Futuristic Science in T-H-B: The Coded Message Trilogy: Can It Exist Someday?

Science-fiction literature have been exploring complex themes like artificial intelligence, parallel universes, and alternate realities as it draws inspiration from both current scientific advancements and ever-present human anxieties.

In T-H-B: The Coded Message Trilogy by Randy C. Dockens, a work of Christian and dystopian science fiction, several futuristic science themes are featured, primarily around mind manipulation. The book is set in the late twenty-first century (around 2089). 

Here are the key futuristic science themes found in the book:

• Mind Manipulation and Control: A central theme is the use of advanced, pervasive technology by an elite group to influence and control the thoughts, perceptions, and lives of the general populace. The protagonist, an astrophysicist, discovers that almost everyone is being subtly manipulated without their knowledge.
• Advanced Technology in Surveillance: The world of 2089 is technologically advanced, featuring systems that allow for widespread control and potentially constant surveillance, enabling the elite’s conspiracy to remain a secret for so long.
• Space Exploration (Mars Mission): The plot is tied to a planned mission to Mars, which the protagonist is involved in as an astrophysicist at the Houston Aerospace Engineering Center. The mystery of “T-H-B” is intricately linked to this mission.
• Pharmacokinetics: The author’s background in this field suggests a possible underlying scientific basis for the manipulation methods, perhaps involving subtle biological or chemical means integrated with technology, though the primary description points to general mind manipulation. 

Can Futuristic Science Become Reality?

Many concepts from science fiction have become reality, and have sometimes even predicted it. Concepts like artificial intelligence, submarines, and mobile phones originated in science fiction and were later developed into real technologies. 

Here are some examples of science fiction ideas that became real:

• Artificial Intelligence: The concept of using computers to simulate human intelligence is a long-standing sci-fi trope that is now a part of modern reality, powering everything from self-driving cars to facial recognition software.
• Submarines and spacecraft: Writers like Jules Verne imagined submarines and rockets to the moon before they existed, and Arthur C. Clarke wrote about orbiting satellites.
• Mobile phones: While different from the original Star Trek “mobile communicator,” the concept of a portable, handheld communication device was popularized in the show and is now a part of daily life.
• Robotic limbs: Bionic limbs, once a staple of science fiction, are now a reality.

Futuristic Science in T-H-B: The Coded Message Trilogy

• Mind Manipulation: Mind manipulation, as generally depicted in science fiction (e.g., total, nonconsensual control over complex thoughts and actions), does not exist as an established science or technology today. However, scientific and medical fields widely use technologies and techniques to influence and modulate brain function and behavior for therapeutic and research purposes, as well as for general psychological manipulation. For example, deep brain stimulation (DBS), brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and psychopharmaceuticals.

The current scientific consensus is that while we can influence mood, perception, and basic motor functions, scientists cannot yet program a person’s complex thoughts, memories, or intentions without their knowledge or consent in the manner often sensationalized in fiction. However, current technological advancements are rapidly blurring the lines, leading to ongoing ethical and privacy debates regarding how these powerful neurotechnologies should be regulated and used. 

• Advanced Technology in Surveillance: Advanced surveillance technology exists today and is continuously evolving, incorporating sophisticated capabilities far beyond traditional methods. Modern surveillance systems are highly integrated and leverage cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and connectivity. 
• Mars Exploration: Mars exploration is actively happening today through numerous robotic missions, but human missions are still in the planning and development stages. 

There are two operational rovers, the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, on the surface of Mars while seven orbiters are currently surveying Mars from above.

Sending humans to Mars is still not possible today due to the need for significant technological advancements and extensive testing. Challenges include developing reliable life support systems for the multiyear journey, protecting astronauts from radiation, and perfecting orbital refueling and landing technologies. 

• Pharmacokinetics:  Pharmacokinetics is an active, evolving field that provides the scientific basis for how medicines are used safely and effectively in modern healthcare. But pharmacokinetics is not just about the body’s passive interaction with drugs; it is used as a crucial scientific framework to actively design, deliver, and control drugs that can, by design, manipulate the mind.

While an entire fictional world is unlikely to become real, individual concepts like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and communication devices have been realized, demonstrating how fiction can influence reality by sparking imagination and providing blueprints for future innovations.