THEY — Chapter 6 — Enfos
What follows is chapter six of my book “THEY”. If you are looking for a different chapter, check the INDEX — or check the rest of my stories on my MEDIUM profile: Caralynn Scott — Medium
All material is original and copyright Caralynn Scott. Subsequent chapters will be published (as long as Medium allows). Your comments are VERY welcome below, so please let me know what you think. Although the book is completely written, your feedback may help to make improvements to future chapters of the story which may (hopefully) be actually published at some point in the future!
CHAPTER 6 — Enfos
The world has been considered stable for a long time. Crime has practically been eliminated. By the end of the 58th century, law enforcement was deemed obsolete and policing units unnecessary. War was no longer a threat, and the military reformed and refocussed into research and development in its natural areas of expertise: aeronautics, engineering, communications, disaster relief, and so on. However, as the older, regular services slowly disbanded, there remained a need for a small contingent of international criminal investigators who specialized in managing the occasional accident or misguided action that still occurred. By the 92nd century, this need is so small that there are a mere sixty-eight thousand “Enforcers” guarding a population of 250 billion people on Earth and a similar number scattered around the rest of the solar system.
Unless one were to come into direct contact with them, no one would ever know the elite branch of the government existed at all. They are a mystery to most; phantoms, the stuff of rumours and legends, tales whispered at parties. Stories about them are considered myth, and any time someone asks ARI about them, the answer is always “That information is unavailable.” It isn’t clear whether the information is absent from ARI’s databases, or the vast repository of knowledge is simply unable, unwilling, or instructed not to share it.
Nobody really knows where the Enfos come from, if indeed they do exist, or who is responsible for them. Since nobody knows much about them, nobody ever considers becoming one. Children sometimes play out the legends, but as they grow, they set aside the fantasies in the same way they do super-heroes and other unattainable dreams. Some believe, though of course nobody can confirm it, that the Enfos are created in the Natal factories like everyone else, but they are made from genetic material harvested unknowingly from prospective parents who’s characteristics match the units needs. The young ones never know their parents and are trained from birth to perform the tasks they were born for. The truth of this falls deep within the scope of conspiracy theory.
Separate and distinct from the general population, they are mandated to deal with situations the government feels society would simply be better unaware of, allowing the average person to live in blissful ignorance of the more mundane concerns of occasional tragedies.
It was painfully obvious now as these two Enfos stood at Navlin’s door that they do indeed actually exist.
Navlin felt a lump drop from their throat into the bottom of their stomach. Somewhere, deep inside, they had suspected the day might come, but they had wished it not to be so. Everyone knew something was different about Jennic, but they had always hoped the quirky youth would eventually find their way in spite of those differences, and perhaps even excel because of them.
“Our darling Jennic?” Navlin said sweetly, feigning ignorance, “What ever could be wrong with Jennic?”
“May we come in?” The Enfo asked, though it was clear this was more of a demand than a request for an invitation.
“Praija!” Navlin called out as they stepped aside and led the visitors into the common room, offering them a seat. “We have visitors…” then, tentatively, with a glance back at their guests, “Can you bring Jennic?”
The Enfos sat, one at either end of a long sofa, their stare locked on Navlin the entire time, the shorter one remaining mute.
Praija poked their head in from the galley area where they were busy arranging things for the next days celebration meal. As Navlin often invited dignitaries and government officials over unannounced, Praija was unaware of any trouble, thinking the pair were simply more of Navlin’s guests. Politely they asked, “After I get Jennic, would anyone like some refreshing tea?”
The taller Enforcer shook their head and the short one stoically sat immobile. “No thank you.” Navlin responded vocally for them both.
“OK then…” Praija said cheerily, still unaware of the tension in the main room, then disappeared.
Half a minute later, Praija returned with Jennic and Slavin in tow. Navlin had forgotten about Jennic’s friend and addressed them quickly before too many questions could be asked. “Slavin, thank you for coming, but I’m afraid we are going to have to ask you to return home. We have some … urgent business to attend to.” Slavin was confused, but complied quickly and quietly, gathering the few things they had brought.
Praija, who was beginning to read the room, was looking more concerned by the minute. Apologizing profusely, they briskly ushered Jennic’s friend to the door, talking so much that Slavin did not have a chance to ask any questions, they asked, “Do you have everything?” then, without allowing any time to answer, continued; “Good, good. Thank you again for coming to see Jennic. Please say hello to your parents for us. It was wonderful to see you. Good-bye now.” Slavin was more than a little curious what these two strangers were doing here and why they had to leave so suddenly, but they did not protest and continued to make a puzzled exit.
Just before the door slid silently closed, Slavin noticed Jennic’s expression of disappointment and fear. Taking a few steps toward the tube, they turned once more, staring at the closing entrance, an unexplained feeling of permanent loss coming over them as they whispered under their breath, “Goodbye Jennic”. Jennic could only imagine the stories Slavin would tell their classmates, but they were not worried about it. It would hardly change their perception of Jennic in any way.
Back in the common room, the Enfo’s turned their attention to the young one. Standing briefly and bowing slightly, the taller one asked, “Jennic, I presume?” before returning to their seat. They were formal, and polite, Jennic thought.
“Yes?” Jennic both answered and questioned at the same time, still concerned, but growing more curious what all the fuss over them was about.
“My name is Jenco. And this is Ranya. I am afraid we have been given a challenging task to perform today…”
Ranya still did not say a single word, but Navlin noticed the shorter Enfo was no longer staring intently at them. Their steely gaze had shifted toward Jennic. Praija, now seated on the couch beside Navlin darted their eyes quickly between Jenco, Ranya, Navlin, and around the circle again repeatedly, occasionally pausing sadly on Jennic. “Now, what is this all about?” they asked. “What kind of challenging task could you have to perform here? We haven’t had any problems, and everything is in order.”
“We have been watching Jennic for some time now.” Jenco stated, to which Navlin expressed surprise, but only to mask their concern, wondering what right these individuals had to be following their child, or any child for that matter?
“We have read their school reports, and we have several verbal reports from friends and neighbours, with five confirmed instances and two others still under review. We believe we have enough evidence to make a compelling case.”
“A case for what?” Asked Praija, incensed and growing more impatient by the moment.
Ranya finally broke their silence, continuing to stare directly at Jennic. For the first time, Navlin noticed signs of disgust creeping out of the otherwise stone face. The words oozed from their lips, like thick, filthy tar; “To make a case that Jennic is… gendered. More specifically that they identify as… female.”
Jenco glared at Ranya, who had clearly broken protocol by making this statement. Ranya seemed to notice the stare, though they never broke eye contact with Jennic. They quickly stepped back in line and returned to their previously silent role, whipping the appalled expression from their face.
“Identify as what?” Praija asked with surprise, fear and anger quickly building, they could feel adrenaline beginning to run through their veins. They kept their composure though, uncertain what they might do if they were to suddenly unleash their frustrations. They knew without any doubt that it would not end well.
There was a long pause as everyone let it sink in. Navlin, having spent many years working in a government office, understood better than Praija the political processes that had brought these two to their doorstep and, knowing Jennic, they were not surprised by the statement. In fact, they had all but expected this for some time. Obviously Navlin was not the only one who had noticed and the Enfos presence, and Ranya’s misguided outburst, were only confirmation of what they already knew. Things were beginning to play out the way they suspected they might. Thoughtfully, and in almost a whisper, Navlin asked, “You’ve come to take them, haven’t you?”
Jennic, who had been listening from the chair at the opposite end of the room, looked up, gradually becoming aware how serious this meeting was. It was not their place to speak however, and they remained as quiet as Ranya, listening intently as their uncertain future began to unfold in front of them.
“Yes. I’m afraid so.” Jenco confirmed.
Praija could no longer contain themselves, and jumped to their feet, yelling “WHAT? You think you can walk into our home, insult our child, then carry them away? Who do you think you are?” Turning to Navlin, expecting them to be standing beside them, they fired a broadside, “Navlin, you can’t just sit there and let them…”
Navlin looked up compassionately at their partner, effectively stopping Praija’s ranting with their calming eyes. Reaching for Praija’s hand, they gently pulling them back down onto the couch, “Please… Praija. Sit down.”
Praija glanced back and forth from Navlin to Jenco, then at Ranya, and then to Jennic, who, was now sitting on the edge of the chair, knees together and hands folded in their lap, knuckles white with pressure. They looked terrified, yet at the same time, strangely calm.
Jennic, like Navlin, was not surprised. More than anyone, they knew how different they were. The fact someone was identifying specifically in what way they were different was actually a relief, though the uncertainty of their future worried them. Jennic had encountered the concept of gender in many of the old writings they had read, but without a framework to understand the concept of female and male, an understanding eluded them.
Praija remained dumbfounded, gasping, opening their mouth to speak, but could no longer find the words. After several embarrassing attempts, with everyone watching, Praija decided it was best to do as Navlin requested and slowly and quietly sat back down on the sofa.
Jenco continued, explaining slowly and methodically, “We believe Jennic is… gendered. Not asexual and androgynous like all of us. It does not happen often, but occasionally a young one slips through the cracks. Sometimes we catch it early, but more often it does not become completely evident until an individual matures. I suspect you have already seen signs. As Jennic is growing older, we believe they are exhibiting behaviours that clearly point to them being gendered.”
Jenco calmly turning and addressing the subject of their conversation directly, “Would you agree with that assessment, Jennic?”
Surprised at the Enfo singling them out, Jennic stared at Jenco for a protracted moment and considered how their next words could potentially affect the rest of their lives. What should they say? Should they be honest and admit the way they felt, or should they continue to hide it as they had for years? Jennic realized the fear they were feeling was actually the uncertainty of the situation. Any fear of being discovered had disappeared long ago as Jennic had been open and honest about themselves from the beginning even as they had hidden their own suspicions and feelings. They also realized their fear had not been heightened by the Enfos assertions of her condition. In some ways, what seemed like fear was more likely excitement as this became more interesting, “I… I’m not sure. Maybe.”
“We only want to help.” Jenco said with as soothing a voice as Jennic had ever heard. Then, turning back to Navlin and Praija, “We are concerned this might develop further and cause more problems.” Jenco continued.
Navlin did not know how they saw this as a problem but continued listening anyway. “Jennic may be more than simply gendered. We have reason to believe there was an error at the Natal center and they may have been missed during the sexual characteristics screening process. In fact, we believe they may also be sexually-in-tact.” Jenco paused for effect, letting that sink in, but it was clear neither Praija nor Jennic fully comprehended what that meant, Navlin continued to remain unsurprised as Jenco continued, “That means they have the potential to be a ‘Breeder’ — they could produce children — and of course, for obvious reasons, we cannot allow that to happen.”
Navlin studied the two Enfos intently, trying to determine whether they were in fact here to help Jennic, or not. They had no reason to distrust them, however their parental instincts were kicking into overdrive. They naturally wanted to protect their child from any harm that might come to them, and Praija obviously felt the same way. However, being a diplomat, they understood the need to clearly listening to others’ views and they hesitated only so that they could process and make sense of everything they were hearing.
Jenco continued, “You must understand, Praija, that there have been no breeders in our world for Millennia. We evolved beyond the need for sexual reproduction long ago. Our eusocial culture is stable and healthy, and this divergence threatens to disrupt that stability, potentially throwing us back into darker times when population growth threatened to overwhelm the world’s resources, disturbing the delicate balance we have created and worked so hard to maintain. That kind of chaos cannot be permitted.”
Navlin rubbed their chin, then spoke slowly and thoughtfully, “If you take them, what will become of them? How will you help?” Then more slowly, looking directly at Jennic, “And when will Jennic be returned to us?”
Praija, still trying to grasp the idea that Jennic might be taken at all, never mind so suddenly, or permanently, was on the verge of a break down. They were still finding it difficult to speak. If not for Navlin’s compassionate eyes, Praija would never have been able to pull themselves together, “Is there a possibility they might not… come back to us?”
“We will take meticulous care of Jennic.” Jenco explained calmly, “We owe it to them as a society. There is a facility that specializes in treatment of cases like theirs not far from us, where we can take them immediately. If conversion is possible, they will be rehabilitated and returned to you ready to rejoin normal society — back to your home.”
Praija considered this. If Jennic would be returned in a state better able to fit in, perhaps there was some comfort in their having to go, but Jenco was not finished,
“You must understand, however, that this is not always possible. Damage may be irreparable, and if that is the case, we have certain… other measures we must undertake.” Mimicking Navlin’s compassionate stare, Jenco shifted to the edge of their chair and with empathy spoke directly to Praija, “I will be honest with you. That could mean they may never return.” The difficult words having been spoken, Jenco smiled broadly and unexpectedly, “But to our knowledge, that rarely happens, and we are extremely hopeful the treatment will be successful.”
The sound of Jennic suddenly slumping back in the chair caused everyone to turn and look at them. If all this were true, there would be no way to avoid being taken, and if these Enfo’s really knew a way to make them “normal” then wasn’t it worth a shot? Maybe this ‘facility’ they were talking about could help make things better after all.
“I will go.” Jennic said resolutely. These people, these Enforcers, would have answers to questions Jennic had secretly and desperately asked themselves their entire life; Why Jennic had interests no-one else seemed to have. Why they felt a strange attraction to certain individuals, but not to others. Why they had been shy at times and not as outgoing as others, and most of all why they felt so out of place when they tried to fit in with ‘normal’ people. This might be their only chance to figure this all out. “… In fact,” Jennic continued, “… I want to go.”
Praija was on the verge of tears. The shock overwhelming them.
Navlin slid across the sofa and took Praija’s hand, consoling them with a few private, calming words, then stood and walked to Jennic. Taking them by a hand, Navlin drew Jennic to their feet. “This is a big decision Jennic. Are you sure?” Navlin searched deep in Jennic’s eyes. “You have known, haven’t you?” Jennic nodded and looked down at their feet. “And you understand, if you go, this may mean you may never see your home again?”
Jennic nodded affirmation as tears welled in their eyes and began to drip down their cheek. “I will make this work. I know I will be back.” They said with their typical bravado and certainty. Looked toward Jenco they asked, “Will my parents at least be able to visit me?”
Jenco nodded once and smiled, bolstering Jennic’s resolve further. “How long? How long do I have before we have to go?”
Ranya tensed and became more alert, preparing themselves for what they expected to be an outburst. Jenco stood. “It will be easier on everyone if we should leave immediately.” Unknown to the family, the Enfos were experienced at encounters such as this and they knew to expect a strong emotional response when this announcement was made. But this particular family was different, somehow. They did not become hysterical. In fact, with the exception of Praija, they were dealing with it considerably well.
“Now?” Navlin asked, shocked at the suddenness but unsurprised. “So soon? Surely you can let Jennic remain a few more days. It is their nineteenth orbit celebration tomorrow and we have plans for them to be with family and friends…”
Jenco interrupted in as compassionate a manner as possible, “I’m afraid that would only make matters worse.” This was not the explanation Navlin had hoped for, but it sounded ominous, as if Jennic had a contagious disease that would infect those around them should they not be immediately quarantined. “If they stay, it would be much harder for Jennic to leave, and we cannot risk further contamination of the local community. This must be contained.”
Jenco looked directly at Jennic, “I’m sorry Jennic. We have a transport waiting for us outside, and we must insist you come with us immediately.”
“I can’t believe you’re going to let them do this Navlin!” Praija cried in a hoarse whisper, finally finding their voice.
Navlin knew they really did not have any choice. This was simply the best way to make good of a dire situation. “Praija, I know this is hard, but if you are completely honest with yourself, I think you also have seen this day coming. I don’t like this any more than you do, but we do want the best for Jennic, and this seems like the best path for them right now. We must let them go. I hope one day they can return to us healed and prepared to live a healthy life in our community.”
Jenco looked at the couple and in another attempt to calm Praija said, “We will arrange a visit in a few weeks. The facility is only an hour from here by tube, and although I’m afraid regular contact is not permitted, you will see each other again soon. I promise.”
“May I gather some of my things first?” Jennic asked.
Now that it seemed there would be no major resistance from the family, Ranya appeared slightly less tense and Jenco relaxed a little as well, becoming a little less formal. “There is no need Jennic. Your things will be gathered and brought to you after we have gone. We want you to feel as much at home at the facility as you do here.”
“I doubt they will…” Praija said indignantly before Navlin stopped them with another firm but compassionate look.
“… Praija, please. This is hard enough.” They said.
“You may take one or two personal items for now, but only what you can carry in a small bag.” Jenco continued. “Your things will be brought to the facility very soon.”
Jennic left the room, heading for their familiar space, with Ranya following close behind. The Enfo had known some to run when they heard this news, and they did not want Jennic to disappear on them. That would only make their job harder. A few minutes later, they both returned with Jennic carrying a small backpack containing a few of their favorite things, one being one of their more recent acquisitions; an antique called a “book”.
Jennic had found the bound paper artifact at an antique swap shop not long ago and shown their parents how it contained sheets of dried wood pulp with writing physically etched on them using a substance called ink. Unlike a reader, one had to move the paper from side to side to move forward in the text.
This particular book was a fictional story of sorts, or at least that is what Jennic’s research had told them. It was titled “Robinson Crusoe”
“I think I’m ready.” Jennic said as they re-entered the common room.
Praija’s tears were now flowing freely down their face. “I still can’t believe this is happening.” They bent, bowing to Jennic for a long time, seemingly unable to straighten again, and when they did, they took Jennic’s hand and squeezed it tightly.
Then it was Navlin’s turn. “You know we care for you a great deal, right?”
Jennic nodded in affirmation.
“And we will come to see you the first chance we are given.”
Jennic, choking back a tear and simply said, “Please.”
Walking to the door between Jenco and Ranya, Jennic glanced back to see Navlin holding Praija’s shoulder, both waving a sad goodbye, then turned and exited their living space.
Apparently, they would not be taking the tube system. Outside, Jennic was surprised to see a black ground transport waiting for them. Jenco was holding a manual door open for Jennic, who quickly climbed into the back seat as if it were the most normal day. Then they were gone.
Navlin pulled Praija closer, and they both stood sobbing for a full 10 minutes before finding their way back to the sofa in the common room, which somehow now seemed much bigger, and extremely empty. Both were thinking the same thing — they could hardly believe what had just happened. Neither could speak.
Navlin sent a simple message to their friends and family without worrying about a complete explanation, simply saying Jennic would not be having a nineteenth orbit celebration the next day. Eventually the pair found their way into their shared bed and lay there, hand in hand, tears soaking their pillows as they let sleep wash away their pain.
