Forever Young

ry — Fore

ndsay

l consciousness will now live on forever on the LF Server; unless I choose to self-destruct. I am now fr

rough the empty street, lost in my thoughts of days gone by. I have one memory as a toddler

I look forward to the day when the greenery returns — although it’s unlikely to be this century. High-rise buildings with interactive screens are the only break to the surrounding setting. ‘50% off sale on faces — today only.’ One AI lady

fectly styled each day. I just reach into the built-in wardrobe and take hold of a new wig of my choosing — today

rtion never even made it to that. Attending my funeral was a surreal experience, surrounded by my remaining family and friends — none of which we now considered human. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed as they lowered m

ed of their human bodies as the news spread of their life-changing exchange — literally, it was an exchange. Live Forever started offering their services for free, however in order to proceed you had to sign a contract wavering your flesh. Of course, conspiracy theories also emerged that it was being forced upon the remaining individuals who had not signed up, and even incredible stories of great escapes. I recall a tale about one man, said to be hiding in the Himalayan mountains, completely off the grid of technology so that they

ed poverty to increase exponentially. Their people had already endured so much when Mother Nature decided she had enough. My parents believed it was a plan that had backfired on the ones that governed, as they aimed at privatisation. Declaring it as a way of taking more money from the poor during the worst cost-of-living crisis their people had ever seen. Dad, being the conspiracy theorist that he was, believed it was

sick people that had been working regardless of their pain. Once free healthcare stopped, they could no longer afford to stay strong enough, and the workforce plummeted. During this time, the chang

ainable future, but they needed it fast. He founded the research group in the UK and began working with them, providing hi

hical. The benefactor deemed it as something that would never get the go-ahead, but then

aved if humans became extinct first. The team came up with suggestions that fed back into the research group during climate talks. Immediate changes were to close all factories, ground all flights worldwide, disposal of all cars which were not electric and halting production of produce. Instead, they opted to cultivate produce within their own communities. My dad would often joke that the world was in trouble because too many cows farted. Silly old man, god I miss him. Basically, it read

em to see what an alternative version of them could look like with the glam airbrushed, flawless young skin trending. My dad blamed that on the demise of our body vessels. They were searching for a version of perfection that would never be attained, or at least not for long, within an aging body — no matter how much they tried to look like the photo the

ted us. Prior to the swap, we got to choose our design for the body type, hair, face, skin colour, and features. There are still occasionally derogatory remarks depending on the person’s choices, but I like to think our generation

osthetic skin — but that we had to pay for. The first prototype is free, any changes come at a cost. We could choose the prosthetic lifelike

rprets the food selected through an electronic signal. I can still taste, smell, and experience the joy of food. We have evolved as a new form of civilis

hungry — food was a tap away. The new vessel did not require to be fed; it was more a favourite pastime. Like smoking for some, although why anyo

ng that I would feel no pain, and he was right — I only felt a marginal tingling sensation as he inserted the probes into my brain. Then I was injected with the chip and left to ponder my memories. Dr Mal returned to fact check and validate the transfer —

t. I stood wondering what ordeal he had come from. Thinking to myself, it couldn’t possibly be the Himalayan mountains gentleman as the mountains were too far away and travel would have ta

you need some help?’ I asked, as I c

they done now?’ I tried to reassure him, but he was panic-stricken. He stoo

in a soft tone as I stepped a

ted back. “You can’t be. You ar

h, but like you, I was once human. I am still

shouted in disbelief. “Is t

hould join us to find out.” I said as I placed

ay. I understood as I imagined the type of reac

en?” He asked, eag

rever gave us the opportun

n. Where are the humans? As

hat their hearts have stopped beat

shouted loudly, pi

ions to be complete, however, ther

s your name?” The young man then

a pleasure to speak wi

him if I may,” He asked with an u

ve the journey in this climate. We should get you inside before you

d does this start? I want to know ever

ling him, as I hoped, that he would take up the offer

nstigated it? Where did t

ed to process the barrage of qu

of both. They batch tested it on larger groups once they were given the go ahead and all feedback was positive. It was only when they were certain did they agree to die. Then later it was made mandatory as some were living a double life, which defeated the purpose. The time of which it started was 50 years ago by Ty Green because of the destabilization of the planet. The concept was to protect our survival in the harshest environment. First, there is a consultation to discuss the type of person you would like to become.

t all. I like my pain. It means I am still alive a

t we chose to remove, such as racism, bigotry and other hurtful thoughts. I can still feel senses such as pain, temperature, and touch. Only now I can be selective. My armour is reactive, but I can override it. Do

cannot possibly be alive. I don’t understand why an

ty as the machines are automated. The flesh is no longer a drain on the economy requiring to be fed, watered, and medicated. We now dedicate our time to learning more about our environm

cializes in Unified Field Theory? It is a w

catch your

uncan C

de. You are a long way from home, my friend, and it may be som