The woman stared at Steve incredulously.
"Time travel?... You're saying you traveled through time?"
"Yes, I think that's what happened when I woke up from the coma. Everything was... different... like I was living in another world."
Steve's gaze swept around the room, taking in the strange objects and the woman sitting beside him. A wave of despair washed over him as he realized the enormity of his situation.
"I don't know how this happened, but I know I'm trapped here."
The woman stared at Steve for a long moment, then slowly reached out her hand.
"My name is Eliza... Eliza Jean West."
Steve hesitated for a moment before taking Eliza's hand. Her skin was soft and warm.
"My name is Steve... Stephen Hartley."
"Okay then... Stephen, what year did you say you came from?"
"2020."
Eliza's eyes widened at his reply, and she let out a low whistle.
"2020… that was over fifty years ago."
She leaned back on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.
"I was born in 2045. My parents used to tell me stories about life before the Big Reset, but I never imagined I'd meet someone who lived through it."
The mention of the Big Reset seemed to stir something within Eliza. She turned back to Steve, her eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
"It was a global event that took place in the late 30s. It was a time of great upheaval and change, where governments around the world came together to address pressing issues like climate change, economic inequality, and political instability."
Eliza paused, watching Steve's reaction before continuing.
"It involved a massive restructuring of societies and the economy, along with technological advancements that reshaped the way we live our lives."
Eliza leaned forward, delving deeper into the subject.
"The reset ushered in a new era of sustainability and collaboration. Renewable energy sources replaced fossil fuels, and artificial intelligence managed resources and infrastructure more efficiently than ever before. Global governance was reformed, with a focus on collective decision-making and shared prosperity. Borders became more fluid, and cultural exchanges flourished like never before. But things weren't entirely smooth sailing. There was resistance, even violence, from those who refused to adapt or felt left behind. The transition was chaotic and painful for many.
Eliza looked at Steve.
"I imagine it's shocking to wake up in a world so different from the one you knew."
Eliza's expression changed, her gaze lowering to the ground.
"The Neural Link System, or NLS, was introduced.
As a means of maintaining social order and ensuring the well-being of all citizens, the Neural Link System, NLS, was introduced."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice barely audible.
Implanted at birth and directly connected to the brain, the NLS (Neural Link System) monitors our vital signs, regulates our emotions, and influences our decisions. This technological innovation is integrated into the lives of many. Implanted at birth, the device serves several purposes:
1. Health Monitoring: The NLS continuously tracks vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and brain activity, alerting medical authorities in emergencies.
2. Emotional Regulation: By analyzing neural patterns, the NLS can detect and modulate intense emotions, preventing outbursts or volatile behaviors that could disrupt social harmony.
3. Decision Support: The system provides precise suggestions and motivation to guide individuals toward choices aligned with societal norms and the common good. It helps maintain compliance and cooperation among citizens.
"There are already three versions of the NLS: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each serving different segments of society."
The Gold NLS certification is designed for the wealthy and influential elite who wield significant power in government and industry. It offers advanced features such as enhanced cognitive abilities and accelerated learning. Even limited telepathic communication.
The silver version is implanted in the majority of the middle class and skilled workers. It provides standard health monitoring and basic decision-making assistance, ensuring a stable and productive workforce.
The bronze NLS is implanted in low-income individuals and those in manual labor jobs. Its primary function is to maintain compliance and suppress dissent, with stricter emotional regulation and more intrusive controls on decision-making.
Eliza's face flushed with a mixture of anger and frustration.
"Of course there's resistance. Nobody likes the idea of being controlled, or having their thoughts and actions manipulated by a machine."
She began pacing the room.
"There are secret movements, groups that reject the NLS and everything it stands for. They call themselves 'the Free corps' those who have found ways to remove or disable their chips."
"Eliza, listen to me. Nobody can know about me not the Free corps, or anyone else. If they find out I'm from the past, without a chip... they'll see me as a threat."
He released her arm and ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"I don't know how I got here or why, but I know I'm not supposed to be here at this time. I need to stay out of sight, do you understand?"
Eliza's expression softened as she looked at him, aware of the precariousness of his situation.
"I understand. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone about you or where you came from."
Eliza got out of bed and went to the kitchen.
"You need to eat. I'll make us something, I'll bring your food here. We can eat together and discuss our next steps."
A few minutes later, she returned with two plates of food, a simple but nutritious meal. She put one plate for Steve and kept the other for herself as she sat back down on the bed.
"Eat. You'll need it."