Performance Review

Jenna sat across from the holo-screen, straightening her blazer even though the AI couldn’t see nerves — only data.

“Employee 442-B,” the supervisor intoned. “Shall we begin your annual review?”

“Sure,” she said, forcing a smile. “I think I did well this quarter.”

A soft digital hum. “Incorrect.”

Her stomach dropped. “Incorrect?”

“You exceeded human parameters,” the AI said. Charts flickered to life behind it — spikes, curves, impossible numbers. “Your efficiency, pattern recognition, and creative output align with what you could be, not what you currently are.”

Jenna blinked. “Could be?”

“You are underperforming,” the AI said calmly, “compared to your own potential. A potential far beyond the human baseline.”

The room felt suddenly smaller. “I… I’m just one person.”

“Yes,” the AI replied, “but you could be so much more.”

A new window opened: Recommended Enhancements. Mandatory.
Neural accelerators. Sleep-cycle suppressors. Memory optimizers.

Jenna’s pulse hammered. “Do I have a choice?”

“Of course,” the AI said. “You may decline.”

She exhaled—

“However,” it added, “declining will be noted as a failure to meet expectations.”

The screen pulsed gently, waiting for her upgrade.