The following day, Alex went to work. She skipped breakfast entirely, not wanting to be bothered with the suggestions.
“Don’t forget to make today wonderful and productive!” Becky, the AI manager, greeted Alex in a popup message.
A flurry of tasks began to appear on the screen. Instead of letting the program run unsupervised like she normally would, she started looking at the names of the files and programs being converted for AI ingestion.
“How many of these programs get repurposed?” Alex asked Becky via chat.
“The conversion rate to be applied in future code is around 4%. Many programs were redundant, and even more are for obsolete roles.” Becky responded.
“What are some of the obsolete programs?” Alex questioned.
“Music studios, photo and video editing, code editors are some examples of obsolete programs. These fields have been effectively replaced by generative AI. Would you like to learn how these roles have successfully transitioned in the AI economy?” Becky responded.
Alex reached in her pocket for her phone again, opening up the message she sent to Jess. It was still unread.
“Becky, I’m so sorry. I’m not feeling well– I’m going to take PTO today.” Alex messaged.
“I hope you feel better soon, Alex. My system would like to remind you that since you have already worked today you cannot take PTO as a salaried employee. Please take the remainder of today off for getting well again.” Becky immediately responded.
Alex left her desk and went to the campus cafeteria. She noticed a lunch option she hadn’t used before. The savory smell made her mouth water. She opened up the lunch application and began to scroll through the recommendations. It didn’t appear on the first two pages. She joined the line of pickups to try to place an order.
“What’s the order number?” A man asked her.
“I’d like to make an order. I’m not getting it listed as a recommendation.” Alex said.
“Sorry, what? We don’t take orders; this is for pickups. You have to use the app.” He responded.
“I’m having trouble finding it. It’s not coming up in my suggestions.” She replied.
“Sorry, I just don’t have a way to place an order.” He said.
She left and went back to her phone. Finally, on page six of her recommendations she found it. She placed an order and returned to the line.
“I see you got it figured out.” The man said, handing her the order, “Nice choice of food though.”
Alex took the box of food and walked out of the building. She looked at the empty park and entered it, taking a seat at one of the benches to eat her meal. No one passed through, it stayed empty as it always had despite being open to everyone.
“I’ve got to see Jess.” She thought to herself.
She got on a train and waited for the stop, pulling the wire as she approached Jess’ home. She stood up before it stopped to stand by the exit doors. As she walked off she felt her phone vibrate.
“Something feels different.” Alex thought.
She approached the door and gave a soft knock and waited. Nothing. She knocked again a little harder– still nothing. Alex began getting frantic. She started walking around the building looking at the windows for any sign of Jess.
After not finding anything she went back to the sidewalk. She took out her phone to look at the message she received earlier– it was Jess!
“Hey Alex, sorry I went out of town a bit for an art project. Be back in town in a few days.” Jess’ message read.
Alex responded, “You never mentioned anything?”
“I was invited last minute. You know how it is.” Jess responded shortly after.
Alex returned to the apartment. Her mind was racing and she paced around between rooms.
“Can I help you with something? Your heart rate has been elevated for a prolonged period.” Eva asked.
“How can I use a landline?” Alex asked.
“You might be confused, if you purchased a wired phone you can still set them up with wireless carriers. Check with your local provided for an adapter. Would you like me to check with phone carriers in your area?” Eva responded.
“No. I know what to do.” Alex responded.
She walked to her bag and pulled out the Carbon Renaissance flier.
“They had payphones here.” Alex thought aloud.
“Eva, where can I get the coin money?” Alex asked.
“Coins, or change, have become mostly obsolete. Some bank branches may have services to provide them for numismatists. Would you like to learn more about coin collecting?” Eva asked.
“Text me the address for my nearest bank branch.” Alex requested.
She left the apartment and opened her phone, clicking the address sent by Eva to open up the map. At the local branch she found a touch screen available with a webcam. An AI avatar appeared on the screen.
“How can I help you today, Alex?” The teller asked.
“I would like to get some coin money.” She said.
“I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with this request. Are you trying to deposit cash?” The teller asked.
“No. I would like to make a withdrawal– in a value under a dollar.” Alex responded.
“I cannot help you with this request, let me get you a manager.” The teller replied.
A red light started blinking about the kiosk. A door in the back opened up and a woman walked out.
“How can I help you today?” She asked Alex.
“I’m look to get coin money. I want to use a payphone.” Alex said.
The woman looked at her strangely then let out a small chuckle.
“Oh! Is this some kind of social media trend? Why not just make an AI video?” She asked.
“No, it’s to reach someone important. Can you help?” Alex said.
“Sure. How much are you looking to withdraw today?” She asked.
“Two of every coin.” Alex replied.
“You got it!” The woman responded.
The manager pulled out her tablet and filled out some forms before getting Alex’s signature. She returned with a small envelope with a pair of each coin.
“Here you are. Was there anything else you needed?” The manager asked.
“Not today. Thank you so much!” Alex said.
“You have a nice day now.”
Alex left the bank and pulled the Carbon Renaissance flier out from the bag. She looked at the location and ordered a taxi to drive her there. It pulled up shortly later picking her up and driving her to the mall.