The tiny bud in my ear warned me that I was late for work. This new accessory was both useful and extremely annoying. I am someone who prefers to have my mind to myself, as a peaceful escape from the chaos of my everyday life. These government issued devices make that utterly impossible.

I checked my writstwatch; I was only off my schedule by three minutes. I am often judged for sporting such an antique piece, but this reminds me that I am on my own clock. I grabbed a tube of breakfast labeled bananas and oatmeal and rushed to the door.

"Lincoln Woodside Lab Unit 215. 16 October 2019. Six minutes off schedule," the device in my ear reminded me again. I often felt as though it was making mental notes of all the times I defied my schedule, keeping them locked away in its microchips, plotting to use them against me someday.

I often thought of quitting my job, just because I was curious of what would become of me. Would the reminders and messages in my ear cease? If this was a possibility, I wouldn't be afraid to try it. I then reminded myself that this is not an option. Being an inventor, my working time was somewhere that no one could interrupt and disturb my thoughts. My lab was the only place I could now feel alone, truly alone.

By the time I reached my building and assigned lab, I had already passed several government officials. This was evident to me because of the awkwardly large stitched TRUMP logo that was embroidered on the right pockets of their shirts. I assumed it was merely an inspection day, but then realized that my annoying little earpiece would have repeated this several times. I headed straight into the lab and went back to my latest project.

Just as I was about to rewire a circuit, a group of officials entered. I felt as though I was being intruded upon, because they felt that no knock or any other type of notice was necessary. Much like when the government deported thousands of immigrants, even those who rightfully obtained citizenship or had valid green cards. I was irritated with their presence, but tried to show some respect as not to get myself into trouble or worse.

"Woodside, Lincoln?" A tall official asked.

I nodded sternly.

"We have a new assignment for you to begin, all other projects will be put on hold until further notice or until this one is completed. The information about this is to be shared with no one and collaborated with no one. You will work alone, and quickly. The President wants this finished in a week's time."

"One week? What exactly do you need to be done? Even for the most skilled and talented inventors, one week is only enough for at the most a prototype or more realistically a blueprint," I replied.

"The United States people are becoming more robotic due to the devices Mr. President installed five months ago. We need people to regain some emotion and opinion, otherwise we are fearful we may lose sight of the human purpose. However, we still need the devices to adhere to all proclamations and standards otherwise set by President Trump. The new update for the devices needs to be completed soon. Sooner than later. Good luck."

With that, they all nodded in unison as to make sure I understood the task demanded of me. I was astonished. I was pleased to be given such a challenging assignment, but how was I supposed to persuade people to show emotion, to actually feel something? The people of America had become so dependent on being told what to do and how to do it by the White House administration, that being reminded they have feelings may be tricky and overwhelming.

I then realized that this is why I was chosen, because I truly am the only one who actually has a sense of who I am and still have my wits about me. The majority of others have lost a sense of their being, their rights, and their freedoms. They have been simply set off to wherever the government needs them to be whether it be factories, working as test subjects, or helping sort out the people the government claims is "American."

I wasn't sure where to begin. I had read about some self confidence tapes that people used to use to inspire them. Maybe that could work. I could recreate those, but even that could cause confusion...

Confusion...that was an emotion, right? Then I had a brilliant, yet defying idea. It would definitely be an emotion-stifling experience for a society so dependent on schedules, reminders, and obeying Presidential orders.

As the date that the government officials would return came closer I became more and more nervous. The election was coming up, but there were only two candidates. The second candidate was more of a formality, but he had an extensive amount of experience with international affairs and commerce before the dreadful outcome of the 2016 election. Little did he know that he would actually win. He deserved to.

I was making quite a risky decision, one that could affect me for the rest of my life if I was discovered. I anticipated getting my lab privileges revoked and possibly being sent to jail or deported even though I was born in Conneticut. But when they came, I handed them a box with a hundred protoypes that would be reproduced in factories for the next few hours and then shipped out to all of the major cities.

I knew that when people put these in their ears and waited for their assignments, they would be confused, grow angry, and maybe even scared. But they would understand, and open their eyes for the first time in a long time. This wasn't exactly what the government expected when they wanted me to produce emotions. But I interpreted it in the way that I thought would help people the most, thinking for themselves.