Akanor: Tales From Necro Box Set by P. A. Wunderlich

Author:P. A. Wunderlich [Wunderlich, P. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pablo Andres Wunderlich Padilla
Published: 2016-09-09T23:00:00+00:00

III

“Why is the line so long? Since when has a Health Box been so popular?” asked Robert.

“What do you mean? Health Boxes have always been popular. The general public loves them,” said Anicor. Robert scoffed. He stepped out of the yellow, iridescent cab with a holographic car mount advertising the Border Wars. On his iTop display, a green checkmark appeared as the bill was automatically deducted from his bank account.

“Thank you for using Cabbage, the citizen cab service for anyone and everyone who is a user. How to become a user? Simple. Just use your government issued OHP-I, or Anicor. Thank you, have a nice day.”

The holographic advertisement over the cab displayed a cadet inside the cockpit of a Mechanized Warrior. The soldier controlling it was waging war, his face fierce. The words “Valiant Glory” were splashed in blood behind him. The Mechanized Warrior had a logo of UniCorn on one arm. In place of the standard mythological animal, though, was a skull. “Death to the Offgridders!”

Robert gazed at the Skyway, his eyes darting beyond the caterpillar of hovering vehicles. Perpetual darkness caused by the thick clouds battled with the constant brilliance of artificial light. It was impossible to tell time; humans depended on digital clocks to be aware of its passing. Old World civilizations used to venerate the sun in many ways, especially as a bringer of life. In the absence of the cosmos, humans had nothing left but the darkness of a destroyed world.

The man behind the alias shivered as he saw Beverly Skies busy with citizens. A Virtual Park held a flock of twenty children playing video games while they slurped on corn-colas. An artificial mother was taking care of them, the android distinguishable by its mother-bear size.

Robert was too weak to be exposed to the public. His inch-thick layer of makeup protected him, kept him safe. He knew his alias would be recognized in an instant; which was, of course, what he longed for—the validation of the crowd, to feel wanted, liked, and loved. Without this reward, he would feel empty, obliged to listen to the echoes of his empty soul.

“56 percent of the population in Texalifornia wait until the last minute before presenting their bodies to a Health Box. This is why the queue is long today. Some citizens incur partial taxation due to overtime granted. Health Protocol indicates you must not exceed one week from the due date for scheduled yearly health maintenance. Did you know Education Boxes have less of this issue since that system began employing 5-D video games promoting the educational point? Education Protocol indicates every human must attend learning maintenance at least once a year for at least twenty minutes. My records state that your next education maintenance appointment is in three months,” said the AI.

“Fucking Boxes,” grumbled Robert. The man behind the makeup slipped into his alias, quickly becoming The Actor.

Yulius looked around him like the mother of all apes, his chest inflated, standing tall. He studied the crowd in line waiting for their turn to enter the Health Box.

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