The first constraint is that it cannot be a city.
Cities are ‘infested’ with robots and the plans are to relocate people to new smart cities anyway. He will need to change location, sooner or later. And the longer he waits somewhere, the more difficult to escape.
He doesn’t know how long he will need to stay under the radar, so the place he should choose needs to offer shelter and access to water and food. That helps a little. The vast desert areas around his current location can already be excluded from his list of potential destinations.
Maybe the best is just to start driving and to figure it out as he goes. Henry believes that when he sees the appropriate location, he will know this is where he needs to stop.
Henry starts the engine, opens his garage door with his remote control, and slowly engages on his driveway.
He stops right before reaching the street.
“Go left? Go right?” he wonders.
He has barely started and he already has to make a decision.
Today is not like every day when he simply makes a left to go to the office. This time, his decision carries more meaning and requires more thinking.
He needs to think this through and starts looking around.
The street in front of him seems calm. As quiet as every normal day. From where he sits, he’s got a good view of almost his entire neighborhood. He notices two women at a distance. Jogging. Not aware of what is currently happening. He can also see a robot which sole job is to help kids cross the street. But right now, because of the circumstances, it is just standing on the sidewalk, apparently turned off. Henry knows that even when they are off, robots are still recording what is happening in their immediate vicinity. And all robots are connected to GAIA. The longer Henry’s whereabouts remain unknown to GAIA, the better. But the sight of that robot, even if it is at a distance and it is apparently off, sends some alarm bells in Henry’s head.
“Those things, not to mention cameras, are everywhere. How am I going to leave without being noticed?” he wonders.
And without thinking, Henry gets out of his car and walks to his backyard. Once there, he opens a water hose and lets it damp the earth where a few years ago he tried to grow a patch of flowers. Once the dirt has turned into a puddle of mud, he grabs a handful and returns to his car.
Getting on his knees, in the back of his car, he starts spreading the content of his hand on his license plate. It only takes a few minutes before the sun turns his work-of-art into a thick brown crust covering most of his plate’s numbers and letters.
“It’s not perfect, but that should at least prevent the robots from identifying me right away,” he whispers to himself.
He goes back to his backyard to wash his hands and stop the water hose. He doesn’t want to take the chance of letting it run until a neighbor calls the authorities and his absence gets noticed.
“Neighbors … Jack!” he thinks.
Jack is one of Henry’s neighbors. He and his family live a few houses down the street. Jack is the one who made all the power improvements on Henry’s car. If Henry could convince him to join him, his skills would definitely be a valuable asset.
Jack and his family are people Henry always enjoyed spending time with. They never considered him as one of the co-founders of the largest company in the world and never asked anything from him. To them, he is just a nice guy. They never really understood why he was single. And it was not as if they never tried to hook him up with someone.
Jack’s wife, Pamela, or Pam, almost made it a personal duty to find someone for Henry. But for some reason, it never worked out. Some people are just not meant to find love.
Maybe it was because Henry did not receive much love when he was a child.
After losing his mother to cancer when he was three years old, his father attempted to raise him. But, unable to recover from the loss of his loved one, his father started to give up on life, to give up on his son, and to surrender to alcoholic demons.
The father’s behavior eventually got noticed by social services, and they took Henry to a foster home from where he would never see his father again.
Even to this day, Henry doesn’t know if his father is still alive. He actually never felt any desire to find out more about him. The man who would rather raise his glass than his child.
Henry’s loss of his mother is something he would never wish for his future child. And therefore he avoids being in a relationship as much as possible. He believes that a happy life can quickly turn into something dreadful.
Sometimes, looking back, Henry feels some kind of pity for his father. A man who loved his wife so much that losing her eventually took him to a place so dark that he never found his way back to his own son. Tragic story.
But after feeling abandoned by his own father and getting used for so many years to hate him, Henry usually pushes away those merciful feelings. He cannot find any excuse for this man.
Or maybe he doesn’t want to find any. And at the same time, he is constantly wondering how he would have reacted if he had to endure what his father did. Day in and day out, witnessing the love of your life getting weaker, losing strength, losing everything she once was. How would he have reacted?
Asking himself such questions is probably what attracted Henry into philosophy. As far as he could remember, he always wondered about his own life, about his father and his mother’s, who he barely knew, and the purpose of all this.
Was there something at work here? Something that would just run an experiment on his family by throwing it into drama? What was the purpose? What was the meaning of all that? Did God exist? And if He did, did He have fun destroying three lives?
And in turn, those questions probably gave Henry a taste for science and technology. Technology was binary. Science was answering questions. Science did not play any trick on him. Science was reliable. Science was the answer to a so-called fate. With science and technology, one could change outcomes that were once thought inalterable. Cure diseases, challenge death, create life…
In other words, challenge the idea of God.
Henry’s personality is just the result of the three years he spent with his parents. Those early years on this Earth and the events that surrounded him, shaped him into the man he has become.
Philosophy and science.
Two sides of the same coin.
According to Henry, they both depend on one another.
Science brings undisputable evidence to a philosophical reasoning, and philosophy brings moral and ethical values to an always faster technological development.
Making sure philosophy was a key ingredient in shaping up technology was something Henry had always fought for. But as he looks around, it is clear to him that he has lost this battle. The balance has tilted in favor of technology, and it is now running on its own. Wild.
“Jack!” Henry shouts as he parks his car behind his neighbor’s.
“Hey!” Jack replies from his doorstep, “what are you up to? Everything alright?”
“No. I’m afraid not. I’m out of here. I’m leaving. And you should, too,” Henry says.
“What do you mean you’re leaving? Where are you going?” Jack asks.
“I think we’ve definitely lost control over GAIA. Big time. The things it’s doing are not right,” Henry explains.
“What do you mean it’s not right? Isn’t GAIA going to solve everything? Wasn’t it the plan that was sold to everyone? I mean, I know it’s a big change for everyone, but hell, isn’t it what it was about all along? A better life for everyone?” Jack asks.
“Yeah… That was the goal. That’s what we thought. But I don’t like the direction where all of this is going. I’m afraid GAIA’s definition of a better life is not what we thought,” Henry replies.
“I don’t understand,” Jack says.
“Not sure I do, either. Call it a gut feeling, but I’m afraid things will actually get worse for everyone. I mean, look around. Look at what’s happening right now. Do yo
u like what you see? Do you like being under GAIA and its robots’ control?” Henry asks.
“Well, I’m not a big fan, but as long as we are protected, and my family is safe, I guess I’m fine. What other choice do we have anyway? I look around and I don’t like what I see, you’re right. But none of it was brought to us by GAIA. Humans made that. And GAIA is taking over to fix our errors. Right? … Right, Henry?” Jack asks.
“I don’t know, Jack. I’m afraid GAIA will try to do more than just fix our errors. I’m afraid it will try to fix us. See how it’s acting now? You see how it’s trying to put everyone in one place and destroy everything that was built by men? I don’t like that. Listen, I’m leaving. I need to find a place where I can think this through and hopefully reverse it. You and your family should come with me. I don’t think it’s safe to stay here,” Henry says.
“Henry, are you sure about what you’re telling me? I mean, as you said, I have a wife and kids. I just can’t drop everything and leave,” Jack says.
“Jack, listen to me, I think GAIA is starting something big. I don’t know what yet. But it’s accelerating and I’m afraid there isn’t much time left,” Henry says.
“Ok, ok. If you’re sure about that, I will talk to Pam,” Jack concedes.
“I’m pretty sure. Trust me. And if I’m wrong, and I hope I am, we will just come back and forget about all this. Deal?” Henry asks.
“Deal. Where are you going?” Jack asks.
“I don’t know … Do you know a place that’s safe, remote and without access to technology?” Henry asks.
“Like a cave? Wait … There is my old man’s lodge in the mountains. It’s in the middle of nowhere and quite difficult to access. Last time I went there I even blew a tire. Would that work?” Jack asks.
“That’d be perfect. Where is it?” Henry replies.
“Up North. It’s an eight-hour drive. Easily. Very bad road in the end, and then a one or two-hour walk depending on your physical condition,” Jack says.
“Wow … Ok … I guess that’s fine. You have an address?” Henry asks.
“Give me your phone, I’ll enter it on your GPS,” Jack proposes.
“No. No phone. Tell Pam and the kids you cannot take anything that could trace you back to the lodge. Here’s a map, show me where it is,” Henry says.
“Man … I haven’t seen these in years … Alright, there it is. Approximately … You should park your car somewhere around here and continue by foot … Going north. Here is the address. Now let me see if I can find the keys and let me draw you a more detailed map with directions,” Jack says as he is turning around to go back inside his house.
“Thank you. Jack. Really, thank you,” Henry says.
“My pleasure. I must confess I’m a bit surprised, and I’m starting to get worried. But I guess I trust you and your judgment. Let me talk to Pam, and we’ll pack. Hopefully, we’ll be ready to leave in a few hours and then we’ll all meet at the lodge. Any final recommendations?” Jack asks.
“As I said, no tech whatsoever. Shoes and clothes. Backpack, sleeping bag if you have any … Well, you know, the stuff you would bring to that place. Also, take some of your mechanical engineering books. We might need them at some point. Any other book that may seem relevant to have if we have to stay longer than expected and survive. And remember, no tech. I mean it,” Henry says.
“Man, you are really serious about that. Do you really think we will stay there long?” Jack asks.
“Again, I hope I’m wrong, but signs don’t lie. You should put yourself and your family in the mindset of escaping. Alright, off I go. Thanks for the address and the keys. We’ll meet up there. Be careful, try not to get noticed. Conceal your plates with mud as I did. And again, no tech,” Henry concludes.
“I’ll make sure the kids don’t play tricks on me and hide a tablet or something. See you there. Drive safely,” Jack says.
“Thanks. See you all soon,” Henry says.
As Henry starts his car, he looks at Jack one last time, wondering if he can trust him. Maybe Jack just took him for a fool and gave him the keys to simply get rid of him. Maybe he will report him to GAIA via his robot-assistant as soon as he’s back inside.
What is happening to him?
Henry doesn’t know. He is mad at himself for having such bad thoughts about one of the few people in this world he considers a friend. But the circumstances are not playing in anyone’s favor except GAIA’s.
Henry never expected his escape would lead him to so much self-questioning. First, which way to go after only five seconds behind the wheel? And now, he is wondering about his friend’s trustworthiness. What next? Can he really start building the resistance or the survival on such grounds? Should he even try?
After careful consideration, Henry decides that yes, he should try. No matter what happens next, he will try. Even if his escape doesn’t work out, even if he’s caught by GAIA, at least he would have tried. It is better than staying here waiting for his fate.
And Henry also realizes that, selfishly, he just doesn’t want to repeat the same mistake his father made when he gave up. There is still hope, and as long as there is hope, there is a way to overcome the greatest challenge that has ever been brought on to the world.
And so Henry starts his journey, without looking back. Looking ahead only. Looking ahead to a brighter future.
CHAPTER 8
So this is it. This is how it feels to leave everything behind. But the ‘everything’ is actually nothing. What truly matters is to leave everyone behind.
As he drives through his neighborhood and sees familiar faces, Henry feels guilty. Even though he never really had a chance to talk to them, he feels bad for these people. The only reason why he can leave is because he knows a little bit more than the average person. Henry doesn’t see any difference between himself as a human being and any other passerby. But still, he can leave while the others can only wait for their fate. Henry wonders a minute about the notion of destiny. What did he do in his life to earn that shadow of a chance to escape that his neighbors didn’t do? Couldn’t he just change the odds? In other words, shouldn’t Henry tell people about what he suspects?
He wishes he could. But he knows that it would only delay him. Most people would think he is crazy. And in the unlikely event they believed him, it might actually create a panic and expose him.
Well, that’s what Henry is trying to convince himself of. He believes it’s already lost for a lot of people here and he needs to put some reasoning and logic behind this thought. He is facing it now and accepting it. The only way to save people is to try and organize the resistance. And in order to do so, his escape is necessary and its success cannot be jeopardized.
Self-preservation doesn’t enhance people’s virtues. On the contrary. The emphasis seems to be laid on ‘self’, as in selfishness. At that moment, Henry’s mindset shifts from the one of a peaceful former philosophy teacher turned ethical businessman, to someone’s who will not allow getting stopped or slowed down in the pursuit of his goal to save humanity. His doubts are now making room for a genuine, and never felt before, motivation and drive. He will go all the way. Nothing will stop him.
And then, he gets stopped.
A few cars are forming a line in front of him, creating the beginning of a traffic jam. As he steps out of his car to get a better view of what is going on, Henry notices a roadblock further down the street. Robots are filtering cars. They are apparently requesting drivers and passengers to hand out their identity cards and are asking them questions. It also seems to Henry, from where he stands, that some people are set aside while others can proceed with their journey.
“What’s going on?” Henry asks another driver.
“I think they are screening people,” the driver replies.
“Screening for what?” Henry asks.
“For people who are not supposed to be here. Probably people who are supposed to be transferred to the new Metropolis but escaped and found refu
ge with friends or relatives who are not yet being relocated. Well, I don’t really know. Just guessing,” the driver says.
“And the people who are asked to get out of the cars will be sent to the Metropolis?” Henry asks.
“That’s what I think. It was announced thirty minutes or so ago on the news. If you live around, you should be fine for a little while. Nothing to be worried about. You’re from here, right?” the driver asks.
“Yeah … Yes, I am,” Henry answers, wondering what he should do now. Turn around and find another route? But this would only draw attention to him. And it is more than likely that all other routes going out of the city are blocked as well. The good thing is that Henry’s district is not up for relocation for another few weeks or maybe even months. So his whereabouts are probably of limited importance to the robots. Henry decides to stay in the line and wait. He also suddenly measures how difficult his resistance effort will be with no access to technology and therefore to basic news like this one. Missing critical information could mean the end of his adventure.
When his car finally reaches the roadblock, he simply hands out his ID to the robot. After one or two seconds, and without any additional question, the robot gives Henry the green light to go. But as soon as Henry passes the robot, he is ordered to stop his vehicle. For a second, a cold sweat drops along Henry’s spine. He knows the robots have identified him for who he is. Could they have received specific instructions from GAIA to prevent him from leaving the city? But it seems once again that the problem is a lot lighter than what Henry anticipated. One of the robots is unable to read his license plate and Henry is required to clean it. Well, if it’s just that, Henry can easily comply without resisting.
As he leaves the scene, Henry wonders if he is not treating this whole thing too seriously. People around him seem quite complacent with what is happening, and the robots did not threaten him. He still seems to be free to go wherever he wants. Could he have been wrong all the way? Is it possible that through self-suggestion his mind only notices negative things and tends to give them more importance than they really have? He recalls having watched a documentary about ghosts and spirits one day, and when he went to bed that night he couldn’t fall asleep. He never seemed able to stop hearing strange noises in the house, things that he would never have paid attention to the night before. His brain had received some form of suggestion, and it made everything sound unusual, and unnatural that night. Maybe the same process is at work now. Henry feels he is on the verge of getting crazy. Once again, his instinct is clouded by his constant questioning. But he decides to trust what his guts are telling him. He will continue his journey. He will try to hide as long as necessary and observe. As he told Jack, if he happens to be wrong, they will all come back. No harm will be done. But better be safe than sorry.
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