Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 2: Propter nos Homines

Chapter 2: Propter nos Homines

Bahagya akong napaisip habang nakaupo sa silya. My mind was elsewhere, I pondered on the fact as well that all the people I know are already dead... As it has been so many centuries already that has passed. I am now living in the future, way ahead of my time. Hindi ko pa rin alam din kung paano ako aakto matapos ang lahat. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Parang kahapon lang ay 2020 pa, and now I am in year 2395. One thing is for sure, though, and it is that I have to survive and live.

Naglagay ako ng maraming pagkain sa aking pinggan. Habang ginagawa ko iyon ay napansin ko ang maraming pagbabago sa mga ulam at prutas. I do not know if it was just me, but they seem too unnatural and when I tasted it, they tasted different. “May I ask if these foods are genetically modified foods?” Tumingin ako kay Lag upang hingiin ang kaniyang sagot.

“Yes, lahat na ng pagkain sa mundo ay GMO and most are mass reproduced inside laboratories and factories.” Aniya. “Since it is impossible to raise plants and animals in this era if we are not to modify their DNA. We had to do what we had to do because if not, humanity will perish along with the other species that used to live on this world. That is how uninhabitable the world right now is... Organic and naturally produced food and plants are actually rare, but their value is really not that much seen compared to genetically modified foods, as GMO products are usually injected as well with drugs that seem to be addicting.” How low have mankind gone? I could have prevented this world to happen, but instead, I lived in it as if I was being punished for failing to do so. I sighed, nawalan ako ng gana kumain... But I have to ignore it if I want to keep on living.

This was no time to be a picky-eater because as Lag has stated, all of the food in this world are no longer natural. Since I was hungry, kumain na lang din ako. The food actually tasted better in this era but there is still this feeling that it’s just not right because it was not produced naturally, everything in this place seems grand too—yet there is this hollowness that bothers me. Lumingon ako nang napansin ko ang dalawang babae, sina Tiara at Ingrid. Yumuko naman sila nang napansing ako ay nakatingin sa kanilang gawi.

“Are you not going to eat with us?” I asked them as Lag prepared his food too.

“We cannot eat.” Tiara responded.

Kumunot naman ang aking noo dahil sa aking narinig. “Why?”

“Tiara and I are androids.” This time, it was Ingrid who replied. “We were purchased by Master Lucius to be housekeepers of his penthouse. Our food is power which we obtain when we are recharged every week.”

Napaawang naman ang aking mga labi dahil sa aking narinig. “Robots who look like humans, act like humans, and communicate like humans... I never thought I’d get to live to see artificial intelligence to be so realistic. I guess the line that distinguishes man and robots have been blurred now...” And given this fact, I can already theorize as well that bionics have arose as well, where man can also replace body parts they want with mechanical parts.

How is this even possible? This is beyond imagination. I couldn’t believe it that I lived up to this time. If I remember it correctly, Ingrid also broke the house rule of Lag which has caused my awakening... And she is a robot. Does that mean they can move on their own free will?

As if reading my mind, Tiara started talking. “Master Lucius modified our system to make us have a will of our own and he has given us external properties that made us look human. This is illegal, of course, as no robots are allowed to look like humans or have a will of their own because of the World War IV.” Paliwanag ni Tiara.

“World War IV?” Ulit ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala... In the past 375 years, there has been two world wars that occurred already?

“Yes, the war between humans and androids. With human interventions, artificial intelligence evolved beyond expectations and has called itself a more superior and version of human beings. Robots gained their own drive and sought to eliminate humans who, in return, also sought to eliminate robots after realizing that they have developed weapons beyond control. In this fourth world war, the humans won and has successfully destroyed the robots. The war lasted for ten decades.” Kuwento ni Lag.

“After the war, we were all devastated and the remains of the world was in chaos and anarchy, that is the time when Imperium rose from the ground, uniting what’s left of us—with their aid, civilization was once again constructed from the rubbles and after a new home has been successfully built, the Imperium released Executive Order No. 1 of 2175, banning robots to look like humans and banning them to have their own free will.”

“So, basically, that means Tiara and Ingrid are illegal robots.”

“Indeed, but no one will know as they look perfectly like humans and I am Ancora City’s Honorable Mayor—no one will doubt me or suspect me.” Ngumisi si Lag matapos uminom sa kaniyang baso. “I have also arranged papers for them to have a citizenship which is, naturally, exclusive for humans only. So, they are currently registered citizens of this city, Ancora City.”

“So, this place is called Ancora City.” Tugon ko, “what about the last two cities of Tre?”

“From the southernmost region is Fiducia City which used to be Cagayan Valley during your time, I suppose, then on the western part is Caritas City, which used to be the Palawan island during your time as well.” Lag said with the accompaniment of a hologram that showcased what remained of the Philippines which is now named Tre and where the three cities were located at. I no longer see the 7,641 islands. Instead, the map showcased a few number of separated islands which used to be Luzon, Vizayas, and Mindanao, isang indikasyon na karamihan sa mga kontintente talaga ay lumubog na dala ng pagkatunaw din ng Arctic Ice. Tumaas na talaga ang lebel ng tubig ng karagatan.

I noted all of the things that I learned tonight. While we ate, nag-usap pa kami ni Lag. He seems to be fascinated with the world before that’s why I also told him how the world was before. We exchanged information and I guess that is beneficial and both serves our interest. I need to adapt as soon as possible too.

“I am an environmental scientist, more known before as Doctor Primrose, I headed a research on the world which discovered that if mankind continues to do what they did on the year 2020 and the next decade to come, the world will reach a point of no return and will fall into chaos. That research I did contained the future of the world... but it has fallen into the wrong hands and it was lost before it can be disclosed publicly. I was not able to stop things from happening.”

“Aren’t you being a little bit idealistic, Prim?” Lag asked. “Even if the people back then knew of your research, there is no guarantee that they will heed by it. People only cared for the present and has little regard for the future. Which is why the old organization called United Nations and their goal of ‘sustainable development’ is merely a facade, a lie, and not a true intervention for development, and it only serves the benefit of the Global North, and not the South. At least that is what the historical documents that I have uncovered state...”

I knew that... but still, I was idealistic, gaya ng sinabi ni Lag. Bumuntong-hininga ako.

“Theoretically speaking, let us say the middle class and those below the caste system will listen after finding the truth, but do not deny the fact that the elite holds the power and they carry the flow of the system. The elite will not give a damn about the future, only their own self-interest of monopolizing resources and hoarding power and those who are marginalized will be forced to yield if they want to survive.” He continued. “It’s the reality.”

“But—” I was cut off when he started talking again.

“The world today is bound to happen, whether you like it or not, nothing can ever stop it. People were blinded by the promise of infinitely growing economy and innovations in this world of limited resources. As you have said, the greatest threat to humanity is ourselves.”

I was saddened by that fact, but I have always believed in humanity because Earth is our home and as rational beings, we had the obligation to protect it along with the species that reside in it. But we have failed it. Instead, we have reduced it to ruins. Now, the rest of the world is in dystopia and apocalypse. I also had to agree with the things that Lag has said, the elite only craves for their prestige, property, and power to grow, like the late President Duchelli.

Matapos naming kumain at mag-usap ay tiningnan ko si Lag, “so, what are your plans with me?” Tanong ko.

“As someone who comes from the direct lineage of my late ancestor, Astaroth Ghani, I plan to ask forgiveness on his behalf for the grave sin that he has committed to you. But as we live in a new world where forgiveness is also but a debt, I must account for his sin by granting you one wish. After that, the Ghani clan will no longer have any debt from you.”

“One wish.”

“Indeed.” Lag stated.

I paused for a moment, trying to make the most out of that one, single wish. Then a brilliant idea popped out of my head.

“Fair enough. Okay, here is my wish.” Ngumisi ako. Tila nagtaka naman sina Tiara at Ingrid at nakita ko ang bahagyang paglapit nila upang malaman din kung ano ang aking nag-iisang kahilingan.

“What is it?”

“I wish that you grant me all of the wishes I have.”

Lag seemed taken aback because of my demand. Tumawa siya nang marahan matapos maproseso ang aking mga sinabi. He looked at me, his hazel-brown eyes hit mine and somewhere inside, there seems to be something that was burning. He looked amazed and mesmerized because of my request.

“Fair enough.” Panggagaya niya sa akin, “I shall grant all of your wishes then, Prim.”

And with that, the deal was sealed.

“As for my first wish, since I am supposed to be dead already and in this new world, I definitely have no identity, I want you to take care of my documents. I still will go under the name Primrose Nightingale... As for my background, you can forge it all.”

Hindi umimik si Lag, sa halip ay nakatingin lang siya sa akin.

“You are the mayor of this city, right? You can definitely pull something off.  I cannot roam around the place without an identity pass, or whatever.”

“Of course.” Saad niya.

“Don’t come regretting now, you were the one who proposed to me that you’d grant any wish I have as an apology for what Astaroth has done.” Humalakhak lang ako.

“Any other requests for tonight?”

“I like the view up here.” Muling sabi ko. I like how his mansion was on top of a high-rise and big building. “So, I guess provide me a bedroom that has the nicest view from here.”

“Is that all?”

“For now.” I grinned.

“Tiara, you do the first request of Prim and make it sure that everything will be duly processed tomorrow.” Nagsimulang mag-utos si Lag sa dalawang mga robot. “And Ingrid, you lead Prim to her chamber. You heard her, she wants the one with the best view.”

Yumuko ang dalawa bilang sang-ayon. Nauna nang umalis si Tiara upang ilakad ang aking mga papeles, si Ingrid naman ay naiwan kasama ako at si Lag.

“I suppose it’s already past nine and time to sleep.” Lag declared. Tumayo na siya at humarap sa akin. “Prim, I must take my leave now and rest. Tomorrow, at first light, you will already have your new documents. I shall tour you around the city as well. For now, follow Ingrid to your room.”

Kuminang naman ang aking mga mata dahil sa aking narinig. “That’d be great! I am so excited to see what’s outside!”

With that, Lag took his exit. Naiwan akong kasama si Ingrid, a girl that looks really human. She smiled at me... She seemed to genuinely have emotions. “Tara na po sa kuwarto ninyo, Ate Primrose.”

“Just Prim.” I replied.

“Sige po, Ate Prim.” Aniya. I guess her system was designed for her to really act like a child, that’s why she still refers to me as someone older. I guess everyone in this world has the right to call me Ate, because biologically speaking, I already am 400 years old. I am the oldest human ever alive.

Lumabas na rin kami sa silid at naglakad sa pasilyo. The walls were mostly of glass, that is why I can see the city lights perfectly. The place seems peaceful and nice. Plus, there are hover cars that looks like meteorites in the night sky. Tumanaw ako sa itaas at nakita ang pekeng kalawakan. It looked really genuine and true. Who would have known that this city is inside a dome. I also looked at the strong walls that surrounded the city... and then I wondered, what lies beyond it.

Tumigil si Ingrid sa harap ng isang kulay abong pinto at saka siya tumingin sa akin. “Ate Prim, pakilagay ang iyong thumbprint sa scanner. It is to register your prints in the biometric system of the mansion.” Aniya sabay turo sa maliit na kahong nakasabit sa gilid ng pasukan.

Sinunod ko naman ang kaniyang utos. From that point, I saw red laser lights scanning my imprint.

“Thumbprint successfully registered.” A mechanical voice declared out of nowhere. Kasabay nito ay ang awtomatikong pagbukas ng pintuan.

“Tanging ikaw na lang ang makakabukas sa kuwartong ito mula ngayon maliban kapag magbigay ka ng permisyon sa iba gaya ko.” Paliwanag niya. Ako ay tumango naman.

Naunang pumasok si Ingrid at ako naman ay sumunod. It seemed like there was a sensor as the lights automatically opened in the room. I was greeted by a room that was very modern, classy, and big. Gaya ng aking hiling, kitang-kita ko mula rito ang buong siyudad. It was fantastic and marvelous. Who would have thought that I’d be able to see this lustrous world of the future?

“Your voice needs to be registered as well.” Ingrid declared, after that, a hologram was projected out of her eyes. Now, she didn’t look human anymore but like an android which she really was. “Please step forward and face the hologram, Ate Prim.” Utos niya.

Sinunod ko naman ang kaniyang hiling. I was a few inches away from the hologram already. Then, there was an icon that seemed to indicate a recording.

“Please press start and say anything that you want for at least three seconds. After that, your voice will automatically be registered into the system of the household.”

“Alright.”

I pressed the start button of the hologram and I saw the changes that indicated that I can speak already. “Propter nos homines.” I said.

“Your voice has been successfully registered.” Deklara ni Ingrid matapos ang ilang sandali. “You may now use your voice to command.”

Honestly, I did not get what she meant by that but I just pretended to understand. “Ate Prim, ano pala ang ibig sabihin ng propter nos homines? I have tried looking for a translation, but I cannot find any.” I guess a lot of culture, language, and such have been lost over time as well.

“Oh, because it is in Latin, a dead language. It means glory to mankind.”

“Glory to mankind...” She repeated, as if registering it into her system.