LX 2048

So, we got the results back.

And?

You're on Premium 3.

You have an alternative here that most people nowadays

do not. - Am I dying?

If I am, just... - You're not dying.

Yet.

Your heart is definitely failing though.

You can be saved with the right donor

but time is your biggest enemy

and accidents are so rare these days.

What about a clone organ?

When you're dead, you'll be eligible for a total upgrade.

But there are no shortcuts.

Premium 3 is technically there to protect your spouse

to make sure she's not left alone with the burden

of raising three kids.

It's not there to benefit you, per se.

I suppose your wife could put in a request for you?

It's uncommon, but state might approve

under the circumstances.

Yeah, well, we're kinda separated, so...

It says here...

you're still married?

We just never completed the paperwork.

Ah.

My wife insisted on doing everything virtually.

I feel there are still some things

that you have to live through in the real world.

Like being told that your heart is failing?

Exactly.

You're a clone, aren't you?

You asked for a day meeting.

I'm sure you can guess the answer.

Do you ever go out there?

Look at the sun with your own eyes?

I mean, it doesn't burn your kind, right?

It's called augmented pigmentation.

One of the many advantages of the cloning process.

But don't envy me.

There are limitations beyond the Premium 3 cases.

I am going to book you a meeting with a therapist.

I think it would do you good in these trying times.

Virtual, night-time or daytime?

Can we please meet in the real world?

OK, well, can I come to the house then?

Can I come over?

Please.

Please, I need to see you and the kids!

It's important!

Jesus Christ!

Can you forget about the goddamn papers

for one fucking minute!

I'm dying, Reena.

Alright? I am dying.

That's what I'm so upset about.

Is that a good enough reason?

You hope I sign the papers beforehand?

That's what you have to say to me?

For Christ's sakes.

No, don't say sorry. What does that even mean?

I'm the father of your children

and I just told you that I am dying

and all you care about is some papers?

Fuck you!

You know, I can't believe I ever loved you.

All you early risers, day creatures

noon lizards, people of the sun

the few and far between still holding onto the days

still believing in the light

this song is for you.

And be careful out there.

Sunburn cut-off is 7:22pm

and toxic level drop-off is 8:05.

Thank God for Lithium X.

"Five Star Man" by Ian Richter

Yeah, it works.

It's the best realm tracker I've ever seen.

I don't know how you guys did it.

Dental records, huh? Clever...

Well, look, guys, not to knock the wind out of your sails

but VR technology is yesterday's news.

Everything's going chip now.

A simple installation and bye-bye, goggles.

I mean, sooner or later, I'm gonna be out of a job.

Hello.

Ah!

Shit... Ugh.

Ah, shit.

They say that it operates directly, right into the brain.

No goggles. No avatars. No world building.

It's kinda like a self-controlled dream

I suppose.

Look... you hired me to be your eyes and ears here.

Hopefully not just because I'm always available to you

in daytime...

Thank you, I'm not fishing for compliments.

What I'm trying to tell you is that what I see and hear

is that chip is taking over.

We need to stop investing in VR tech.

We need to focus all our resources and energy

into developments for chip.

Are you not listening to what I'm saying?

I'm trying to save your company!

VR tech is expensive, and hard to come by

and all your buyers are going under anyhow

because there's so much free content

all over the realm!

Did you just ask me about my meds?

Is that a joke?

I'm here.

Working for you in the real world!

Sitting in an actual office, ready to kick ass!

And where are you?

Sniffing pristine in bed while getting a blowjob

from your avatar girlfriend?

No, I won't calm down!

We're going under!

We need to get ahead of the market

and we need to do it now!

Can I help you?

I, uh...

I have a day meeting with Dr Maple?

Yeah...

Adam Bird.

I see it.

Thumbprint and iris.

Clear.

Alright.

I'm gonna open the door and let you into the screening area.

I want you to remove the hazmat suit and take your place

on the mark.

Carrying any weapons? Pepper spray? Taser? Shocker?

Might wanna consider it

if you're gonna be roaming around daytime.

Arms up.

OK, you're clear. She's expecting you.

So I see you were referred to us by Doctor Rhys?

Yep.

She's a good doctor.

I'll take your word for it.

You don't think that?

I would if she cured me.

You seem quite frustrated.

I'm dying.

That's certainly unfortunate.

You wanna tell me more?

I wake up in the morning. I go out there.

No one else does anymore, but I do.

I go out, I see the decay.

I see the blazing sun.

I take the stairs up to my office

but the only other ones there are the clones.

No... No offense.

None taken.

What do you have against clones?

We're not robots, you know. We're all...

biologically reconstructed.

I just can't relate emotionally to you people.

Are you afraid to die?

All normal people are afraid to die.

You're afraid to die because it comes with something like

a grade for your achievements in life?

Or lack thereof?

Yeah, something like that.

You're surprised I understand you? Me being a clone and all.

No.

Your kind is very perceptive.

But?

Something's missing.

When I look in your eyes, I see reason, wisdom

but no instinct or compassion.

All predestined thoughts. Computer-like.

You want me to surprise you?

Isn't that what life is all about?

Brenda. - Hi!

You're up early!

Hi! Look at you!

Yeah, I have an early meeting...

See you. - Have a nice night!

Honey?

Die, motherfucker!

Die, die, die!

Die! Die, motherfucker!

Die, die, die!

Die!

Reena, I'm so sorry that you had to see that.

I...

I used to lock the door

but nobody ever comes in anymore.

I was sitting there on a beach.

And then, all of a sudden

I just hear this huffing and puffing and grunting

and thank God the kids are connected...

That they should have to hear their father

wailing like some wild fucking animal...

I'm sorry, Reena. I...

I don't know what else to say.

Except to reassure you that our kids do not