LUDIC LOG

"I always had a hard time meeting women."

"Yes, I see."

"I mean, not for the reasons you think. I'm not shy or anything. And I think I'm pretty good-looking."

"Hmmm."

"You don't think I'm good-looking?"

"I have no opinion."

"I don't mean to sound egotistical or anything. I just think that you have to believe in yourself. Women can tell if you don't have confidence."

"Be silent."

"Hey, hey. I didn't mean to offend you. I mean, you're a pretty good-looking guy yourself."

"What?"

"Not that I'm gay. I just think you're a good-looking guy. Do you have any trouble meeting women?"

"No."

"The only reason I ask is, I mean, in my line of work, presentation is important. How you dress."

"Yes."

"I'm not criticizing. I mean, maybe some women like black pajamas. Business casual, I guess you call it, ha. I can't get away with that where I work."

"You work for us now."

"Right. Where I used to work, I guess. But I'm planning on getting back into marketing when this is all over."

"Are you."

"That's why I always had trouble meeting women. Caught up in my work, you know."

"Soon you will meet the woman."

"Whoo! I know. I'm excited. Are you excited?"

"No."

"Yeah, I guess you've seen this a million times before, huh?"

"Almost."

"How does he choose? I mean, not that I'm picky, I guess. That's why I signed up for this gig, because I just got to the point where, man! I was just so tired of the bar scene."

"Here there are no bars."

"Man, you don't know how lucky you are."

"Yes. Very lucky."

"So, how does he choose?"

"He will select a healthy worker. Someone fit to produce strong children for the state."

"Wow. I don't know. That's moving pretty fast. I mean, kids. That's a big decision. Can I think about it?"

"No."

"Oh, come on. Seriously."

"Seriously. Be silent, or I will shoot you."

"So..."

"So what?"

"So what happens now?"

"Soon he will come, with the woman. You will be shackled together and placed on a work crew, demolishing a textile factory. This will occupy your day. At night you breed. There will be rice if you work hard. If you do not work hard you will be killed. Produce children and labor for the state. Then perish."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Very well."

"Is she hot? I'm not shallow. I'm just asking."