Chronostasis is a unique condition experienced by humans that return from traveling back in time. Upon their return to the present, the individual's body will rapidly age up to the point they were just at in the past. This condition also causes the brain to experience a temporary delay in processing visual information, leading to distorted perception. This phenomenon gained significant attention following time travel's development in the mid-21st century. With time travel becoming a practical possibility, research and commercial development on related technologies flourished.
Following the discovery of time travel principles, the world saw the first successful manned time jump in 2045, led by inventor Leland Finkle. In the decades that followed, regulations and legal frameworks were established to oversee time travel while minimizing any potential harmful impacts on historical timelines. The new market exploded with opportunities, with applications ranging from educational purposes, historical research to artistic inspiration. The most popular and profitable area, however, was time tourism.
Tourism bodies worldwide saw incredible potential to offer traveling back in time as an exclusive "once in a lifetime" experience. People could witness historical events, meet iconic figures and experience bygone eras in person. While the cost and risk involved in time travel made it a luxury activity, its popularity meant billions of dollars were invested by various enterprises to provide appealing tourist packages.
The unique condition of Chronostasis could not be overlooked as an asset. Those experiencing rapid ageing upon returning from a time trip saw opportunities in the healthcare sector, with the human lifespan being extended significantly. The possibility of traveling back and forth in time could theoretically extend human life beyond its natural boundaries. This made Chronostasis a hot commodity in the healthcare industry, often leading to unethical practices and exploitation of those affected by it.
Even more concerning was the potential for Chronostasis to be weaponized for military purposes. For instance, combatants could be sent to the past for training or warfare, aging rapidly upon returning with a more battle-hardened (albeit older) army. This risked violating the ethical boundaries of time travel and prompted many governments worldwide to enact stringent regulations.
A young scientist, Alex, was accidentally caught in the midst of this controversial affair when they discovered their own grandmother suffered from Chronostasis. Alex was drawn into the world of time travel and its hidden exploitations upon learning the truth behind their grandmother's mysterious affliction. The injustice of the situation spurred them on a quest of discovery and activism, making allies and enemies along the way.
Alex's journey led them through a complex web of intertwining organizations, some seeking to exploit Chronostasis for profits, others seeking to protect those affected. With the introduction of a time-jumping antagonist, Lasky, who aims to weaponize Chronostasis for terrorism, Alex becomes embroiled in a life-or-death struggle to maintain the delicate balance of time travel's consequences.
Throughout various time periods and alternate realities, the "Chronostasis Chronicles" series will follow Alex's adventures and the people they meet along the way, uncovering both the historical events and the consequences of time travel. The series will touch on the ethical, political, and social implications of Chronostasis, eventually culminating in a powerful conflict of ideologies.
