Chapter 40: Development

"Have no one heard that phrase?" Charlotte asked.

"I think it was briefly mentioned in high school, particularly the language used during the 'Beginnings of the Technological Revolution'," Bert replied, trying to remember.

"The 'Beginnings of the Technological Revolution'?" she repeated.

"Yes. There are some sayings that don't have any context behind them so it's difficult to know what they mean back then. It's rare to see someone use them, even though it sounds a bit weird once you say it."

"You still remembered what was taught?" Finnian raised his eyebrows.

"Well, I liked looking at our predecessors' old idioms and sayings. They invented what would become our technology after all. It was because of them we could live comfortably like so," Bert tilted his head.

"But isn't it hard to imagine, a world without the technology we have today? How did they live?" Eric questioned.

"I'm sure they managed somehow. But the time set way before technology was invented, that's when we should question how even managed to survive in such an environment," Lucianna added.

"Well, the environment would be suited to live in without the technology, right? That means people had to be creative when doing everyday tasks," Lucian commented.

"That would have been such a chore to do so though..." Eric thoughted.

"How do they find time for work if they are all caught up in basic necessities? Technology is convenient because it allows us to spend time on more productive work," Finnian nodded.

"Well, that is subjective. Productivity depends on the people. Are we really productive? What worth are we bringing as a person in society?" Armand brought up.

"Aren't jobs counted as 'productive work'? Our work directly correlates to the well-being of the entire nation. I am pretty sure our contributions play a role of sorts," Luna argued.

"But that only applies when we talk about those working for the federation. However, what about those around us? Jobs involving the people's well-being stop at working for the Federation and contributing to the army. However, police work or even the government's work, all are taken by technology," Armand retorted.

"So, where does that leave us? I still think jobs that don't protect the well-being of citizens still contribute to the nation. Take running a business for example. It contributes to our economy and gives the citizens what they demand," Lucian discussed.

"Well, how long do you think it would take for 'technology' to take over our economy? How long do you think it would take them to take control of what we are able to have?" Armand asked.

"Will 'technology' gain control of us? How long would that take? How far are we in this rabbit hole? All questions that are never asked yet here are being discussed. Isn't it better for us to ask if we can survive with their control?" Charlotte spoke up.

"That is assuming that they will take control," Lucian acknowledged.

"You're more optimistic than I thought," Armand laughed.

"I don't think all 'technology' is bad, they were programmed to make our lives easier after all," Lucian replied.

"Maybe so, but the bad always outweighs the good," Armand pointed out.

"Not always. I am optimistic, just as you said. But isn't it our fault? If there was a person to be blamed, it would be the entirety of this society. We put them in this situation, a position below those of human kinds. Existing to only serve humans. It feels wrong..."

"You feel guilty for them? A being that knows no emotion?" Armand sternly questioned, his tone much more serious.

"You never know. If they can perfectly calculate the future and study behavioral patterns, why can't they learn a thing or two from us?"

"From those who they contempt? Feeling guilty for the enemy won't do you any good."

"So? Looking objectively, it's our fault."

"But the suffering of humanity, can you bear it as someone who is a part of humanity?" Armand harshly spoke.

Everyone was silent after their banter. The sounds of utensils and silent chewing could be heard with the occasional chatter from the table near them.

Just as Eric was about to open his mouth.

"Is it worth it to delegate about it now? To each their own, but we are arrogantly selfish. We raise our pride high, similar to that of a tower of cards. It may be tall but incredibly feeble and easy to break. When the time comes for our downfall, everyone will do their all to survive and it comes down to that. Whether 'technology' wants it or not, we will continue to arrogantly exist and rebel against those who restrict what we can and can not do," Charlotte calmly spoke.

She looked into the eyes of the two.

"When that time comes, we should stay as a unit, hand-in-hand. It will increase our chances of survival. No matter who comes out right or wrong, I hope we can agree to stick together."

Charlotte smiled, "After all, it would be life and death on the battlefield."

"Charlotte is right! Let's all get along!" Eric cheerfully said while raising his glass.

Unbeknownst to most, Lucian kept staring at Armand, as if trying to analyze him. Armand notices it but ignores the young man's gaze and plastered a smile on his face. Lucian raised his eyebrows and doesn't speak up. He leaned in a whispered something. Armand sharpened his gaze and looked back.

Both stared at the soul of the other. Although not deliberately saying it, it was today that they established their comradeship, their connection. Both a different opinions of the slowly dying world joining forces together.

'Characters developing their opinions based on one another. An indescribable tension will soon be birthed by this contradiction. How interesting. It hooks the reader into their development. How cleverly planned.'