It's been a week since that weird incident with the mystery vehicle. The driver, a link to the world outside our ecocity, remains a mystery. This unsolved puzzle nags at me, reminding me of what I can't reach. Lately, I've been aimlessly driving my ecocar around Harmony Plaza. Each parking space seems to hint at life beyond our city.

AI replied, stopped my vehicle and opened the door.

My shoes hit the pavement with a thud, and a vertical billboard on the sidewalk showed the message: The display flickered in an array of colours and angles that resembled the surrounding cityscape; another message to beware us in the Old Way of Living.

A bold sign screamed, . It was New Eden's oldest mantra against the Old Way of Living’s self-sacrifice for survival. An absurd concept, hard to fathom. Who'd choose such a life? The sign continued, In the old days, they called Sundays utopia.

Every table, same talk: the Council's latest spiel on right and wrong. Maddening. If they wanted us to ditch our past behaviours, they should have buried it. But maybe that's just me; others seemed to lap it up.

I reached Ada and Joanne; they exchanged a knowing glance as they looked at me.

Joanne asked.

I sighed, my brows pull together and down. I replied.

The Harmony Plaza, our ecocity's heart, was always buzzing. Crowds filled the streets daily, mingling or taking part in activities. From concerts to art exhibits and food stalls, there was constant action. Ada, Joanne, and I were due for a plaza visit. As we walked around, distant guitar chords reached us. A small crowd enjoyed the music while laughter filled the air. It seemed everyone was having fun.

Joanne shook her head in mock disbelief.

Joanne laughed and poked me in the side playfully.

Directly in front of us, a delightful rhythm and grace seized our focus. Some dancers twirled harmoniously, their bodies remembering age-old steps, while others traced delicate patterns in the air with their imaginative, freestyle movements. The energy they radiated was contagious, illuminating bystanders' faces with smiles as warm and bright as sunshine while they soaked up the enchanting spectacle.

We continued walking and admiring the sights around until Ada brought up a topic that caught my attention:

They what?

Ada added.

The words hit me hard, making me realise how much life had changed since New Eden began. I guess they figure different priorities rather than they helping with plumbing and sanitation.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Under the sun's generous powered solar rays, a collection of stalls sparkled. They were like little treasure chests, with eco-friendly delights and earth-loving drinks for everyone. Little ones scampered around, hands filled with desserts cooled by the sun itself, while adults chatted over cups of herbal tea brewed from plants nurtured by locals.

A couple passing by said to me,

Jerked my head back. How did he know my name?

The man standing tall with good posture, showing lots of teeth.

Ada and Joanne shook me with pride, and I with rounded shoulders couldn't answer the couple only wave and bow.

Close by was a playground, its structure woven from upcycled materials, a world of safe fun where they could let loose their boundless energy.

I gazed at the vibrant life around me, a hallmark of ecocity living. Despite it all, I couldn't help but smile at the holovid's message:

It was strange how fast everyone adapted to this new lifestyle without truly grasping why. The Councillors' rule was last - but to me, it always felt like a cage without bars.

Strolling across Harmony Plaza with Ada and Joanne, a call to my name made me pivot and quint. A pair of shepherd-like in their late twenties were approaching.

the man asked.

I replied.

The woman smiled at me and said, Her words freezing my body in place.

Before I could respond, Joanne spoke up. The couple nodded in agreement before thanking us again and heading off on their way.

As they disappeared into the crowd of people around us, Ada shook her head in awe and said,

trying to brush it off.

Ada replied with a soft laugh.

We approached the guitar man.

I said with a smile.

I was shocked as I recognised the lyrics of the song.

That's a hit, everybody is singing.

My caregivers nodded in agreement, although Joanne seemed to be the only one familiar with the band's catalogue, , she continued after a beat

Joanne concluded.

Bold lyrics.

Joanna finishes saying,

I feel like getting something to eat.

Both stood up, taping their trousers to get some dust out.

The food park isn't far. Ada throws her arm around me and hugs me so we are squished together as we stroll. Joanna checks her comm for something, I guess.

I could overhear from the near video billboard, I like the visuals in this, though, how the body and its veins comprised vines. It could make for some nightmare material for some of us, Another joyful message by our Councillors.

The automata from the food stand are quite busy with everybody's requests. I pull my comm up display and entered the queue.

Ada said.

I place an order for two spring rolls and dumplings.

a loud announcement resounded through the plaza, causing everyone to stop and listen in surprise.

We exchanged confused glances before to witness the source of the sound.

Before long, a large group had formed, eager for the news. Some jostled closer to the solar-watchtower, now a video billboard. A Councillor appeared on screen, ready to make an announcement.

.

Oh! The public delegations forgot it was running!

She replied.

The plaza fell into whispers as everyone's attention was drawn to the video billboard. My chest tightened as I the announcement of the new Conductor.

Suddenly, a voice emerged from the video billboard:

My heart fluttered as I realised what had just happened — I had been chosen by 80% of caregivers as the new Conductor!? The crowd erupted into a massive cheer as I stood there with mouth falling open. A tingling sweeps up the back of the neck and across my face. Even the automata stopped its duties. Oh my, OHMY. What had just happened!? Mind went blank as this new information changes my path forward.

The voice continued:

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause once again, and I felt overwhelmed by this. It was a massive a responsibility that I should carry proudly — one that I knew I wouldn't take lightly.

The idle banter with passersby became a distant hum in my mind as I focused on the daunting task at hand. A labyrinth of trials and tribulations loomed ominously before me, but one thing was crystal clear: I needed to revert to this decision.