Twenty years later, the Anime Generation is proclaimed the most highly educated to have ever walked the planet. Yet intelligence is a meaningless asset when jobs are scarce. In the wake of unemployment, youth across the nation––and world––have formed grassroots communities that readily engage in black market activity.
Socio-economists are scrambling to find ideas to preserve the future before it’s lost to war or famine. Unemployment and crime rates continue to rise, climbing higher every year since this demographic has come of age. The Anime Generation is sleek, sexy, and intellectually superior, but may not survive long enough emotionally to realize that potential.
— Hunter S. Bradstreet, “The Key to our Future May be Lost,” Money Talks, July 24, 2054
***
Monday, October 5, 2054
A hologram appeared from a circular object hovering nearby and wavered in front of Coal’s vision. Coal pressed his back against the wall as much as possible. All previous irritation with the Outside garments he was given to wear this morning disappeared as adrenaline pumped through his veins until he thought his heart would burst.
Michael warned with an uncertain voice over breakfast, mere minutes earlier, that Hanley had left a parting gift. But now Coal understood Michael’s reluctance as Coal stared at the object of his terror. His breath came quickly and sweat beaded on his forehead. The disturbance was so great his body fairly vibrated from the fear. It was not real, he continued to tell his mind. But it did not matter.
“This is your new Companion,” Michael said calmly. “Many children have AGI—sorry—artificial general intelligence Companions while growing up.”
“Do they not have human friends?”
“Of course. But most days are spent at home in front of a computer. Roughly seventy-five percent of the nation is educated through the Cyberschool system. So, AGI Companions are brought into the home to ensure interaction throughout the day. The drone is small, convenient for travels, and more affordable than full-bodied androids. Parental features often are built into a Companion’s software, allowing working parents to view their children through a video feed, which is streamed through a private channel.”
Coal whipped his head Michael’s direction as his jaw slackened. “You jest?”
“No. ”
A young man with light brown hair, brown eyes, and a medium build—nothing remarkable, simply average—continued to exist no matter how many times Coal blinked and wished for the image to disappear. The false man wore dark blue breeches, similar to his and Michael’s, and a short-sleeved gray tunic. The name of the breeches eluded him this moment.
Something similar to deans?
Or keens, perhaps?
Michael stood next to the technology with a serene expression and eyes fixed in concentration, noting Coal’s every move while simultaneously focused on another invisible object before his own vision. The transparent being blinked and then met Coal’s frightened gaze, locking onto his face with such precision that Coal’s pulse elevated in response.
“Greetings, Coal Malcolm Hansen of New Eden Township,” the technology spoke. The lips moved and the apparition’s body shifted naturally on its feet. Its voice was both youthful and mature, in an accent reminiscent of Outsider speech—fast with clipped sounds. The drone’s mechanics hovered just beneath the ceiling, a dull metallic glint catching Coal’s eyes on occasion.
“Go ahead and respond,” Michael said with an encouraging smile. “Ask your Companion his name.”
“Greetings,” Coal replied, nerves fluttering rapidly in his stomach. “What is your name, sir?”
“Ignis.”
Coal snickered in spite of himself. “Your name is fire?”
“My creator wished for me to relay a message: ‘A man should learn to play with fire, especially when fire is in his veins.’” The hologram tilted its head as if taking note of something most interesting. “Your eyes dilated, Coal Hansen. Do you like my name?”
“It is a clever name. And my first name shall do.” Spooked, Coal turned to Michael, and forced his breathing to steady. In a whisper, he asked, “It sees me?”
“The drone is programmed with software that reads biometric vitals and a specialized camera that records your face and body language. Ignis will learn your emotions and social cues, responding appropriately to all your needs.” Michael’s focus shifted over his work, shielded by a privacy screen, and onto Coal. “What you’re experiencing is known as the ‘uncanny valley.’ It’s a psychological response to seeing something humanoid and yet knowing it’s not really human.”
“I would prefer to begin lessons on a Cranium,” Coal muttered as he wiped sweat off his forehead with the hem of his blue tunic—no, shirt. The variety of new words came in and out of focus, fading more so as his anxiety elevated.
Michael gave a thoughtful expression. “Hanley is preparing you for the macro as well as the micro experience. In Seattle, AI and AGI walk around all the time. Drones, androids, and holograms provide many services. It’s something you’ll need to get used to. Ignis here will be your ticket to walking out of the uncanny valley.”
“Is this a gift I may refuse?”
“You don’t want to be my friend?” Ignis asked, his tone a little saddened.
Coal considered the hologram. It was not real. It did not have true emotions. However, the moral code within Coal flared and swelled inside of him until deep confusion stinted his ability to respond. In truth, he did not wish for this gift. His conscience, however, the one tricked into believing the exchange was real, pulled on his empathy. The answer battled inside of him as he hunted for a morsel of truth that felt appropriate. Stalling, he pulled a strip of leather from his pocket and tied his hair back at the nape of his neck, tucking the shorter strands behind both ears.
How does one answer a machine?
Perhaps as with real relationships.
“May I be honest with you, Ignis?” Coal asked, sucking his bottom lip in nervously.
“Yes.”
“I am frightened of you.”
“Yes. Your heart rate has continued to rise. Perhaps you should sit down?”
Coal rolled his eyes and let out an angry sigh. He no longer had patience to dialogue with a machine.
Why did AGI and drones perform services when humans were given hands and feet, a strong back, and a mind to accomplish everything on Earth?
Did no one spend an honest day working to survive?
Was there so much free time in the world that man could entertain such nonsense?
At this moment, Coal could not comprehend how his community would ever integrate into the society of Earth. This was his third day in the lab and already he had questioned everything, including his own existence. Never once did he have such thoughts and feelings in New Eden.
“Where are you going?” Michael asked.
“I need air,” Coal replied, pulling the door open with force. A woman stood on the other side and flinched and Coal jumped back startled by her unexpected presence. He regarded her through lowered eyes to see if she wavered like a hologram, relieved when a human hand settled upon her chest as she regained composure. “My sincerest apologies, Madam,” Coal said as he bowed. “Do you fare well?”
“I do, thank you.”
Her voice was soft and elegant, and he looked up. Before him stood the most beautiful woman he had ever beheld. Long dark hair, a strange color between black and violet, fell just below her shoulders and silver-gray eyes examined him curiously. A black dress with shortened sleeves, made from a shiny fabric and embellished in embroidered silver tree limbs and blossoms, covered her up to the neck but hugged her figure, ending near the knees. Her fingernails were neatly trimmed and colored dark silver. He could not surmise her age properly. She was not as young as him, but her skin and complexion were far too smooth and fair to be of an older age. Lips, painted in a dark rouge, smiled with mild amusement, and Coal looked away embarrassed.
“Coal Hansen, I presume?”
/> Her hand extended toward him and he gently took hold, lifting it to his mouth and kissing her fingers as an answer before realizing what he had done. She smiled at him again, but this time an unsettled feeling colored the adrenaline coursing through him. There was something strangely familiar about her. Coal looked behind him and noted how Michael stood straighter, and looked on with a nervous expression. Ignis still stood next to Michael and Coal nearly flinched, pride stopping him short. He refused to respond with fear in front of a woman, especially one who boasted such beauty. So he turned back to the unexpected visitor and offered a charming smile.
“You know my name, My Lady,” Coal said. “What shall I call you?”
“Dr. Nichols, preferably,” she said with another amused smile as she brushed past him into the room, a faint scent of honey trailing in her wake. “Michael, my apologies for not announcing my visit. I decided on a whim to take an early flight to capitalize on the workday.”
“No worries. I’m used to it this week. Mr. Nichols arrived unannounced as well.” Michael cringed with the last words, as if making a grave mistake, and then straightened.
“Yes. How is Fillion? Do you know?”
“How is he right this moment? Or before he entered New Eden?”
“Coal, please shut the door,” Dr. Nichols asked in a kind tone over her shoulder. Coal obeyed, but remained by the exit. “Has he checked in through Messenger Pigeon since being enclosed?”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
“Let’s remedy that. Please dispatch a note in Hanley’s name to Jeff, stating that Fillion is to report to Messenger Pigeon.”
Michael lowered his eyes and paled. The scientist blinked several times and then faced the hologram. “Ignis, are you still recording our session?”
“Yes, Michael.”
“Please trash the recording, delete any feeds, and then shut off.”
“Yes, Michael. Anything else?”
“No, thank you. We’ll chat with you later.”
The transparent man waved at Coal before disappearing. The drone glided across the air and gradually lowered into a box that appeared to be made especially for it.
“Dr. Nichols, may Rosa bring you coffee? Tea?”
“Tea for Coal and for me would be lovely.”
Michael turned on his Cranium, placing the order.
The woman waited politely until he was done. “Now, perhaps you can tell me why my request to contact my son bothers you.” Over her shoulder, she beckoned Coal to join them with a wave. Michael looked between Dr. Nichols and Coal, swallowing nervously again. “I am aware of my husband’s penchant for drama,” she said. “What has he done this time?”
The blood drained from Coal’s face.
Husband?
This was Hanley’s wife?
Coal had been too taken with her and had failed to make the connection with her last name. Warmth ran up his neck. Of all the hot-blooded things to do, Coal groaned inwardly.
Did he really kiss her hand as a suave move?
How did she remain so youthful in appearance?
It was remarkable and eerie, as if she had discovered the famed fountain of youth. Guilt tinged his thoughts as Oaklee came to mind, followed quickly by thoughts of home.
Michael noticed Coal’s shocked demeanor. “Oh, goodness! I forgot introductions. Coal, this is Dr. Nichols, lead psychologist over the human experiment project and second-in-command at the lab.”
“A pleasure, My Lady,” Coal said quietly, dipping his head with due respect.
She was the lead psychologist over the project?
Responsible for many aspects of the community’s life?
Michael cleared his throat and returned focus to Dr. Nichols. “Fillion went in as Corlan Jayne. Hanley had a judge sign off on witness protection papers, which John delivered at the exchange.” Michael looked at Coal briefly before lowering his eyes to the floor again. “New Eden doesn’t know your son is inside, Dr. Nichols.”
“Unbelievable.” She sighed, and Coal sensed the anger despite her unruffled tones. “Very well. Please dispatch a message to Jeff that Corlan Jayne is to report to Messenger Pigeon this evening, two hours past his work start time at New Eden Enterprises. Hopefully that will stave off any unwanted attention. Oh, and tell him to send Joel Watson as Corlan’s escort. Thank you, Michael.”
The scientist looked up with widened eyes and Coal tried to restrain his surprise as well. It seemed everyone he met at the lab knew of The Earth Element’s passing.
Dr. Nichols did not know of Joel’s death?
Why did Hanley keep this information from his wife?
Especially one who was reputed to be second-in-command at the lab?
Michael issued Coal a look out of the corner of his eye, raising his shoulders slightly in question, and Coal responded with an imperceptible nod. Silence seemed to be the best course for now.
A knock sounded and Rosa entered with a tray. Coal maintained a downcast posture, refusing to look at the human-like robot. Thankfully, she did not stay long, placing the tray on a small table near the door before exiting. Michael followed close behind.
When the door shut, Dr. Nichols casually appraised Coal before walking over to the tea set. She poured a cup and offered it to Coal with a polite smile. Once again, Coal felt perplexed as to how he should feel toward Hanley.
What sort of man drugs and medicates another against their will?
Encloses his son in an experiment without consent from his mother?
And withholds details of the experiment from his second-in-command?
Coal accepted the dainty cup and remained standing until Dr. Nichols sat, then lowered himself into the chair next to hers.
“How is your father?” She took a polite sip of the tea, and then settled the cup onto a saucer.
“He is well. Thank you, My Lady.”
Her eyes roamed over him once again with curiosity, and so he sipped the tea to distract himself from his growing discomfort. “Is something amiss?” he asked when the silence grew too long.
She lightly laughed. “No, not at all. I am just gathering myself after realizing that I am conversing with the product of nearly thirty years of research and theories. Your dialect is beautiful. It is not quite British, but close. Perhaps we can officially label it as Martian?”
Coal drew in a tense breath, sipping his tea to cover the simmering offense. Dr. Nichols looked at his exposed arms and began studying his general build, and he looked away rather than endure her scrutiny. If she was truly younger he would relish the attention, but the look on her face made him wish to shrivel up and disappear.
She gently brushed strands of hair from her shoulder, and asked, “What is your occupation inside New Eden Township?”
“Blacksmith.”
“Of course.” She smiled kindly at him and then crossed her bare legs, remarkably hairless. She leaned forward, balancing the tea cup in her hand.
Why was she here instead of with Lynden?
Any daughter would wish for her mother after such a grievous experience. And any mother would care for her child with maternal fierceness. The discomfort Coal felt grew, and he shifted in the chair. He cleared his throat. “How fares your daughter?”
“Hanley told you?” She winced and then the smooth demeanor returned to her features.
“Yes, My Lady. He wished for me to act as a guard on your daughter’s behalf whilst her brother is away.”
Dr. Nichols raised a single eyebrow and studied his build again. “Always the attentive father.” A thin smile cooled her expression. In a flatter tone, she said, “I am quite certain Lynden will enjoy your company.” Coal fixed his attention on the tea as his pulse quickened. After a beat, she asked, “What do you miss most about your home?”
He looked up with the abrupt change of subject and blinked. “The ignorance of believing my life possessed actual purpose and value.”
“Purpose and value no longer exist?”
“They do, most assur
edly.” Coal sipped his tea and looked around the room. “However, when I lived in New Eden, I never once saw myself as part of an experiment, rather, as an individual within a community. I was viewed as a man and treated as such.”
“Do you feel these values and sense of self were developed by your community instead of through personal discovery?”
Coal sat back against the chair, further annoyed by her question. “Are you suggesting that I am a product regardless of which world I live in?”
“No, I am not suggesting it. I am asking if that is how you feel.” Her face remained passive and he felt his irritation rise even higher as he met her steady gaze.
“I do not wish to speak of my feelings at present.” Coal placed the cup and saucer on a side table, and amber liquid sloshed over the rim.
“I cannot tell you who you are or what you will become. That is for you to decide,” Dr. Nichols said. “I do, however, understand that you feel frustrated. As you should. Change always unsettles us. The dark and unrefined elements of our lives are shaken to the surface and, depending on the choices we make, can become opportunities for our betterment.” She reached out and placed a hand on his knee and every muscle stiffened. “I am your ally, Coal.”
The strange familiarity returned. His first thought was of Fillion. Of the little he saw of the young man, it was quite clear that he favored his mother considerably. But that is not what troubled him. She reminded him somewhat of Brianna, not only her colorings and features, but also the soft quality of her voice. Especially the dainty way she cleared her throat. As subtly as possible, he looked over her facial features. Dr. Nichols looked at him questioningly, and he forced himself to be confident.
“Forgive me, this is most random, but are you perhaps related to Brianna Williamson Hansen?”
Another smile tugged on her lips as she sat back, removing her hand from his knee. “She is my first cousin.”
Elements (The Biodome Chronicles series Book 2) Page 14