The Proposal
by Dave Hicks
Copy of incoming mail - user David 4541-1222-5492
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2029:11:14:09:21:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Virtual-Net, Legal Section
An error in our system occurred and an offer of partnership has been forwarded on your behalf to Lucia 7301-9947-1003. For legal reasons, we cannot admit to Lucia that your offer is not genuine. Your lawyers have been informed and we are awaiting their reply. We apologize for any inconvenience this error may have caused and hope you will continue to use Virtual-Net as your first choice provider of virtual reality life.
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2029:11:14:09:22:04
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Lawyer-Net, Personal Suits Section
We have received notification from your virtual reality provider Virtual-Net admitting responsibility in the issuing of an offer of partnership to a Lucia 7301-9947-1003 on your behalf. We have made an application to the Courts to have the offer revoked and compensation paid to you in due course. Rest assured we will keep you informed of any progress in your case. We advise you to have no future dealings with Virtual-Net in any way while this case is before the courts awaiting determination.
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2029:11:14:09:22:08
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Department of Law, Personal Claims Section
This is to inform you we have received a suit on your behalf from Lawyer-Net against Virtual-Net sighting you as the aggrieved party. Your case will be dealt with in due course. Please quote your case number 95-8438-48 in all correspondence with this department.
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2029:11:14:09:45:10
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Lucia 7301-9947-1003
Dearest David. Thankyou for your proposal of marriage. What a surprise! I’ve never had one before and it’s so exciting. I’ve searched for your name in my acquaintance database but couldn’t find it. I got your personal profile from my VR provider and you’re a dish. I can only assume you’re a secret admirer. Naturally, I accept. What girl wouldn’t? Please write to me as soon as possible, so we can meet somewhere.
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2029:11:14:09:46:58
To David 45411-1222-5492
From Virtual-Net, Customer Service Section
You’re a winner! We would like to offer you a totally free period of use of our extensive VR services! This is a totally genuine offer with no strings attached! For more information on the range of fantastic services we can offer you – contact us now!
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2029:11:14:09:47:23
To David 4511-1222-5492
From Virtual-Net, Customer Survey Section
Help us improve our service to you. You have been randomly selected to take part in our new customer survey. You could win great prizes just for taking part! Just tell us how great you think our service is and we’ll reward you immediately with great prizes. It’s so easy and you’ve got nothing to lose.
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2029:11:14:09:47:25
To David 4511-1222-5492
From Virtual-Net, Special Members Section
Congratulations! You have been selected to become one of our Special Members! Yes! It’s true! Your Special Member Passport Number is 449-92-927. Use it to access our very special services.
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2029:11:14:09:47:37
To David 4511-1222-5492, 449-92-927
From Virtual-Net, Newlyweds Section, Honeymoon Group
Congratulations on your recent proposal of marriage to Lucia 7301-9947-1003. As you’re a Special Member, we can offer you the most exotic and exciting honeymoon a new couple could ever hope for. Imagine seven days and nights in romantic Monte Carlo for only 21,999 credits for Special Members. Please contact us as soon as you can to arrange your happy event.
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2029:11:14:09:47:38
To David 4511-1222-5492, 449-929-27
From Virtual-Net, Newlyweds Section, Ceremony Group
Our records show you are a Special Member and have been granted a free service period. Why not take advantage of your status and get married in Westminster Abbey? This old English cathedral is in great demand by all newlyweds and ideal for a truly romantic and memorable wedding. Please inform us immediately as there is a long waiting list for this wonderful marriage site.
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2029:11:14:10:04:05
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Lucia 7301-9947-1003
My true love David. Wow! Oh David you shouldn’t have. I’ve just spent hours going through all the wedding gown sites. But Westminster Abbey for the wedding is just so wonderful. It’s a dream come true. I didn’t know you were a Special Member with unlimited credit until just a few minutes ago. This is just so fantastic! I know we’re going to be so happy together. Have you thought about Monte Carlo for the honeymoon? It looks so nice. Please let me know as soon as you can, so I can pick out my wardrobe. Do you like me in pastel blue? All my love, Lucia.
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2029:11:14:10:04:08
To David 4511-1222-5492, 449-929-27
From Virtual-Net, Newlyweds Section, Ceremony Group
Fantastic News! After a lot of effort on the part of this section, the famous evangelist Harry Crawford has finally agreed to take time out from his hectic schedule and perform the wedding ceremony for you and Lucia. Congratulations.
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2029:11:14:10:04:09
To David 4511-1222-5492
From The Harry Crawford Mission, Public Relations Section
A Personal Message from Harry. What a happy event you have before you. It makes my heart so uplifted to know that I’m to play a small and humble part in the joy you must be having at this moment in your life. A person needs a strong and energetic church to stand behind them. Remember, The Harry Crawford Mission is here just for you.
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2029:11:14:10:04:09
To David 4511-1222-5492
From The Harry Crawford Mission, Weddings Section
A Personal Message from Harry. What a happy event you have before you and Lucia. It makes my heart so uplifted to know that I’m to play a small and humble part in the joy you and Lucia must be having at this moment in your lives. A couple needs a strong and energetic church to stand behind you both. Remember, The Harry Crawford Mission is here just for you and Lucia.
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2029:11:14:10:04:10
To David 4511-1222-5492, 449-929-27
From Virtual-Net, Records Section
Our records show you are a male. However, an analysis of your partner Lucia’s profile indicates she would prefer you to be a female. In the absence of any contact from you - you are now reclassified as female. A default body has been chosen for you, based on yours and Lucia’s personality profiles. All other VR providers have been informed of your gender change.
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2029:11:14:10:04:11
To David 4511-1222-5492, 449-929-27
From Virtual-Net, Customer Support Section, Female Members
As this is the first time you’ve been a female with this provider, we’ve attached a list of the special services we offer you.
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2029:11:14:10:04:12
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Lawyer-Net, Personal Suits Section
We have received notification from your virtual reality provider Virtual-Net your change in gender. Again, we remind you to have no dealings with this provider until the courts have made a determination regarding your suit. Please heed our advice as further correspondence with Virtual-Net can only hinder the legal process.
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2029:11:14:10:04:14
To David 4511-1222-5492
From The Mary Crawford Mission, Weddings Section
A Personal Message from Mary. What a happy event you have before you and Lucia. It makes my heart so uplifted to know that I’m to play a small and humble part in the joy you and Lucia must be having at this moment in your lives. A couple needs a sensitive and understanding church to stand behind you both. Remember, The Mary Crawford Mission is here just for you and Lucia.
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2029:11:14:10:04:58
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Department of Law, Personal Claims Section
A determination has been made in your case. Virtual-Net is found guilty of causing you serious mental trauma you have been awarded 200,000,000 credit in damages in addition to court and legal costs. The court upholds your offer of partnership to Lucia 7301-9947-1003 as valid on humanitarian grounds and will remain in force for a period of not less than five years from the date of this determination. The court also notes you are now female and all government records have been amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Department of Government Records
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Department of Law Enforcement and Social Security
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Federal Department of Education
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Federal Department of Health Care
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Federal Department of Taxation
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Federal Department of Voter Registration and Legislation
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Federal Department of Defence and the Armed Forces
Your status as female has been noted and records amended accordingly.
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2029:11:14:10:04:59
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Virtual-Bank
A deposit of 200,000,000 has been transferred to your account. Current funds available 200,000,196 credit.
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2029:11:14:10:05:00
To David 4541-1222-5492
From: Virtual-Estate
Looking for a new mansion? The old place just a little too small for you these days? We know what a pain that can be. Why not visit our site for the latest in prestige living. We know we have that special home just made for you. Our consultants are eagerly waiting your reply right this very moment.
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2029:11:14:10:05:00
To David 4511-1222-5492
From The Mary Crawford Mission, Finance Section
A Personal Message from Mary. With Christmas nearly upon us, now’s the time to think of those less fortunate and needy among us. They are with us, you know. We’ve been good friends for such a long time now, I know you’d want to do all you can to help those less fortunate than yourself. Any donation - no matter how large - will be gratefully accepted. Remember, all donations to the Mary Crawford Mission are tax deductible - not that money is everything, of course. It’s so nice to know there are people like you who still care. Isn’t it such a personally rewarding feeling to know you’re doing so much good?
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2029:11:14:10:08:05
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Lucia 7301-9947-1003
David! Why didn’t you tell me you were a woman all along! And rich too! I love it! You look absolutely gorgeous. What a figure! I’ve shown all my friends your picture and they’re as jealous as anything. I’ve included pictures of some wedding dresses I know you’ll look wonderful in, for you to look at.
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2029:11:14:10:08:08
To David 4541-1222-5492
From Lucia 7301-9947-1003
Wow! My lawyer just informed me, your offer is genuine and you’ve had it certified by court order. You must really, truly love me and be the most wonderful woman in the whole world. I just can’t believe how lucky I am to have you. I just can’t wait until we’re together at last. I hope it soon. Until we meet – all my forever undying totally true love, your partner in life forever - Lucia. PS. Do you think I’d look nice in red instead of blue?
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