'Evolution is a naturally occurring process taking hundreds of millions of years just to have a minute detail slightly altered. Even then it’s not guaranteed to be an improvement. What we hope to accomplish here is not a revolution. Change is best implemented in small incremental steps such that the populace is not even aware they too are a catalyst in the great movement. But all movements can not be naturally occurring, like evolution, sometimes the hand of man is forced to take action. Some would call us radical trans-humanists or technophiles but what we really are pragmatists and realists. We recognize the next step in evolution is the union of man and machine. A man who shares our vision is with us tonight it is my pleasure to introduce to all of you Jake Kobold. May we know him better than we know ourselves.’

‘May we know him better than we know ourselves’ Echoed back from a hundred shrouded figures. 

‘Initiate Jake, step forward’ A man standing in the middle of the shrouded figures boomed.

Jake stood frozen completely naked surrounded by the shrouded figures. After a few minutes murmurs began to circulate among those around the bonfire. Sensing their dissatisfaction if his son did not step forward soon, and knowing his son would be denied if he did not the man in the middle took action. 

‘Order, order! It is known that we were all nervous when we stood amidst the circle ourselves. To take such a leap of faith and understanding is no easy task. So now I ask you not as master to initiate but as father to son. Take my hand as you did as a babe and trust that you will not be harmed.’

Jake placed one foot in front of the other and knelt down in front of his father ready to receive the brand. A small computer chip no larger than a tab was inserted into his hand. Flashes of light began to obscure his vision until a blinding brightness replaced the hooded figure before him. Memories of all the other cult member flooded his mind with their knowledge and understanding of the world. Now he was one.