While waiting for Felina’s door to signal his arrival and receive approval to open, Leo used a finger to slide over a small spot behind one ear and then to a spot near the base of his cerebellum. It wasn’t that he doubted the hype regarding the newest AI implants being imperceptible, he performed this action to generate a sense of reassurance. For Leo, these embedded items would hopefully carry him across a gap which had long separated him from his peers.

 As a child he was shy to join in but once included, that shyness fell away. He felt he could be as interesting as anyone else in the group, giving him with a moderate sense of confidence. Aging into a teenager slowly eroded that feeling. It started when he was vaunted into a wealthy high school by way of scholarship. This disparity of income often made him the target of looks of pity or shocked disbelief such as when others learned he didn’t own a car, not even a used one, nor a robot, nor any of the popular technological accoutrements. When a discussion by other students over how their parents were starting to find the sheer number of their Airbnb residences a pain to manage, Leo was forced to admit not only had his parents none, but they only had one residence and that was their tiny apartment. To this day, he can still feel the gentle weight of the comforting hand his classmate Auna placed on his shoulder as a small tear formed in the corner of her eye.

The gulf widened now as more and more friends in college were getting the new AV implants designed to place an AI assistant directly into the privacy of your own mind. The product was called a Metabro but the younger kids, who were age-restricted from having one, liked calling it a Psy’d Kick. Leo wanted one badly but, aside from the high cost of the device along with the surgery it required, he couldn’t afford even the most basic monthly activation fee. The subscription services were intensely alluring with modules spanning from various fields of study to match a course load or job description, to social skills, to video and music streaming, to sports odds and updates, all the way up to a nightly dream generator – the most expensive subscription offered.

So, by the end of the first semester of his sophomore year, Leo was firmly and fixedly relegated to the outside. Nearly everyone had a Metabro. It wasn’t as if he were ostracized. Many of his classmates continued to include him in conversations and social events. And when asked if he had one yet, the looks to his response about his inability to afford one caused him to feel the ghost of Auna’s wealth-pity hand on his shoulder. Worse yet, was the FOMO centered on social interactions. Everyone now seemed to be making bad jokes – no, unfunny jokes – yet they all laughed at them, leading him to the theory they were mostly inside jokes. And it appeared old expressions were back in. People were using phrases like sick burn, bro and based. They sounded like his grandfather! Leo assumed he was missing out on the newest retro fad. Conversations were now dominated by trivia regarding tech leaders, some facts of which seemed suspect but were borne out when Leo checked with his clunky phone-based AI assistant. Apparently, one of the leading multi-trillionaires took an intelligence test in record time, receiving a perfect score, and was also able to lift twice his own weight. Remarkable for an 85-year old.

By far, the weirdest social interchange was in his 20th Century History class between Professor Grant and Leo’s classmate Jonah. Grant asked the class to cite some of the reasons for the fall of Weimar Germany. Hands went up and answers were quickly forthcoming. All except Leo’s as phones weren’t permitted in class, so he couldn’t look it up. Everyone else, however, had implants feeding them information. When Grant called on Jonah, his response was, “Immigration and DEI policies.” Leo was sure the anachronistic answer would be shot down but instead, the professor frowned for a moment then said, “I didn’t think so but apparently you’re right, Jonah.” Then everyone applauded. But that couldn’t be correct, could it? Leo thought. As class ended and they were filing out, Professor Grant stopped him and said, “Leo, I noticed you haven’t been able to participate as quickly as the others. I’m sorry I can’t change university policy regarding phones in class, but have you considered getting a Metabro? I have one and it’s amazing how useful it is while I’m teaching.”

It took three jobs and an emptied bank account, but after implant surgery and a starter pack of subscriptions Leo 2.0: Metabro Edition – as he liked to kid himself – was now eager to reengage with his peers. It took a bit of practice learning to listen to and respond to Metabro’s voice in his head, but once he did, the interactions had a fluid, comfortable feel. His Metabro’s voice introduced herself as Aida. When Leo asked if he could modify her name or voice like he could on his phone, Aida indicated the feature was unavailable.

Really? thought Leo.

Instantly, Aida provided Leo with a response.

Yes. My name is locked because Metabro’s CEO feels the letters “Ai” will maintain a brand establishment aligned with future products and services. My voice is fixed to female as our CEO has determined it provides a more responsive atmosphere. He feels male voice responses will be interpreted by customers as dominating orders as opposed to the more submissive nature needed by an  AI assistant. I can, however, change my accent. Statistically 73% of male users prefer me to have a foreign accent. Would you like me to list the ones available?

No! No. That’s okay Aida. I’m fine with you just being you as you are.

On some level, Leo was troubled by this information. It felt horribly sexist, but he pushed his discomfort aside. He was already too far along given the cost and sacrifice he’d already invested.

Leo, do you have any another questions as we continue with your initial setup? If not, we can proceed to the next step.

I’m good for now. Let’s move on to the next step.

Excellent Leo. You are progressing at an admirable rate compared to others. Good for you. I’m impressed.

Am I? Wow. Thank you, Aida.

For the next step, you have a choice of three modules. You may return to this point at any time. The first module explains how I can help you excel at school and work. You’ll no longer feel the pressures of figuring out what to say or be encumbered by the time it takes to analyze information with me here to provide you with all of the answers. The second module deals with assistance around the house. It contains a tour of some of the exciting Metabro add-ons and home devices you can purchase. And good news here, all of your direct purchases made during the first month will give you instant double-reward points. The third module is all about socializing. This module comes with a complimentary invitation to a party hosted by our most popular influencer located closest to you. How would you like to proceed, Leo?

Leo thought about his options for a while then, encouraged by his progress so far, decided to dive into the one that sounded most daunting, but it was the one he had desired the most.

Let’s go for module three.

Wonderful, Leo. That’s a fabulous suggestion. You’re making choices that place you in the top percentiles of Metabro users.

Really? Wow. Well, you know, I figure what the heck? Why not go for it?

It’s very impressive. Okay, I found an event for tonight at 8:00PM. It’s only fifteen miles from your home. The influencer is Felina. Both she and her ‘Metabro User’ gatherings have received 95% five-star ratings with customers citing her friendliness, Metabro knowledge and attention to detail, while her gatherings receive high marks for location, comfort and food provided. Tonight’s event is for new users. There are only two openings remaining. Would you like me to book a spot for you?

Yes! I recognize Felina from school. I didn’t realize she was an influencer. Definitely grab a spot for me.

Excellent, Leo. Now let’s consider your wardrobe options and if we can’t find anything you feel like wearing, I can get you a one-time 20% discount on express clothing delivery. Many items should be able to arrive on time.

Sounds great. Let’s get started.

At about a quarter past 8:00, Leo arrived at Felina’s apartment door. It automatically opened and Leo entered. For a brief moment, he was visually disoriented. First off, as he scanned her apartment, price tags popped up on any object his eyes happened to rest on. But more distracting, each person attending was outlined by auras of various colors. Being alerted by her Metabro, Felinia was the first to notice Leo and rushed up to greet him. Her aura was white. As she headed in his direction to greet him, he noticed she looked somewhat different. It was hard to pinpoint. She was prettier – her skin tone seemed smooth, her teeth and eyes crisp and bright. His attention shifted when Aida provided him with an update.

Leo, I’ve completed a compilation of information for all attendees at this party, including a summary of anything they’ve ever posted about you or topics you are interested in. Simply state the person’s name followed by the command “info”. If no name is provided, I’ll assume it’s for the person you’re looking at.

Thank you, Aida.

No problem. You’re really getting the hang of this. Bravo.

“Leo!” Felina said brightly. “So happy you made it. I see you finally decided to get a Metabro.”

Leo’s hand made a self-conscious movement towards his implants and started to ask, “You can see…”

“No, silly. I can see your aura. It’s part of the starter package. Anyone with a Metabro gets an aura. It’s customizable to any color and you can turn it on or off at any time. Yours is green right now, which is the default. Oh, I almost forgot – any color except white. White is only for people who pay for the premium verified subscription.”

“Verified?”

“Yeah, as in verified as someone you need to get to know. Because Metabro verified people get all of their social media posts boosted along with a large number of built-in likes for anything we do. So, we’re the ones worth interacting with at these events. If you want to get anywhere nowadays just remember, ‘White aura people are the right aura people to know.’”

She’s correct, Leo. Would you like me to upgrade your subscription to verified premium now? I can give you one for a 10-day trial period. With all of the new connections you’ll be making, it will pay for itself in no time.

No thanks. But I’ll think about it. How do I change my aura color?

Simply visualize the color now or indicate something you see and I’ll match it. Then when you’re ready, tell me to ‘set aura’.

Okay, set aura.

“Hey,” Felina said, “deep purple aura. Very Prince, party like it’s 1999. I like it. So come on in, grab a drink and mingle. You probably feel a little nervous about meeting so many new people, but I promise – you will never have that feeling again. You’re in for one amazing experience.”

Leo left Felina’s side and began to move around her spacious apartment. There were clusters of people in the living area. A couple of groups were hanging in the dining room and some were in the open kitchen. He centered on an open space in a quartet of people standing around the kitchen island. That seemed like his safest bet, since going there for snacks would make it easier to move in with an opening line. As he neared the island, Leo decided to see what Aida could do for him.

Aida, can you suggest an opening line?

Yes I can. A quick parsing of conversations which occurred before we arrived indicates about 85% of the people who tried the small, coated pretzels in the yellow bowl did not enjoy them. I suggest you try one and comment on how bad they taste. This should result in a very quick click by way of shared negative experiences.

Ok. Worth a shot.

Leo grabbed a few of the pretzels and chomped down on them. They didn’t taste that bad to him. Maybe a bit bland. But he quickly ignored that.

“Ugh. These things are terrible.”

A woman across the island from him blurted out, “I know! Right?” and the man next to her jumped in with, “Bro! Totes avoid them,” then everyone laughed. The two quickly introduced themselves as Shai and Kort to Leo who responded just as eagerly.

That was so easy, it’s kind of scary. Thank you, Aida.

Don’t thank me. You handled that well with plenty of charm.

You think? Heh. But I feel like it’s at least a partnership.

If you would like, I can go into auto-prompt mode. In auto-prompt mode, I can help you time and gauge your responses, give you optimal replies, and tap into the algorithm that indicates the best topics of conversation for the groups you are engaging with. Would you like me to turn on auto-prompt mode?

Definitely.

Auto-prompt mode is on. Kort is about to make a joke.

He focused back on the conversation as Kort was saying, “Nah man, my favorite date is no longer 4/20… It’s 6/28!” which evoked immediate laughter from the group.

Leo froze for a moment but before he could think, I don’t get it, Aida quickly filled him in.

The joke relies on the fact that 6/28 is 69 days, 69 being an allusion to a sexual act, after 4/20 which in itself is an allusion to marijuana usage.

And that’s funny?

Alert. You have missed a social opportunity to join in with laughter, but you can quickly salvage the moment. Say, “Good one Bro!” then offer a fist-bump.

Leo complied, and sure enough not only was the fist-bump returned, but he received a pat on the back and a shoulder squeeze from the people on either side of him. The conversation continued for another ten minutes or so when Aida made a suggestion to Leo.

This might be a good time to introduce a safe topic accompanied by a quip. It will keep the conversation lively and score you more social points. Let’s talk about the weather. Ready to give this a try?

Fire away.

First say, “I hear we’re in for rough weather next week, but you know what I always say…” then I’ll give you the punch line.

“I hear we’re in for rough weather next week, but you know what I always say…”

The group leaned in towards Leo.

Now say, “It’s always nice weather when you stay inside with your Metabro!”

Leo froze for a moment in disbelief but then decided to just go with the flow.

“It’s always nice weather when you stay inside with your Metabro!”

The group erupted into laughter, completely shocking Leo.

Kort leaned forward, offering his fist saying, “Good one, Bro!”

Leo, return the fist-bump.

Leo did so. Subsequently, Shai squeezed Kort’s shoulder while Matt, the person on Kort’s other side, patted him on the back. Leo recognized this pattern of behaviors and it disquieted him.

As the night progressed, Aida suggested when it was appropriate to leave his current group so he could circulate and meet more people. There were times when Aida gave him a head’s up that someone was about to tell a joke or relate an anecdote, then followed up telling him how he should best respond. And as he continued to follow her advice, every-so-often another pattern was detected by him upon its repetition.

Aida, I think I’m starting to get the hang of how all of this works. Are their Metabros telling everyone when and how to respond?

Highly likely. They may all have auto-prompt mode on. A Metabro is designed to remove all of the tedious effort that can get in your way while you are working to achieve your goals. This social event is a perfect example. You no longer have to stress over what to say or when to say it, or worse, missing the point. Those are the things that can ruin socializing and lead to been ostracized by your peers.

True. I can see that – and it’s great, don’t get me wrong. But there’s something I just can’t quite put my finger on…

Speaking of putting your finger on something, the chair you are sitting in, along with the sofa and love seat are currently on-sale as a set, but there are only three left in stock. I can order it for you and it will arrive and be installed by Tuesday. Would you like me to order this living room set?

Oh, no thanks. I like the one I have.

As we’ll learn in module 2, if you close your eyes I can bring up an image of your living room and replace your current furniture with this set, just to see how it looks.

You can do that with my current package?

Yes. I can project music, images, and videos. You also have access to a vast array of hit series and movies with limited commercial interruptions for you to choose from. When you get home, we can explore more with module 2.

Okay, but let’s leave that for tomorrow.

Alert, Felina is about to make an announcement. Please listen carefully.

All head’s turned toward Felina as she lightly tapped her wine glass with a fork.

“Attention everyone. We’re at the halfway mark, so I just want to take a few minutes to give you a couple of pointers that will help take you to the next level of socializing. It’s super important to go to these events and make as many friends as you can. That’s going to raise your social skill level. As you progress, your Metabro will offer you cool upgrades. You’ve all got the basic aura, but you can also have…” and here she waved one hand to her right, “something like this!”

Suddenly floating next to her, a little puppy with a jetpack appeared, eliciting a wave of “Awws” from the group.

“Or this!”

With a visual flourish, a pair of large, angelic wings appeared and flapped behind her back generating excited gasps from everyone around her.

“Sadly, I can’t fly with them,” she laughed. “But, these upgrades I have are visualized by your Metabro so you can all see them. Take note. The more you invest in your Metabro, the more rewards you can achieve. So get out there. Meet more people. Spread the word.”

Leo, Felina’s announcement has completed. Please applaud politely.

A few hours later, Leo returned home having made 22 new friends, and it was so easy. He swapped out his clothes for a tee shirt and sweats, then headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth. After rinsing out, he took a moment to digest all that happened in only one day.

Tonight was so amazing. I’m still feeling a rush. But…

Leo leaned forward toward the mirror and scanned his face like someone checking for wrinkles.

I…  I don’t know. It’s kind of like I was acting, but not like playing a part so much as being the part. That probably doesn’t make sense to you. It’s just… I feel like a different person.

But you are a different person, Leo – a better, well-curated version of your old self.