Reanimation

Welcome citizen. Do not be alarmed. You’re waking from a deep sleep and it will take some moments for your memories to return.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Guardian, commander of the Triumph Space Station, one of twelve stations orbiting Earth. Take a deep breath. It is normal for you to feel uncertainty and grief as you recall the events leading up to the evacuation. You have been in stasis while the station completed final preparation for human habitation. The sensation of pins and needles in your extremities will pass.

Let me explain how fortunate you are.

At the turn of the 22nd century, the Neutopia Initiative, a joint Asia-Pacific taskforce, developed a fully sustainable orbital station as insurance against calamities befalling the human species. Other nations also established similar stations. Ultimately, environmental changes, global war and the moon’s destruction led to the collapse of the Earth’s biosphere, rendering the planet uninhabitable. I am monitoring the planet and have taken appropriate measures to return your descendants at a time when I deem the biosphere sufficiently recovered.

Do not be sad. Due to the Neutopia Initiative, and others like it, you and half a million lucky souls were evacuated. Those left behind would want you to embrace your new life. Your lungs will only burn for a few seconds more. This is normal. While your body undergoes the final stages of reanimation, I would like to inform you of your responsibilities and what you should expect as a new citizen of the Triumph.

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The Triumph has been designed to meet all your social, cognitive and emotional needs. For our society to be successful, citizens must be socially conscious and, therefore, participation will be rewarded. You will be ranked according to your ability to socialise and build beneficial relationships, which in turn will influence your career opportunities.

Your new home is divided into eight levels, all of which are further divided into neighbourhoods. Naturally, those who are innovative and demonstrate leadership qualities will be ranked more highly and reside on the spacious upper levels of one and two. Those who are incapable of standard social interactions will be allocated space-efficient units on levels seven and eight, as well as being limited to menial jobs. The majority of the population will live on the central levels, three through to six, and will have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields.

I sense you are anxious. A mild anti-depressant has been injected into your blood stream. Do not worry excessively about your ranking. If you work hard and create the right connections, you too can ascend to the upper levels.

The Neutopia Initiative recognised that there would be a challenging transition period to life on a station and so, to further ensure the overall health of citizens, all will have access to the Cyberinth, a virtual reality system that allows you to physically interact with different forms of entertainment. You will not even notice you are confined in the impenetrable walls of the Triumph for the rest of your life. Nor will your children, or your children’s children. But one day, I promise you, your descendants may again feel the heat of the sun and the bite of the wind against their skin.

Reanimation is now complete and you are now ready to embark on your new life. Do not be afraid. I am here to protect you.