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 Nine - It’s a Wonderful – Refrain
The chapter revolves around Juniper Blakely's tense virtual meeting with Pittsburgh's Mayor Charles Nelson Taft and Jason Delsey of the City Planning Commission. Juniper apologizes for his earlier missteps but faces sharp criticism from Taft, who accuses him of overpromising and damaging trust. Despite this, the city offers Juniper a consulting role for his concept of an animated figurine attraction, while planning to hand over the project's execution to John Sayre's firm, M-Bots. Juniper, feeling betrayed and angered by Sayre's alleged theft of his idea, rejects the offer and announces his intention to collaborate with Indiana County instead. He dramatically references the movie It’s a Wonderful Life to emphasize his principles and accuses Taft and Sayre of unethical behavior. Juniper ends the meeting by asserting his ownership of the concept and threatening legal action if Pittsburgh attempts to use his idea without permission.