A rough draft: The end of a narrative.
“Your number has been called Mr. Smith.”
“I know. It’s a lot. I’m just...”
“You know this is entirely optional, there is no pressure to enter service, it is simply that the time has come to offer you the option.”
“Look, I’m sorry, really, I just don’t see myself doing this.”
“I completely understand! As you can see yourself, I sit here before you still breathing, I did not enter service. Perhaps I am selfish.”
“No I don’t think so, but why...why would I opt into service?”
“You are 35 Mr. Smith, you are succesful but childless, you have stated in census documents that you do not feel that marriage and family are things you are likely to pursue, having come this far without them. You have contributed to the sustainability and growth of the hydroponics projects. What I am saying is you have achieved much, but by your own admission you are unlikely to pursue much more in life.”
“Fuck that, fuck you! Fuck. God, man, you can’t just flay someone like that. It’s fucking bullshit too, I have hopes, dreams, and aspirations, all that crap! What the hell?! Fuck!”
“I respect that Mr. Smith, I was merely providing hypothetical reasons. You asked me to. I did not intend offense.”
“I mean shit, man! I had a date last week, she seemed like a great lady, and I’ve started learning the guitar, I want to write music.”
“These are noble aspirations Mr. Smith, I respect them and even encourage you to pursue them. Think about the offer, and please let us know within three months time.”
“Yeah, sure. I’m sorry I got so mand, it’s just, just that you....fuck. Okay, I’m sorry, I will. I’ll let you know. Do I contact you personally or just the office?”
“Either works, but I would apprectiate it if you did contact me personally, I think it helps each of us get closure. It’s a major thing we’re undertaking here, rebuilding society and all.”
“No I disagree. Our parents did that. We are growing it.”
“Just so, Mr. Smith, but you take my point.”
“Before you go, you did just say this, so excuse me for delaying you, however you’ve got me thinking.”
“Yes, see, we are a growing society. We have tripled the birth-rates, and we are rebuilding industry, the arts have begun what looks to be a new period of growth and revolution, but we still haven’t replenished the earth.”
“I’m aware. I live there.”
“Hah-hah Mr. Smith. The point remains though, that we have not reconstituted the soil to the point where we can grow crops to sustain our growth. We still outnumber ALL animals, not merely those historically used as livestock. We are the only resource we have in abundance.”
“Yes, but we arent starving! Are we? No, no we’re not. Food is rationed, and we have luxury items available 24/7. The economic report said that we’re doing slightly better than some countries in the 21st century?”
“It’s true, but I think you know why. What I said about agriculture and livestock are absolutely true, I am not exaggerating in the slightest.”
“No it, it. It’s just really hard to swallow. But hey,” He laughed, wetly, “I wouldn’t be, would I?”
“Mr. Smith I find that joke to be in poor taste. Oh, dammit.”
“Does this mean you are considering service?”
“No, not at all, this isn’t some weird religious rite, it’s a noble sacrifice in service of the public. You will be remembered.”
“I actually don’t think that matters to me, will you guys look after my plants?”
“Then I guess let’s do this. God. Fuck, okay. I need a drink, but let’s do this.”
Rick Smith filled out the forms, took the drink, shared a few stories with the clerk, and within two hours was euthanized, safely and painlessly, and rendered into nutrients to sustain the population. Humanity Persists.
snowghoul
yousharknotpass
andulkaphoto
pixelskylines
vaporwave
prguitarman