“You’re not the first one. You’re not alone in this. So please, Kaarina, do not worry, I’m one hundred percent positive we’re about to figure out why some of our patients experience this state.”
“What state is that? What’s wrong with me?”
The doctor moves the metal desk aside and sits at the foot of her bed. Machines beep around them, muffling the whooshing sound in Kaarina’s head. Kaarina grabs ahold of the brain scanner, tries to pull it off. The two wide-eyed nurses immediately rush over to stop her.
The doctor gestures at the nurses to leave Kaarina be. “It’s okay, it’s okay.” Gently reaching for the scanner, she pulls something on the side. The whooshing sound disappears with a release of pressure. Doctor Solomon pulls off the scanner and places it on a small empty nightstand by the hospital bed.
“There, that’s better. Like I said, the chip is in there, we’ve got that going for us. It’s just that we aren’t able to connect you with the Chip-System, the CS. But I can assure you, whatever the error is, we have our best research and IT people looking into it. It could be a matter of days, or even hours, until we figure out the miscalculation and get you plugged into the augmented reality. Then you’ll get to be a part of the Happiness-Program. Just as planned.”
“There are others like me?” Kaarina rubs the side of her temples, feeling lightheaded but surprisingly normal. “How long have they been unplugged? Where are they now?”
“We estimate that about one in a hundred become Unchipped during the procedure. Most of them are relocated from this hospital to the Chip-Center.”
“Most of them? How about the rest of them?”
The nurses exchange a nervous look but the doctor’s smile deepens. She reaches for Kaarina’s hand, squeezes it tight.
“Only a small fraction of the Unchipped live outside the city. Those who stay with us enjoy housing, food and medicine, an opportunity to work… Kaarina, they have a full life here. They lack for nothing. Just like everyone else, your kind get access to all happiness-pills, as well as the wellness channels.”
“Oh no she didn’t. Our kind?”
“Even without the chip?”
“That’s right. The only difference is that the augmented reality won’t work for you outside the Chip-Center. For a reason we simply can’t understand, some of the Unchipped are unable to accept this minor detail. It goes without saying, but we won’t hold anyone against their will, not at the Chip-Center or in the city itself. Our borders are open for anyone to leave or enter at any time. We don’t monitor people or their whereabouts. Just like the microchipping, being part of society and everything it has to offer is one hundred percent your choice. Our system is based on freedom to choose and it always will be. We even provide electricity to those who live outside the city.”
She squeezes Kaarina’s hand more tightly. “But sweetheart. Listen carefully now. Considering the early state of our research, and not to forget the possible side effects of having a disconnected microchip, you must understand that staying here where we can help you is the only reasonable choice for you.”
The lump in her throat makes it hard to speak. All she can do is give the doctor a nod and hope that she can continue this conversation later.
The doctor pats Kaarina’s hand. “Good then. We will transfer you to the Chip-Center later today. Nurse Saarinen will stay and help you get ready.” With a reassuring smile, the doctor gets up and checks the time. It surprises Kaarina to see her use something so old-fashioned as a wristwatch.
“Well, dear. I’m late for a meeting.” She places her AR-glasses back on and taps the invisible control panel as she walks out of the room. Before she steps out, she turns her visor-covered face to look at Kaarina one more time.
“Don’t you worry about a thing, darling. You’ll be in excellent hands at the Chip-Center.”
***
The Chip-Center is located just outside the city. It rises behind a row of apartment complexes and the kind of traditional shops that fewer and fewer people are visiting these days. Nurse Saarinen walks on the blue tiles while Kaarina walks beside her on the concrete. She dodges trash cans, charging poles, and billboards. The nurse has been talking the whole way from the hospital to the station, but Kaarina hasn’t caught a word she’s said.
At the front door of the Chip-Center Kaarina stops and turns to face the city.
“Why didn’t we take the bus?”
“I beg your pardon?” The nurse stands by the sliding doors that keep opening and closing, confused about the object in front, not entering but not moving aside either.
“The self-driving cars. Why didn’t we use them? Why the walk?”
Nurse Saarinen sighs and takes a step away from the entrance. The doors close with a soft whoosh.
“It’s for the same reason I had you walk next to the AR-tiles and not on them. Most of your kind report severe headaches when using equipment connected to the CS.”
“Okay, can you please slap this demeaning bitch so hard that she can hear the color ninety-four?”
“I’m sorry… my kind?” Kaarina takes a step back. The nurse winces. A nervous expression clouds her face, but only for a few seconds.
“I apologize. Let me rephrase that. For some reason individuals with a disconnected chip don’t feel good when they try to use the vehicles and roads meant for the Chipped. We’re in the process of fixing this. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll be able to use everything the city has to offer. But for now, let’s stay away from the blue tiles and self-driving vehicles.”
The nurse walks back to the sliding doors, holds her arm in the entrance. This time the doors stay open. A warm, amber light spills out from the hallway.
“Shall we?”
***
The room is decorated with soft pastel colors, with splashes of brighter
