Author: Cindy Landers

There were disbelievers. No one had built a mega tower taller than seven kilometers. But that didn’t stop Max Ever. Eventually, an eight-kilometer tower rose above the clouds. A massive titanium egg on the roof, the Ever Enterprises logo, lit the sky with a pulsing glow. It guided Max home to die.

His heart kept pace with the pulsing light. His mind raced. Did I make this world better, or worse? A sense of regret and finality flooded him.

Hours earlier, Max had delivered his outbound speech at Exposium. The event was packed. In closing, he said: “This fundamental truth of life is shared by all — the need for sustenance, safety, and a place to belong. It unites all living creatures in the timeless struggle to survive.” Fifty thousand people stood to applaud.

Now, he flew home on his AeroMax, grateful for the freedom. But as the aircycle touched down on the sweeping skyway to his residence, loneliness enveloped him. Despite a youthful appearance, Max was well over 120 and had outlived everyone he loved, except his android butler, Levon.

The bike’s UBHR engine was almost silent as Max drove 500 feet to the transport deck. He removed his helmet and breathed in the spring air. It was laced with the scent of peach blossoms from the rooftop gardens.

Exhaling, Max shrugged off melancholy. Today marked 80 years since the release in 2025 of his first big idea, Android SmartParts©, to replace damaged human body parts. Then, two years later, he wrote the algorithm that changed everything.

Levon was waiting when he arrived. “Welcome home, sir. How was your outbound speech at Exposium?”

“Thank you, Levon. It was a huge success.” Max held his black helmet, unconsciously using a sleeve to polish its egg-shaped Ever Enterprises logo.

Originally, he wrote his algorithm to ensure repeat customers by predicting body-part extinction and preparing a replacement. It was an unprecedented extension of human lifespan. Then, Max detected a problem. He couldn’t prove a human existed once all its parts were replaced. So, he left the heart and brain in the body. This pleased everyone and brought good publicity to Ever Enterprises because it prioritized humanity.

“Nothing’s changing, Max. You’ll see,” Levon said, taking the helmet as the lift grabbed the air cycle, cleaned it, and placed it in storage.

“You’re right,” Max said. He was too tired or reticent to argue. Was the fault in the algorithm? It wasn’t clear. He needed to know if the algorithm controlled the transition or the android controlled the algorithm.

Max and Levon strolled up the curved ramp to the omnidirectional elevator. They waited for the large, sculpted bronze egg on the elevator doors to crack open.

Reminded of his father’s words, Max spoke quietly. “Ideas are like eggs waiting to hatch. They only need a little nurturing.”

“What?” Levon looked confused.

Max said, “Nothing. I’m just surprised nobody complains that the algorithm makes them an android.”

“That’s because they get to live forever,” Levon said, entering the elevator. “Their DNA-synthesized android parts simply take over.”

“It’s easier not knowing.”

Levon nodded. “I know you’re afraid, Max. Fortunately, you will have your memories and dreams, plus, Ever Enterprises.”

Considering this, Max smiled.

That night, in his bed above the city, Max lay awake watching clouds scoot by and stars twinkle. I want to remember… But before he finished the thought, Max awoke in a hammock on a Caribbean beach, swigging a beer in his right hand, as his signet ring, embossed with an egg, flashed in the sun.

And still, I dream.