The year is 3098, and Earth has been ravaged by catastrophic climate change. Technology has altered humanity in negative ways, but there are still those who strive to survive. Among the leading enterprises is Rent-A-Body Inc., a colossal business en...
Mark woke up momentarily, feeling a slight haze in his head. The transfer of memories to his unit's body felt akin to a dreadful hangover, though it lasted only about a minute. Mark disconnected all the wiring between his head and body. "I'm relieved that it's over," he said as he stood up, stretching his legs and flexing in front of the mirror. He walked over to the closet, dressed up, and sprayed cologne for his date night. Excitement filled him as he glanced at his own body and thought, "What an unpleasant sight you are, a mere piece of flesh. Soon, I will have my new body once we pass the new permanent upgrade units."
At the age of 60, Mark seemed to have forgotten the importance of caring for his original body. For the past 30 years, he had grown accustomed to using his unit body while neglecting his own. It was a societal problem in the city of Zion, where convenience was everything. Mark resided in an upscale apartment building that soared 2,000 feet high, occupying a luxurious suite on the 1,988th floor. He entered the tubulator, a transportation system similar to an elevator but powered by magnetic energy for propulsion and gravity for descent. The tubulator's AI voice instructed him, "Please take a seat and fasten your seatbelt. We will reach a terminal velocity of 70 miles per hour. Please remain calm and still. Thank you."
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Mark complied with the instructions, giving the camera an exasperated look. As the countdown began-5, 4, 3, 2, 1-he felt the drop, and within seconds he arrived at the ground floor. Unfastening his seatbelt, he walked out into the main lobby. "Hello, Mr. Burk It's good to see you again," greeted an AI robot. "Would you like a stick of Jelp gum? It has enhanced flavors and releases pheromones when you sweat. It could help you find the love of your life, created in 3100..." Mark interrupted, "Stop, please. I know you say this every day. I will rate your service if you refrain from greeting me each time I step out of the tubulator." The robot replied, "Sir, would you like to know your RAM score?" Mark curtly responded, "No, I wouldn't. But how much is the Jelp gum?" The robot answered, "15,000 zin." Mark exclaimed, "Jesus, did the Zion system raise their prices on common goods? You know what, never mind. I'm running late for my date. Thank you for wasting my time."
Mark swiftly navigated through the bustling main lobby during rush hour. The ceiling loomed high at about 200 feet, and contractors were busy repairing the materials damaged by frequent acid rainstorms. Mark reached the gift shop area, where he was greeted by another cyborg humanoid. "Greetings, sir. Welcome to Build a Rose. We offer a wide selection of non-existent colors and holographic flowers that emit a fragrance of your choice. They last a month, self-destructing without leaving a mess. What do you say? Interested?" Mark replied, "Sure. I'll take five digital flowers , and please implant the Amber Delight spice fragrance. I know she'll love that."
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"Very well, sir. Your order will be ready in five minutes. Please have a seat, and we'll be right back," said the cyborg, A computer descended from the ceiling, requesting a payment of 100.00 zin, equivalent to $.10.00 c2023.
Checking his watch, Mark decided to call his date. He click the bottom on his temple cyber phone close to his head, and the phone telepathically dialed her number. "Hey, angel Sorry for the delay. I'll meet you at the Red Hot Crab Meat on 6th Avenue. "See you there in five minutes."
