City of The Future

“I understand your reasoning but you must put the safety of others and ethics above even those you love!” Akihiko yells at Issac.

Issac was pulled into a private room by Akihiko, Artem, Zara, and Amélie after the meeting with Bell. With the decision made, even if they choose not to participate in it, they are helpless from stopping it.

“If you had a son, you would do the same as well!” Issac yelled.

“No, I wouldn’t. I cannot lay that burden on them.”

“Bell is changing. There may come a time we have to stop him from his ambition.” Amélie said.

“I agree, but I hope you all aren’t placing all your hope on him, no man is infallible. I suggest you all consider other options as well; your genius need not be tied to the will of another. That includes you Issac, your genius is needed by the world, I only hope you don’t forsake it.”

“I know Elena, the moment she heals Matteo and Nozomi she will refuse anymore, please.”

The geniuses sigh but agree. Now, however, they must consider the possibility of a future they rejected before.

Months pass, the Syndicate base only grows in infrastructure and people. Word of their developments, the technology and opportunity brings people from around the world. Recruitment slows over time however, many of their recruiters expressing that some are choosing to go to the city of the future instead.

“Are they? But that city will remain stagnant, they don’t have what we have.” Bell said. “Hmm, there must be something I’m missing. I think I’ll pay a visit.”

“Are you insane?” Elizabeth said. “That woman will kill you the moment you set foot on her territory.”

“Veronica is a drug addict, not a careless killer. At best she’ll hit me with a blow to the stomach, I’ll be fine.”

Elizabeth relents, allowing Bell to go only when equipped with a smart gun and a drone at his side. Carrying anymore will alarm those of Veronica’s city.

Bell leaves for Veronica’s city. There must be something that enticing. He believes his base will become the perfect place to live, but more is needed to bring people in.

“I hope to find that there.”

Bell arrives at the station near Veronica's city a few hours later. He’s stunned, unable to move past the station gates as he stares into the distance.

There, where once stood a small settlement, is a city with mega skyscrapers, neon lights bright even under daylight, droves of people making their way in and out of the city entrance. All look happier than ever, happier than one should in the new world and all its issues.

Most surprising of all, technology. Drones circle the city, people ride around on hoverboards and small hovering bikes that pull carts behind them, the walls have videos projected on them that display messages from Veronica or ads from local sellers, and there are countless robots that continue to work on the city.

“How is this possible?”

As Bell steps forward, his drone is shot and destroyed. Before he can grab his weapons, he’s forced to the ground and blindfolded. As much as he resists, his attackers drag him away with ease.

Bell’s attackers drag him into the city. It’s been over a decade since Bell heard so many voices gathered. Furthermore, music plays from the buildings they pass, it’s unlike any other he’s heard before and the vibrations from the speakers rattle his ribs.

The smell of fresh food wafts in the air, the voices of vendors yelling their product for patrons to try mixed with the music. More ads play, some for common product, others for services that entice the mind.

Unbelievable. It’s as if the world never ended here. How have they done this?

The group enters a building, then an elevator that shoots up. His first time inside the elevator, Bell loses his balance as it comes to a stop. He’s pushed out and dragged out into the open where he can feel the chilled wind.

They remove Bell’s blindfold, revealing their location on a skyscraper’s balcony. The two other skyscrapers of the city can be seen ahead, below are the bustling city and its people.

Watching from the rails is Veronica with a bottle in hand. Bell is pushed towards her until he makes his way willingly.

“Warm welcome you’ve given me.”

“I asked them to only rough you up a little. Welcome to Ventura.” Veronica replied.

“Ventura… Veronica, how have you done this?”

Veronica takes a chug of her drink. “You really thought we’d let you leave with the fusion reactor without a backup plan? For someone considered a genius you’re so ignorant it bothers me.”

“You made another fusion reactor. Are you an idiot? The slightest mistake could be disastrous, shut it down or-” Veronica punches Bell, sending him to the ground. “What was that for?”

“You’ve changed Bell, and for the worse. Or have you always been like this? You insult us, believing only you and your little group of nerds are the only ones capable of creating something. You may be a genius but we’re resourceful and adaptable. Copying your work was simple enough.”

“So, it seems. I’ll trust your judgment then, but I do have some questions.” Bell stands and stares at the city. “Why is that people flock here? I understand that you’ve given them homes and food, but this city will remain stagnant. Our city will continue to progress, continue to evolve.”

Veronica laughs. “In some ways you’re right, but still very ignorant. I’ll answer your first question, people want instant gratification. Your little city is putting them to work with promise of a wonderful future, I’m giving them the time of their lives here. They work a little during the day then party their worries away at night.”

“And you care nothing for the future?”

“That’s why I call you ignorant, we aren’t just sitting around doing nothing. We have ideas as well, ideas we’re willing to share. You’re falling into the same pit you created before, limiting what you give… no, worse now, you tried keeping it all to yourselves. You believe yourself worthy of selecting who can benefit from your genius, but you’re just a guy. We have so many of your blueprints as well, we don’t need you anymore. But betrayal must be answered.”

“If you wanted me dead, I’d already be dead. Why did you bring me up here?”

Veronica smiles. “Maybe you are somewhat smart. Bell, slow down. I get your excitement and desire to create your city and build this oh so wonderful future, but there are problems you must resolve with this.” Veronica presses her finger against Bell’s chest. “Remember that you are human as well, not everything is solved in a lab.”

“And what problems are that, may I ask?”

“You’ve likely hit a plateau just like before, but this time around you’re much more willing to step over a boundary you never would have before. I get it, I had to if I wanted to defend my people as well. But that comes with many consequences, with a weight you cannot carry. Do not think yourself capable of it. Look at me.” Veronica chuckles. “I’m fortunate enough to not have the power to destroy the world, but you’re different.”

“You think I’ll destroy the world again?”

“I think you won’t allow it to save itself. You think yourself the only one capable of reason. Look down there, many of them are better than me but they consider me their leader. I may hold the ability to lead, but they are the ones that keep me grounded. You should remember that, while you chase the future don’t forget that you must live in the present as well.”

“That will only slow progress.”

Veronica shoots Bell with a finger gun. “Then you’ll fail. Your fixation ahead will leave you blind to what’s in front of you.” Veronica tosses her arms around Bell, getting to his ear and whispering. “Isn’t it strange how we have the same computers you do.”

Bell doesn’t respond, the reveal something he failed to think of as he stared into the city created by Veronica.

“My city isn’t perfect, but it’s doing its best to succeed. We do strive for the future, but we can never forget to take care of one another now. I hope you’ll think about this. I’ll give you one last piece of advice now as I know you’ve been sending others to recruit people. Stay away from the southern region of old America.”

“Why? I’ve already sent an invitation to the region.”

“You idiot.”

“I’m sure nothing bad will happen if we offer then opportunity.”

“I warned you. Bell, I wish you luck.”

“And I hope one day you will consider joining us.”

“I’d rather die a slow death than be under the leadership of a fool.”

Bell sighs. “So be it.”