The Universal Basic Needs Facility, or UBNF, was a project designed and funded by the American Government to help with the problem of poverty. It was built to supply over 100,000 people per day with basic needs such as food, water, shelter and clothing. After decades of research and development, the facility finally reached full operation in 2051.
Life inside the UBNF was very different from life outside it. There were no jobs, no personal assets, and no money. The government kept a watchful eye on all aspects of its citizens' lives, ensuring nobody went against their strict rules. Many described the place as an orwellian dystopia; but living here was certainly better than starving.
I was sitting in my unit at my desk, browsing the heavily filtered web on my government-issued computer when I heard someone knocking at my door. With a groan, I lifted my fat ass up off my chair and opened it. Standing there was a man dressed in a UBNF uniform, as well as a little girl who looked about six years old.
"Hello Mr. Hardwood," said the man politely. "We're here to inform you that you've been selected for our new Facility Citizen Parenthood Program. I'd like you to meet Talia, your new daughter."
"What are you talking about? What's going on?" I asked him angrily.
"Well sir, there are many children born here at the UBNF every year who don't have parents willing or able to take care of them. So, in order to make sure the needs of these kids are met, we started the Facility Citizen Parenthood Program. You've been selected to become the father of one of those children."
The girl, Talia, looked up at me with a goofy grin on her face. Her long blonde hair fell down to her shoulders, framing her cute face perfectly.
"Fuck off." I told the guy flatly. "I'm not looking after someone else's kid."
"Participation is mandatory, Mr. Hardwood. If you refuse to accept custody of this child, you will no longer have access to UBNF services. Do you understand?" he replied sternly.
I scowled at the man. We both knew I would last a day outside of the facility. I was fat, lazy, reclusive, and had absolutely no social skills. I had no choice but to agree.
"Alright, fine. I'll look after the damn kid. Now fuck off." I growled out.
He nodded his head, then turned around and walked away without another word. Talia ran over to me excitedly. She wrapped herself around my legs and hugged my leg tightly.
"Hi Mr. Hardwood, I'm Talia!" she greeted cheerfully. "Can I call you Dad?"
"No." I answered simply, shaking her off of me.
She frowned.
"Why not? I thought you were my new dad."
I sighed and shook my head.
"You know what, forget it. Just go and... I dunno, do whatever you'd normally do. I don't want to be bothered, okay?"
Talia frowned again and shrugged her tiny shoulders.
"Okay..."
With a heavy sigh, I closed the front door and sat back down in front of the computer screen. Talia