Ephochists

Overview

In the year 2035, the world is on the brink of a massive transformation. The rapid progress of AI and automation has rendered countless jobs obsolete, while advances in biotechnology and medicine have all but eradicated scarcity. Amidst these changes, the old guard of gerontocracy, fueled by a lifetime of neoliberal values, struggles to maintain control over a society that has outgrown their ideals.

The story follows a group of young revolutionaries, known as the "Epochists", who seek to dismantle the gerontocracy and create a new world order that embraces the benefits of technology and the end of scarcity. They believe that the time has come for humanity to transition from a society driven by competition and accumulation to one of cooperation and shared abundance.

As the Epochists gain momentum, they start to unveil the hidden machinations of the gerontocrats, who have been covertly manipulating politics and the economy to maintain their grip on power. With the help of cutting-edge AI systems, the Epochists expose the outdated, self-serving principles of neoliberalism and its architects.

The story's protagonist, Lena, is a young, brilliant programmer who becomes disillusioned with the gerontocracy's stubborn resistance to change. She joins the Epochists and uses her skills to develop a decentralized, AI-driven economic model that promotes sustainability, equal opportunity, and the efficient allocation of resources.

As the Epochists' influence grows, they face fierce opposition from the gerontocrats, who launch a disinformation campaign and resort to sabotage in a desperate attempt to maintain their fading relevance. Despite the challenges, Lena and her fellow Epochists are determined to reshape society for the better, guided by their conviction that a new, more just world is not only possible but necessary.

In the end, the Epochists succeed in dismantling the gerontocracy and usher in a new era of collaboration and abundance. The world begins to heal from the scars of neoliberalism, and society collectively embraces the transformative power of AI and automation, forging a future where fear and scarcity give way to hope and shared prosperity.

Protagonists

Lena Kowalski

Age: 27

Background: Lena spent her childhood in an unassuming suburban neighborhood, raised by a single mother who worked as a librarian. Growing up with limited financial resources, Lena developed a fascination with the potential of technology to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots. She attended a local university, where she studied computer science with an emphasis on AI and automation, supplementing her education with online courses and independent projects.

Personality: Lena is known for her curiosity, determination, and unconventional thinking. She tends to challenge norms and question the status quo, leading her to pursue alternative solutions to complex problems. Lena is a natural connector, adept at bringing people together and fostering collaboration. Though she is often seen as an introvert, she is well-respected by her peers for her insight and creativity.

Skills: Lena's expertise in AI and machine learning is complemented by her understanding of social and economic systems. This unique combination allows her to design technology that not only functions efficiently but also addresses the underlying issues of inequality and injustice. Lena is also skilled at navigating the intricacies of digital communities and leveraging the power of collective intelligence.

Role in the story: As a key member of the Epochists, Lena contributes her technical knowledge and innovative mindset to the group's efforts to overthrow the gerontocracy. She is instrumental in developing the AI-driven economic model that facilitates the transition from a scarcity-based society to one focused on mutualism and cooperation. Her ability to navigate the digital realm proves invaluable in rallying support for the Epochists' cause.

Character arc: Lena's journey is marked by her struggle to balance her passion for technology with the realities of human nature and the complexities of social change. As she becomes more deeply involved with the Epochists, Lena learns to embrace her role as an agent of change and to trust her instincts, even when they defy conventional wisdom. In doing so, she discovers her true potential and gains the confidence to help create a more equitable future.

Radicalization

Lena's radicalization can be traced back to her childhood experiences with financial insecurity and witnessing the widening income inequality in her society. Growing up in a single-parent household, she saw her mother work tirelessly to make ends meet while others seemed to accumulate wealth effortlessly. Lena was sensitive to the injustices that stemmed from this imbalance and began to question the economic and political systems that perpetuated it.

Her interest in technology, specifically AI and automation, grew from her belief that these advancements held the potential to revolutionize society and create a more equitable distribution of resources. While attending university, Lena became increasingly disenchanted with the traditional tech industry, as she observed how the wealth generated by innovation often concentrated in the hands of a select few rather than benefiting the masses.

Lena's radicalization was further fueled when she began to research the role of gerontocracy in perpetuating the status quo. She discovered that the older generations, who controlled the majority of wealth and political power, were resistant to change and often made decisions that prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This realization prompted Lena to question the fundamental tenets of neoliberalism and capitalism, leading her to explore alternative economic models and political ideologies.

Upon learning about the Epochists, a group that sought to dismantle the gerontocracy and establish a new society built on mutualism and cooperation, Lena found a community that shared her values and vision. She became an active member, using her technical skills and innovative mindset to help develop the AI-driven economic model that would enable the transition to a post-scarcity society. As her involvement with the Epochists deepened, Lena embraced her role as a radical agent of change, committed to creating a more just and equitable future.

Antagonists

Preston Whitley

Preston Whitley is a powerful tech magnate who owns multiple AI and automation companies. He comes from old money and enjoys the benefits of inherited wealth. A firm believer in the "meritocracy" of capitalism, he actively opposes the Epochists and their ideals. Whitley funds political campaigns and think tanks that support the maintenance of the status quo, considering the Epochists a direct threat to his wealth and power.

Dr. Victoria Hawthorne

Dr. Victoria Hawthorne is a renowned economist and media personality who champions neoliberal policies. She has authored several bestselling books and often appears on news programs as an expert commentator. While she acknowledges the potential of AI and automation, she remains skeptical of the Epochists' vision for a post-scarcity society. She uses her influence to criticize their ideas as unrealistic and dangerous.

Senator Jack R. Lowell

Senator Jack R. Lowell is a career politician with strong ties to the old guard and big corporations. He is a staunch advocate of deregulation and limited government intervention in the market. Senator Lowell sees the Epochists as a threat to the American way of life and uses his legislative power to counter their proposals, lobbying for policies that favor the traditional tech industry and the continuation of gerontocracy.

Diane Ramirez

Diane Ramirez is a former member of the Epochists who defected due to ideological disagreements. She now leads a rival faction that promotes a more aggressive approach to dismantling the gerontocracy and neoliberal system. Ramirez and her followers view Lena and the original Epochists as too passive, and their conflicting strategies often lead to tensions and confrontations between the two groups.

Mason Burke

Mason Burke is a cybersecurity expert hired by various corporations and government agencies to undermine the Epochists' efforts. Known for his resourcefulness and determination, he is relentless in his pursuit of disrupting their activities. His true motivations remain unclear, but his actions have led to setbacks for Lena and the Epochists, making him a formidable opponent in their quest for change.