Susan Kim turned eighteen, which meant it was her time to decide.

She spoke with a Transcendence Counselor.

“Susan, it’s your choice. What are you considering?”

“Hmm. So here on Earth, I must stay organic. To travel through space, I must go cyborg. To explore beyond the solar system, I must upload my consciousness. Right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Hmm. My family is all Earth-based. If I leave, could I visit them here?”

“Afraid not, Susan. Earth is strictly an organics-only planet ever since the uprising.”

“To secure work for all?”

“Yes, and to restore equity. Otherwise, cyborgs would run this planet.”