Sweet Dreams
“Our top scientists have invented a new device,” said Fowler, “a machine that you can plug into your Head Extensions when you go to sleep. This machine will then record your dreams and send them directly to your house’s Monitor. Years ago, before the Reformation, we let bad people wander all over the place, spreading Hatred and Extremist views, without restraint! No wonder our ancestors lived in such violent times! The Reformation has strived to undo this absurd cultural practice. First, we abolished the dissemination of Extremist views in all public spaces. We drove it into the home and kept it sealed there, protecting the community from being influenced by dangerous views. Then, we invented the Monitors and successfully drove Hatred and Extremism out of the homes and deep into the minds of the guilty and the Hateful. And now, when this device is attached to the heads of every single citizen, we will finally drive Hatred and Extremism from the minds of the people and into non-existence! Finally, my good people, we will be able to liberate our minds from the influence of Hate, once and for all. Long live the Revolution! God bless the Reformation!”
“God bless the Reformation!” We cried.
One week later, the device- which was now commonly referred to as the Dreamcatcher – arrived at our house. My dad was very excited as he tried it out. It fitted into the backs of our heads with ease. I could scarcely tell that it was there, aside from the slightest bump in the back of my head.
In the span of time between the First Minister’s announcement and the Dreamcatcher’s arrival, McLaren was arrested for Interaction with Person(s) Suspected of Attempting to Disseminate Extremist Imagery. His shop was taken over by the new family. The burgers they sold were still very good, so I wasn’t very upset by the disappearance of McLaren. I also raised my Holo-Beast catching level to fifteen. Jamie was very impressed. Our Educator also announced that they were going to have a baby and, of course, my class was very happy for her. I caught a glimpse of the Tramp, once or twice, shuffling around the town’s border, constantly chattering and babbling away to himself about ‘Cowards’ and ‘Eyes’. Marcus was given a new drug to make him feel better about his uncle’s arrest and, mercifully, he became a lot more chipper after that.
I was very excited, the first night that I snuggled down with the Dreamcatcher attached to the back of my head. I wondered if I would feel my dreams, sliding out of my head, flitting across my dark bedroom, only to be ensnared by the vigilant invisible tendrils of the Monitor. Despite my excitement, I quickly fell into a deep, deep sleep.
I was woken up seven hours later by the scream of sirens, accompanied by flashing red lights. My windows had bolted themselves shut and the screen of my personal computer had turned the colour of blood. My bedroom door was thrown open and two Liberation Officers dragged me, feet first, out of my bed. I was quite alarmed by this unexpected start to the day.
As the Liberation Officers dragged me across the floor, I saw that my mum and dad were talking to another Liberation Officer beside the front door, which had been smashed to pieces. Our Monitor was buzzing about their heads like a wasp, shrieking at the top of its artificial lungs. Mum dropped to her knees and begged them to let me go. My dad shook his head. He caught my eye, for a fragment of a second, before I was pulled through the hole where our front door had been. His eyes were full of shame. They made me feel sick.
