The year is 2592 A.D. Dr. Gustaf Brackman, an Earth scientist well established in the fields of biology and artificial intelligence is making amazing strides in the aforementioned scientific fields. Through his research, he invents what he refers to as “twined individuals”, the composition of human and machine. A twined individual (which will later come to be known as a Cybran) is a human with microcomputers placed into his brain, allowing him to perform advanced calculations at incredible speed, surpassing the likes of any normal human being. The microcomputers also balance out the subject’s human impulses and correct psychological disorders. The microcomputers house advanced AI algorithms designed to compliment and enhance the subject’s personality, ability, and role in society. Dr. Brackman’s research eventually evolves into the creation of cybernetic brains, which function expertly in the areas of science, engineering and war.

However, as with any major scientific breakthrough, there are always skeptics to voice their opposition. The government is at odds with the prospect of twined individuals replacing genuine humans. As such, the government creates a “gentling” program that becomes a part of future cybernetic brains. When activated, this program is to act as a kill-switch, designed to pacify and neutralize the cybernetic brain should the individual ever get out of control. Dr. Brackman opposes the change, but he eventually acquiesces in order to continue receiving the integral funding required for the research and development of his project. Also during this time, the technology is made available to the private sector.

By the year 2663 A.D., more than 400 human colonies are in existence and continue to expand at a tremendous pace. Short of manpower, and short on funds, the empire is having understandable difficulty in regulating these colonies, some of which are now suffering from squalor. Small scale wars erupt between the disgruntled colonies and Earth, and Earth employs its Colonial Command forces to stamp out the resistance. These pacification operations continue to grow in scope and size.

Earth fails to realize that some of these rebellions are being initiated by Colonial Commanders unhappy with current events and disagreeable policies by the empire. Some Colonial Commanders conduct rebellions for the sake of self-interest and to promote power of their own, uninterested in Government hierarchy and control. Several colonies seek secession from the empire, including Pluto II, a planet made up entirely of Cybran symbionts. Their demand to secede is rejected by the empire and the Colonial Command moves in to pacify the resistance. The government orders the gentling program to be activated immediately, in order to prevent further dissent.

Dr. Brackman anticipates the empire’s reaction to the request for secession and flees Pluto II along with many of his (soon to be) Cybran followers to start a new colony in secret and continue his research. Already in failing health, Dr. Brackman is using his own research to keep himself alive. Alerted to the order to activate the gentling program, he immediately activates the countermeasures he programmed into the later cybernetic brains on his planet and saves their lives. He cuts off contact with Earth and continues his research and development of the Cybrans. Believing him and the rest of the Cybrans on Pluto II to be dead, Dr. Brackman’s move goes unnoticed by the empire and his new planet becomes the hub for the Cybran expansion, undaunted by the influence and oversight of the empire.

Next: Aeon Enlightenment