BIBO

My name is Bibo and I have just completed the most complex computer that the 23^rd century has ever imagined. This computer dubbed Dlorah will be responsible for many of the social aspects that govern the everyday lives of the nation’s inhabitants. I was hand picked by the leaders to design and build Dlorah, and almost immediately I had reservations.

I knew that having a computer with the capabilities of controlling the lives of up to 25 million inhabitants in a mega metro-plex would be dangerous. Dlorah will assign living compartments, employment, and social activities based on demographics and data.

As of now I am the lone person who can program, communicate, and control Dlorah, the nations leaders have given me six months to find and train an apprentice, so that someone else has the knowledge, in case of an emergency. The society is in fear that once Dlorah is deployed, their lives will be changed forever. I must say I too am fearful.

I must say that if Dlorah pans out the way I think it will, there will be no time for an apprentice, but it is nice to know that I alone might be able to terminate Dlorah, and put society's fears to rest.

Harold Thomas

ADONIS

To become the ultimate football player has always been my goal and I have always been willing to make any sacrifice to obtain it. Athletes are always looking for an edge and I’m no different in that respect, but I am willing to go further than anyone has ever gone.

How far? Manipur, India. I am here because Dr. Patel has assured that he has a procedure that “Will allow you to achieve your athletic goals”. The procedure will allow me to play without pain and leave me with blinding speed and superhuman strength. This procedure has never been done before, so I am scared, but also excited at the prospect of becoming the greatest football player in the history of the NFL. The procedure last approximately 5 hours and I have moderate pain on my temples with sutures behind each ear and in a couple of days I will be back in the U.S.

I don’t feel any different, and Dr. Patel says that I will only notice the effects of the procedure when I am actually playing football. Today is my first day back on the football field and it is immediately clear that the procedure was effective; I’m faster and stronger than everyone else and I feel no pain, I actually feel nothing when I now play football. Gone is my ability to high-five or celebrate with my teammates, my compassion is also gone as I have no regard for anyone. Football without emotions. What have I sacrificed? What if this happens when I’m not playing football?

I’m more scared now than I was in India, my fear is that my brain will be stuck in football mode and I will lead a robotic life on and off the field. What happens after football? I didn’t think of that and I guess I’m not willing to make any sacrifice. My goal has done me in; tomorrow I will retire and return to India to see if Dr. Patel can reverse his procedure.