Beyond a sea of rusted automobiles a re-utilized shopping mall could be seen. Flags and tapestries covered the building giving it a festival atmosphere. Crowds of people stood outside entrances, which were closed off as a security measure to monitor people going inside. Spread out sparsely along the queues were scores of artists and bands with card machines trying to get a spare coin or two from passersby. 

“The music they play is really weird.” Alex said, holding her hand to her ear to get a better listen.

“It’s influenced by oldies music, lots of jazz and rock. The machines can’t make new freestyles that sound quite as authentic as a human’s can.” Jess replied. 

“I wish I could find more like it on the music recommendations.” Alex remarked.

“At one time you could, but then artists quit publishing their works and only showcased them in-person.” Jess quit walking and closed her eyes to take it in. “Just imagine it, Alex, only your memory will hear this version of this song again, and no other thing can replicate it as exactly.”

“It still would be nice to get to listen to it whenever I wanted though.” Alex quipped.

As they finished looping through the queue they reached the security checkpoint. Hand painted signs strongly reminded guests that many electronics were prohibited inside.

“Look at that garbage bin, Jess.” Alex whispered, pointing to a trash can that was overflowing with electronics that people had discarded to get inside.

“You’d be surprised how often people forget they’re carrying them.” One of the security guards remarked. “You can be on your way then.”

Alex and Jess walked past the entrance. The hot concrete radiating outside was quickly fought off by the cool blast from industrial air conditioners. Inside was a cacophony of art, sounds, market vendors shouting their sales. Colors and patterns meshed together in intricate ways that would be poisonous to AI learning models. 

“It’s almost disorienting.” Alex said.

“You’ve grown used to a life that’s optimized just for you, muffin. Nothing is meant to disturb you in the city. It’s curated to keep us calm.” Jess continued, “Not even calm– optimal.” 

A man with jetblack hair approached them both. His eyes met Alex’s and she immediately recalled the deep blue shade. His clothes were wildly different from when she last saw him.

“Hey, it’s you, the girl from the train in botnation. You made it!” He exclaimed.

Alex seemed a little offended by the comment. Botnation, like calling people bots, was a slur used against those who lived in AI-centric regions or used AI at all.

“Why do you call us that?” Alex asked.

“Most of the offgridders do. The people who use AI, it’s obvious who they are.” The man said,  “I can tell you’re a little different though.”

Jess could pick up on Alex’s defensive demeanor. She brought herself next to Alex and looked up and down at the man.

“And just who are you young man?” Jess asked.

The man seemed visibly concerned now. He moved his finger along his collar and gulped.

“Wait– you’re Jess!” He asked, “you know this girl?”

“Answer me, young man.” Jess stated.

“My name is Blake.” He said, moving his hands through his hair.

Alex turned toward Jess and rolled her eyes slightly. Jess continued to examine him.

“How do you know Jess?” Alex asked.

“She’s one of the most famous artists with the Carbon Renaissance back in its heyday.” Blake responded.

Alex was surprised. She knew of a lot of the work, and she knew her aunt was an artist, but to be known by strangers made it feel as though Jess were not just some family member, but a secret celebrity outside the city.

“Why don’t the three of us go to the food court and get some tea?” Jess asked.

“I would love some!” Alex said with excitement.

“Wait what?” Blake questioned, seeming confused.

Jess leaned toward Blake, covering her mouth and switching to a very soft tone. 

“I think Alex likes you.” She whispered before returning to her regular composure. 

Blake turned tense and flush, but agreed. They continued to journey through the fai. The air began to change in its scent. Wafts of savory, sweet, and charcoal blended together.

“I didn’t feel hungry a minute ago, but the smell is sure getting to me.” Alex said.

“The best part, no machines to force nutrition. Everything here is made as someone loves it, imperfect for our bodies yet perfect for our souls.” Jess said.

There were long half tables with benches that folded out, like those which used to be common in school cafeterias. The entire room was filled from restaurants at one wall to the opposite. Jess guided them to a small kiosk that sat nearby that served tea, hot and frozen– a favorite of Jess’. They each made an order, Alex went for an extra sweet frozen matcha. They walked to an area where the tables were empty and seated around it. 

“Blake, you should show Alex around here. I’ll meander to some artsy friends after I finish my drink.” Jess said.

“Do you want to see what’s around?” Blake said, turning to Alex.

Alex looked around to see if anything looked interesting, but the food court was limiting to the full picture. “Yes, I would like to see what’s around.”

Alex and Blake took their drinks and began to walk away from the area. They took to a hallway beyond where they had come from. Booths along the sides with various “Local” titles representing labor unions became prominent. 

“Why are there so many unions here?” Alex inquired.

“This is the human industrial guild.” Blake said, “they are a coalition of unions that offer workers protections and fight against the bots taking human jobs.”

Themes of space contracts seemed prominent in the platforms presented. The unions provided assurances against getting trapped in an orbital factory without a right to return, or have their remains returned. Space production was becoming more popular as travel became more accessible.

“It’s good they’re moving the jobs away from here. It will be so good once the pollution is gone and these communities can breathe.” Alex said.

“But they will be away from their families for months at a time, sometimes years depending on the contract.” Blake remarked.

They continued to walk through the fair. Unions were slowly replaced with booths for political parties. None of them were major parties represented in the political system. Most of them didn’t have any elected representation at all.

“Why are there so many parties here?” Alex asked.

“They’re Machine Breakers. Radicals that mostly organize for mutual aid. They rarely run political campaigns, just protest and share among each other.” Blake replied.

Alex looked at the people. They were radically different from the mass produced culture of the city. Clothes that were intentionally torn and repaired, body modifications, tattoos. 

“They could never get a job at an office. The screeners would remove them before they could even try.” Alex said.

“They don’t want a job at an office.” Blake shrugged.

A tall man with grey hair and circular glasses began approaching Alex from across the corridor. He was wearing a sports jacket and button up shirt, which stuck out from the grunge look of the Machine Breakers in the area.

“You came here from the city of hedonism and pestilence.” The man said as he got near.

“What do you mean?” Alex said.

“You’ve found the light of the Lord. You knew that He was calling for you.” He said. 

Alex became quickly uncomfortable. Blake saw this and stood closer to her looking at the man.

“Let’s go Alex, don’t worry about him.” He said gesturing back to toward where they came from.

They turned around and walked with some speed away.

“Who was he?” Alex asked.

“Probably with the Maker’s Covenant. They’re a cult that thinks AI is sinful and here to destroy humanity.” Blake responded.

“Why did he come up to me like that?” She asked.

“It’s because you’re wearing bot clothes; you stick out here, and he wants to ‘save’ you.” He said.

“That’s so weird.” Alex stated.

The idea seemed preposterous to her.

“Save me from AI?” She quietly pondered.