ABSTRACT
The steaming cup of Appalachian coffee did not disappoint-smooth
to the taste yet bioengineered to provide a quick, forceful jolt.
Outside, an orchestra of a dozen synthetic species of songbirds was
performing an intricate and beautifully coordinated melody. The
creatures inhabiting the housewere going about their own business,
weaving, transporting, digesting, and excreting. A slight vanilla smell
permeated the air inside and out. Kate saw her reflection in the
window and was again pleased to not look her age. But, with a big
sigh, she acknowledged that this delicious, peaceful morning was at
its end. Her husband of over a century was noisily muttering as he
was making his way to the kitchen.
