Bitopia

By Jodelle Yount

In this first book, Bitopia, a dystopian world is introduced, and we meet the main character, Haley. The Dames are all females, paired with other females; the Sirs are all males, paired with other males. This society also contains the Makers and the Onlookers. The Makers are the small fraction of Bitopia who are heterosexual and produce the babies for the rest of the society. The Onlookers are those who were kicked to the outside for not obeying the rules. They are hunted yearly to keep the population in check. This story details Haley’s life and blossoming romance with another Dame, Abigail. We also learn about Logan, a heterosexual Sir, as he journeys into the world of the Makers. Bitopia entrances readers as they enter another world. Follow the characters as they navigate their path and go against the grain of the civilization unto which they were born.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yount Press
• Release date: Oct 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662936982

Book preview

Part 1

1

Iwoke up to the first streams of light making their way through the lightly dust-covered blinds and onto my bed. I let out a small groan as the unwelcomed beams fell on my half-closed eyelids. After a few more moments of fighting the inevitable I shoved the covers back and placed my feet squarely on the hardwood floors. I stopped just long enough to rub both of my eyes before standing and sleepily heading toward the bathroom for a hot shower. The warmth of the shower was welcomed as I stood under the stream that steadily rolled down my shoulder-length brunette hair and onto my back. Today was an important day. I was in my twenty-first year, and it was testing day. Today decided my fate for the rest of my life. I would soon be enduring the most trying week I had ever had. There was no one that could do this for me; it was up to me. I felt a sense of uneasiness as I slowly lathered my arms and legs. There was a nervous excitement about the upcoming events. After getting out of the shower and drying off I put on my standard-issue black sweats and white T-shirt. I brushed my hair out and put it back in a ponytail and brushed my teeth. I then slipped on my standard black tennis shoes. I took one last look at myself in the mirror before turning to head downstairs. It was time to face the day and whatever it held.

I was greeted as expected by my moms. My nurturing mom Hannah nodded toward my plate at the table that was filled with eggs, avocado, bacon, and fresh fruit. Well how are you feeling today? she asked excitedly.

I’m okay, just a little nervous.

My provider mom Cleo was watching me out of the corner of her eye while slowly sipping her coffee. Are you ready? she finally spoke.

I think so.

She grunted something in response. Cleo didn’t like it when I gave noncommittal answers. She believed in directness and boldness in everything in life. The words I think so didn’t exactly hum with the confidence she required. I wasn’t trying to disappoint her. Those were really the only words I could give her at this point. Hannah didn’t seem to notice. She was busy moving effortlessly about the kitchen. She refilled Cleo’s coffee and then set two plates of food down on the table, one on either side of me.

You’re going to do great honey. You just give it the very best you can. You will end up exactly where you are intended to.

Yes, your mother’s correct. But if you perform at less than what you are capable of, you will end up with someone who is less than deserving of you, Cleo chimed in. When I didn’t say anything, Cleo continued. Haley?

Yes, Mom, I understand. I will give the tests one hundred percent. I will try my absolute best to not let you and Mom down. I looked down at my plate after I had spoken, trying to avoid eye contact with Cleo.

It would not be me who you let down. I don’t want you to let yourself down. I love you, Haley, and I want the best for you. I know what you are capable of, and I just want to see you with the most appropriate match both in occupation and companion.

I nodded in response and finished eating my breakfast. No one was allowed to talk about what actually occurred during the tests. They determined your whole life, but none of the details were to be shared and it was designed that way for a purpose. The testing was meant to challenge every aspect of who you were as a human being. They were made to uncover every weakness, every flaw. You could not hide any part of yourself. The test was perfect in its intention. Every woman in her twenty-first year was subjected to the tests. From as early as I could remember this week was constantly talked about and referred to, yet there was a cloud shrouded over the whole thing. It was the same kind of feeling you have when you are in between a dream and actuality. It looms over you and yet you really don’t know what is true and what is just in your imagination. The outcomes and measurements deduced by the tests were used to determine everything about how your life was to go. It determined who you were to be with as a companion for the rest of your life, or if you were in that ten to fifteen percent who were not given a companion. Everyone feared and hoped that they would not be in that ten to fifteen percent. That group was called the Makers and their sole purpose was to produce babies for the rest of Bitopia. It was considered the lowest form of existence inside the Bitopian walls. Some even dared to go so far as to say it was a worse fate than that of the Onlookers: that ostracized group who had no place inside Bitopia. The Onlookers were hunted yearly to keep their population in check. The ambassadors who ruled over Bitopia did not want to risk any kind of uprising against it. There were strict measures and checks at all times to ensure adequate numbers and ratios for the Dames and the Sirs. The gender of babies could be genetically altered along with other qualities that were deemed favorable to the ambassadors. Each companion couple was given no more than two children from the Makers. The rules of reproduction were to never be broken or tampered with. In Dame world there was no divorce. There was no cheating. There were no other options. If you violated any of the commands you would be cast out and become an Onlooker, to be hunted for the rest of your days. Nothing was valued in Bitopia beyond order and control.

The tests also decided what your occupation would be. You could be in the militia, a homemaker, an educator, a doctor, etc. These tests took a microscopic look at every piece of your life and determined where you were to be placed. Everything had a place and there was a purpose for every person in Bitopia. The tests were meant to find the best uses for your talent and abilities. The reason you waited until you were twenty-one was because it was at this age that you were most mature and developed enough to be able to handle the rigors and consequences of testing. The most accurate responses occurred during this time and would not change significantly with increased age. The Sirs had increased numbers of distractors and rebellions when they did the testing at twenty-one. After several years of study, it was decided that the Sirs were not at their true peak at age twenty-one, and so they held off on their testing until twenty-five. When this change was implemented, there was an immediate drop in the number of Onlookers produced and the Sirs seemed overall happier with their placements.

The Makers were truly hated because during testing it was found that they were only attracted to the opposite sex, and this was considered the ultimate sin inside the walls of Bitopia. The Onlookers had much higher numbers of opposite sex partners, or so I had been told. No one talked much about the Onlookers, or the Makers for that matter, but there were always rumors. It was said that decades before I was even born the Onlookers almost overtook Bitopia. They had stormed the walls and were almost successful in taking the city. That was when the laws of the yearly hunt were first made. This was considered a grand festival and there were all kinds of parties and events related to the Week of the Hunt. We celebrated the slaughter of the Onlookers every year and the militia even paraded through our streets with their bodies on stakes. This had been the tradition long before I was ever born. Bitopia would never again be put in a position of weakness to the outside world. Every variable was known, and every possible mishap accounted for. Bitopia even sterilized those who were to be outcast to the Onlooker world. They did not want to take a chance that they could possibly reproduce and increase their numbers in that way. The ambassadors knew exactly how many Onlookers there were and how many needed to be killed every year to keep the population at a safe number. A Maker was expected to produce ten to fifteen children during their reproductive years. Women were considered more valuable, as obviously one male Maker could impregnate several women, so this was accounted for during breeding and with genetic altering. There were fewer Sirs than Dames and the ambassadors also had more women than men. The power always rested with the Dames and the Sirs served at their pleasure. The Dames were the leading authority and had the final say on everything that happened in Bitopia. It had been this way for generations and would continue to be so. Even though Bitopia was incredibly advanced scientifically, they still preferred the Makers to produce the children and were opposed to artificial insemination of the partners. They did not want the partners to be distracted by things like pregnancy. They were expected to be fully focused on their occupation and their duty to Bitopia. The Makers, although they were frowned upon, could at least fulfill a duty that served Bitopia as a whole. The founders also believed that if a baby was carried by the Dame partners, they may become too attached, and this could lead to eventual rebellion if their child became a Maker or Onlooker. Above all else Bitopians were to be loyal to their community. Being given a child was to be looked upon as a privilege. This was to inspire even more loyalty to Bitopia over even the family unit.

Cleo and Hannah interrupted my thoughts. It was time. Hannah quickly cleaned up the kitchen and then we got into the Jeep Grand Cherokee that Cleo drove when she wasn’t working. Cleo was a high-ranking official in the militia. She was perfect for the post. She was disciplined, serious, respectful, hard-working, and protective. She was devoted to Bitopia and upholding its laws and traditions. She would never question or violate a command and she would defend Bitopia in whatever way was required of her. Hannah was nothing like Cleo, which was what was intended in their match. Hannah was sweet, loving, supportive, caring, and empathetic. I never once saw Cleo and Hannah fight despite these differences. Hannah was always the dutiful companion and stood faithfully beside Cleo in whatever decisions she made. Like Cleo, Hannah had absolute faith in the system and rules of Bitopia. She found fulfillment in serving Cleo and taking care of me as her daughter. I admired their relationship and the virtues they displayed. I hoped to find that kind of companionship after the trials were complete. Although there was only one woman who came to mind when I thought of my perfect companion no matter how much I tried to put her out of my mind.

In the Dame world you were not allowed to date or be intimate with anyone prior to your testing. You were matched only once and that was the person you were beholden to and the only one you were to ever be with. Once that person died, that was it. There were no do-overs or second companionships. You had one love for your life. It was believed that this was the kind of loyalty and dedication individuals needed to devote themselves fully to one another without holding anything back. That was the way of our world, and from what I had seen with my moms, it worked. The only problem was, I was already in love. Her name was Abigail. We had grown up together and had always been attached at the hip. Abigail was quiet, reserved, and mysterious even to me, who had known her my whole life. It was like she had a whole other part of her being that she kept locked away in some secret place. I had been drawn to her in every way, and I was terrified of the tests I was about to take. Not because of the tests themselves but because I might not be placed with Abigail as my companion, which was the most crushing ending I could possibly foresee. I couldn’t imagine being without her as a part of my everyday life, and after this week there was a very real possibility that would be exactly what would happen.

I didn’t have long to dwell on these thoughts. We had arrived. The testing center on the inside looked like a huge gymnasium. There were hundreds of people already there. Employees of the testing center, families dropping off their daughters for testing, and then the test subjects themselves, us. Everyone was wearing the same look on their faces—apprehension, excitement, an anxiety-driven nervous energy filled the room. I continued scanning the area until my eyes fell on Abigail. She was there with her moms. They were unpacking a few of her things at one of the cots set up around the room for us to use. I headed over to her, and as if she’d felt me coming, she turned and looked at me before I had covered half the distance. She smiled, the kind of smile that reached her eyes, and I smiled back. Hey, I said as I quickly covered the rest of the gym floor.

Hey to you, she said, still smiling at me.

Abigail’s mom Trish called from behind her. Are you ready for today, Haley?

I think so.

Abigail’s moms were great. Trish was a teacher, and her other mom Kim was also in the militia. Not only that, she was also in Cleo’s unit. That was another reason Abigail and I had become so close. Our moms were close and spent a lot of time together. Cleo and Hannah came up behind me and then proceeded to engage in small talk with Abigail’s parents. I turned my attention back to Abigail. I wanted to get here early and pick out a good spot.

It looks like you found one. I smiled at her.

No, we found a good spot. She pointed to the cot next to hers with one of her bags placed on it to preserve it.

I smiled at her again. Well, that was very thoughtful of you. I proceeded to put my own bags down and arranged my cot. I looked around and found many of the others were doing the same. Slowly but surely parents were starting to leave. The parents had to be out of the gym by 10 a.m.

After our parents finished talking Cleo turned to inspect my cot. If it wasn’t in orderly militia style, she would make me do it again. Cleo ran our home in much the same way. Her standards at times were impossible to meet but I knew she wanted the best for me. Love trumped annoyance more often than not.

Walk us out? Cleo had taken Hannah’s hand and she wanted me to follow them. I obliged and turned back to see Abigail’s moms giving her big hugs as they were saying their goodbyes as well. Do your best Haley, make us proud, Cleo said as we reached the Jeep.

I know you will be amazing. You always are, Hannah chimed in. Your mom and I love you so much. Hannah had tears running down her cheeks as she hugged me tightly. I hugged her back.

I love you too, Mom. Cleo was right behind her waiting for her turn to give me a big bear hug. As much of a hard ass as she could be, she was kind of a giant softy under all of it and I could tell she was trying to fight back her own tears. I will make you proud, Mom, I said in her ear before she pulled away. Nodding, she stepped back and went to the driver’s side. I stood there and watched as they got in the car and drove away. I stayed a couple of minutes longer with the warm sun shining down on my face. I had no idea what was going to happen in the next week, but I was determined to give it my best, knowing if I did everything I could I had a real shot at winning the prize I really wanted: Abagail. With that thought I turned to head back inside, a new confidence radiating out of me. I couldn’t place exactly what I was feeling but I believed it was hope.

2

Within the next thirty minutes all the parents had left, and the gym looked more daunting than it had when all the families filled the place. I looked over at Abigail and could see a similar sentiment in the furrowed brow she wore. I tried to comfort her. It is going to be okay, you know that, right?

How do you know unless you have some knowledge of what these tests actually consist of?

I don’t have access to any secret stash of quiz answers, but I do know you, which means I also know that you will be okay and will rock whatever they throw at you. So don’t stress. It will cause premature wrinkles on that flawless face of yours.

Abigail smiled. You have a true knack for veiling complements in asshole comments.

I grinned. Do you think that will be on one of the tests? If so, I got this.

Abigail turned suddenly more serious. Haley, how can you be so calm when our whole lives depend on this week?

What good does it do to stress out about something you can’t control? All you can do is give it your best and hope that it was enough. The chips will fall one way or the other.

What if the chips don’t fall where you want them to?

I studied Abigail closely before attempting to answer. I wanted to tell her that I would always be hers no matter what the results of the test showed. It was always like this with us. Words with secondary meanings, long glances, lingering a little too long in a moment. Nothing had happened. Neither of us wanted to risk being sent outside the walls of Bitopia, but the tension between the two of us was high. Without saying anything we both understood what we wanted the results of our test to be. We wanted to be paired, and since that possibility could become a reality, we had restrained the urge to say and do what we really wanted. The closer we came to the tests the harder it seemed to contain the very raw emotions that lay trapped just beneath the surface.

Before I could answer, the loudspeaker above us buzzed to life. Members of Bitopia, the long-awaited time of testing will soon commence. All the rooms are labeled with numbers above them. Your first test will begin within the hour. We will call your name and tell you which room to go to. Take the next few minutes to calm yourselves and prepare your minds. Best of luck. It shall be what it will be.

Everyone repeated in unison It shall be what it will be. This was the anthem of all Bitopia and was repeated at every major event. In my mind it was the ultimate expression for how Bitopians viewed the world. They fulfilled every duty and obligation without question. They followed orders without delay and with a sense of pride, serving the greater good of their country. With that, the loudspeaker buzzed a few seconds longer and then shut off. I turned my attention once again back to Abigail. She had that furrowed look to her brow again. The one she got when she was very concerned or anxious. Without another thought I moved over to her cot and placed my hand on hers. She looked at me and her face lightened immediately. She didn’t say anything but interlocked her fingers in mine and laid her head on my shoulder. We sat like that for the next several minutes, neither of us speaking but comforting each other before our time came.

It didn’t take long. Before I knew it my name was called to room three and it was time. I gave one last look back and Abigail nodded her head at me. Her gaze told me I was going to be alright, and I knew if I wanted her, I would have to be. When I reached room three, I gave a soft knock on the door.

Come in, said a pleasant voice. I entered the room and noticed an exam table in the very center and then a large screen hanging on the wall. The pleasant voice belonged to a small stout woman I had never seen before. She probably worked at the testing center as her regular post. If that were the case, I would never have had a reason to know her. Please take a seat Haley. I climbed up on the exam table and watched as she finished filling out some paperwork. She then proceeded to ask a couple of simple verification questions such as birthdate, identity number, etc. After she had finished her verification process, she came toward me and started hooking me up. She attached a pulse oximeter and added electrodes to my chest and head, along with various other sensors.

Am I allowed to ask you any questions? I was becoming more uncomfortable as more gadgets were being attached.

Not specific ones but I can tell you this test does not have any pain associated with it. You’re simply going to watch films as I measure your responses.

What kind of films? She ignored my question but instead gave one final pat to one of the attached electrodes as she said, You’re all set!

A minute later the screen exploded to life. There were two men and two women on the screen. The two men and two women were pairing off together. I was beginning to wonder what the hell I was watching but then the film cut to a bedroom. The first man and woman began kissing and then slowly undressing each other. I was made to watch while this strange woman was scribbling on her notepad as the man took the woman from behind and thrust himself repeatedly into her until he came. I didn’t dislike men, as I’m sure many Dames in Bitopia did. I also didn’t find them completely unappealing, but I had much more of an affinity toward women. After watching the second man and woman couple have a more traditional sexual encounter, the film changed again and then the two men paired off together. I watched as the one performed oral sex on the other before flipping over as the other male then anally penetrated him. I knew as I watched what this testing was all about. This test was meant to determine the Makers. That small subsect of Dames who preferred heterosexual companions only. I didn’t worry about this part of the testing. As the last scene in the movie played and the two women made passionate love to one another my thoughts immediately turned to Abigail. I knew what I wanted, and I imagined it was her and I performing in the movie. I was turned on, with nothing to do about it in this small room with a stranger recording my every move. When the movie had finished the pleasant woman came over and started unhooking me from all the monitors and machines. That’s it? I was surprised and wondered if I should have been more worried than I initially was. I expected a lot more testing during this first round.

I got all I needed, she smiled reassuringly at me. I wasn’t convinced but I had no choice but to exit from the small room and make my way back to the cot. Abigail was not there when I returned and there were girls coming in and out from various rooms in the testing center. I studied some of them carefully. Most were cheery and even upbeat when they came out from their rooms. I wasn’t surprised at this from the nature of the testing, but I noticed a few others who looked somewhat withdrawn, concerned even. They had set up a buffet-style lunch across the way for us to enjoy. I realized at that moment that I was actually quite hungry. The videos had brought out more than one appetite within me, but I decided to wait a little longer to see if Abigail would get done soon. I didn’t have to wait long. I had only been sitting there about ten minutes when Abigail came out of one of the testing rooms and headed my way. She didn’t meet my eyes as she headed toward me. When she finally reached our cots she said, still not looking at me Are you hungry?

I’m starving! Are you okay?

I’m fine. Let’s just eat.

I wanted to ask her about the testing, but she obviously didn’t want to talk about it. I figured she might be a little chattier on a full stomach so I led the way over to the buffet. At least the food looked delicious. They had anything you could want: chicken, pork, salmon, salad, veggies, fresh fruit, and even a couple of pasta dishes. There was also a wide selection of desserts after the main course. I greedily filled my plate and I noticed that Abigail did the same. Did you pass the first test? a familiar voice called from behind me. The voice belonged to my friend Kara, a tall blonde with a playful demeanor.

I think I aced that one, I replied with a grin.

She laughed. Now that wouldn’t surprise me. Kara and I had been friends all throughout school. We liked to compete on who got the higher marks in pretty much anything we did and always had a good time spurring each other on.

What about you, Abigail?

Hmm . . . it went fine, I guess. I was a little worried about her response, her tone, and the fact that she still wouldn’t look at me. After we filled our trays we walked back over to our cots. As soon as we sat down, I started in.

What happened in your testing? Please tell me you aren’t going to be a Maker?

What?! No, I’m not going to be a Maker.

Then why are you acting so weird all of the sudden?

It’s nothing. It’s just those tests . . . they . . . She hesitated and looked down at her food as though it might come to life and jump off her plate. I waited patiently for her to say whatever it was she was going to say.

They brought up feelings. She turned red as she finished her sentence.

I laughed. I think that was the point.

It’s not funny, Haley! She was angry now.

What are you so worked up about? It’s normal to get turned on if that’s what you’re embarrassed about. That’s what they are looking for. You don’t have to get so awkward about being human.

Never mind. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.

Okay, I replied in confusion. I truly didn’t understand what was bothering her, but I knew well enough not to push her until she wanted to talk. We ate the rest of our meal in silence. After I ate, I got sleepy. The first test was over, and all the anxiety was momentarily at a standstill. The heavy food put me in a lull, and after returning my tray I laid down for a nap. I woke up to the sounds of the loudspeaker once again crackling to life. I didn’t know how long I had been out, but Abigail was awake and staring at the loudspeaker as I shook the grogginess off.

I don’t know how you can sleep so easily during all of this.

I shrugged. It was the food. She rolled her eyes in response.

The voice from the loudspeaker boomed across the room. If your name is called, please gather your things and head to the rear door immediately. The roll call went on for ten minutes or so. There were dozens of girls whose names were read aloud. Several of the names I recognized. Most of the girls were crying as they carried their things and disappeared through the door. I felt pity for them. Everyone in the room knew their fate. These were the Makers destined to bear the children for the rest of us but never to have any of their own. It was a sad and lonely existence in Bitopia. After the last girl was called the voice behind the speaker told us a hollow congratulations for making it through the first round of testing. Testing was to commence at 8 a.m. the following morning. The voice then went on to tell us to get a good night’s rest, as we were going to need it for what was still to come. The testing center was eerily quiet after the