Postcards From the Future

Bailey and Ephraim appeared before the Community Administrative Board as ordered, in the matter of their petition to move to a C community.

“State your names?”

“Ephraim Josiahson, sir.”

“Bailey Josiahson.”

“Maiden name?”

“Fairchild.”

The Board members scanned the petition as it appeared on their tablets.

“You were married October 28, 15860, correct?”

“Yes, sir.” Ephraim answered for both of them.

“And you met in B286, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“We take it you are requesting a move to start a family?”

“Yes, sir. We believe we are ready.”

There was a pause from the members of the Board as they scanned the couple’s medical, credit, and demerit records.

“You realize that the move will cost you fifty credits.”

“We understand, sir. We have accumulated fifteen so far. We should be able to accumulate the entire amount within three months.”

The Chair paged through several documents before speaking again.

“Your medical and social records support a move at this time. We will assign you a space in C488. The shuttle for C488 departs November 18th. We can lend you the required additional credits, and you can repay them by a five-credit monthly deduction. Mrs. Josiahson, you will be granted leave from all manual labor in your third trimester. The family unit will be given an additional credits monthly upon the birth of your first healthy child, as determined by the Community Medical Board. No additional credits or relief from duty assignments will be given if the Board does not certify the child. Do you agree to these terms?”

“We do, sir.”

“You are approved to transfer. Starting tomorrow, you will receive your rations from a pending transfer – C food dispensary station.”

Bailey spoke up. “Excuse me for asking, but I’ve always wondered how those rations are different?”

“They have higher percentages of anti-radiation additives and they are free of the birth control additive included in normal rations. Good luck to you two.”