The Fame & Fortune (parable)

"Go for Marti."

"Yes, hi. I need a rehaul?"

"Do you?"

"Uhm, yes. I need a rehaul."

"Inflection is everything! Is your account tied to the number you're calling from?"

"Uh... Yes?"

"I need definite yeses from here on out, or I'm hanging up. You'll get another chance to request after a full year, to the minute."

After a minute and mysterious thud, the caller continued. "Yes, same contact information."

"Good." There were typing noises and a cat purring in the background. "Are you taking anyone with you? Children? Significant other? This also includes pets!" 

"No," they said flatly. 

"Yeah, that's usually a no," Marti said under their breath. "What's your networth?" 

"867 Million."

"Any recognizable tattoos?" 

"Why do you need to know that?"

"I ask, you answer."

"No."

"Last four of your social?"

"5309."

"Great! Do you have a destination request in mind?"

"I'd like a quiet life up in the mountains. Simple." 

"Okay, I'm putting that request in. It may or may not clear. I don't think you're one of our top tier members." After more typing, "You have a deposit dating back several generations. Did you want to cash that in, too?"

"What's the deposit? Who made such a donation?"

"Apparently one ancestor who survived the Mayflower? They put in for their first born son, and have never qualified until now."

"Does it get me exactly what I want?"

"It sure does! Quiet life in the mountains, here you come! Ok, now for payment. You have a couple options;
1. Trade in a person's life that you know, to ensure you get exactly what you want, even with details you haven't said during this conversation.

Or 

2. Trade in a random person's life you don't know at all, to preserve some memories of your last life. But not as much guilt."

"Oh, I thought we just paid." 

"Pay with the money you wished for?" Marti chuckled, "No, you pay with either of our payments, since it's our number you are calling. Then you share a meal with the person you're trading in. At the end of the meal, you leave them at the table or bar or wherever and you never look back. Once asleep, the deal will go through and you will wake into your next life. Who you were will die."

"And I won't be famous?"

"Nor rich..." 

Marti continues, "which do you choose?"




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