Literary Game #2 - Sperj

This post was inspired by a writing prompt created by @allentaylor - you can find it HERE

Image by Anil sharma from Pixabay

The screen flashed, indicating to watchers all across the country that the approved government news bulletin of the day was being streamed. It automatically paused whatever else people were watching or doing on their devices. After all, the government had to make sure their citizens received the right news. It's not like people had much else to watch anyway, now that AI had replaced most of their jobs.

Devices flickered rainbow colours to cue the newscast, then filled the viewers screens with an artificially generated and idealised image of the perfect news studio. The presenters (AI generated of course, they didn't try to unionise like humans did) were a perfect male and female couple, dressed in fashionable business attire.

"Hey, Wendy, did you hear a new word has entered the world's dictionaries ?" the male presenter asked.

"No Richard - what's the word on the street ?" Wendy responded, attempting a pun in response. The AI programme that generated Wendy was considered by many to be last year's model, not quite up to current standards, and it's jokes weren't very good.

"The word is Sperj. Strange, Huh ? It's an acronym. As well as a noun, an adjective and a verb. It comes from the new medication authorised and required by the World Health Authority Presidium (W.H.A.P.). SPERJ.... it stands for Synthetically Produced Endorphin Replacement Jelly. We've all got to take it, and it's guaranteed to be harmless with no adverse side effects !"

"How wonderful Richard, what does it do ?"

"Sperj makes you happy, content and relaxed. In the right dose, of course, Wendy."

"Of course, Richard."

Meanwhile, out in the real world.....

Two young toughs faced each other on a street that hadn't been swept in decades.

The AI had programmed in the map by taking a copy from the Goomazon image library. But it had been out of date; this slum was a private development not on any map. So the Street-Roombas passed it by when they followed their pre-ordained paths.

"Look Louis, I paid good credit for those Sperj shots, and you gave me vodka shots instead. Cheap ones at that. You ripped me off."

"Shoulda checked 'em before parting with yer credit, then, Spider," Louis responded with a shrug and a harsh laugh.

Spider growled, and the grin on Louis' face faded. "You never said you had any left ! Screw it man, you growl like that and people will think yer gonna go on a Spurjer. I can see it in yer eyes. You got Sperj-Rage going on."

Another growl. "I'm gonna Sperj you up, Louis, you scumbag."

Louis reached desperately into a pocket, pulling out a plastic shot glass filled with orange jelly. Clearly a home made double-size dose. He tore frantically at the cap and swallowed the contents in a single big gulp.

But it was too late. Two blades flashed in the night, but Spider's one was driven by the rage induced by taking too much Sperj. Louis died before his own dose had time to kick in.

Excerpt from confidential W.H.A.P. report dated 20th July 2135.

Despite it's evident success in reducing public dissent and non-compliance, there is increasing evidence of a black market among the lower class unemployed selling over-strength Sperj doses. These have been shown to induce psychotic episodes, as well as reducing higher mental functions on a long term basis. The lower classes refer to mass killings and destructive rampages caused by these overdoses as "Sperjing". Additionally, the fertility reduction effect only works in a narrow dosage band.

Scientific Research Team Goldilocks recommended withdrawal of Sperj until it can be reformulated to be less hazardous. Accounts has advised this would reduce profits by up to 3.7%. Goldilocks has therefore been reallocated to duties in the Antarctic.

It is recommended that an increase in 2.1% be applied to the budget to suppress reports of Sperj related incidents and side effects. Messaging should be adjusted to imply that unregulated home-made Sperj is the root cause of all such reports, and to remind citizens of the penalties for failing to take the required dose daily."