Time to Rewind

Prologue

June, 1854

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the wonderful new Exhibition Hall!" A man announced upon his pedestal to a crowded room filled with wondrous eyes.

"Today, I have the honor of introducing you to a man of extraordinary achievements. A man who has not only brought dreams to reality but has also played a pivotal role in building the very foundation of our great city, Cynebourg. His work has not gone unnoticed, attracting the attention of leaders worldwide," the man proudly proclaimed, his voice filled with admiration.

"I would like to introduce you to Professor Jarvis Flint!" the man announced before stepping down from his pedestal and gesturing for the professor to approach. The auditorium boomed with applause and cheers as the figure strolled across the stage. The cheers faded as the professor placed his notes on the pedestal. He was tall and thin, with unruly brown hair on top of his head. The sleeves of his white undershirt were rolled up and smudged with black powder and oil, while his brown waistcoat had stitches undone. Upon his waistcoat pocket was a clock chain that dangled by his waist. He lifted his browned-rimmed goggles above his eyes, revealing the outline of black powder around his eyes. He cleared his throat, straightened his waistcoat, and stared into the auditorium.

"H..Hello, good people of Cynebroug," he stammered, his voice filled with nervousness and humility. Adjusting the collar of his shirt, he gathered his courage and continued, his words resonating with the audience.

"As the mayor exclaimed earlier, my name is Professor Flint. You may have heard of me from my countless achievements. Such as the excellent radio tower at the heart of our city, which can bounce sound signals through the sky or, or the grand exhibition you stand in today, filled with widgets of any size helping to improve people's lives," he exasperated, pausing as the audience began to applause to each of his listings, mixed with a few cheers.

"But," he proclaimed, placing his pointer fingers out, almost abruptly silencing the crowd. "What if I were to unveil a new invention? A new creation that can help make our lives better and make us work less. An invention that can bring the tomorrow today." he said, stepping down from his pedestal.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my latest invention," he said as a young boy pushed a clothed figure on wheels onto the stage. When it reached center stage, the professor patted the boy on the shoulder and handed him a coin, directing him off stage.

"I present to you... the Cyberion 6000!" he announced as he yanked the cloth down from the mysterious object. The crowd gasped in astonishment. There appeared to be a silhouette of a man standing on stage. It had silver metal in the place of skin, a golden gear sticking out of its back, shiny black hair, and a black tuxedo. Many were confused about whether this man was real or not.

"Is that a man?" A woman's voice asked from the crowd.

"It can't be a man. It has silver skin," A man replied from behind the woman.

"But look at the tux. There is no way a robot could wear one, not any that I have seen," another woman said from the other side of the auditorium. Soon, the exhibition hall was filled with chatter as people questioned the appearance of this so-called invention.

"Everyone, everyone, please," the professor said as he tried to soothe the crowd's concerns. "I will answer all your questions if you listen and pay close attention." Soon, the chatter died down, and all eyes were back on the professor.

"Thank you," he said, bowing to the audience.

"As I said before, this is the Cyberion 6000. Although it does not resemble its robotic ancestors, it is one nonetheless. But this wondrous thing can do actions that its ancestors could not," he said, pacing across the stage. The world seemed to hold its breath at this very moment.

"Well... why don't I show you?" he said, walking behind the robotic figure. Placing his hands on the cog, he spun it around multiple times. With each spin, the figure stood taller until its clear robot eyes stared at the audience. Everyone watched in amusement as the figure started to move. Its eyes began to blink, and its head started to turn as if it were checking the surroundings. Finally, it stopped moving for a second and began to speak.

"How can I be of assistance today, sir?" It asked the professor.

"You see, I have made an invention that can be useful for anyone. It is a being who is there and willing to help when the time calls for it. It is programmed to do any task you wish. Just name one?" the professor asked, turning the question towards the crowd. Everyone hesitated to say whether they wanted to be the first to try.

"Come now, be not afraid," the professor encouraged as he searched the crowd. No one breathed or said a word until a young woman raised her hand.

"Yes, my lady, what is your request?" the professor asked as he cuffed his ear to hear her. Everyone turned toward the young lady, anxious about what she would ask.

"Yes, um..." she nervously said, twiddling her fingers. "How about a chore, such as sweeping or folding laundry?"

"Absolutely!" the professor said, walking off the stage. When he walked back on, he held an old broom and a pile of old cloth.

"Now, it is simple to ask for a helping task. Just say, 'Cyberion 6000, please fold the clothes and sweep the floor.'"

"Yes, sir," the robot replied before starting his work. Everyone was amused at the sight of a robot doing basic chores. Watching every sweep and fold he made under a bright spotlight until his task had been deemed finished.

"Task is complete," the robot replied before returning to his pedestal. There was a brief pause before the crowd applauded and cheered. It was the first time a machine could complete a simple task only a human could do. With this physical proof, the people could dream of the other functions it could do for them as well, and before long, people started raising their hands and yelling about the price of such a wonderful creation.

"Calm down, everyone, please. These creations are not to be purchased for self-use. They are only to be used when needed," he said, trying to calm the hundreds of people's pleas. No one heard his words, and they began begging and throwing money onto the stage to the professor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that is enough!" The mayor announced in his booming voice. The crowd immediately shut down as they watched their political leader take the stage.

"We do not need to be monsters about a new invention. The professor said they would be available to the public for purchase shortly, isn't that right, professor?" the mayor said, turning all eyes back to the professor.

"Um... yes, but..." the professor tried to explain before the mayor interrupted him.

"Then folks, save your money until then. For now, let us enjoy the opening of the exhibition hall!" the mayor shouted as the crowd followed up with cheers. Watching the people jump and cheer joyfully at the sound of news, the professor's smile faded away, thinking the future may be here, but at what cost?