Self-Review – The Bleeper

Let’s Look at The Bleeper

The idea behind the bleeper was to create something that, on the surface, almost feels wholesome. But the reality is, it’s a slippery slope right on down to our destruction. And this invention has just greased the wheels.

I wrote this story during the fourth quarter of 2020.

Background

This short story arose from a bit of a thought experiment on my part.

So, here’s what I was wondering. What if the seeds of our destruction were sown by someone who just plain needed the money?

After all, it is entirely possible that whoever invented the torture mechanisms used in the Spanish Inquisition was looking for whatever that era’s equivalent of a paycheck was. As opposed to just wanting to maim and kill as many nonbelievers as possible.

Or maybe the inventor would see it as some sort of a ‘side benefit’. Eek.

The Uncensored Plot for The Bleeper

An inventor, a man living just to this side of the poverty line, has just learned that he is about to become a billionaire.

Why? Because he has invented a device which imparts a mild electric shock whenever someone swears. And now the United States government has just asked him about expanding the unit’s voice recognition capabilities and has ordered four hundred million units.

That is, enough for every single citizen of the United States, regardless of age, gender, citizenship status, or criminal record.

Characters

The characters are the narrator (who I never name. Er, sorry about that, character!), his wife Marynel, and their children, Kelly, Betsy, Louis, and Jimmy.

Plus, there is the Johnson boy, a schoolmate to Kelly. And the Johnson boy’s sister and little brother, and his father. Also, there is the pastor of their church, along with the pastor of a mega church in nearby Kansas megachurch.

Given the time frame and the location, it is entirely possible that this family could run into MJ Tanner and/or her extended clan.

Memorable Quotes

It isn’t often that you get off the phone with someone and know you’ve just become a millionaire.

And that’s me! I’m rich! Oh my God, I – we – are gonna be rich!

I should buy a tux. I need a tuxedo. Wait, do rich people actually own tuxedoes? Do they rent them? Maybe they just buy them, wear them once, and burn them. You know, like tossing the champagne glasses into the fireplace. That reminds me, I need champagne. And glasses for it.

Oh God.

Marynel’s gonna want an evening gown. Maybe two. Or forty. I don’t know. It’s not like we’ll need to economize anymore. The sky’s the limit!

And the kids – holy cow – all four of the kids are all gonna get to go to college. Something me and Marynel never could do. There was never enough cash. Well, there is now.

Rating

The story has a K rating, but you know that it is going to mean the ruin of us all. For, once the Bleeper is adjusted, there is nothing stopping the government from shocking anyone who criticizes the president or the party or anything they’re doing.

Takeaways from The Bleeper

At this point in time, the concept behind this device looks more and more plausible. And it is more and more scary. Plus, let’s face it, more and more like something that the government would love to be able to do.

Want More of my Short Stories and Novellas?

If this story resonates with you, then I hope you will check out some of my other blog posts about my shorter works.

Finally, for a complete list of my shorter works, please be sure to check out the Hub Page—Short Stories.