“Mr. Schneider, I’m afraid that’s not permitted,” said a representative for Forever Chances Inc.

“I don’t have a right to terminate?”

“We’re not exactly taking away your right, sir.”

“But … I no longer want to exist.”

“We do offer a disassociation option.”

“What’s that?”

“We’d upload your consciousness to the grid through your neural implants with only your memories staying active; your awareness and personality get disabled.”

“Why can’t I simply unplug and terminate?”

“Unfortunately, sir, One Earth law requires that everyone must contribute, like a tax; otherwise, there’d be no reason to have the mind network at all.”