E-Initiative

Sometime far in the future …

Dr. Joyce Campbell, an obstetrician, spoke with John and Mary Smith.

"I've got good news and bad news. Starting with the better news is that Matthew has a good set of genes. But the not so good news is he's potentially expressive for a recessive 'E' trait."

John asked, "How likely will that surface, Doctor? What if ..."

"John …." Mary interrupted him. "Let's not draw attention to this."

"She's right, John." The doctor nodded. "I should expunge these results."

"Expunge, how?"—John crossed his legs.

"It's expensive, but I can remove all traces."

John replied, "But ..."

Mary shushed her husband. "Don't worry, Doctor. I understand." She pulled out a crypto-wallet device and set it for an anonymous donor.

Joyce held up her device and received the monetary transfer.

————

Years later ...

Matthew grew up as a socially inquisitive child. Curious. Always asking questions.

"Dad, what's that boy doing over there? What's his name?"

"Mind your business, Matt. Never pry."

————

Matthew's homeroom teacher, Ms. Williams, closely watched him engaging the other children to play and socialize with him at school.

Ms. Williams wrote a memo to his parents:

'I must say I'm concerned about Matthew's propensity for social involvement. He showing 'E' traits. I suggest you train your child to suppress them, or I'll have to issue a report.'

————

Mary and John sat down with Matthew.

Mary spoke, "Matt, you need to stop interacting with the other children. Sit still and listen. Clear your mind. Do not engage them."

"I don't understand, momma." Matthew folded his arms. "I'm curious. I have a voice inside of me. It keeps asking me what other kids are doing."

"Matt, you have no idea what they'll do to you." John stood up and paced the room. "You must stop! And, never speak of this voice again …"

Mary cried ...

"Please don't cry, momma." Matthew hugged her. "I'll try not to listen to it."

————

Months later ...

One day while Matthew sat in class and fidgeted, he raised his hand. "Ms. Williams, why do I have to sit so quiet? I want to talk with the other kids. I'm going crazy … I need to speak."

The other students frowned and stared at Matthew coldly.

Ms. Williams gently grabbed Matthew's arm and took him to the school principal's office …

"Mr. Patel, this kid's an 'E.'" Her hands shook nervously. "I can't refrain! I must report him ..."

"Very well." Mr. Patel sighed. "I'll make the call."

————

Mary waited for the auto-shuttle to transport her son home, but he didn't show up. So she called the school to find out what happened to him.

She messaged her husband. "The school says he's being processed. Does that mean … ?"

John replied—"I'll be right there. Don't assume anything."

————

Mary and John sat anxiously in their living room, awaiting contact.

A holographic logo of the 'E-Task Force' came up.

They received a holo-message by a man standing in a white coat.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith …

My name's Johnathan Wong, director of our regional E-Task Force.

I ask you to stay calm before you jump to conclusions. We know you love your son Matthew. Unfortunately, he shows behavioral signs of 'E.' Therefore, we must implement the E-Initiative.

We suspect you already know this, and paid your doctor to keep silent. We won't make our accusation public nor investigate further. We do ask that when you have your next child, be sincere with us and yourselves.

The E-Initiative makes us all safe. It filters out the genes that cause extroversion. We suppress them to keep away contagions and to maintain an orderly and civilized society. We haven't had an epidemic for centuries ...

For the health and safety of everyone, we've relocated Matthew. We aren't without compassion. He'll grow up in a secluded colony, cared for, and watched.

We thank you for your cooperation, and we wish you the best in starting a new family.