Quantum Cloud

A microfiction story for the contest hosted by @jayna

QUANTUM CLOUD

The auditorium fell from raucous murmur to dead silence as the holo-screen snapped on. “Welcome, chosen to the Quantum Cloud project,” greeted a smiling woman whose face dispersed into microparticles that swirled into a digitized cloud of neon. Applause began then sputtered out awkwardly as the voice continued.

“Every four years we select fifty million individuals for immortality. At this precise time, Earth’s orbit passes close enough to send a mega-pulse of information to the Quantum Cloud facility on Olympus Mons. Your thoughts and emotions will be uploaded into the Martian cloud where you will be joined with almost a billion other minds.”

“Within the Quantum Cloud. No hunger; no want. You will have the thoughts and knowledge of everyone that has gone before. You will be instantly fluent in every human language, familiar with every custom and religion, intimately connected with a family of hundreds of millions of souls.”

“Now let’s meet one of the founding scientists, Doctor Thaddeus Polt.”

Thaddeus approached the podium. He did not hesitate at the thunderous applause. His smile was rehearsed; polished. He could not give away his intent to the watchers.

“Thank you, friends.” Waiting for a break in the noise.

“All of you have been chosen to become one with the cloud.” Nervous glance at the soldiers.

“I will not be joining you, because as one of the lead scientists… I KNOW THE CLOUD IS A LIE! IT’S POPULATION CONTROL! IT’S”

“Please stand by.”