Ashes of Foreverland Read Online Free Page A

people seeded their legs to become better athletes; some improved a faulty heart. Others used them to replace skin cells; there were even rumors they could change the way they looked. The government only let you have so many biomites, so seeding your skin to look younger seemed more than superfluous.
    It was idiotic.
    But, hey, enhance your life.
    The old woman looked so happy with her white teeth and wrinkle-free smile, like she would live forever and love every minute of it. Because that was what people wanted, they wanted to live forever.
    Alex touched the poster, leaning in as if closer inspection would reveal the deep-down dirty secret. She had seen enough dark corners in humanity to know we didn’t deserve immortality.
    No one wants to live forever.
    The door opened. Alex jumped and, regrettably, went, “Eeep.”
    Dr. Johnstone didn’t notice. He was young, athletic and handsome. His hair was brown and curly, a little longer than usual for someone in his profession. And he smelled clean. Almost too clean, as if that was possible.
    He introduced himself and apologized for the last minute substitution. She kicked the tires and asked for qualifications. He gave her a rundown.
    â€œHave a seat.” He gestured across the table. “Let’s talk.”
    â€œThat sounds serious.”
    â€œEverything’s fine, Alex. There’s nothing to worry about.”
    He docked an iPad on a round table. The glass surface lit up with an image of a naked brain. Her brain. He swiped his hand across it and various colors appeared. He began explaining how things worked, referring to methodology and seeding rates and recent biomite strains.
    â€œYou had a full scan with some biofeedback after your incident at the Institute and there’s nothing abnormal. The majority of your biomites seeds are in your brain and the proliferation is proceeding nicely.” He touched a thicket of red cottony growth near the frontal lobe. It looked more like a tumor. “Your cognitive functions are at peak performance for a woman your age.”
    â€œMy age?”
    â€œMid-thirties, I’m guessing?” He smiled devilishly. He was only off by ten years. “Have you experienced an increase in performance since seeding?”
    This was starting to sound like an erectile dysfunction commercial. “So why did I auto-engage?”
    He shrugged. “The biofeedback didn’t provide an answer, but that’s not unusual.”
    She mentioned seizures, but he was doubtful.
    â€œHave you ever done meditation?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œYou’ll realize that we typically entertain more thoughts than we’re aware of. There’s all sorts of static going on in our minds, usually just below the surface. The subconscious is deep and mysterious. It’s possible you engaged them without knowing.”
    â€œWouldn’t biofeedback show that?”
    â€œIn most cases. Or maybe you just don’t want to remember.”
    She frowned. She didn’t like to mix existentialism with her doctor’s appointments. Stick to the facts, and the fact was this: Coco opened his eyes.
    â€œIs there any chance someone could engage my enhancements?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œSome sort of wireless chatter that crossed over.”
    He shook his head. “Currently, there’s no evidence of person-to-person mindjacking, if that’s what you mean.”
    â€œBut biomites can wirelessly communicate.”
    â€œWithin your body, that’s the extent.”
    She didn’t mention what they said at the Institute, that the needle might become irrelevant due to biomite connectivity. Doubtful he would even believe the needle part.
    â€œSubliminal messaging and thought hijacking are in the movies, Alex. Biomites are meant to enhance your senses, to heal injuries, and prevent genetic disease. They’re not magic. You’ve got to take care of yourself—sleep right, eat