Frank and Julie watched the holo-news:


    “This just in. I’m April Morales. The federal government’s passed a historic law mandating that everything gets recycled!”


    “What does that exactly mean?“ asked her male co-anchor.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    “Well, Bob, it means all products get tagged with a tamper-proof globally tracked digital expiration date—so recycle them or face stiff penalties.”


    Frank chuckled.


    “What’s so funny?” asked Julie.


    “As if anyone listens to the government anymore. Everyone’s joined one of those self-proclaimed ‘sovereign VR enclaves.’”


    “Huh?” Julie raised an eyebrow.


    “You know, like in those deprogramming hotline commercials—‘Call us to escape a digital cult!’”