In the bustling kitchen where Xia is diligently preparing a peculiar morning repast, the air is thick with the cacophony of raised voices and clinking dishes as she crafts an unappetizing blend of cricket protein and kale into a dubious smoothie. As Tascha slips into the cramped space, she brushes a gentle kiss against the curve of her companion’s cheek.
Can you find a way to rephrase this so it makes more sense?
Xia’s reluctance to intervene is palpable, but a subtle tutting sound does manage to reduce the offending behavior by a notch. The cacophony emanating from ElectoPod’s abode morphs into a perpetual symphony of sound, with only intermittent outbursts disturbing the domestic serenity as they spill over into the kitchen.
With a rummaging sigh, Tascha excavates the area surrounding the refrigerator, her quest focused on uncovering something – anything – other than kale or crickets. As she uncorks the BitterBucketBrew, the aromatic vapors wafting up to tease her senses with the promise of a rich, complex flavor profile. Will robusta coffee varieties engineered to thrive in higher latitudes become a reliable source of espresso? With an abundance of caffeine, coupled with a bespoke system designed to eliminate virtually all endocrine disruptors, phthalates, microplastics, arsenic, and lead. While Xia acknowledges the coffee’s quality, she maintains that it still falls short of the exceptional taste and aroma found in heirloom-grown espresso. It’s not pure, she says. Xia notes that a 99% filtration rate is hardly impressive given that hormone-mimicking chemicals can be present in concentrations of only one part per trillion, making their removal crucially important.
While fleeing war and persecution, Xia might exercise meticulous discernment.
“Why aren’t you paying attention to the election?” “That is your nation.”
Tascha sips her espresso. “That’s why I’ve you.”
“Why don’t you consider running for a seat on the local district’s carbon emissions board?”
As a direct consequence, I would have to assume responsibility for ensuring the well-being of others. Anyway, I don’t have time. To secure a spot in Azalea, I’m striving to earn bonuses.
“Those who neglect to prioritize their own schedules will inevitably find themselves at the mercy of someone else’s whims.” Gribaldi is working once more. In Texas—”
“Don’t let fear consume you.” Texas isn’t nearly as absurd as even Gribaldi.
Xia’s eyes flashing with annoyance, she shoots a pointed glance at Tascha, her hands moving in quick, exaggerated motions as if emphasizing every ingredient she adds to the dish.
Is that passive-aggressive?
Or aggressive-aggressive?
Despite everything, ElectroPod fills the kitchen once again with the latest distressing news. As November draws near, a cutting-edge technological innovation – virtually undetectable AI proxies – is vying for market attention in a fierce competition. A torrent of hyper-targeted digital content inundates individuals’ newsfeeds, meticulously crafted algorithmically-driven ads and entertainment tailored to specific preferences gleaned from vast datasets—much of which is illegally sourced from offshore servers, designed to influence public perception—and yet, the true creators of this curated chaos remain shrouded in mystery. Tascha would likely ruminate on whether she should have leveraged her ADHD to persevere in pursuing her programming certification. Someone is undoubtedly profiting from this situation.
Tascha clicks her tongue in annoyance and instantly logs into her personalized news feed. As soon as she settles in, a profound sense of peace wraps itself around her, the gentle silence of ElectoMute enveloping and quieting ElectoPod. As customized-tuned bone-conducted vibrations harmoniously resonated near her skull, they efficiently neutralized the sonic echoes of Xia’s fixation. ElectroMute is Tascha’s sole paid subscription. Why does Xia consistently protest when faced with her monthly bill? A symptom of Late-Stage Capitalism. Are you paying for silence?
Tascha refers to this investment as the greatest value she’s received for her monthly $50 expenditure.
It’s generally more pleasant to resolve outstanding matters. If Tascha’s sincerity shines through, closing out issues becomes a more pleasant task. Since receiving her initial bone implants at the recommendation of her college counselor to enhance her concentration and mental clarity, she has become an advocate for compartmentalizing challenges. Individuals often pose unique challenges and distractions in various aspects of life. Despite Tascha’s initial reservations, she remains astonished that Xia consistently manages to avoid pushing her buttons. As her phone quietly hums in her pocket, certain she also has another, extremely private, muted feed tuned to Xia’s voice… yet doesn’t everyone, at some point, discreetly silence their relationship like a background conversation?
As Xia pushes the smoothie across the desk towards herself, Her lips make noise shapes. “”
Tascha quickly deactivated both the Electromute and XiaMute systems, restoring the usual soundscape of the room. “Don’t you know that the sustainable plywood used on-site is actually derived from mushroom-based materials?”
“So?”
“It’s like, mushroom-hemp composite. I’ll have some more of those delicious smoothies delivered to you again.
“Very humorous.”
“It’s carbon unfavourable. You’d find it irresistible.”
Xia’s gaze fixes hers with a piercing intensity, her eyes narrowing into a sharp, assessing point. “Don’t be cute. I’ll take it from the child who misplaced her entire city after a tornado, not from you.
Xia dedicates her time to supporting the Georgia Displacement Authority in its mission. Despite lacking a traditional work arrangement, she still has the opportunity to contribute through volunteering, effectively making her contributions quantifiable.
Does Xia continually search for others?
Tascha nurses her smoothie. According to her father, relationships hinge on finding common ground and making sacrifices for one another. While Tascha may acknowledge her winning streak, As she finishes the last sip of her smoothie, she pushes herself away from the desk, already planning her next move.
“I’m late.”
Xia’s lips flexed and contorted in multiple unexpected configurations.
Tascha tunes again in. “What?”
“I ensure my fridge’s charge.” It’s scorching at present.”
“It’s all the time charged. They cost them each shift.”
Xia is undeterred. Swap out your mask’s filters regularly to ensure optimal protection. Canada’s burning up once more.”
Why do we still have forests at all?
As Janet’s voice crackled through Tascha’s comms device, the two women found themselves precariously suspended, their harnesses creaking with each gentle swing. Thick smoke from Canada’s blazing wildfires shrouds its forests in a grey haze.
How did we end up in Atlanta, inhaling second-hand smoke from our Canadian counterparts like this? “Are we not America? Will we succumb to a prolonged and ignominious tradition of blockades, border controls, and forced expulsions? Why not indeed preserve Burnt Canadians, an intriguing query that sparks curiosity? Put up an indication: .”
As technicians expertly suspend a solar panel array 300 feet in the air, they make their way down the exterior façade of Tower Three at the innovative Azalea Arcology complex. Harnessing the power of solar energy through integrated solutions combining window electronics, photovoltaic paint, and cell panels. As planned, the elaborate design featuring azaleas was intended to adorn the façade of the arcology structure, but the architect’s ineptitude has left the project in jeopardy due to faulty electronics and Tascha’s team being woefully behind schedule.
The vast majority of arcologies are designed with fast-attachment, standardized modules akin to Lego bricks, which can be seamlessly connected on-site. In-built factories produce these components, followed by autonomous transportation and efficient assembly at the designated location, much like receiving a single, self-contained package. During its initial stages, Azalea consisted of swarms of autonomous robots working together to excavate, grade, and assemble buildings according to design specifications, gradually taking shape as a fully-fledged city accommodating 10,000 residents. Now that they’re approaching the final stages, interest in the location is picking up again. Despite the intricate tangles of various electrical components, there remains a palpable need for human intuition and interaction; this is why Tascha’s team is venturing out into Atlanta’s scorching heat, clad in vibrant, reflective vests that seem to defy the sweltering temperatures.
As you venture out on your bicycle with merely a filter mask and a cooling helmet, it’s one thing to brave the elements; however, it’s an entirely distinct challenge to withstand the harsh conditions of a building’s indoor climate when wet-bulb temperatures soar into the 40s.
Tentative reports suggest someone in Alberta ignited a significant amount of beetle-kill wood on their fire pit. Complete state’s going up.”
What’s the difference between a state and a province?
“What’s my clue to figure that out?”
Latoya, the crew lead, cuts in abruptly: “Can we shut down comms, everyone?” “A small group of us is striving to earn bonuses.”
“Yeah, Janet, get to work.”
A sudden exodus unfolds as the remaining team members congregate in a hasty retreat.
“Yeah, Janet, get to work.”
“Yeah, Janet, get to work.”
What’s going on with Janet? Can you spot her amidst this haze? It’s like pea soup.”
As Tascha glides effortlessly through the sliding doors, she arrives at the local financial institution dedicated to solar-powered home windows, taking a refreshing sip from her insulated water reservoir. Cool water, extracted from the humid air by the condenser. Beneath the road’s verdant canopy, cyclists speed by, their insulated jackets augmented by bike-powered battery packs, momentarily disappearing and reappearing from beneath the solar-panel-encrusted shelters and leafy greenery. Small-minded individuals, to say the least? Cyclists have priority as heavy cargo vans and zip buses queue in a single file, adhering to pre-designated one-way routes that crisscross the region. As urban planning initiatives go into high gear, the AI-powered town administration software, Atlantis, would ideally pick up on a notable uptick in individuals waiting at bus shelters due to an influx of autonomous zip buses converging onto the Obama Greenway.
As Tascha meticulously assembles the intricate network of energy-producing home windows, she carefully splices and solders the clusters together, then connects each unit to a comprehensive system of wires capable of transmitting the harvested power into the primary arcology grid. It’s fussy work. Janet’s annoyance at the lingering smell of smoke persists.
As she swoops down, her words trail off abruptly as she comes to an unexpected halt alongside Tascha. I will not improve this text. I’m all for efficiency, but let’s start fresh – What do you say we tackle this task together? Tascha. You doing okay?”
“I’m nice, why?”
“You missed a connection.”
As Tascha’s skin glistened with exertion, a tiny droplet of perspiration clung to the edge of her eyelid before falling away. “Oh. Thanks.”
As Janet’s fingers delicately probe the tangle of wires. Tightens screws. Runs her personal diagnostic. All the pieces glows inexperienced. “Let’s ensure our solar panel installation is a success from the start, rather than experiencing early setbacks.”
“Proper. Tascha took a final, deliberate sip of water. Despite the fridge’s reservoir and warmth pump being designed to keep it icy cold, it has somehow managed to become surprisingly lukewarm instead. Can you confirm the status of your refrigerator’s battery?
Janet twirls around, double-checking herself. “Seems good to me. Seventy %.”
“Plugged in tight?”
Tugs and jerks. “Yeah. All good. All tight.”
“Let’s preserve it transferring, folks. “I need to wrap up my current mission,” Latoya states curtly over the comms system. “Let’s get our bonus, proper? For as soon as?”
“When designing connections for fridge gloves, their pace might accelerate,” Janet notes.
“Get again to work, Janet.”
They all chimed in at once, their laughter echoing through the air.
Tascha’s father asserts that no one wore cooling attire during the preceding days. Although they wore tank tops and shorts, they were confident that they had sweated profusely, yet it was unnecessary for people to hide from the heat in any significant way. Tascha can’t think about it. Tascha notes that there is one individual, Xia, who intentionally seeks out warm temperatures during their travels. Usually, Xia would recline nude on her balcony, allowing the sun’s warmth to soak into her skin as perspiration glistened on her pores, tiny droplets of seawater tracing the contours of her ribcage.
Like witnessing a slow-motion catastrophe unfold, the experience is both mesmerizing and unsettling.
Why wouldn’t Xia seize the opportunity to indulge in this vast, unadulterated sauna experience? Saunas are good for you. Simply ask the Finns. Despite the frequent blackouts in Texas during her childhood, Xia maintains that her epigenetic profile benefits from this experience, suggesting it has a lasting impact on her physiology. Tascha’s skepticism is warranted when her physique claims the ability to withstand extreme temperatures – a boast so preposterous it hardly warrants a response. Tascha has a soft spot for the subtle definition Xia’s sun-kissed skin imparts. As I gaze upon the subtle interplay between Xia’s tanned skin and the faint, lacy imprints left by the filter’s straps on her face, a sense of allure is born from their striking contrast. As Tascha’s fingers grazed the faint tan lines that evening, Xia gently broke the silence, explaining that this peculiar fascination of hers was actually a fetish.
According to Xia, this phenomenon is commonly known as FMT. “Filter masks tan traces. Very Rule 34.”
Tascha’s frustration stems from her inability to pinpoint the reason why something once considered intimate has devolved into a clichéd pornography search term. Alone in her private reflections, she hesitantly explores the uncharted territory of emotional closeness with Xia for the first time, yet remains enveloped by a crowd of thoughts and memories. As we speak, algorithms are likely optimizing targeted political ads using finely tuned demographic and psychological metrics. It is likely that you are already familiar with Tascha.
Individuals damage all the pieces.
What a great guy he was?
Janet discreetly peers through the window of yet another cluster of homes, whispers spreading that a clandestine romance is unfolding within. “Examine it. From this vantage point, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the waterfall and meandering river below. It’s completed!”
As Tascha becomes aware, she’s inadvertently been tilting her head away from the windowpane. She wipes away the sweat that drips into her eyes as she gazes at the vibrant colors of the PV glaze. The serpentine river meanders lazily beneath the sweeping glass gallery arches, performing its crucial role in water purification and cooling as it winds its way through the futuristic arcology. As it exits beneath the dome of a semi-wild park, the area teems with rapidly growing carbon-sequestering cypress and citrus trees, their canopies a vibrant tapestry of green. The river’s course then takes a dramatic turn, plummeting over a series of rapids that carve out a scenic factitious canyon – a natural wonder repurposed for geothermal cooling purposes within the arcology. Beneath the veil of darkness, Tascha catches a glimpse of a series of artificial lakes, where mercury-free fish are set to thrive in their controlled environment.
“Somebody’s kayaking!”
As a vibrant yellow kayak navigates the turbulent waters of the highest cataract, a daredevil in a bold purple helmet expertly steers the vessel down the treacherous rapids. Now that Tascha is willing to take her time, she’ll notice that another section of the canyon is destined for climbing walls.
“I’m definitely looking to buy,” Janet states. “You shopping for in? Because of our diligent effort, we secured premier positions in the lottery.
Whether we receive a bonus hangs in the balance. Tascha’s fingers felt awkward and uncoordinated. She drops the leads. “Are you scorching? I think your guitar’s fretting is fritzing.
“Should you consider getting an early breast cancer screening?”
It’s just a matter of another couple of hours. I’m nice.”
“Don’t attempt to muscle by—”
“I’m nice. Xia consistently emphasizes the benefits of using saunas for overall well-being. Let’s get our bonus.”
As soon as she was certain her refrigerator was malfunctioning, the air grew noticeably warmer and more pleasant. As she closes her eyes, a vivid mental picture emerges of Xia, basking in the warm sunlight, deliberately embracing the heat and humidity. Since Xia can handle it, Tascha can too. Christ, Xia tends to become disgruntled if Tascha merely adjusts the air conditioning in their shared apartment, no matter how slight the change may be. In Texas, she’s inherited a culture shaped by the state’s history of scarcity and resilience, where the notion that “dying for power” – literally, in this case – has become an integral part of its founding ethos?
On their first encounter in a heated debate about what qualified as a low-cost temperature, Tascha firmly declared, “It’s nice.” “The grid’s in surplus. By leveraging this opportunity, we’re actually doing them a significant favor.
“You’re making that up.”
I can easily cool the outdoor space if required. Can I effortlessly shatter the barriers, sending them tumbling 15 rungs down? “I’ll help you secure a strong foothold in the market.”
“Don’t you dare.”
Given that Azalea’s proximity would minimize travel time for Tascha, regular transfers between the two stations are likely a necessity for efficient commutes. The premises are consistently kept at affordable temperatures, 24/7. Is the Arcology’s promise, a tantalizing prospect that appears to defy gravity. No wildfire smoke. Managed temps. The plethora of parks and recreational trails, along with their accompanying outdoor cafés. The symbiotic integration of vitality and cooling systems within the hydroponics framework is seamlessly managed by AIzalIA Administration Software, purportedly enabling the entire arcology to function as a carbon sink while generating a net energy surplus, benefiting all residents as described in the brochure.
Xia has a profound aversion to the notion itself.
“It’s extra privatization. Private municipal companies cannot be privatized. Decentralization actually hinders central authorities’ ability to provide essential services and maintain adequate infrastructure. Wealthy individuals often maintain their refinement, whereas those in poverty are disproportionately vulnerable to mortality.
“This isn’t Texas. “That’s not our standard procedure.”
“It’s not Texas … . As those who enable the affluent to dominate the rest of society ultimately find themselves eroding the very fabric that holds it together.
Can’t we just savor life’s moments without overthinking them right now? Let’s infuse a healthy dose of positivity into the air!
“It occurred with faculties. Infrastructure will naturally develop alongside growth, benefiting those who allow it to flourish.
The excessive reverence of Texas, not to mention its esteemed authorities, has taken issue with your presence; indeed, a warrant bearing your name now hangs in abeyance, awaiting the day when justice will be served. You’re fortunate we don’t extradite.”
Xia makes a face. Tascha feels unhealthy. Here’s an improved version:
While Xia’s worrying is akin to her getting concerned, it’s equally true that she’s bothered when she takes good care of others – specifically, her loved ones like Tascha. It’s what she does. Tasha’s gentle lips brushed against Lena’s forehead in a soft, tender kiss. “Not every piece is a plot to destroy the world.”
As a result, Florida effectively succumbed to devastating flood damage. As the wealthy escaped, their private jets waited patiently to whisk them away, while Miami succumbed to the relentless floodwaters. They’re constantly deliberating about kissing goodbye and moving on to another location. You won’t allow these individuals to dismantle everything and then make a swift getaway with all their riches.
“I highly doubt that’s the core message of Azalea—”
“Yeah? What’s the buy-in?”
“That’s not honest. It’s understood just how much it costs to construct? This ain’t low cost tech.”
“What would have been a relatively low-cost solution?” Simple fixes often require merely stepping outside. Despite their wealth, many individuals felt secure and complacent, thus they paid little attention to the situation. Yes, they would transfer to New Zealand. Within these exclusive enclaves, they would forge their own unique communities. They’d rent guards. As she strolled through the garden, she’d remark on how lovely the azaleas would look, perfectly in place.
Despite what others may think, we’re also able to make a purchase. If our profits increase significantly due to bonuses, then we will undoubtedly possess a substantial amount of funds.
Xia bites her tooth, arduous. As ElectoPod breaches the mental defenses of Tascha, two blathering commentary hosts suddenly flood her mind with cacophonous banter, their voices a shrill din that threatens to overwhelm her every thought.
Breaking News Alert: Previous Information Protection
The heated discussion between the show’s anchors erupts once more.
Tascha seeks a spirited debate with Xia. ElectroPod suggests that its message isn’t just about affluent individuals; rather, it’s a universal truth that everyone becomes silly and goes along with the crowd. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Xia continues to converse with the oblivious individuals, who seem immune to her attempts to quiet them down.
“
Tascha comes awake, gasping. Water rushes round her. As panic sets in, she flails about, desperate to propel herself towards the surface and catch a breath.
“Whoa, woman! Together, Janet cradled the young one in her arms, accompanied by a girl clad in a vibrant purple helmet.
The kayaker?
The small boat glides effortlessly across the water, its occupants nestled safely within the river’s tranquil curves. They’re inside Azalea. As the kayaker and Janet provide steadfast support, they hold her aloft against the relentless flow of water that wraps itself around her. As the remaining members of the development team gather at the riverbank, their faces creased with worry as they gaze out among the tall cattails. “Is she okay?” Latoya calls.
The kayaker’s voice carries across the water as he shouts a reassuring remark: “She’s going to be nice.”
“I had previously been in touch with Xia…”
“Xia’s coming,” Janet says. “Don’t fear about Xia. Simply lay again. That’s proper. Let’s get you cool.”
“She’ll be pissed.”
“She’ll be glad you’re alive. Give up fussing.”
As Tascha’s exhaustion overwhelms her, she allows herself to surrender to the water once more, gratefully accepting the support of Janet and the kayaker as they work together to keep her afloat. “What occurred?”
“You heatstroked. As Janet burst into laughter, she recounted the time when you attempted to pop your harness. You came perilously close to plummeting to the depths from which there was no recovery until your safety net finally intervened. Shhh. Chill out. You’re nice now. Finally, we managed to get you sorted out and settled in. Simply float. Keep simple. Let the water do its work. You have been cooking.”
“I tousled our bonus—”
“Don’t fear about that. We received you. Let the refreshing coolness of this good water soothe and calm your senses.
Tascha’s gaze drifted upward to the arcing photovoltaic glass above, as the river flowed serenely around her. Smoke hangs heavy on the market, but she’s unable to detect its presence here. As she breathes in deeply, the sweet scent of orange blossoms fills her senses. Wafting through the air are the pungent aromas of novice ferns and cattails, mingling with the earthy scent of warm mud. Life.
“I should have thrown in the towel when my marriage ended.” “I should have pulled over to fix it.”
“Yeah, nicely.” Janet laughs. “We often gain clarity on problems only after we’ve made mistakes.”
,
