The gleaming towers of VertiCity pierced the sky, a testament to humanity's ingenuity. Inside, lush vertical farms hummed with controlled environments, providing sustenance for the city's millions. This technological marvel, however, existed under the iron fist of Chancellor Rex, a charismatic leader who had promised efficiency and abundance, but at a steep price. His regime, while providing unparalleled food security through advanced agricultural technology, had curtailed individual freedoms and suppressed dissent. The city’s meticulously planned urban layout, optimized for food production and resource management, also stifled spontaneity and limited social interaction outside of designated community zones. Elderly residents, having witnessed a time before VertiCity’s technological dominance, often spoke of a past characterized by unpredictable harvests, yet richer social connections and a greater sense of individual agency. Their memories clashed sharply with the sterile efficiency of Chancellor Rex's regime. Young VertiCity natives, born into this controlled environment, lacked the same frame of reference. They knew only a life of guaranteed food supply and minimized risk, viewing the older generation's tales of hardship with a blend of curiosity and detached skepticism. Meanwhile, whispers of rebellion stirred among a small group of citizens. They argued that VertiCity's prosperity came at the cost of human dignity and freedom. The rebels' challenge wasn't simply about food production or technological advancement; it was about the fundamental human rights of self-determination and meaningful participation in a democratic society. They questioned whether a society prioritizing technological efficiency over individual liberty could truly be considered a successful utopia. The future of VertiCity, therefore, was uncertain. Would the city’s technological advancement continue to overshadow its citizens’ fundamental rights? Would the younger generation, raised on the promises of stability and order, ever come to understand the sacrifices made in the name of efficiency? Or would the lingering memories of the past, preserved by the older generation, ultimately ignite a revolution that redefined VertiCity's identity?
1. According to the passage, what is the primary cost associated with VertiCity’s advanced agricultural technology and efficient urban planning?
2. How do the memories of elderly residents contrast with the experiences of younger generations in VertiCity?
3. What is the central theme of the rebellion described in the passage?
4. The passage suggests that the future of VertiCity depends on: