Historical File, H001b
/For an Integrated experience, the author suggests listening to ‘Simplicity has a Paradox’ by The Seven Mile Journey whilst reading this part. The author claims no ownership, copyright or control of this song.
"You have selected historical file H001b - a modern recount of humanity’s journey to Integration, part B."
2080:
The Bureau of Religious and Ideological Acceptance is created. Tasked with ensuring toleration and safe practice for every and all Nations for Lasting Peace approved belief system.
“We believe that all religions are a beautiful and treasured part of history and culture. It is the right of all humans to unreservedly practice their religion, free from persecution and judgement.”
Any mention of social change, politics, rebellion or revolution by any group or individual is quickly crushed. Any suspicion results in raids, abduction, detainment, interrogation, and torture.
Churches, Shrines and Mosques are regularly and mercilessly searched without regard for the sanctity of the items contained within. Holy people of all denominations are treated with the upmost suspicion.
“Look to the past, people like these were the cause of division. We cannot afford to revert back to such a time.”
2092:
The world remains at peace. Instances of murder, rape, and other crimes against humanity are at an all-time low. Any perpetrators are punished swiftly and absolutely. Crime rates dramatically fall.
“No-one is above the law, no one person is more important than the whole. If you commit a crime, you will be punished. Mercilessly. Report any suspicious activity to your local law authority.”
The public is content with how the Nations for Lasting Peace are running things. They were happy and willing to give up some civil liberties in order to feel safe from violence, death and war. Despite this, there is an ever growing trend of apprehension and dread of illness, old age, and even death itself.
“Data from a recent state of the world survey has listed that the number one worry of the vast majority of the world's population is sickness. In addition, it was uncovered that at least 6 out of every 10 people alter their behaviour each day out of fear of falling ill ... Call in to voice your opinion on the matter, push your local government officials to provide better health care ... The Nations for Lasting Peace spokesperson refused to comment, however their office released the following brief statement:
“We at the Nations for Lasting Peace recognise that our duty to humanity is evolving and changing. In addition to the continued and everlasting goal of world peace, we will endeavour to push for medical reforms and scientific progress to hopefully make illness a thing of the past.”
2093:
The Nations for Lasting Peace commissioned the Global Health Initiative Scheme. Under this scheme, governments are to commit extensive proportions of their budgets towards health care as well as offer increased levels of funding and grants to private enterprises to focus on research and development.
With the Nations for Lasting Peace ensuring continued world peace, governments did not need to maintain a military ‘defence’ budget. The Global Health Initiative Scheme outlines that all governments would reduce military spending by 90%, instead they are all to dedicate that money to scientific research and education as well as health services and facilities. The remaining 10% of the military budget and assets are to be transferred into the control of the Nations for Lasting Peace to ensure continued stability worldwide.
“We cannot afford to fall back into war, we cannot allow any individual nation to become too powerful. However, as we all now know, war is not humanity’s only concern, we are potentially facing a much greater threat. We must advance scientific progress, we must cure illness ... permanently. For the good of humanity.”
Unlike prior Nations for Lasting Peace initiatives, there is no backlash or opposition. The governments and people of the world know that any dissent or disagreement would be quashed quickly. In addition, the people believe they are better off.
“Personally, I support the Nations for Lasting Peace. There has not been any war, major or minor for decades now. What’s more, crime is basically non-existent! If they say they can cure illness, I believe them.”
In addition to the changes to government spending, the curriculums of schools worldwide are pushed to adapt and focus on science and health based programs. Universities and other tertiary education facilities’ funding depends on the quality of their medical science departments as well as the number of enrolment. The Nations for Lasting Peace continues to sway public opinion through ongoing media campaigns promoting the benefits of pursuing a career relating to scientific progress and progression.
A group of smiling students dressed in graduation attire stand.
“I am going to study biomedical science at university.”
“I am planning on working for my local hospital full time.”
“I have always had a passion for healing and caring for others ... I think I’ll pursue something in that field.”
It finishes with a close up of a young child,
“When I'm all growed up, I'm gunna be a scientist man too!”
Everyone laughs gleefully.
2105:
Life expectancy has risen to record rates. With significantly increased levels of healthcare and facilities, living to over 100 years old is fast becoming the norm. Due to the massive amounts of spending on research, cures for Cancer, Malaria, AIDS, Dementia, Influenza, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, and many terminal illnessess has been found. For the first time in human history 'accidental death' has become the leading cause of mortality. Prosthetics and transplant technology has advanced rapidly, with new synthetic products that mould almost perfectly with their user.
Yet despite these advances in medical science, the population remains terrified of death.
2110:
Mandated with the task of ‘developing technologies to solve the problem of death’, Integration Corporation, also known as iCorp, is established and quickly begins operations. Immense resources are poured into the project and it begins work on testing Integration Technology on live participants. Volunteers are asked for, with most being provided under recommendation by the Nations for Lasting Peace, through the Bureau of Religious and Ideological Acceptance.
“These criminals are clogging up our system and draining our resources. They should be repurposed, their final acts should be in service to humanity’s collective advancement. Through Bio-Integration and genetic enhancement experimentation, they will be the first to make the transition to a truly new beginning.”
‘Historical File, H001b’ is part of Upgrade
Out now: eBook, Paperback & Audible
