Really Bad Day (2)

Alex and Mia walked out of the high-rise apartment in the heart of New Cascadia. The street is a mix of contrasting elements, where the past meets the present, and nature harmonizes with technology in a fragile equilibrium.

The towering skyscrapers rise above, their once gleaming glass and steel now showing wear and tear. The patina of age adds character to their once pristine facades. The surfaces are now adorned with a vibrant tapestry of green, an unexpected sight amid the city. The air is filled with a light, earthy scent - a mixture of fresh soil and the greenery thriving on the skyscrapers' walls.

Solar panels and wind turbines are integrated seamlessly into buildings, old and new, harnessing natural energy sources. Pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes dominate the thoroughfare, promoting a culture of walking and biking. Autonomous electric vehicles move silently along designated lanes, their innovative navigation systems optimizing traffic flow and safety.

Digital information kiosks stand at intersections, offering navigational assistance, news updates, and community messages through holographic displays.

Public art installations, created from reclaimed materials and interactive holograms, add vibrancy and a sense of community, reflecting the city's commitment to sustainability, creativity, and technological advancement.

Mia held Alex's hand and led him through the busy streets. Chimerics, Theriogens, and Humans all mixed together as the fabric of everyday life began. Mia led Alex to Quantum Brews, Alex's favorite destination for coffee.

As Mia and Alex approached the counter. Behind the counter, co-owner and Theriogen, Selena, offers a warm yet enigmatic presence that perfectly complements the café's ambiance. The air is filled with the rich, aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee and the warm, earthy smell of the baked goods on display.

Selena's appearance is a captivating blend of human and feline traits, reflecting her Theriogen heritage. She stands with a grace that seems almost choreographed, her movements smooth and deliberate. Her eyes are perhaps the most striking feature—prominent and expressive, shimmering with shades of green that recall the depth and mystery of a dense forest. They possess a cat-like quality, with pupils that narrow into slits in bright light, enhancing her allure and mystique.

Her thick and lustrous hair cascades down her shoulders in waves, its deep chestnut color occasionally catching the light to reveal subtle undertones of auburn. Small, tufted ears that hint at her feline genetics peek through her hair, twitching slightly.

Her attire blends the practicality required for her role at Quantum Brews with touches that nod to her unique identity. She often wears a simple, fitted t-shirt adorned with the café's logo and dark jeans that allow her to move freely. A custom apron embroidered with intricate patterns that echo the scientific and natural worlds.

Selena turns to Mia and begins to talk to Mia. Alex looks around the Cafe, lost in his own thoughts. Framed articles hang on the wall, leaving those who care a chance to reflect on the history of New Cascadia.

The faded newspaper article, dated 2572 AD, spoke of the momentous event that changed the world forever - the formation of the Global Federation. After centuries of tension and conflict between 182 nations, the world finally came together as one body united in purpose. But as with any significant change, it came at a cost. Blood was shed, and liberties were lost along the way, a reminder that progress often comes at a price. Yet despite the sacrifices, the dawn of a new era had begun, and the hope for a brighter future burned bright in all hearts.

The second article was a marvel, detailing the incredible advancements of Solar Sail Technology in 2689 AD. Alongside it, nano-mites' stories burst forth, showcasing their immense potential in aiding interstellar travel. The world was left in awe, imagining the endless possibilities that awaited humanity as they ventured beyond the bounds of their own planet. Suddenly, reaching the Moon took mere hours instead of days, and traversing vast distances between planets became a matter of time rather than an insurmountable feat. Each new destination seemed within reach as these groundbreaking technologies shattered the boundaries of space and time.

Alex's mind raced with memories of the rumored project for an expedition to Planet X. It was said they were planning to extract precious resources from the unknown planet for humans to utilize.

The thought of venturing into uncharted territory and bringing back something valuable filled Alex with excitement and wonder.

The third article delved into the controversial topic of gene splicing in humans, a revolutionary development that began in 2753 AD. Through this process, hybrid humans were created with enhanced physical abilities to adapt to the diverse environments of various planets. The military and those in the elite class were the first to receive these genetic modifications, which were quickly followed by widespread adoption among the general population. The concept of human genetic modification was met with awe and apprehension, as it forever changed the definition of what it meant to be human.

The final article was haunting, detailing the devastating disaster that had befallen Earth. After centuries of testing, the human gene was finally declared perfect in 3052 AD. But this status quo was shattered when it was revealed that the elite were renouncing their genetic enhancements and reverting back to the "imperfection" of the human gene. The startling revelation came from GeneCo, who disclosed that their highly touted gene-splicing technology was actually causing severe health issues and even premature death due to unforeseen genetic complications. The disheartening news sent shockwaves through society as people grappled with the idea that pursuing perfection may have ultimately led to their downfall.

Alex let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of the present moment settle in. Glancing around at the diverse group of beings scattered throughout the Cafe, it was clear that theriogens made up most customers. Their genetic makeup consisted of 50-75% human genes, making them a unique blend of human and animal characteristics. Some were chimerics, possessing 25-50% human genes and displaying a mix of features from various animals. Humans were a rarity in this establishment, and Alex found comfort in this fact. The bustling atmosphere was thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. It was a haven for those who existed outside the norms of society, a place where they could come and be themselves without fear or judgment. And for Alex, that was all that mattered.

With a tap, Alex is brought back to paying attention to Mia, who is holding a small box with "Dr. Renn's Usual" written on the side. Selena holds a sign that reads, "Have a Great Day Renn! <3". As Alex and Mia turned to leave, a large man waved from behind them. returned the wave left with Mia.< p>

Continuing through the streets of New Cascadia, they see in the distance a building marked in bright shining letters in the morning sun, the Cosmic Horizons Research Institute.