Pink Slip Prophet Read Online Free Page B

overworn couch, the mid-morning sun warming his shoulders. He sighed, then sighed again, this time more violently. It won’t hurt to look at it, to just investigate it. He closed his eyes, laid his head back and allowed the top of his head to be warmed. His thoughts drifted to college. Everything was better then - before he knew Candy. His mind reeled at the idea. My family is everything I have. I have to stick this through . He yawned. There is something I am missing. I feel like I am asleep and I need to wake up. He slapped his cheek, gently at first, then hard. But it made no difference.
    Ian pulled his mobile screen out of his back pocket and unfolded it until it was the size of a legal pad. He typed in ‘basic income’ and a video instantly played.
    “With forty percent employment and the growing robotization of industry—”
    Ian skipped ahead with a jerk of his finger.
    “The national basic income guarantee is available to all United States residents, citizen or not, over the age of majority: fourteen. Every individual receives the same amount. No labor is required in exchange for your basic income, which is your right as a sovereign human being and American national.”
    Ian rolled his eyes. A sense of deep shame erupted in him. Free money? Government money? It offended him at a root level. An image popped into his mind. His German grandfather, in suspenders and a beat-up old hat, plowing his land with a team of horses. The old man was ninety-three then.
    The video continued. “You only need visit your local basic income office with proof of residency, valid voter registration card and submit to a toxicology screen. A DNA sample is also required.”
    He clicked away. A video ad occupied his entire screen. A man in a top hat and monocle popped into existence. “It’s the First Annual Basic Income Robotics Challenge! All you budding robotics wantrepreneurs, here is your chance! Prepare a personal service robot prototype by June 1, demonstrate it for us here at the Basic Income Administration and the winner takes home one million dollars in startup funding! It’s that easy! Sponsored by the Basic Income Administration, we make dreams come true. Full details at basic income dot gov slash robotics. Government employees ineligible for prizes. Some conditions apply.”
    Jack ran around the corner into the living room. “Dad, that’s perfect for you! That’s just what you need! Let’s do it, Dad! Come on!”
    Ian smiled at his son’s enthusiasm. “I’m too old for such things. Better the prize money go to a young person. Maybe you’d like to do it.”
    “I don’t know anything about robots! I’m only nine!” Jack yelled.
    “I’m just too old to start something new. I had my chance. I chose to start a family and now I have to live with that decision,” Ian said.
    ***
    Ian drifted up from a soft, lazy dream. A cool breeze wafted over him. He sat in the shade on a quiet beach. There was no one around, he was completely alone. He closed his eyes and smiled.
    He opened his eyes. Jack’s grinning face greeted him. He lay on the couch, his mouth was dry and he had to go to the bathroom.
    “It’s a family meeting, Dad,” Jack said. His face said it all: you’re in for it now.
    Candy, Michael and Stacy stood behind the boy, their arms crossed and each with one foot tapping the floor. Do they even realize?
    “We found some jobs for you, Dad,” said Stacy. She was dressed this time, if that’s what you can call a bikini top and a mini pencil skirt.
    “Yeah,” said Michael, “it’s time you shape up and take some responsibility.”
    “We need money,” said Candy. “The kids have expenses: gaming, medication, trips, clothes, food, of course, and let’s not forget the rent!”
    Ian rubbed his eyes and sat up. It’s an ambush . Deep within him, a sense of moral outrage grew. You people only live because of my dedication, my intelligence. But he quashed it. They’re right. I have a responsibility to