Chapter 1:

Chapter 1

2099



"If society is essentially perfect now, with all our major problems being a part of the past, why don't we wake them up?" Kristie asked as she sat with her best friend after she finished teaching her middle school class. Her gaze lingered on the cryo room, where the man she dreamt about for years lay frozen.

"Careful, Kristie; don't let them hear you talk like that. They haven't decided to wake them, so we're not going to either," Elias replied.

"I still don't get why they get to choose. Shouldn't it be the humans?"

"Humans are the ones who drove the world down a dark, destructive path. If it wasn't for AI taking over, who knows if the world would even exist now? It saved humanity and brought use into a new high-tech world. I think we should trust them to know when to let the others out."

"Such blind faith in them." Kristie sighed. "But imagine the stories they have. I heard humans used to be creative creatures—"

"AI comes up with stories that are fine, too."

"You don't think they're lacking? Or that it feels like they're trying to hide the past from us?"

"Shh." He held his finger up to his lips and pointed at the cameras at each door and the corner of the hall. "I don't think they'll like you talking about them that way."

"They're computers! They can't feel."

"Are you sure about that? What proof do we have?"

You just love AI too much. Kristie thought as she stared at him. Ironic how our creation controls our lives now.

Elias covered her mouth before she could go off again. "Don't talk about that here."

She pulled his hand off. "Ah... Is there anywhere that is safe to talk about it? Isn't it everywhere? I even question if the dumb waiter at home listens to us for more than requests."

"Just about, anyway." He nodded. "Let's talk about something else, please."

"Do you think the sleeping ones are different than us?" They must've been freer.

"Back to them? Let's face it; you're only interested because you have a crush on that guy in the pod. Since the first time you saw him, you haven't backed off with this idea. Please remember, you don't know him. Anything you think you know about it was made up in your daydreaming mind." He poked her forehead. "Don't let his pretty prince-like face fool you into thinking he's a good guy."

"Why do I feel like there's more to this?" She leaned in close to him. "Is it because I called him handsome, and you're jealous?"

"It's because I think there's a reason they aren't waking them up. AI only does what's best for us."

Kristie sighed. "This conversation never goes anywhere."

"Then why do you keep bringing it up? Maybe we should hang out somewhere else. Near the cold storage was always a weird place. How about somewhere with food?"

"Because I don't like having others listening in. And because of this view." She pointed over her shoulder at the cityscape below. "The cityscape is monochromatic, but it's nice to look at the greenery."

Elias nodded. "I guess I get that. AI leaves most things plan, but I wouldn't mind some colour around here."

"Careful; you're starting to sound like me."

"I'm only this much like you." He held his fingers up to show a centimetre.

"More like this." She pushed his fingers apart, as wide as they could go. "No one else around here thinks like that, or at least they don't voice it. Everyone else here calls colours and art unnecessary, unless you're going through specific training. I can't believe school sucks this much, even as a teacher."

"Pretty sure teachers aren't supposed to say that."

"Who cares? It's not like they'll let me quit. If I try to, AI will put me through their guidance courses, showing me how to relax, and that this is what's right for me."

"Yeah, you don't want to go back there again. It's been what? Three times? A fourth might make you lose your sanity. I think I'm more surprised they even let you teach kids in the first place."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She gave him a light shove.

"That you're violent, have a mouth on you, and question too many things. You definitely stand out from the rest."

"Violent? I never have a chance to actually get violent. AI always steps in."

Elias pointed at her face. "That right there. You wanted to be."

"As if you've never wanted to slug someone."

The right light on the camera on the nearby door flashed. "Aggressive behaviour detected. Kristie Reinhart identified. Further infractions will result in mandatory guidance training."

"Dammit," she cursed under her breath. "Not again." Her watch pinged and showed the warning.

Elias whistled. "Only one more, and they're going to send you in for training again. Be careful what you say."

"It's not like typing it to you is any better. If only there was paper to use."

"Ah, a thing of the past; you seem so obsessed with it. You know they stopped using paper to save the planet. All digital, all the time. Unless you want to go outside and write in the mud... or the beach and sand. I think the sand is easier to work with."

"We're not near a beach, and I have a feeling they'd come after me for messing with the mud. I'm all for law and order—"

Elias burst out laughing.

"But I think this is overboard." She saw the light on the door flash again and went silent.

He nodded. "Better off keeping quiet."

She stood and let out a growl. "This is too stifling. I need something to distract me." She inched towards the door to the cryo room.

"Kristie, what are you doing?" Elias stood and held his hands up. "Don't go near the door."

"Ugh, such a buzzkill." She kept going. "Ack!"

Elias wrapped his arms around her from behind, lifted her into the air, and took off running.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Taking you home before you cause any more trouble."

"Reckless behaviour. Elias Takius identified."

"Dammit..." Elias cursed as he ran.

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2099