Beyond the Walls
A speculative journey into the future of oceans, technology and living ecosystems.
"The archives tell that the Baltic Sea was once considered one of the most studied seas on Earth."
Year 7000.
The archives tell that the Baltic Sea was once considered one of the most studied seas on Earth.
Earth is no longer a stable place: the oceans have absorbed the continents, and ecosystems have become unpredictable.
The story begins on The Ground.
The last remaining land territories are covered by intelligent networks that accompany every moment of daily life. Habitats automatically adjust temperature, lighting, food, social interactions, and transportation. Nothing is left to chance.
Yet year after year, health centers report a rise in illnesses linked to isolation. People live surrounded by systems designed to anticipate their needs, but human relationships have become increasingly rare. Among the members of the future Oceanaia expedition is Elias, an environmental data specialist.
Every morning, before leaving for work, he contemplates the image projected onto the wall of his apartment: a bright kitchen, a set table, a few voices echoing in the background. This domestic simulation is provided free of charge by public health authorities. Studies show that it temporarily reduces the psychological effects of loneliness.
Elias does not know exactly why he continues to use it.
No one is waiting for him on the other side of the door.
Some nights, Elias listened to the walls of his apartment.
A faint murmur traveled through the pipes.
Engineers claimed it was only water circulating through cooling systems.
Yet whenever he closed his eyes, he felt he could hear something else.
Like a vast sleeping organism beneath the world.
The networks of The Ground seemed to flow rather than function.