The Island of Dreams

by Gregory James Clark

  “I think we should jot a few of these ideas down, then think about them and return to them again in a day or two,” suggested Michael.

  “I’ll get a pad,” said Claudia.

  “We could ask what is being done to improve the accuracy of reporting,” Jose suggested. “Then we don’t have to approach the subject in an accusative way that could be construed as antagonistic.”

  “True,” said Carl. “If we make a submission that presumes that The Island media is corrupt without having any evidence I don’t think that The PM would be very pleased. This will certainly teach us how to learn to be diplomatic.”

  “I noticed that she mentioned losing face,” said Terry. “That is the first time I have heard her say that. It doesn’t surprise me given how influential the Japanese were in setting up this place.”

  “Okay, well we could ask something about the media,” said Yvonne. “But what about other things such as health, education and the environment. Those are always topical areas in any political discussion. They certainly are in Australia and I expect they are here also.”

  “Yes,” said Graca. “But do we want to ask a question that is necessarily topical. After all other sets will probably be thinking along those lines, and I’m sure Joanie would appreciate something a bit more original.”

  “That’s a good point,” acknowledged Connie. “Judging by Eric’s book, duplication of questions is not encouraged, unless it is indicative of a matter that is clearly of widespread concern amongst a particular community, but I can’t see how this is the case here. I think we should have something based on a common theme, but which is also original and different from other sets. Gary, come on, we need to hear from you too. Joanie says this has to involve everybody.”

  “Perhaps the issue of spare time could be addressed?” he suggested.

  “What do you have in mind?” asked Lars.

  “Well, does everyone have enough? Does she feel that some people have too much relative to others, and if so, would she take steps to redress the balance? Does she feel that she is sometimes working a little too much?”

  “That could certainly be likely,” answered Elena. “Especially when a Prime Minister is devoting at least half of her time educating 240 aspiring skating stars.”

  “So, what do you suggest?” asked Connie.

  “We could ask her whether she feels that the balance between work and leisure could be improved”.

  “What about you, Terry?”

  “Elena, what do you think?” Connie asked.

  “I’d like to know if there is anything of which our Prime Minister is afraid, and if there is anything we could do to make her less afraid.”

  “Michael?”

  “I think we should ask her if she would be prepared to tell us openly about some of her problems so that we can all put our heads together to help her to solve them.”

  “Is she confident enough in others to be able to talk openly about her problems?” Claudia added as she jotted down the various suggestions.

  “We would have to be careful how we phrased that question also,” said Lars. “Personally I would like us to focus more on results and ask her just exactly how much of what she has promised in the past has actually been delivered. After all we have seen no evidence here as elsewhere to show that our leaders actually do keep to their promises and to what extent.”

  “I agree,” added Gary. “I would like to ask her if she could maybe give us a few examples of things she has promised and actually delivered.”

  “How about asking her what she thinks about improving life and death?” suggested Elena.

  “Well we’ve got some ideas to start with,” said Carl. “Maybe tomorrow we can come up with a few more.”

  *

  During the next few days the sets networked and talked through their ideas with each other, which helped to remove the problem of coincidental duplication of questions, which all agreed was not desirable. Gary’s set, however, had been the only one to mention the life and death idea, and it received encouragement from the others. Gary’s set therefore agreed to develop this theme further for their question, leaving the other sets to concentrate on the other suggestions. The Cat and Fiddle provided a popular meeting point for the various sets to come together in order to exchange ideas.

  The following week the set returned to the Clifford Institute in order to examine the scientific evidence that had been gathered on the subject. Dr Schultz was only too pleased to spare an hour of his time to assist them.

  “Good morning, how lovely to see you all again,” he said, greeting them for their appointment the following Tuesday. “So you want to know what we know about death, the final mystery?”

  “Indeed we do,” said Anne.

  “Well, I can recommend a few good books and papers that our scientists have written,” said The Doctor. “As you know we have this theory of the suicide cell in the brain, but evidence is far from conclusive. What exactly are you keen to find out?”

  “We were thinking along the lines of increasing life expectancy,” Lars explained. “Lots of people believe now that there are scientists in the world who can make people live longer and stay younger for longer by retarding the ageing process, but they are sworn to secrecy because they know that if anyone were to release the technology it would cause havoc because of the way in which the capitalist system operates. Yet, with Non-Capitalist Economics and our stable process of population regeneration we see no reason why such technology, if it exists, should not be made more widely available, at least quietly within our slow revolutionary process. As a true expert in your field we feel that you, more than anyone else, would be likely to know if this technology exists, and if so, whether it is not scientists but politicians who are impeding its availability.”

  “Well,” said Dr Schultz. “This is not exactly within my field of expertise, but I can certainly say that techniques do exist which can prolong the ageing process, although there is no cure as such for old age. You are right that it is politicians who are the obstacle, but they themselves have a problem in that once such technology is disclosed there is likely to be an explosion in demand which could have all sorts of serious repercussions. In particular, it would be something that rich people and criminals would seek to obtain by all kinds of illicit means. This, of course, could be very damaging to the world, and so they are quite right to suppress such things at least for the time being. I do know that there have been some terrible cases recently in some parts of the world in which the brains of old, wealthy, influential and bad people have been rejuvenated and transplanted into much younger bodies with varying degrees of success. Scientists such as myself obviously deplore these practices, which are largely a consequence of modern technology advancing at a far faster pace than social sciences like politics and economics. The Island condemns these practices, but that is not to say that we condemn the principle of increased life expectancy. What is it that you were thinking of asking The PM?”

  “We were going to ask her if she would be prepared to take measures to help to drive out the fear associated with ageing by improving access to the technology which exists to counter it, and to commit more resources to that end and to improving the technology itself,” Carl explained.

  “Well, it is certainly a noble question to put and it certainly won’t disgrace you in your quest to receive your ballot paper. I would definitely be prepared to endorse your submission. I can say that a lot of this kind of information is still strictly confidential within scientific as well as Island circles. The techniques are also still largely experimental in nature and have yet to be proven for their reliability. I do wish you well in your endeavours, though, for I know that in the long term such techniques could be of real benefit to the world and should not be kept under wraps forever.

  As for the knowledge that you seek I can refer you to some of our published work that has been provisionally cleared for release for limited circulation within The Island and its territories. I wish you
well and will of course be watching the election as ever with great interest. Do feel free to look around the Institute.”

  Upstairs in the exhibition hall the setmates cast their eyes around the various exhibits, which included models, diagrams and texts most of which were dedicated to the fields of neuroscience and brain research. A large three-dimensional brain hologram stood encased in the centre of the hall, with push buttons which, when pressed, would illuminate a small cluster or region of brain cells responsible for a particular function. The lights in the hall could be dimmed by pushing a special button, which then permitted a tiny point of light to shine where current estimates suggested that the elusive Sawicki cells may lie. The set pondered over this for a while before moving on.

  “I suppose what we are doing is a bit like searching for Sawicki,” Connie remarked. “Here we are looking for clues to something which we strongly suspect exists, a key to extended life for all, yet cannot somehow pinpoint. But I know it’s there, it has to be, just as I was sure back home that The Island existed. It was just a question of discovering it.”

  Another exhibit was a large atlas of the brain that was constantly being updated. Just like an atlas of the world shows mountain ranges, rivers and deserts, this showed details of folds and ranges of the cortex and other recognised brain regions, each with their own technical names and functions. Some, such as the hippocampus, were features that had been known about for many years. Others had been discovered somewhat more recently, such as the castle neuron, which took its name from the manner in which it controlled other neurons through its portcullis or drawbridge axon, which served to allow or restrict electrical inputs to its neighbouring house neurons.

  A small virtual reality cinema at one end of the hall invited visitors the opportunity to embark on a ‘Fantastic Journey’ inside a graphically produced simulation of a human brain.

  “That’s worth an hour of anyone’s time,” said Anne.

  Animated animal and insect brains were depicted diagrammatically along one half wall of the hall, with descriptive comparisons made between each. Then, the human genome was presented and, crucially, a section that was devoted to cell regeneration.

  “I think this could be what we have been looking for,” remarked Connie.

  “What’s that?” Gary asked.

  “Stem cells. The building blocks of life,” Connie continued, scrutinising the diagrams of the various cells. “Every type of every cell in a human body, including brain cells, can be perfectly recreated and produced to order. Only capitalism stands in the way of cell regeneration becoming a quite normal and acceptable part of everyday life. Definitely a life-saver.”

  “I suppose we should be grateful to Dr Schultz for allowing us to see it,” said Graca. “The text even calls it the Sawicki of yesteryear.”

  “What is?” asked Gary.

  “The stem cell,” answered Graca.

  “I think I will note some of these references,” said Claudia, scrutinising the text. “Then we can go to Commander and see the fine detail, or at least as much of it as has been declassified for Island use.”

  “I can understand why, looking at all of this, The Island is concerned only to maintain a small and controlled trickle output of information about the true capabilities of this sort of technology,” said Connie. “There must be some concern, as with The Island itself, that if this revolution in technology were to occur too quickly the whole concept could become horribly misused, just like those ghastly transplants that The Doctor mentioned.”

  “I shuddered when I heard that,” Elena confessed.

  “So did I,” said Terry. “To think that the knowledge associated with being able to execute complete brain rejuvenation and transplants has led to a black market in brainless teenage bodies with soaring rates of kidnapping is unfortunately a harsh reflection of human depravity in the twenty-second century.”

  *

  Halloween morning after breakfast.

  “The costumes have arrived,” said Anne, as she signed for a large box at the door.

  Lars and Carl carried the box into the living room where Claudia opened it.

  “They’re all named,” she said.

  The set gathered round and took the garments that had been tailored for them.

  The setmates tried on the costumes, which were of witches, warlocks and ghouls, complete with makeup. Then, they returned to the issue of the election question, which had to be submitted by noon. From the window they noticed other sets making their way to the Town Hall.

  Clad in their costumes staff and setmates hurriedly finished their last minute business before the shutdown. In the centre of the Town Square preparations were already underway, as a huge black cauldron was being erected hanging from metal supports that reached to a height of some thirty feet above Leo’s Lake. Standing from inside the cauldron was a chair, which rose some ten feet above it, mounted on a pole, such that it could descend into it. Beneath it logs had been placed on a large circular steel pontoon. When dusk came the whole scene would spring into life.

  “So, are we all satisfied with the wording of our question?” asked Anne.

  “I think so, we have been through it enough times,” answered Lars.

  “Then if we are all satisfied that we have done our best, I will make the submission to the Council.”

  On her way out she collected a copy of The Island Times from a pile that had been placed on a table before returning to Angel.

  “What do the papers say?” Connie asked.

  “Headlines say Halloween festivities promise to be the best yet. Then it says Prime Minister stands by her word to accept nothing less than 100 per cent at the polls otherwise she will stand down.”

  “Well, everyone’s behind her,” said Carl. “She must stand some chance. Everybody thinks she’s fantastic.”

  “Of course, we all love Joanie, don’t we?” said Claudia, raising her arms in support.

  “Yes,” said all the others in unison.

  “Joanie forever,” said Jose, waving his arms above his head.

  Back in her Dome Joanie chuckled as she viewed them briefly before passing on to another set.

  “The paper also explains the arrangements for polling day,” Anne continued. “The election takes place at The Town Hall on November fifth. Ballot papers will be issued at the end of questioning, which is usually complete by three o’clock. Staff will have their question session in the morning in Government House. For the rest it will be outside, weather permitting, by the Stone Boat after lunch. The declaration will be announced at the grand bonfire and fireworks display, which will take place in the East Garden of the Royal Palace at eight. A shuttle train service will operate from six onwards. Tonight’s events will commence at sunset, which by my reckoning at this time of year will be at about 6 p.m.”

  *

  At six the crowd gathered in the Town Square. A subtle combination of red and orange lights beneath the giant cauldron simulated the effect of a fire burning brightly beneath. Around it on Leo’s Lake floated about twenty turnip lanterns each on a circular polystyrene base. On the stone wall surrounding the Lake a larger number of unlit lanterns stood, whilst at the end of the wall was a wooden slate upon which were written the words:

  ‘These lanterns are a gift from the senior citizens of The Island. They are for participants to light up and place into the water around the cauldron along with a prayer for your friends and loved ones, for our most noble King and Queen, and for the successful return to office of our most honourable Prime Minister who has given us so much and been an inspiration to us all.’

  High above the cauldron, seated in the chair at the top of the protruding pole, was Joanie, dressed in her ceremonial good witch robes of blue and gold, The Island logo prominently displayed on her cloak. She had the privilege of looking down on the throng below where the women were dressed as witches, clasping broomsticks, and the men were dressed either as wizards, complete with conical hats and magic wands, or ghouls, with silv
ery grey hair and werewolf-like hands. Gary was one of the latter.

  As Anne was preparing to light a lantern on behalf of her set, she was joined by The Janitor, a slim woman of about fifty-five, who also took a lantern and taper.

  “Isn’t she gorgeous,” The Janitor said, as she gazed up at Joanie, who responded with a wave. “It’s her day of course, and so nice to see her dressed in her magic outfit.”

  “And I do hope she gets re-elected,” The Janitor added.

  “What makes you think that she won’t?” asked Carl.

  “Well, 100 per cent turnout, 100 per cent of the vote, all genuine, no coercion, no corruption. I don’t think any candidate in the world has ever managed that, not even here. And it’s by no means certain that she will manage it, not because anyone doesn’t want to see her back in charge, it’s just that the slightest hitch could prevent it. Last year, for example, she set herself a 99 per cent target which she easily met, but there was one vote not cast because one elderly lady, unfortunately, died before she could cast her vote. It wasn’t expected, and it didn’t make any difference to the result, but if such a thing were to happen this year, it would affect the result. So I am lighting my lantern and praying that it does not. Hopefully you will do the same.”

  For about five minutes the crowd stood talking and exchanging greetings. Then, the chattering simmered as The Reverend appeared as an orange wizard, beating his drum to summon people to attention as he led the procession. The Queen followed him in her open-topped royal Kammie, dressed in white as the good fairy, accompanied by The King as Merlin, The Queen Mother as a brightly-dressed fairy godmother, and the two young children as green elves, their bright colours contrasting with the dark ones of the setmates and staff. The Concierge, dressed as the green wizard, and The Chancellor as the yellow wizard, brought up the rear in a standard two-seater Kammie. The crowd stood back as the procession made its way to face The Colonnade. There it stopped, and The Concierge got out and ascended the steps of The Colonnade so that he could address the crowd. The Chancellor followed him and stood at his side.