A person has invented a type of chamber that, when used as a courtroom, no one within the courtroom is able to lie. The energy waves were tested from the highest level Deathworlders to the gentlest of Havenworlders. Knomiras and Dereggers HATE it! -- Anon Guest
The Muddoks[1] called it "Truth Rays", but the Muddoks always had a negligible relationship with reality. What it truly was, was a means of harmlessly projecting mild electromagnetic pulses in tune with cogniscent brains. Those pulses muted and impeded anyone's ability to lie.
Needless to say, there were immediate objections upon its invention announcement.
"This violates my religious rights!" or, "What about privacy?" Which are always mainstays when any one group is facing a task they do not wish to participate in[2]. Other classics emerged, such as, "The truth, or what someone believes to be the truth?" and, "I demand my right to free speech! That means I say what I want, when I want, and nobody has the right to stop me![3]"
This was ludicrous in the face of a proof-of-concept model that occupied an entire squash court, and only had room for one person.
It was still the thin edge of the wedge, they argued. The technology would soon be streamlined, they said. It could be installed in courtrooms secretly, so the authoritarians could get information from people without their knowledge.
Worse, they would install it in Security Offices! So those keeping the law could make people confess against their wills!
After all the pearl clutching was done with, any area with a Truth Booth installed had a warning sign over the door. In large, friendly letters. Those employing the Truth Booth were obligated to point it out and, in extreme cases, read it for the suspect.
Closing one's eyes, plugging one's ears, and singing, "I'm not listening, lalalalalala..." has been legally redefined as refusal to co-operate with a legal investigation. Consequential attendance to a Rights and Responsibilities seminar is therefore mandatory.
There remain two groups who conscientiously object to the presence of the Truth Booth: Deregger polities and the Knomiras who come from them.
Those sorts of people only have one truth. It goes: I get what I want and nobody else matters.
Which was entertaining when Therapy Rooms also became Truth Booths.
"This is a zone of truth," said Therapist Myld as she readied her notes app. "I am sure we will face many truths here. Do you know why you are here, Mercedes?"
Mercedes, arms crossed and scowling, tightened her lips into a thin line. For a change, she was exercising her right to remain silent.
Therapist Myld was prepared for this. "Session time begins when you begin talking. We can sit quietly for four hours before a break for mealtime and ablutions, but none of it counts to your court-mandated session." Myld had a predatory smile for her client. "I get paid either way."
"I know this tactic from Police Protectors, how can you turn something so good into something evil?"
The clock, visible on the wall, ticked for the exact number of seconds that Mercedes had spoken.
"Why is it evil when I do it?" wondered Myld.
"Because you're using it against me! It should be illegal! I don't want to tell the truth! I only have the vaguest idea of my rights! I make up my rights to suit myself!" At the realisation of what she said, Mercedes clapped both her hands over her mouth and boggled in horror.
"You make up your rights to suit yourself. Interesting. Do you have any rights that extend to others?"
The instinct to advocate for her selfishness fought with the cold reality of the Truth Booth. Whatever she wanted to say would be the truth and not even a lie she told herself.
Finally, her hands came down and she barked, "I don't believe anyone else matters! That's my religion!"
The faith in oneself is one thing. The faith of oneself is an entirely different thing. If nothing else, the Truth Booth would be vital in unriddling the psychology of the truly selfish.
[1] What we in this day and age would call "The Media" - possibly with a sneer.
[2] See the historical hysteria regarding Covid vaccines, mask wearing, and basic sanitation.
[3] Free speech only protects someone from government censorship, and not the consequences of angry people in your immediate aura.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / Paha_L]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!
[77 remaining prompts] Please don't send any more prompts for now. Thank you.
