INVASION: Wildest Game

Chapter 3: Memory Dream

Alexa's POV

Prof. De Vera gave me the signal to talk, so he paused the virtual reality for a while.

"However, achieving such level of technological development would also pose great risks and challenges such as ethical dilemmas, existential threats, and social conflicts. Therefore, a type 2 civilization would need to have a higher degree of wisdom, morality, and harmony to ensure our survival and well-being." I said with conviction.

"This is my first time hearing your thoughts, Ms. Alexa. Do you want to add more?" He said with a genuine smile on his face.

I nod and continued my words of expression, "Having a well social and ethical implications are impossible before. In order to do so, it'll go through a drastic process. I believe that the Galactic Federation are trying to manipulate all of us, just like for sure on how they did to the other planets they colonized by changing their cultures and identities. It all starts when Galactic Federation intervene with our way of living and makes some people forget who they really are. The Galactic Federation is already in a Type IV civilization so they have the ability to harness the energy of multiple universes and all possible timelines. Manipulating isn't a very hard thing to do for them right now. Besides, we were given this beautiful planet not just for us to sit here, saying that technology is the answer for everything." After I finished speaking, Keesha rose from her seat.

"I know that you're not a fan of technology but Colonizing and manipulation are just your mere speculations!" She glared at me as if offended her personally.

"Your reaction says it all," I replied with sarcasm.

Knowing my classmates well enough, even if sometimes I get to argue with them, we left them there. They wouldn't hold a grudge against me. It'll end right away so I'm not that much afraid of them.

You seem to care more about nature than the reality we live in, the reality that has helped the world progress to a higher level. Do you remember how the Earth used to be? Let me remind you that our advanced technology has made nature develop even better.” Keesha said, smiling confidently as if she thought I had no way to counter her arguments. Her sophisticated aura triggers my calming nerves to rampage.

I stand up as well to oppose her, the way she did oppose me, “By what? By parting both worlds to each other? How can you say that it is something better when you completely know nothing about it? It is not right to just separate something that is not supposed to be separated. Just like when we say province, it is nature, which covers only 45% of the Earth’s land and water that happens to be not enough. The city is artificial, with nothing but industrial buildings and artificial intelligence everywhere. Don’t you realize that when we cut off nature from the city, we lose oxygen? We need at least 19.5% of oxygen to breathe normally, but in the last few years, the oxygen level has dropped to 17.2%, according to an anonymous online source that was proven to be accurate. Many people have suffered from dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and even blindness because of the alteration in biodiversity. The government’s solution was to use artificial photosynthesis and electrolysis, which means that the oxygen we breathe and the carbon dioxide that the plants take are all fake now. We are losing the natural cycle, we are losing the essence of the world.” I said passionately and firmly.

I can see how Keesha is pissed off right now. She sit back with a glare on her face and ran out of arguments.

I hate it when people try to sugarcoat things. They act like everything is fine and dandy when in reality, it’s a mess. They don’t see the problems, they only see the positives, and everything is picturesque. They don’t want to face the truth and only want to live in their fantasy world.

Also, Prof. De Vera chuckles because that's the first time someone made Keesha shut up in his class.

Prof. De Vera replied to my concern, “They are the Galactic Federation, Ms. Stanfield. We can't defy them as they rule the world. They know what they are doing. What is important is that we are alive, living every moment in the most comfortable and easiest way possible. Problems solved and never to return. Let’s not be resentful of a world that helps us advance, grow, and expand as human beings.” He said in a very professional tone. I couldn’t tell if he was being sincere, or if he was just telling Keesha what she wanted to hear. I saw in his eyes that he agreed with me earlier.

I sit down and decided to end my argument. After all, he was right. But that didn’t mean I'm wrong. He's still my professor, older than me, and I had to respect him and his opinions. I have no exact proof and evidence, otherwise.

Prof. De Vera resumed the virtual reality and continued his lesson.

***

Finally, history class is done. Industrial technology class will be next.

Right after Professor De Vera leaves the room, another Professor enters.

Everyone got up except me and took their projects from the locker. Some took their self-operated small droids that they made singlehandedly, and others had blueprints with prepared presentations for the class.

Professor Brown didn’t assign any projects or activities for this class, so he didn’t expect me to show mine. But of course, he was surprised when he saw the other students bring their best works and ideas. It seems like he doesn't need to lecture for today, nothing more, as easy as that.

Seeing my classmates presenting their works and grow, eventually still amazes me. Even though they're looking down on me for not being technologically inclined, I still admire their dedication, passion, and creativity.

Their ideas are very futuristic and unique, Their ideas are very unique and futuristic, but it only shows how they solely rely on technology. What if the world suddenly lost its control and humans had to rely on our own?

Some high-tech inventions are fine, but overly displaying and utilizing them makes life boring and colorless.

Feel me?

***

"Professor Brown commented on each of my classmates’ works after they finished their presentations. I could tell by his face that he was impressed. He's so glad that his students, probably except me, are already prepared to face the new world.

As he was giving his feedback and congratulatory speech, I noticed that it was almost lunchtime. I started to worry a lot because this would be the first time in years that I would have to go to the cafeteria by myself. And when I’m alone, I’m sure that it's a sign of trouble, a white flag, bad luck, and a looming danger for me.

When Professor Brown dismissed the class, my classmates rushed to the cafeteria. I was left alone in the room, fixing my things.

I waited for a few minutes for someone to come and get me, as Cassandra said, she would send her friend to keep me company. I forgot to ask who it is, but I am losing hope that anyone would show up now.

It looks like I had no choice but to go to the cafeteria by myself because if my sugar level dropped, Mom’s smartwatch would sound an alarm, as her smartwatch and mine are connected for health monitoring. She would go crazy and angry with me if she found out I skipped lunch.

I sigh deeply and took my step slowly, carefully checking every corner and turn of the hallway.

I walk into the cafeteria, feeling nervous. I scan the room, looking for a place to sit. The cafeteria is crowded and noisy, full of students chatting and laughing, waiting for the droids to assist them. I see some familiar faces, but none of them are my friends. Their eyes are all fixed on me, wondering what would happen to me now that I have no Cassandra to protect me.

I clutch a tray and head to the food counter, hoping to find something edible. The food looks bland and greasy, but I don’t have much choice.

I’m the only human who stands in line to get food because I'm against robot s*****y. All of the students here in the cafeteria are just commanding their droids to do almost all of their stuff, even if they can do it themselves without difficulties.

After talking to many droids a lot of times, I fully understand now that they also feel hurt when people are rude to them. When they are forced to work with all their best features all the time, their processor will get toasted, inability to function, similar to death. They will be replaced by other droids and thrown into junk as metal scraps.

Droids are more fragile workers than humans. They might be doing their jobs accurately, but they can only last for a week when abused and mistreated.

While leaning on the food counter, I pick up a sandwich, a salad, and a carton of milk. I pay the droid cashier and turn around, searching for an empty seat.

With the tray in my hands, I took a deep breath and said, "I can do this." But the doubt is very evident in my trembling voice and hand.

I see a table in the corner that has one seat left. I hurry towards it, hoping to sit down and eat in peace. But as I get closer, I realize that it’s occupied by the bullies who always make fun of me.

They see me coming and smirk. They start making rude comments about my grades, habit, and beliefs. They insult me that hurt more than punches. They laugh at me like I’m a joke, drawing everyone’s attention to us.

I feel tears sting my eyes. I want to run away and hide. But there is nowhere to go. The cafeteria is full of people who don’t care about me or who hate me. I feel alone and helpless.

I stand there, holding my tray, wishing I could disappear.