The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . .

Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters."

In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity.

A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?”

A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?”

Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.”

He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.”

He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in. Small actions, multiplied, reduce stress on our shared grid.”

Someone asked, “What about Norman? I bet he uses more power than any of us.”

Marvin smiled. “Norman runs on a regenerative hydrogen fuel cell. Off-grid. Self-sustaining.”

Another voice: “I have solar. Do I need to worry?”

Marvin’s response was composed and informative. “Solar is powerful, but it’s part of a larger system. During non-peak hours, unused energy can cause disruptions to the grid. This phenomenon is known as the ‘duck curve,’ which shows energy usage dips during sunny hours followed by spikes when solar energy declines. Achieving balance is crucial.”

The room listened, still and intent.

Marvin closed with conviction. “We aren’t just passive users of technology. We are its stewards. The choices we make — small, mindful ones — can echo far beyond Greenwood.”

He looked out over the crowd, eyes bright. “Reclaiming our humanity isn’t just about turning GridBot off. It’s about turning ourselves on — to each other, to our impact, and to the simple switch we’ve always had.”

The power remained off, but the gymnasium buzzed — not with machines, but with life.

To be continued: The Disconnected Generation . . .

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