Unknown to the public, certain populations were being provided with specially treated water supplies. Low income and drug infested areas of certain cities had been drinking this water for a period of five years, with good results. The birth rates in these areas had dwindled to a fraction of what it had been. This meeting would determine whether it was a good time to expand the program to more locations.

In the early 1970’s, the Society of American Eugenics had been forced underground. Many of the members publicly denounced the practices they had previously embraced. The group still had powerful friends within the government, and through subtle and untraceable ways still received funding to continue their work.

Davenport had indeed been able to create a new formula to treat the water, a totally tasteless and colorless additive. An extra bonus came along with the new compound, the length of time required for it to work. It had been sent out as bottled spring water and tested in grocery stores across several states. He was sure it would pass the requirements.

The door to the conference room opened and he was ushered in. On the holo-screen, he pulled up his report and the test results. The new formula would only require the consumption of the water for a period of about six months. Sterilization would be completely irreversible after that period of time. After he finished explaining the myriad details and answering all the questions, he was escorted out. Dismissed, he headed back to the laboratory. The new additive needed to be packed up for shipping.

A fact that was being concealed from the other directors in the room, that there was a spy among them. Recording the entire meeting without their knowledge, he had been securely monitoring this particular facility for the last eighteen months. He had spent years infiltrating the Sawtooth Complex, and had been finally accepted into the fold only in the last two years. He had the correct clearances, even though they were only convincing forgeries. He was Director Alex Galton according to his credentials.

There were other operatives here as well, in the other towers. Their orders were the same as his, monitor and observe. Take no actions, he had been told, only watch. The rest of the meeting was a dull affair, the decision had been made to expand the project to include locations where there were higher instances of undesirables. Most of the state hospitals were on the list, and well as the larger prisons. He voted along with the rest, but it was a redundant effort. They would all go along with each other for what they had decided was the greater good.

He stayed for a few moments after the meeting was adjourned, to perform the obligatory flatteries and congratulations. When the rest of them were distracted, he slipped out the door to return to the quarters he had been assigned on his arrival. He was one of the few who was able to leave, his cover as one of the directors gave him a freedom that few at Sawtooth were granted. He changed his clothes, taking off the nametag with “Director Galton” engraved on it. He began packing, the small overnight bag was quickly filled and he was ready to go. Loosening his tie and picking up the briefcase and bag, he headed for the departure station where the railcar would take him back to the Capitol Mall.

The tunnels were wide enough to have two sets of tracks, Director Galton stood at the outbound station, waiting to board. The railcar was propelled by magnetic levitation, requiring no fuel. The ride was smoother and much quieter than a traditional train. It had just returned from Boise and was going around the circle to come back around.

The car pulled up to the platform and stopped. There were two cars attached to make a double car that had six sets of booths each, thick cushions and soft pillows in each one. At the front of each car was a self serve beverage cart, and a small refrigerator with snacks inside.

Galton was the only one heading back on this run, so he settled himself into one of the booths. There were surveillance cameras in each corner watching everything that happened inside, so he kept his briefcase closed. He leaned back in the booth, tucked a pillow behind his head and closed his eyes to nap during the ride. It would only take around half an hour to get to the Mall, so a short rest would have to do. He had a long report to make when he got back to his apartment. The ride was so quick that he had barely dozed off before the cars were arriving at the Capitol Mall platform. He would rest when he got back to his apartment.