The Codex File (2012) by Miles Etherton

watch your favourite film? eCitTV’s many film channels, categorised by style, and semantically integrated with UKCitizensNet, offer the most interactive cinematic experience. Whether you want the romance, action, historical, thriller, comedy or children’s film channel, UKCitizensNet’s web-based information is always available. Just press the ‘Web’ button on your control panel at any time. The UKCitizensNet toolbar can then instantly lead you on a tour of filmographies of the actors involved, clips from their other films, box office performance, reviews from acclaimed film critics and links to other relevant web sites on UKCitizensNet.”
    Again the woman’s face seamlessly melted to be replaced by clips from Star Wars Episode III . The UKCitizensNet tool bar blinked at the foot of the screen as an imaginary user searched for a filmography before downloading a 10-second clip from The Empire Strikes Back .
    Michael sighed, all the talk of 5GSW technologies and ‘semantically integrated’ content just reminded him how isolated he’d been from so many things in this last two years. He had no idea what all this really meant, and that was frustratingly irritating.
    Dismissing the thought he watched as the woman’s focus changed onto the network’s online content.
    “ By pressing and holding the ‘Web’ button on your control panel you can effortlessly jump from the dual interaction of eCitTV onto UKCitizensNet itself. A sprawling universe of exciting web sites, blogging facilities, instant social networking services, shared video streaming and all standard email services are at your fingertips. Every site and service is safe and approved thanks to our simple to follow content and age rating system. Now you can surf with confidence and security. UKCitizensNet transforms the delivery of important everyday information for everyone, thanks to the development of 5G semantic web technologies.”
    There was a brief pause as the UKCitizensNet logo scrolled across the screen before the UKCitizensNet homepage appeared.
    Before Michael could take in all the information a box in the top right corner of the screen appeared. The annoying UKCitizensNet representative bleated on.
    “ From the UKCitizensNet homepage you can control your entire life. By selecting our news content icon you can order daily, national or regional news feeds, blogs and instant messaging straight to your own personal portal. Opening your email will display your favourite news content through the UKCitizensNet browser on eCitTV. Payment for subscription services is made via an online order form using the newest and most secure encryption, developed for use on UKCitizensNet. With added security all your financial transactions and dealings can now be operated safely through UKCitizensNet. Now you can integrate and manage your mortgage, all national and local taxes, utilities, phone, shopping, insurance and entertainment bills securely via your UKCitizensNet email without the need for logging into third party sites. With our completely secure online transactions you will never have to worry about losing your bills or sending off numerous paper direct debit forms. With all national banks, insurers, and businesses part of UKCitizensNet’s Financial Services Alliance, all your finances are processed via your personal portal through UKCitizensNet. Managing your money has never been easier. And with your own personal banking information available at the touch of the button, UKCitizensNet truly offers you the complete online financial service.”
    The woman’s marketing presentation continued to sell the delights of UKCitizensNet. But Michael had heard quite enough for the time being.
    Pressing the ‘Video’ button on the control panel the smiling woman vanished and BBC daytime ‘content’ invaded the screen.
    A smarmy game show host with a fake tan was attempting to extract a nervous-looking woman’s most embarrassing holiday secret rather than playing