Tammy and her partner Michael sat in their domicile while watching a local Martian Colony Holo News Network broadcast.

“Good evening. This just in … another EMP burst has killed over fifty people with cybernetic implants …”

“Another one?” asked Tammy.

“Yep. It’s getting daily now. I’m considering removing all my implants.”

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

“Why don’t we just prevent EMPs?” asked Tammy.

“Are you kidding, Tam? The last time we restricted them led to the Earth-Mars robotic wars, lasting nearly a century. So at least now we have a fighting chance.”

“At what cost, Mike? I’ve got a cybernetic heart. I’m afraid to go outside.”

“That’s the price of freedom, Tam.”

“Right, Mike. We’re becoming so desensitized EMP attacks are becoming the next sandstorm. They might as well include them in the weather report.”

Michael stood up, “Don’t be ridiculous, Tam,” and stomped away.