[ WP ] You enter a fast food chain to order a meal ... in the year 3015

`` Welcome to McDonalds,'' the computer in my head chirped, automatically translating the signal that had been sent as soon as I stepped through the door, `` The ultimate vintage dining experience.'' 
 
 *Looks interesting, * I thought to myself. Glancing briefly around the inside of the restaurant, I was amazed at how much detail had gone into recreating this old place. They had even installed the video screens in the tables that people originally used to order their food. 
 
 After being informed cheerily by the computer that I had to actually *choose* my own table, I nervously sat down in the nearest booth. The table underneath me lit up. My eyes took several seconds to adjust to the lettering underneath me. It had been a while since I had read analogue. 
 
 The entire menu showed itself underneath me, accompanied by a small picture of the meal as well as pricing. It certainly was n't cheap. I searched the online DataCloud for recommendations and found several analytics that showed the meal item called `` Big Mac'' was the most commonly ordered meal. I guess I'll try that then. I focussed on the thought of the meal and waited for the transaction to complete. 
 
 But nothing happened. No food materialised in front of me. There was no chirp in my head that told me it was on its way. *How strange*. I stared back down at the menu that still stung at my eyes. 
 
 Before I could start to panic, my computer automatically stimulated a release of dopamine to calm me, and I sat back and searched the DataCloud again. 
 
 *How does McDonalds work? * 
 
 A nanosecond later the response came back. You actually have to physically *TOUCH* the table? How unhygienic. However I tentatively reached my finger forwards and tapped the Big Mac option. Once again, no materialisation but my computer informed me the transaction was complete. 
 
 About thirty seconds later, I detected something in my peripheral vision. Somebody was moving towards me. I turned to look at them and saw them clearly walking directly towards me. They actually carried the food to my table. How barbaric. 
 
 As they approached I tried to log with their ident, but it transpired they were just an automated machine. There was nothing human about them. How could that be? How could something that looked like a human not be classed as such? They were just a machine. When had the Sentience Act been passed? 
 
 This whole experience was entirely too primitive for me.
