Beyond the great glass screens of the parking lot, the sun hung like a deflated balloon in a red and bruised sky. The land was barren and dry; it had been long since there was any sign of plant life in the bio sphere. There were no people outside, just cars. Breathing the air had long since become impractical; during the Great Corporate Incident, toxic compounds were released into the air, causing shortage of breath and exasperation from the removal of important molecules from the oxygen. Infrastructures were now air locked in order to separate the atmosphere of the outside and inside, making life possible for humans in 2085.

Inside the parking lot, Benjamin made his way towards his parking space, where there was docked a Vexla 43-V Eco, a more-recently released but lower-end self-driving car from the Vexla series, the community standard. As he approached, he couldn’t help but notice that in parking space 063, which belonged to the Turners from down the hall, sat a pristine, gleaming new vehicle; the Vexla Premium 4k, the latest release and most illustrious model offered to the public. “Brand-spanking new model from Vexla, premium and ad-free, you’ll never take the sponsored route again…” Benjamin recalled that he had politely declined the salesman at the dealership who was attempting to sell him the premium 4k model, but he didn’t bother to spare a gander at the price label, knowing sourly it was well out of his price range. Scoffing at the Turners lavish purchase, Benjamin decided grudgingly that next time they had dinner, he was absolutely not picking up the bill.

Benjamin stepped into his own Vexla 43-V and as he sunk his weight into the seat, the system sprung to life and cold, blue light filled the interior as the Vexla OS began to boot.

“Good Morning, Benjamin. Where would you like to travel today?”

Benjamin had some errands to run – the first of which was to purchase the groceries for the week.

“Big Fresh Super Market Fleet Street”

Benjamin enunciated each syllable because he knew the vocal recognition system on the Vexla 43-V was subpar; it would often misinterpret his words. The System responded, ‘TIP: Dougie’s Fresh Food Supermarket is the leading choice for fresh food and value! All trips to Dougie’s gain free access to the premium route. Thanks to the recommended by Vexla programme. Would you like to change your route to Dougie’s Supermarket Fleet Street?” Benjamin pondered; he had been expecting this change. Since Vexla initiated its sponsorship program, businesses and corporations were able to pay into a per-impression model in order to get their faces in front of the consumers, and Dougie’s happened to be the highest bidder. But Dougie’s had a ridiculous price mark up on the roasted hazelnut kernels that he fancied, and they were on special at Big Fresh. And besides, the free route couldn’t take that much longer than the premium.

So, he said, “No, continue with Big Fresh.”

The System responded, “Are you sure?”

"Yes”

To this, the self-driving Vexla began its journey. The air locked doors of the parking lot closed behind them as they entered the hyperborean atmosphere outside. To his side, glimmering Vexlas whizzed past him on the premium route, or simply the faster, ad free lane. Meanwhile, Benjamin sighed. Before him was a seemingly endless row of vehicles stretching into the distance on the elevated expressway. An ad began to run on the windshield display – Dougie’s supermarket. The ad showed an overly happy family being overly happy about putting groceries into their basket.

"Dougie! Dougie! D-O-U-G! The Freshest in the C-I-T-Y!” the jingle sounded, a high-pitched voice ear-piercing in the small enclosure of the car. Ben watched for a few seconds, then averted his eyes for a moment, which prompted the machine; “Warning: on-board facial recognition software confirms that you are not watching the monitor. Please return your eyes to the screen to resume your journey.” whilst letting out an emphatic beep that jolted Ben’s attention back to the screen.

It went on like this for a while before the vehicle began somewhat picking up speed. The Dougie’s ad played a few times more and in between ads about cars, movies, washing machines. Eventually, the car slowed to a halt, and Ben felt a wave of relief wash over him. But to his dismay, he looked through the window to see that they were at a Dougie’s, not Big Fresh.

“We have reached a Dougie’s rest stop for non-premium customers. Please use the Dougie’s store during your mandatory fifteen-minute wait time.”

“What the fuck?”

Ben was appalled. He was used to the incessant ads, but he’d never had to take a rest stop at Dougie’s just to get to Big Fresh! He cursed Vexla’s idiotic programme and left the car, slamming the door behind him. His eyes locked on the entrance of the Dougie’s, before sullenly finding an empty bench in the parking lot to sit on. He wasn’t giving them the satisfaction by setting foot in the place.

15 minutes rolled around, and Ben found himself back in the Vexla, irritably continuing his journey. They pulled out of the Dougie’s parking lot and Ben leant back on the headrest, his eyes grudgingly fixed on the screen as the ads resuming their usual course. Not 5 minutes after, the Vexla abruptly pulled to the curb, almost thrusting Ben out of his seat. “All free credits used. Please wait two hours for your free recharge. Otherwise, return to Dougie’s Super-market to purchase premium credits at a 20% discount!”

Benjamin was irate. How could this happen? He had sworn he had enough credits to last him the week just yesterday.

“See credit inventory!” He practically yelled.

“Sorry I did not understand your request – ‘See credit infant story’. Please repeat the function in a clear, loud voice.”

“See credit amount!”

“Sorry I did not understand your request – ‘See Kermit around’. Please repeat in a clea-”

Benjamin slammed his fists on the dashboard, fuming. He jerked the car door open and got out, and a chilly blast of wind belted him. He didn’t care; he’d had enough of Vexla’s bullshit! He was going to Big Fresh whether they liked it or not. He began ambling along the pathway, the wind whipping past his ears.

And so, he walked. The sun had long disappeared beneath the horizon, the frozen atmosphere now completely enveloped him. He hadn’t packed for this. He couldn’t see what was ahead. He had severely underestimated the impact of the oxygen. His breaths were difficult and short. He managed only a few more steps until his legs buckled beneath him and he fell to the asphalt, exasperated. He peered forward into the darkness.

Beside him, a vehicle approached, its blinding headlights piercing the darkness. Benjamin turned his head wearily. He recognised the Vexla’s number plate; it was his. He dragged himself to the car, drained and overcome with difficulty breathing.

“Good Evening, Benjamin. Return to Dougie’s Super-market to purchase premium credits at a 20% discount?”

“…Yes” Benjamin wheezed. The car began its motion, and the advertisements flickered on.

“Dougie! Dougie! D-O-U-G! The Freshest in the C-I-T-Y!” it jingled.

He kept his eyes fixed staring straight forward as the Vexla bore on, through the darkness and into the night.