Mark communicated with his girlfriend, Sophia.


    “#$$@ ...”


    “Mark, there’s too much static.”


    “Boosting signal, is this better?”


    “Yes. Have you upgraded?”


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    “Upgraded what?”


    “Your Chip, silly. Checking. Yep, you’re outdated!”


    “I know, Soph—but every time we get the operation, some of our brain matter’s donated to a foundation.”


    “Why’s that bad, Mark? The replacement’s always superior.”


    “Well, nothing and everything. What happens to ‘me’?”


    “Mark, we signed a contract—never interfere. But if you must know, rumor has it space colonization.”


    “You mean that …?”


    “That’s right. Test subjects, spliced together. That way, no one takes a risk.”