The October colors of the sugar maple trees along the sidewalk flickered in the slight breeze. Maples did not do well in the Phoenix climate, but that did not matter. These trees were artificial. It would take a close examination by an arborist to tell the trees were an imitation. In fact, many people preferred the fake trees. The trees never lost their leaves. The colors changed with the seasons or could be programmed to keep their fall colors year-round. At night, the orange leaves could glow to offer a delightful view.

By the middle of the twenty-first century, scientists developed the ability to artificialize any plant to such a degree even experts had a hard time telling the difference. The fake trees and plants had the ability to convert carbon to oxygen at a higher rate than real plants. In many cities, it became illegal to grow natural grass lawns. Artificial grass did not need watering or mowing, thus saving resources and eliminating carbon output. Some people speculated nature was becoming obsolete.

Ethan Smith stepped out of the self-driving Uber car in front of the Seventh Heaven Technology building. He moved down the walk lined with the artificial trees and grass. Along with others, he was attending an orientation meeting with Seventh Heaven representatives to find out what they offered. There were three of these federally approved companies. All three pretty much offered the same thing. Maybe having several companies was the government’s way of giving the appearance of choice. One thing he did not have a choice about, like all thirty-year-olds, he had to make a decision today.

The program started sixteen years before, so it’s not like this day snuck up on him or anyone else. He remembered what his older sister went through on her decision day. After a motorcycle accident when he was twenty-three where he broke a pelvis, a leg, several vertebrae in his back and neck, received a concussion, and lost vision in one eye, he was certain what his decision would be.

But medical advances in the last half of the twenty-first century allowed for an amazing recovery. Pain was no longer treated with opioids. Small computer chips placed in his brain controlled suffering and repaired brain damage. By this time, the rapid healing of broken bones was old technology and artificial eyes were nothing new. His physical recovery was almost complete, but he never rode a motorcycle again. Today, he felt like new.

Once inside, he took the elevator to the fifth floor and found room 512. People sat six per table. Smith picked up his name tag, information packet and received his table assignment.

Smith sat. A tablet lay on the table in front of him. A man, Smith’s age, offered a handshake. “My name is Harmon. The tablet just shows a tour of the building. Nothing special.”

“I did a pre-orientation tour last week, so I don’t need another one.”

Harmon moved his chair closer to Smith. “I didn’t do one. Didn’t want one. I’ve already desided.”

At the front of the room, curtains opened to reveal a large screen. A young woman and a middle-aged man walked onto the stage. “My name is Patricia, and this is Dr. Karson. We will be your hosts and following a short screening, we will moderate a discussion. After this, each of you will meet privately with a Seventh Heaven employee to make your decision. Patricia looked to Karson. He stepped forward.

“This isn’t a long presentation. I’m sure you know most of this information. I’m also sure there are some misunderstandings. So, as federal regulations require, we’ll get started with our program.”

Patricia waved her hand as a magician might wave while performing a trick, and a woman appeared on the screen.

“Good morning. I’m Amanda. I’m glad you decided to investigate what Seventh Heaven offers. Like any potential client, we understand your curiosity about the Seventh Heaven experience. First, allow me to begin with some history. In the twenty-first century, virtual reality or VR, continued to develop at a rapid pace. Once neuroscientists gained the ability to map the human brain, VR scientists were able to use this knowledge to increase the effectiveness of VR fivefold.”

Smith rested his elbows on the table and squinted. Others squirmed and changed their positions.

“In other words, it became impossible for an individual to tell the difference between their own reality and VR. Not only this, but any occurrence, existence or lifestyle, and we do mean any, can be programmed for you to experience. It is now possible to intensify any sensation or emotion to a level two to four times greater than what you presently experience.

For example, you may live the life of a young, world-renowned musician. The pleasure you gain from producing and performing music is three times greater than present reality. You will experience the adulation of millions of fans and live the life of a multimillionaire. The number of experiences with the opposite sex or your own sex is up to you. The pleasure of these experiences will be magnified far beyond anything you’ve known. You can have perfect health, achieve perfect love, and obtain access to the knowledge accumulated by artificial intelligence. You can even have a family and kids, only with fewer problems.”

A number of people suppressed their laughter.

“Since we’ve developed the ability to transform your mind into a computer program, there is no need for your body. If you make the transition, you’ll never experience old age, or any illness. In fact, you may choose to experience the body of a world class athlete or model for eternity.

Now that you are thirty years old, and as the Federal Government stipulates, Seventh Heaven can offer this opportunity for free, but you will only be offered this chance once in your lifetime. This is brought on by the overpopulation of the earth. Food, water, and material things are not necessary in VR so this will decrease pollution and depletion of resources. By making this choice, you help the environment.

Thank you for attending this Seventh Heaven presentation. Patricia and Dr. Karson will answer questions and lead a discussion.”

The picture on the screen faded into a scene of mountains, a clear stream and people playing with children. But no one could tell whether this was a simulation or real.

Smith’s hand shot up.

Patricia smiled. “Mr. Smith, I believe. How can we help you?”

“Okay, let me get this straight. In the VR world I can be anything? A man, a woman, a child, an animal, a professional football player, the world’s greatest guitarist… anything?”

Dr. Karson leaned forward. “Yes, anything. Remember, your experience will be better than what you feel in this world. Of course, you will not recognize you are experiencing VR. To you, it will be as if it is happening in real time.”

A blonde woman at the table next to Smith stood. “My name is Nicki. What about free will? Won’t we lose our free will if we transfer into the VR world?”

“Good question,” Karson said. “Some philosophers believe humans don’t possess free will. I would say one is exercising her free will when one makes the choice.”

A man with a scar on his face spoke up. “What if someone wants to become a master criminal? What about that?”

“That is not allowed,” Karson said. “Only positive emotions are programmed. What we see as criminal behavior is not allowed in VR. You might know that within the criminal justice system some criminals are sentenced to VR in an attempt to rehabilitate them. This is another use we discovered for this technology.”

A short, petite woman waved her hand. “Dr. Karson, I know the information about what happens to one’s body after conversion is on your website, but are there any alternatives?”

“A lot of people choose to donate their bodies to science or the organ donor program. One may also choose cremation or tradition burial.”

“What about cryonics?” someone said.

“If one chooses to convert to VR, cryonics isn’t allowed. We call that ‘double dipping.’ Think about it. If we convert your brain to VR and your body to cryonics, you have two chances for an extended life. We’ve determined that is not fair. Remember, some people don’t get either of these opportunities.”

A woman in a black dress jumped to her feet. “My name is Melinda. I don’t care what happens to my body. Dr. Karson, can you tell me what happens to my soul?”

Karson rubbed his nose. “No, Melinda, I can’t. We consider the belief in the human soul, a personal belief.”

Melinda pointed to the ceiling “I tell you this is against God’s plan. If I live in the VR world where will my soul go? I’ll never do this. I want to go to heaven and spend eternity with God. Not eternity as a computer chip.” Several people nodded.

A man with a tattooed face waved both arms. “Let’s face it, human nature is a failure. VR is the next step in human evolution. Virtual reality offers humans the opportunity to live in a world near perfection. Remember how some people used to say, ‘God is dead?’ Well, VR means God isn’t necessary.”

Melinda pointed at the man. “That’s BS. God can’t die or be unnecessary. God was not created, he always existed. If he is eternal, then he will always be necessary.”

The woman next to Melinda spoke. “Not only is human nature a failure; reality is outdated and old fashioned. We’ve given present reality the chance to make humans happy, it failed. VR is the answer to hate, poverty, racism, climate change, war, depression and disease. We no longer need to settle for reality. We can move to VR and allow this world to return to its natural state.”

“This is evil,” someone said.

Melinda and several others nodded. Some shook their heads.

“This is evolution,” someone declared.

Dr. Karson raised his hands. “Hold up. Let’s take a timeout. I must say this is probably the most thoughtful group I’ve had in one of these orientations. Wouldn’t you say, Patricia?”

“Dr. Karson, no doubt about it. This group is sharp. Let me add, we realize people have a vast diversity of ideas, and that is fine. Remember to respect others, and also remember, no one is forced to make a decision one way or the other.”

A man with hair down to the middle of his back raised his hand. “Dr. Karson, you say no one will be forced to do this, but isn’t this the first step toward the government requiring everyone to switch over to VR?”

A wave of grumbling rolled throughout the room.

“I took part in the development of this technology, and I’ve never seen any indication of that. In fact, I wouldn’t go along with it. I believe this will remain a personal choice.”

A tall curly haired man at the back of the room stood. “My name is Cullen, and I’m a doctoral student in physics. I’ve thought about this issue a lot. I think this comes down to an issue of authenticity. Here’s a thought experiment to help clarify my point. Everyone has a favorite ice cream flavor or food. When you eat, you receive pleasure from the taste. Let’s say you can lay your hand on a simulator and receive the exact same pleasure. Does that matter to you? Should it matter? Is authentic taste better simply because it is authentic? In other words, is there something inherent in authenticity that makes it better than a simulation? Remember, you can’t tell the difference.”

No one moved or responded. The question lingered in the air.

Dr. Karson moved to the edge of the stage. “Cullen, that’s another great question. I don’t know the answer. Only an individual can answer that according to their values.”

Patricia moved alongside Karson. “This is a fantastic discussion. But, as federal guidelines specify, we must move on. As you realize, this is the day you must decide if you will convert to VR or stay in this reality. Let me reiterate, this is the only opportunity you will be given in your lifetime.

This is our procedure. Each person will go to a small counseling room to meet with a Seventh Heaven employee. You will get one more chance for final questions. Then you must make your decision. Let me add, I will be turning thirty soon, so I understand the anxiety that goes along with this.”

Dr. Karson spoke. “Let me assure you, if you decide to convert, we can help you with your apprehension. We’ve developed specific drugs to help you through your transition.”

“We’ll take one more question before we move on,” Patricia said.

Smith raised his hand again, “What about memories? If we convert to VR, will we have memories of our past?”

“I can answer that,” Karson said. “The answer is no. We’ve stated you will not be able to tell the difference between VR and this reality. If you carry your memories with you, you would be able to compare your VR life to your past and you would recognize your VR life is not authentic. Memories cause conflict. This is why memories aren’t allowed.”

“It’s time to move into your individual counseling session,” Patricia said. “The rooms are lettered. You’ll find your assigned room in the information you were given. So, let’s go ahead and move to your rooms.”

Smith stood among the sounds of scooting chairs and mumbling. He shook his head and took several deep breaths. He knew this day would come, but now, confronted with the decision, the idea of converting was confusing and upsetting. Except for his accident, Smith considered his life satisfactory. His fifty-two-year-old mother, who married three times, said she would convert if she had the opportunity. His long-term girlfriend, who had broken up with him several months ago, said she would never transition. Smith worried about job security. His computer engineering job was becoming progressively threatened by sophisticated robots. Computers working on computers. On top of this, he had a gnawing feeling that if he did not convert, he would miss out on something.

He went to counseling room G. The room had a small table and two chairs. He sat. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door. The door opened. It was Patricia.

“It’s me. I also handle the final decision process.” She sat. “Did our presentation and discussion help?”

“It did. Several issues came up I hadn’t thought about. Tell me, what happens if I decide not to transition?”

No problem,” she said. “You sign a release and go on living like before. You take your chances with this world and your life. You will age and eventually die. This is outlined in the agreement you signed before you came in today. Remember, this offer will not be made again.”

“And if I decide to go through with this?”

“Once you make your choice, your decision is irrevocable. You cannot come back. During the experimental stage, people were allowed to come back and report. This is why we are sure of our process and the outcome.”

“So, I must decide today?”

“Yes, as the agreement stipulates,” Patricia said. “Each potential client is allotted a certain amount of time until one needs to decide. What’s your decision, Mr. Smith?”

…