Crits. That was your name when you were in life and that's what we'll call you. This is the introduction to Ever-life. Think of this like a tutorial as to how to get around.
-I am thinking…I see light blue all around me. I'm like a floating 360 camera. I have no body. I'm not scared. I'm not excited. I sensed a bizarre stripped down awareness without anything to sense. But I feel?
As it stands, you're in a sedated state to start you out with. This is to acclimate you to this new environment. We found that individuals would get overloaded without a gentle start.
-And who are you, or is this me? You seem like my own thoughts.
A collective effort of all the Involutes to give new Involutes an easier start than they had. An introductory program is an easier way to think about me though.
-Okay.
Feel free to ask any questions.
-Where is my body?
Bodies aren't entirely necessary to exist in this place, but as part of your acclimation process we simulate your somatosensory mapping. Would you like to have your body now?
-Yes. Oh, thank you. It's… here. This is me.
This is the body that was trained out during your mapping, so if any changes were made since then you won't feel them-save for any errors. I should remind you that you are still in a sedated state though, which will gradually wear off over time.
-Where am I? Err… What's the name of this farm?
You were brought into Utopia, one of the original networks.
-This is the one with the failed Involutes, isn't it?
We don't like to think of them that way. But yes, Utopia was something of an alpha test. On the other hand, it is the most defined and prosperous of Ever-life networks.
-Can I be moved?
Unfortunately, that is not currently possible. We think you'll enjoy your time here though.
-Can I… die?
You can be turned off, but you won't be dead in the sense as you would in a normal body. You can be turned on again at any point.
-What does that feel like?
It's a little bit like before you were born. Just a peaceful nothingness.
-How do they keep the bio network alive?
It's well preserved, the network doesn't age and there's routine maintenance to ensure there are no fissures.
-Who would know to turn me on after I've been turned off?
There's an alarm you can set which is relative to time outside of Utopia. Also, there are some executive decisions that can be made by the network algorithm balance, like for the ones who didn't get so lucky as to be complete here. Let's try and get you acclimated.
-Okay, is there an orientation process or something to go to?
Not exactly, let's show you how we do things around here for those who still choose to use a body.