if you think I was. No harm was intended. Better get some sleep. The siren sounds early.

Sloan turned and walked away.

Goodnight, said Jack, his salutation falling upon empty shadows. Getting up and going to the fridge, Jack opened himself another cold one. Hmm, he protests too loudly methinks. I must have touched a nerve. It just might mean that our new boarder has been bred for the uppermost reaches of power. Jack took his beer outside to smoke a joint. I need to unwind, chill out or something, he thought. He lit the joint and inhaled tremulously, standing in the damp night air. I wish Dorrissa was here he thought. I hate smoking alone.

Sloan hopped into bed and pulled the covers up under his chin. He was wide awake now, more than ever. His mind was racing. What an insolent Crehu of a bitch, he thought. I’ll fix both him and his partner. I can report Dorrissa to the crime commission. I’ll do it anonymously. For all she’ll know, it could’ve been someone from the food allocation area where she shops. But what if she doesn’t know anyone else? They’ll figure out it was me. Not even one day here and I’m informing on my host. That sure won’t look good on my record. I’ll have to bide my time. Why did he even think that? Does it show? No way. I’m much too careful. I’ll get even. Wait and see. He’ll rue the day he insulted me. Just like the mouthy kid back at the center, recalled Sloan.

He had made fun of the affection that Sloan and Trent had shown for each other. One day, when no one was looking, Sloan tripped him going down the stairs. He broke his neck and died instantly. He never meant to kill him. Just break a leg or something. Big deal, rationalized Sloan at the time. The kid got what was coming to him.

And you’ll get yours, Jack, Sloan said, under his breath, soon enough.

What time is it? enquired Dorrissa, in a drowsy tone, finishing with a yawn.

Just after midnight, replied Jack.

Why are you coming to bed so late?

I had some thinking to do. Sorry I woke you.

Oh Jack. If it’s about me knowing that woman, I’m sorry. I never thought…

Relax. Sloan has long forgotten about that. He’s got something new to think about.

What?

The fact I insinuated that he is queer.

Jack! Are you mad? Tell me you didn’t?

"It just popped out, accidentally, sort of. Subconsciously, like I was testing the waters. I really didn’t think about it. But he shook with