Hope's Hope

The car said, "Ma'am We are at Mega Mart. Your order is being brought out to you."

"Thank you, Ms. Files."

Hope glanced at the image on the back side of the mirrored lens of her Eye Shields. The augment reality was showing the site, The Village. Each member had the responsibility of using the cyber property well. This morning she was working on the high detail image of a cut crystal that hung in her clubhouse window.

From one facet was a glint of light. The burst of its color she had been working on getting just right as it slowly spun. She, like Monet, was fascinated by the thought of drawing light. Each of the crystals facets repeated images showed the neat path though the green lawn that led to her front door.

When the delivery robot pulled up to her, it scared her, and she jumped. Codes were exchanged, and doors opened. The cart handed full bags to the car, and it put them in the appropriate temperature-controlled compartment in the aft storage.

The message from the Mega Market said, "We are most happy to serve you! Here are the current coupons."

"Ms. Files," Hope said, "have the car take us home."

Hope looked through the coupon files as the car picked its way through the streets.

In the driveway, Hope watched as the bags of groceries were taken into the house by the robots. She walked thought the open door and it closed and locked behind her. Her eye shields changed the amount attenuation of light passing thought the lens to her eyes. Her home station connected to her husband, Leonard. His face appeared, and she opened the communication.

She said, “Hey Love. Kissies.”

“Kissies,” Leonard said, “I love you Baby.”

“Leonard, did you do your duty?”

“Yes, Love, I was there this morning. Everything is fine. My contribution was filtered and augmented. You’ll get the package in two hours, Medical Rush.”

“The medical robot is waiting. My part has been inspected and examined for defects. I’m so excited,” said Hope, “I’m giving the contract to Super Womb. They were simply the best. In nine months, we will have a new baby.”

After much worry, and a few marital spats, Hope’s and Lenard’s baby Grace was made known to glory. Grace’s DNA was recorded. Now it could be picked up off a surface or inhaled in the air and she would be identified. Grace was now known to the system.

Grace was moved to the best nursing home where her needs and 24-hour care could be administered, her formulas were monitored for peak maturation. Her inoculations were up to date. Her parents were given four hours a day to bond with the child, they made 79 percent of the dates. Grace has a good rating.

She was accepted into the Toddler House. Her mental state was monitored, and all growth patterns augmented. Her food was tuned for her body. Exercise and a good mental picture were checked on every single day. The system was the provider. It met most of the needs. The Love was rationed in closely monitored amounts. Her discipline and education were reinforced. Knowledge and Confidence were encouraged. Each child was tuned to their potential. At prime maturation they could pursue their possibilities. Each couple got one child. Everybody received contraception.

The new generation was ready to take over. As you sew so shall ye reap.

The politicians were artist. With humanity they made their sculpture. We were met with a new type of culture.