Introducing the Latest Tech from SynFlex Corp
Forged Series: World-Building
To learn more about the FORGED series, visit the Table of Contents.
Pushing the envelope
One of the fun aspects of creating a future world was determining what technology would exist. I researched where we are now and what’s coming in the near (and not so near) future to figure out what I wanted to include. That’s to say, in my first draft, the tech was not very futuristic… With the help of my beta readers, editors, and people more in tune with techy gadgets than me, I pushed tech further, letting my imagination create things that are not possible (yet). So, I’m excited for readers to experience what replaces phones, computers, and videos in Tessa’s world.
Technology of the future
Introducing SynFlex Corp, a leading-edge manufacturer of wearable tech products. Their patented synthetic and flexible high-tensile, smart fabric conforms to a wearer’s body, contains the most advanced communications technology, and provides protection against projectiles without limiting movement. Their primary product line includes body armor, a futuristic chain-mail suit to be worn under regular clothes that does not impend or create unnecessary bulk.
They also manufacture Omnibands, an all-in-one device containing personal identification intel, a communicator for calls and messages, and various apps for organizing, searching, and tracking. Secure biometrics to start your car, unlock your front door, pay in a store. Share contact info with a swipe, communicate with voice-activated messages or calls, or access computer servers with holographic AR projection. Receive instant biofeedback, health monitoring, and analysis of the environment and air quality. This lovely little armband does it all!
Though similar to the smartwatches we have now, I envisioned this tech to be more invasive (e.g., biofeedback) and capable (holographic computer access). Plus, how they look is nothing but like today’s versions. (Unless you’re stuck with hand-me-down tech.)
I opened the SynFlex Corp box and examined the latest version of the student Omniband technology. The device was the same streamlined model the Elites wore—the rectangle shimmered a nearly iridescent gray in its powered-down state. More pliable and lighter weight than Finn’s loaner one, it instantly conformed to my forearm and morphed to match my skin tone. I double-tapped my index finger on the glossy, fingerprint-free screen to wake up the Omni. The screen illuminated.
The controls projected in the air above, and a buzz tickled my arm. A vibration followed a shimmering light as the device scanned my face. The display updated to show my vitals. With a few taps I’d accessed my profile and the settings.
Earclips were nestled along the edge. Popping them out, they folded over each earlobe—the speaker nestled in my outer ear canal, and the mic clamped to the back of my earlobe. I tested their fit, moving my jaw, before returning them to their charging ports.
Excerpt from Shattered, book one of the FORGED Series, coming in 2025 from Provender Press
This post is public, so feel free to share it. (Someone in your community might be interested too!)
One step forward, two steps back.
Leading up to the Forged series, the Great Changes caused major loss of life, disruptions in connectivity, and obstruction of government and business continuity. Just as during the Bubonic Plague and both World Wars, the effects of the Great Changes on society's collective knowledge were profound. Society in 2134 has both advanced and experienced setbacks.
Survivalist instincts were prioritized over inclusivity, resulting in heightened class stratification. The economic and technological disparity between urban and rural areas has sparked unrest. Great advances were made in communications, gene manipulation, and environmental sustainability practices. As technology advanced, the populace increased their self-sufficiency and independence, yet access to personal freedoms decreased.
My wristband beeped at the scanner, and I paused in front of the window. The plate I received contained fewer fresh items and a larger chunk of the mystery object. I clenched my jaw with annoyance. The health app on my Omni determined my nutritional needs from a data analysis of the readings absorbed through my skin. Apparently, I needed more protein than Isaiah.
But why did a computerized analysis get to make the decision? Why couldn’t I choose for myself what I wanted to eat?
I shook off my squirmy feelings about such invasive practices and grabbed a tall glass of water from the last window.
Excerpt from Shattered, book one of the FORGED Series, coming in 2025 from Provender Press
Do you ever wonder at what point our smart devices will be too smart? I’m a big fan of the Terminator series, but even I fear that the development of AI will eventually lead us into a Cyberdine-envisioned future, and Skynet will take over. Do I find it handy to be able to map directions to a new restaurant? Or track the last known location of the phone my son dropped? Or give voice instructions to call or text someone if I’m stuck in traffic? Sure thing.
And sure, professional sports players wear performance monitoring vests to monitor and record metrics to assess recovery needs and optimize training and game strategies, but do I want it to give me a meal specifically attuned to my nutritional needs regardless of the taste? No, thanks.
What I’m reading
Here are some other dystopian and Sci-Fi fiction pieces available on Substack that you might enjoy. Plus, some thought-provoking pieces.
Ada’s Children - I’ve linked this one before, but this post-apocalyptic cli-fi novel from
deserves to be recommended again! There are two timelines that tells how AI tries to save humanity. You decide if the attempt was a success (the story sure is). And even better, he has recently started re-sharing on Substack, but you can also get it here.How sci-fi can have drama without dystopia or doomerism - The Forged series includes
’s suggestion #6 as one layer of the conflict and #8 as another. So, though I classify the novel as dystopian, maybe by his definition, the story is just straight sci-fi, envisioning a future after climate change where we may want to live.the big T: a novel - I’ve started
serial/novel on his publication. What a great start! The mix of awkwardness and humor typical in Clancy’s writing has me wondering where this novel will go.Can fiction inspire real-world action? - This note from
poses the concept that what was once science fiction is now a reality. And how societal norms that are questioned in fiction could spark the next movement for change. Do you have any to add?The Dreaded Proof Read - This piece from
resonated with me and the stage I’m entering. It’s a good reminder for me: “No novel is without faults. At some point you need to send it out into the world with your best blessings, imperfections and all.“
To learn more about the FORGED series, visit the Table of Contents.
Before you go
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Questions
What technology advances are you most excited about? Fear the most?
If you could have one thing that technology (or AI) could do for you, what would it be?
What book with future tech is your favorite?
Thanks for the shout out, CB! Really looking forward to your novel’s release.
SynFlex Corp — what a great, multilayered name!
Thanks for the mention, really appreciate it.