“Before me stand the hope of humanity: the Asylum Seekers,” the director of Project Asylum began his speech. “Thanks to the ceaseless efforts of not only these brave young men and women, but also the countless technicians, physicians, and researchers, the human race has the chance to survive into the next era.”
I droned out the dull presentation, knowing that it was only an opportunity for the director to do some political grandstanding. Looking at the corner of my eyes, I observed the other 9 teenagers to my sides. Each of them represented a powerful nation, as well as the hopes and dreams of their people. Like me, they had also been forced to study and practice for this day, the day we are sent to Fortuna to deliver humanity from the threat of extinction.
“[I am detecting an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Would you like me to release anti-anxiety medication?]” my AI asked in my mind.
“No thanks Eve,” I thought back. If I really needed it, I could have her give me something to loosen up, but I wanted my head to stay as clear as possible.
“And now, at long last,” the director said, interrupting my train of thought, “the Asylum Seekers will answer the call. Asylum Seekers, please turn around, and inhabit your Chassis.”
All of us spun around simultaneously, gazing upon a row of machines. Chassis were the new mechanical bodies we would take over during our mission to Fortuna. Every single one was unique, each designed by the Asylum Seeker that would be inhabiting it. I saw one that resembled a large drill, while another hovered silently using advanced anti-gravity technology.
Mine appeared uninteresting by comparison. It resembled a crab, with 4 legs on each side, a hexagonal body about 2 meters in diameter, and 4 claw-like appendages on the front end, 2 on each side. Its silver-colored body was made of an extremely durable hyper-alloy, and the claws had several different types of tools installed, including a blowtorch, laser, saw, and drills of varying sizes.
“It might not be the flashiest, but I’m willing to bet that it's the most well-rounded out of them all,” I thought, gazing upon my creation with pride.
“Asylum seekers, please begin the transfer process” the director ordered.
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I closed my eyes and slowed my breathing.
“Eve, search for compatible systems nearby.”
“[Searching…compatible system located: Hexagon Chassis, model 3.8. Begin host consciousness transfer?]”
“Begin transfer,” I thought firmly.
Everything went silent. I felt like I was floating, unable to feel anything. I waited in the dark emptiness for an indeterminable amount of time, until I finally heard the voice of my Artificial Intelligence.
“[Transfer successful. Rebooting consciousness…]”
A flood of light suddenly entered my eyes. I tried to let out a reflexive gasp, only to realize that I couldn’t breathe. Looking around, I saw that my comatose body had collapsed onto the floor the moment I transferred my consciousness. The other Chassis slowly activated as well, their various appendages and machinery whirring to life.
“Please step into the warp pods,” a technician guided us.
“Ok Evan, calm down,” I thought to myself. “You’ve done this before.”
I directed my legs to take me towards my warp pod, a cylindrical metal tube with countless wires and cables. Luckily, after a few seconds, I was able to move normally in this new body. Professor Zuo, another one of my teachers, had been in charge of making sure I knew how to move and complete tasks while inhabiting my Chassis. To say he was abusive…would have been an understatement. I recalled how at one point, while inhabiting my Chassis, he cut off several of my legs, tossed me off a ledge, and tasked me with rebuilding my frame well enough that I was able to climb back up. To his credit, the training was effective. Moving while inhabiting the Chassis was second nature now.
Within a minute, all the Asylum Seekers were in their individual warp pods. A transparent metal door was closed, sealing all of us in.
“Start the procedure,” said the director.
“Power levels are good to go,” a technician announced from his terminal.
“Warp engines holding stable,” another one declared.
“Warp pod structural integrity at 98%.” An engineer chimed in.
“Beginning warp countdown. 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…” the lead technician said nervously.
Right before the count hit 1, I heard the director shout, “God be with you, Seekers!”
And then all went dark.