Magnificently Horrible

(inspired by the recent development of nailpolish that helps detect date-rape drugs when a finger is dipped in the drink, though, understandably, you don’t need to use that for the writing-inspiration)



“Like a lot of things in this world, it is wonderful that this finally exists, but also terrible that it needs to exist.”

(#00650 - A285)

It looked like a simple brain mod. Just another circuit in a world full of integrated circuits designed to merge with the nerve cells of the brain and enhance its performance.

“This is a game? Augmented reality, right?”

“Not quite,” explained the inventor. “We market it as a game. But what it actually does is detect all the social minefields and help the user avoid them.”

“For example?”

“Did you ever get laid while you were drunk at a party?”

“Pft. Yeah. Sure. Good fun.”

“Were you sure that your partner wanted it?”

“Uuuuuhhhh…”

“That’s where this little beauty takes over. It does augment reality, but it gives you vital information. Like your prospective partner's actual age, blood alcohol content, and whether or not they’re actually interested in having sex with you. It takes all the guesswork out of hooking up.”

“So… if she’s drunk and underage, a little stop sign pops up.”

“Yup! And if you go ahead and do the do, your location and details are sent to the police so they can arrest you for statutory rape and her for underage drinking.”

“That’s grea– waitasecond. What?”

“It applies to all forms of rape, of course. It is a crime. And just like any other crime, it’s immediately reported to the authorities with video feed, location, and all that other information.”

Outrage. “Why would you do that?”

“It’s a crime. Stopping crime is a good thing. And the users can’t claim ignorance, because of all the little signs popping up in their field of view.”

“That’s horrible!”

“And necessary. People are ignoring plain biodata now. A system of checks, balances, and immediate punishment should prove very efficacious. Plus it clearly labels anyone who treats their desired gender like trash, so they can avoid the offender.”

A long, evaluating stare. “You’re actually proud of yourself for doing this, aren’t you?”

“Are you saying you’d get caught by this system?”

“…uuuuuuuuuuhhhh…”

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