“Mr. Schneider, I’m afraid that’s not permitted,” said a representative for Forever Chances Inc.


    “I don’t have a right to terminate?”


    “We’re not exactly taking away your right, sir.”


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    “But … I no longer want to exist.”


    “We do offer a disassociation option.”


    “What’s that?”


    “We’d upload your consciousness to the grid through your neural implants with only your memories staying active; your awareness and personality get disabled.”


    “Why can’t I simply unplug and terminate?”


    “Unfortunately, sir, One Earth law requires that everyone must contribute, like a tax; otherwise, there’d be no reason to have the mind network at all.”