Josephus, Josephinian, Joseph

Some folks need conformity and operate much better in an atmosphere where everything is defined. It can get away from you. Imagine a world where everyone has the same name, with a male and female derivation; everyone on the entire world has the same last name; and everyone conforms to the same set of rules for behavior. Now, what would happen in such a world if the young, being young decide not to conform – not in a major way, but simply search for some individualism in this world, such as a different name? Would it be accepted? Would the adults understand? Can even such a small change ruin a perfectly operating group who are now confronted with someone who wants to be just a little bit different? See this scenario develop through the eyes of a human business consultant who lives with the "Josephs" and understands their civilization, as well as his own world's history. A recommendation to meet in the middle from the human has some humorous and serious consequences.

Enjoy this short story that is also a part of Greg's Frequent Flyer Science Fiction Volume 4, along with 3 other short stories. The Frequent Flyers are timed, based upon an average reading speed of 250 words per minute by the average adult, in order to allow those travelling to pick the appropriate book for the flight time, gate-to-gate, either 1, 2 , 3, 5, or 7 hours.