Scientia Rising

Charlie watches a drop of blood pop out with the needle, smearing a red blotch over a dark brown age spot. He never thought he would ever get used to it, putting a tiny pin into his own flesh. However, it is the best and easiest option for medical advice. Gone are the days when he needed to make appointments months in advance, then sit in a room full of people freely sharing their bacterial or viral spores with one another. Uncomfortably waiting forty-five minutes or longer past your scheduled time, only to be rushed through by an overworked exhausted doctor, who hands you a paper with the latest untested drug, for you to try.

In 2041, Scientia was chosen by W.H.O. as the company to take the lead and resolve the world’s medical crisis, they introduced new technologies in advancing health care. They also became advisors on how to solve the housing slash homeless issues among other items plaguing the world.

Scientia made sure that everyone purchased their device, the VIAS, or Virtual Imaging Assistant Scanner. Sure, it seemed expensive at the time but Charlie and millions of people all over the world received instant assistance and diagnosis through this. Each person now has several doctors to talk to, including mental health and various specialists. It measures all vital signs, monitors, and distributes treatments all through the comfort of a person’s home. Prescriptions delivered directly to your home. The only thing required is internet access and the customers hooking themselves to the machine.

In 2048 they introduced the next phase, addressing the housing crisis. Studies found that due to the longer life expectancy people-maintained hold of their homes longer, making the housing cost skyrocket for the younger generation. Along with the Governments and Scientia they resolved this by a unique and revolutionary idea.

Beginning in 2050, it was proposed that once a person turns sixty-five, they would mandatorily retire and vacate their homes. Signing over their property to Scientia. In exchange, Scientia offered free accommodation and care for the remainder of their lives, on Cruise ships or island resorts. It was presented as a way of saying… You did your part. Now, go and enjoy the rest of your life.

The younger generation would in turn purchase the homes at a reduced cost, from Scientia, who would also finance the mortgages. People who rented and did not own homes had a different proposal given to them, but that didn’t affect Charlie and his wife Lily. They were assigned to a Cruise ship, which was okay because they were healthy and wished to see the world.

“Are you still taking the medication we prescribed for you?” A deep soothing voice over the speaker asks.

Pressing a disinfectant swab upon the fresh needle hole, Charlie glances at the face on the screen. “Yes, what is it for again?”

“You have ten days’ worth; they will refill your prescription on the ship.”

Charlie turns the vial in his hands, listening to the soft clink of the white capsules as they roll inside the clear plastic tube.

“Have you been experiencing any difficulties breathing or blurred vision.”

“What? No, why do you ask?”

“Okay, your blood work appears fine, nothing alarming, blood pressure is a little high but that is to be expected. I will now pass you onto your agent and she will give you the final details, good-bye.”

The screen goes to the home page, where an older couple are posed laughing in each other’s arms while walking on a beautiful beach, a large Cruise ship floating off in the distance. Charlie sees his reflection on the screen. He feels fine, yet the person looking back did not resemble the person he once was. This past year has taken a toll on him. The preparation year. In fact, for him this was two years in a row of stress and uncertainty. Because Lily was one year older than him, they had to prepare her first. When they came to pick her up to take her away, he felt alone for the first time in …. forever.

Before he sinks into despair, the screen blinks to life once more and a young woman, who looks to be in her early twenties appears. A bright smile creases her face while her eyes remain distant. Who knows how many conversations she has had today.

With out any introduction the young woman speaks.

“Mr. Baxter, I am reviewing your forms, and because we received them late there are slight adjustments to your plan.”

He notices her name scrolled across the screen below her, he assumes it saves the point zero one second of unnecessary conversation, straight to the point.

“Call me Charlie please, Ms. Dubois.” Charlie smiles when he notices her eye twitch ever so slightly. “What do you mean late, I sent them in well before the deadline.”

“Mr. Baxter, please remain calm or I will forward you to a different department.”

Charlie notices her smile disappear. “I am calm, just confused.”

“As I was saying, because of the late paperwork, we have to assign you to a different ship than you were previously placed on.”

Siting straight, Charlie quickly asks. “What do you mean different ship, am I not joining my wife?”

“Not at this time, there are no available cabins on her ship. The one you are slated for is just as luxurious and spacious.”

“Wait, no available cabins? Are you saying my wife and I will not be living together, even if we are on the same ship?”

“Yes. Mr. Baxter, we do not have time to go over this, the delivery team will be arriving at your home shortly.”

The room starts to spin, his heart beats so rapidly it feels like it is in his throat. “This was never mentioned, it doesn’t make sense. “

“Actually, it does. While you may have been on the same ship, we do not allow the partners to cohabitate in the same room. We discovered this was beneficial to both parties.”

“Let me understand this. We will not be on the same cruise ship, and even if we were, we are not allowed to live together. Is this what you’re saying?”

“Yes, I mentioned there were adjustments we needed to discuss….”

Charlie cuts her off, remaining calm but clearly upset, he growls. “This is bullshit, we already compromised by giving our home to you in exchange for this …this retirement plan we are forced into. We were told not to involve our children throughout the process, only lawyers. Plus, I was not allowed to see my family for the final seventy-two hours before leaving. Our savings were handed over in trust to your company so you can dole it out to us as an allowance, like we are children. This we agreed on, not that we were given any choice. But we were never informed of being separated.”

Ms. Dubois eyes narrow and in a slow methodical voice she speaks. “Mr. Baxter, we mentioned that there are the two retirement packages, ship, or resort… we do however have one more option for those who do not cooperate. I guarantee you do not want that option. If you do not calm yourself, I will have no choice but to file for your immediate transfer into one of these facilities. Do I make myself clear?”

The situation became surreal instantly, and while it was difficult saying goodbye to his wife last year, he thought they would see each other again. Charlie’s mind starts reviewing the past two years, while Ms. Dubois keeps talking,

‘We found that family interference added stress and confusion, this is why no other family members are involved. You may contact them once you are settled…’ Her voice drones on.

The whole thing happened so fast, the Government Bill regarding retirement, then the multiple application forms to fill in. Lawyers to see, documents to sign, most of which were barely legible for the average person.

‘Once on board you will be assigned a room, because of your financial situation you have a cabin with balcony…. isn’t that nice?’

Charlie remembers the first month after Lily left, they talked every night through Scientia virtual App. At first, she cried, then she appeared to settle in. Slowly, Lily called less, when she did, he noticed a glazed look in her eyes. She explained it was exhaustion because of all the fun she was having. Charlie related his concerns to their two children who in turn called Scientia. They both said he was just nervous, and mom was doing fine. But he only talked to her once in the past month and she could hardly maintain a conversation.

‘You will be given access to your investment portfolio where you may withdraw funds for excursions, and other miscellaneous items. A small monthly administration fee of one percent will be applied. Do you understand all I have said?’

Leaning towards the screen he asks. “How long will it be until my wife and I are reunited.”

“Mr. Baxter, you will be assigned a consultant on board to answer any questions you may have.”

“If you place my wife and I in a single cabin that would free up another unit for someone else.” Charlie hopefully adds.

Ms. Dubois removes her glasses, placing her elbows on her desk, she looks Charlie in the eye for the first time.

“We have discovered that sixty seven percent of women after a certain age prefer to live alone. Charlie, you seem fit, if you are worried about companionship there are plenty of single women on board that ….”

Charlie jumps in. “I don’t want other women I want to be with my wife…this is bizarre, I can’t believe this conversation is happening.”

“Mr. Baxter, it appears this is important to you, I will add your concern to our files and send them to your personal on-board consultant. Okay?”

Charlie fought to keep his emotions in check, which was not easy due to the adrenaline running through him. But ever since the zero-tolerance bill was passed, any confrontation could be construed as an attack upon a person, leading to lawsuits. None of this made sense, this isn’t the way it was supposed to be. In a quiet voice he says.

“Ms. Dubois, when this was first proposed, I don’t think any of us took it serious.”

“There was a referendum in which everyone had a vote.” She points out.

“True, but I believe we thought it was presented as an option.”

“It was presented to curb the financial difficulties the younger generation were facing, and because the majority voted in favor, it was put in place. At no small expense to us or the Government. Mr. Baxter, you no longer need worry about taxes, cooking, or any of the day-to-day chores that come with life. We supply the finest medical support possible, entertainment and a chance that was never offered to previous generations. You can and should live the remainder of your life in peace and enjoyment.”

It was a beautifully rehearsed speech, Charlie didn’t believe a word. There was more to this than what they presented. Watching the clock ticking down, his time with Ms. Dubois was ending, he decided to say one last thing.

“Ms. Dubois, I hope you experience all you are selling me, especially if you believe that Scientia will take care of you until your retirement date. Tell me, how many people do you currently have in your company that are over fifty-nine? Did all those resolute diligent people find themselves suddenly downsized, and now without benefits once promised to them? Do not trust this company Ms. Dubois they will toss you aside like yesterday’s trash.”

It appeared like she heard him for the first time. Her mouth went slack, her eyes far away, suddenly she sits up, placing a smile on her face and speaks.

“I have just been informed your travel team will be at your place within fifteen minutes. I will let you finish any last details that need to be taken care of. It has been a pleasure to serve you, on behalf of the Scientia family we wish you all the best on your retirement.”

With that his screen goes blank. Looking around one last time upon his home, which is no longer his. Charlie walks into the kitchen, opens the bottle of pills and washes them down the drain, then replaces them with vitamins. Picking up his luggage he proceeds to the front door. Unsure what the future holds in store for him, but he intends to find out. The only thing he knows for sure is he is not going to find the answer by taking those pills.

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Scientia: Latin word means "knowledge" or "science".

Thank you,

Jason