It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
The chapter introduces Juniper Blakely, a 34-year-old man living in the year 2060, and details his structured yet technologically advanced daily life. Juniper uses an implanted pacemaker-like clock to regulate his sleep and follows a routine that includes automated meals, AI-assisted work, and leisure activities like gardening and model train building. He works remotely for Enstro Technologies, fact-checking global news reports and ensuring the accuracy of communication in a world heavily influenced by AI. His wife, Leonder, also works from home, creating pottery that decorates their distinctive home. The chapter explores themes of nostalgia, the challenges of modern technology, and the human need for escape, as Juniper reflects on the complexities of his work and the world’s precarious state. Despite the advancements, he finds solace in his hobbies and fleeting moments of prayer, yearning for a simpler, better life.
It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
Chapter Six - Microbots
John Sayre, a robotics expert and model railroading enthusiast, grapples with merging his professional expertise with his personal passion. While meticulously crafting a 1950s O-gauge train layout using traditional methods, he envisions the potential of microbots to revolutionize industries. Sayre designs a prototype called "O," a miniature robot capable of performing intricate tasks, from repairing delicate structures to aiding space exploration. He pitches the concept to SpaceX for their Europa 7 project, highlighting the advantages of miniaturization in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. The chapter explores themes of innovation, the intersection of past and future, and the ethical considerations of technology, as Sayre balances his dedication to craftsmanship with groundbreaking advancements in robotics.