text: My eyes narrowed as I saw the checkpoint leading into the business sector. I had passed through here many times before on my way to work. But the sight of the checkpoint and guards always spiked my adrenaline. One wrong move or one wrong answer and I would be taken aside for questioning, and if they didn’t like my responses there was no telling where they would take me. I stopped for a second to adjust my suit before continuing down the street towards the concrete buildings and armed guards. As I did I spotted a familiar looking sign posted just before the entrance. “ATTENTION: A smile must be maintained at all times. Failure to do so will result in detainment and questioning by authorities.” I stopped a second time to massage my cheeks, and made an attempt to smile even wider before continuing on. The line was shorter than usual, and thankfully it wasn’t long before it was my turn. “Next citizen.” A monotone voiced guard called me over to his booth. I did my best to walk over as normally and unthreateningly as possible. “Name, and place of work” the guard said almost robotically. “William Miller” I replied “Astro Data and Systems Management” The guard placed his finger near his ear and a low mechanical hum began to emit from him followed shortly by a loud click. I had been through this process many times before, but the sound of a supposed human being humming and clicking like a machine never failed to make me uncomfortable. I tried not to let this show though, and made sure my smile never faltered. The guard spoke again, “Mr. Miller, based on the time of your arrival at this checkpoint, you are projected to be 2 minutes late for your scheduled start time. A total of 5 points will be deducted from your citizen score, and you will be unable to access your alcohol rations for today. Do you understand?” A brief spike of anger welled in my throat, before I quickly squashed it into my stomach, and I calmly replied “Yes sir, sorry sir.” The guard nodded, and motioned for me to go ahead. As I walked I pondered the unfairness of the situation. I could easily make it to work on time, all I would have to do is jog down the street. But running of all types was strictly prohibited on public streets because it “showed urgency”, and according to our government, no emotion was to be shown except for contentment and happiness. “The new world we are building has no room for negative emotions.” The words of our president echoed in my head. “A new age demands a new attitude, and it all starts with a smile!” In my thought, I let my smile droop. Panic shot through my body as I corrected myself and smiled wide once again. However it was too late. A cold hand gripped my shoulder as a monotone voice came from behind me. “Law 147-A, a smile must be maintained at all times, please follow me, my superiors would like to ask you a few questions.