“What about those railguns?” Dorothy reminded them.
“Peanut said the shields should hold unless a dozen or so hit at the same time. I ain’t worried,” Zelda said laughing.
“At least we have a couple missions outside the station. I’m looking forward to doing the detailed inspection of the GST and ISS space stations. Too bad we can’t go inside,” Alice said.
Clarice shook her head, “We are not going to trespass. They’d be damn glad to accuse us of messing up or sabotaging. Besides, their tech can’t be anywhere near as good as ours.”
“Maybe in most areas. But they have an abundance of resources that we don’t, so far. I wouldn’t go underestimating them, they can just throw nearly unlimited money at their problems,” Dorothy warned.
“Yeah, that really helped them trying to figure out the G-wave effect!” said Alice. “They’re still no closer than they were when they discovered us on the moon.”
“You know what kind of freaks me out?” Clarice asked.
“What’s that?” asked Alice.
“That Lucius, Phillip, and Alma are still going strong. I never asked Phil or Alma, but Lucius is somewhere around a hundred years old and he hasn’t changed a bit since he arrived. It makes me wonder just how long Patricia’s retrovirus can keep our body’s normal aging arrested.”
“Someone said that Doc Long thinks that we should expect to live at least to a hundred-fifty. The problem is that Pat doesn’t know how we will run out of time; whether it will be a slow decline or total collapse all at once. I think I’d rather go all at once. I watched my grandma slowly die of complications due to diabetes,” Zelda said, shivering at the memory.
“Can I tell you all something I’ve never told anyone?” Alice whispered.
“Hey, you know we’ve got your back. is it something about someone else? I’ll kick his, or her, ass!” Zelda promised.
“I’m pretty excited to be here. It’s my first mission away from home!” Alice replied. “I’m feeling like a Peacekeeper or something!”
“Pretty accurate, I’d say. I hope we have a quiet tour. Maybe they’ll cancel the launch and we won’t have anything but inspecting the stations on the docket,” Zelda said. “Otherwise it can be pretty boring just waiting for something to happen. But being here affords us opportunities to study, gather information, spy on Earthlings, or whatever,” she replied.
Since they had arrived that day, everyone bagged it early so they could get settled into their quarters and finish unpacking the supplies. By the time they were finished, no one wanted to do anything more than fall into bed, beginning the countdown to the end of their tour.
Woke Up This Morning
Christopher, Chuck, and Peanut walked into the council’s office together, having been summoned the morning after their return from the atomic disruptor test flight. They said nothing as they had talked everything out on the return trip home the previous day.
Once they arrived at the council’s large conference room, they saw that in addition to the council, Angela, and Lucius were also in attendance.
“Have a seat, gentlemen,” said Margaret Kennedy, the council chair.
They sat at the opposite end of the long table.
“We invited you here to discuss a very serious allegation about your activities of late. However, before we get started, we are not here to castigate the creators of this community, but as a group, we wonder what the three of you are up to. Is there something about the continuing existence of this community and the work you’re currently involved in that we need to know about?” Margaret asked.
“Peanut has developed a tool that eliminates the cohesion of matter which will enable the missions to Jupiter’s moons to penetrate the hundred-mile ice shells that cover the oceans underneath, especially Europa. Water and ice don’t compress, so the standard G-wave effect is no help digging through a hundred miles of ice, so I discovered a slight variation of the effect that releases the bonds between nuclei at the molecular level,” Christopher replied.
“Isn’t this tool, as you call it, a formidable weapon if directed at an enemy, for example?” Phillip asked, a slight smile on his face.
“It doesn’t take an ethicist to point out that most any tool can be perverted into use as a weapon,” Lucius pointed out.
“I admit that nearly all the G-wave variants can be weaponized to devastating effect, hence, we must never allow any of our technology to fall into the hands of those on Earth. However, shouldn’t the question we be addressing is, how do we defend ourselves from those on Earth once they return to space?” Christopher asked.
“For the entire time Alma and I have lived here, there has been an unspoken compact against the development and building of weapons. What has changed in your mind, Chris?” Phillip asked.
“Honestly? I don’t like those railguns. They are space-capable in their operational range. They can hit our ships and the space station from ground, and we believe,” Christopher said, gesturing to Chuck and Peanut, “that it’s just a matter of time until they use them against us: weeks, days, hours, there’s no telling. What are we supposed to do if they launch an attack? We’ve provided ample provocation to justify such an attack in their tiny, little minds.”
“And they’re never going to leave us alone as long as we have technology that they do not!” Chuck added.
“Obviously they have nothing comparable to your G-wave tech, Chris. We can avoid them for years, decades—hell, forever as long as they don’t get wind of how to duplicate your work,” Sarah pointed out.
Rosie made a gesture for attention, “It appears to be a win/win for us. If they never duplicate Chris’ invention, we’re fine. And if they do, then there’s no reason for them to chase after us.”
Christopher shook his head. “They will never leave us alone because they’re never going to believe that we have nothing that they don’t. According to Genesis, they’ve made no progress in working out our longer life spans, so they’re going to be gunning for us to get the medical advances, even if they do duplicate the G-wave effect. My question is, what do you believe we should do to ensure our continued safety?”
The council members were silent, no one really having thought through the implications like the colony’s three creators. Then entire colony was born of their dream to have a place of their own away from the influences of a racist, white America. Their entire existence was one born of paranoia and fear for what would happen to them had Christopher’s G-wave invention been made public.
“That’s what I thought. All our lofty ideals amount to nothing if they get us all killed. Any of you thinking about that? No offense, Phillip, but how does an ethicist weigh the current and future needs of our community against a proscription made when we were under no threat?” Christopher asked.
“We are not stupid, Chris. And while we have not carried the same caution you three have from the beginning, and I guess you did as well, Lucius, we’re not ignorant of the coming risks once they get back into space. We were here when that Russian launched missiles at us. And no one is criticizing you three for your preparations, however we would like to know what your plans are. I believe you do owe us that consideration,” Margaret explained.
“And how we can coordinate any efforts necessary to safeguard our home,” added Rosie.
“Peanut has been augmenting our shield technologies against nuclear weapons even as the countries on Earth are disarming. But this railgun tech is troubling. A single projectile from one of those guns hits like a truck traveling thousands of miles an hour. So far we’re ahead in defensive technology, but just barely.
“I’m worried about our people in the space station. The shields have been upgraded, but I’m still concerned. We do not live—so to speak—in a vacuum, there are over seven billion people in this solar system, and eventually we’re all going to be rubbing shoulders. It’s up to you all, and maybe your successors, to form policies for us to cohabitate around the
solar system. But in the meantime, I will make damn sure we don’t have to worry about being attacked,” Christopher said.
“We admire your accomplishments, Chris. None of us would be here without them. All we ask is to let us work together,” explained Margaret. “This place is your dream, and you have led us since day one; we all acknowledge that. And though you can be one vexing asshole sometimes, you have never been wrong.”
“Especially when you rescued Julius and me,” Lucius interjected.
“No one here wants to pick a fight with you, but you simply cannot go off half-cocked. We all worry about the possibility that something might happen to you. So let’s all make sure that nothing does out of carelessness or the colony zigging when you zag, okay?” Margaret asked.
“That’s fine. But the three of us don’t want to waste time yammering with you all or anyone else all the damn time,” said Chuck. “And you,” he said, pointing at Angela, “didn’t have to run here and tattle.”
“What I did was not tattling! The last time you went off with a full head of steam, I went along to make sure nothing happened to you. I don’t know if the three of you realize it, but if anything happens to any of you, this place wouldn’t know whether to shit or go blind!” she replied hotly.
No one said anything, then Christopher spoke up. “I admit I don’t think about that, the getting hurt thing. As for the three of us being treated like we’re something special, that can end any time. We have backups in our respective departments and the heavy lifting has been done in terms of the theoretical physics arena. I’m long past tired of being treated like a freakin’ hot house flower—”
Lucius raised his hand to cut Christopher off, “You know better than that, son. Yes, people around here look up to the three of you. And yes, maybe that’s been a pain in the ass through the years, but God damn it, son, the three of you are special!”
“Yeah, short school bus special,” Chuck intoned, setting off everyone’s laughter.
When the laughter died down, Margaret said, “All kidding aside, you’re probably the most important human assets in the history of man. Everyone living in this community realizes that and will do anything to keep you from harm. You should be grateful Angela watches over you so closely. Pat appreciates her, I do, and most likely everyone else here does as well.
“The council recognizes that we need to formally prepare to defend our home and our people, and that means amending our policies on weapons and violence; we’re not children Chris. I dare say that there isn’t an adult here who wouldn’t defend this community with their life. So, make your plans, share them with us, and I can virtually guarantee you’re not going to have to call a question to prepare us for war,” Margaret said. “So, the three of you go about your preparations, but we request you keep at least the council in the loop. Is that too much to ask?”
Christopher nodded, looking from Peanut to Chuck. Seeing that no one had anything further to add, he asked, “Are we through here?”
“I believe so. Thank you for coming by,” said Margaret, getting to her feet.
Christopher got up quickly and immediately left the room.
Lucius made his way to Peanut and Chuck, hugging both men. “It’s good to see you all sitting together. It was like back in the beginning when you were all full of excitement and promise.”
“Don’t you mean, piss and vinegar? It has been a while. I’m worried about Chris. This time, he’s thinking end game kinds of things to do down there to stop Earth’s meddling once and for all. Peanut and I are both worried. If they attack the station or our jumpers in orbit, Chris is going to blow a gasket,” warned Chuck.
“He was so quiet the whole way out and back to test the molecular disruptor. He’s not telling even us what he’s thinking. He might tell you, Lucius. You’re practically his Dad, maybe he’ll talk to you,” Peanut suggested.
“That’s not a bad idea,” said Lucius. “Let me see what I can find out,” he said, turning to leave the room. “Genesis, may I have Christopher’s location. . .”
Genesis led Lucius to Christopher’s office, where he found him at his desk sitting back with his feet up. Lucius took a chair across the desk and waited.
After a few moments, Christopher said, “What?”
“You tell me. You’ve been wandering around with a dark cloud around your head for weeks now. I can understand your planning for the future, making sure we’re all safe here, but to constantly walk around here with what Chuck calls your ‘Dammit I’ll bite you’ look on your face all the time isn’t healthy or helpful. No one here is your enemy, son.”
“I’m sorry,” Christopher replied contritely.
“It’s not like I don’t know about your worries or your temper. This is exactly like your first trip to the moon when you went off on all the others because you thought they weren’t taking the danger seriously. You know what the problem is? You make everything look so easy that no one except Chuck, Peanut, and Pat really know how hard you work behind the scenes, or in here by yourself. You’re a victim of your own success, Son.”
Christopher opened his mouth to protest, but then slowly closed it. They were both silent for a few moments, then Lucius continued.
“This community is populated by some of the smartest, most pragmatic men I could find. And the women are probably even a notch above most of the guys. Sydney was no slouch finding the cream of the crop in those she brought to the table. There’s no reason for you to treat them like they’re kids, like they don’t understand the seriousness of our living here. You’ve lived in this community for decades; you know everyone here. Is there anyone who you seriously think wouldn’t back your play no matter what is was?”
“I don’t know. It’s not like I talk about what worries me with anyone other than Peanut and Chuck—maybe Pat, too. If, for example, the G-wave effect is duplicated on Earth by some scientist, how long will it be before they come to try to take over this community, wringing out every discovery we’ve made?”
“Chris, living your life obsessing on the possibility is pointless. And yes, I know your philosophy of hoping for the best but planning for the worst. If you think a preemptive strike against the US military is the best way to go, then let’s plan for maximum effect and minimize the risks. No one’s going to say no, but we need the best planned mission we can come up with.
“Now I’m not going to claim that a World War II cook is going to be the most helpful in planning a strike mission, but I can certainly help. So when you get to the point where the three of you are going to plan the best way to proceed, I’m in,” Lucius assured him.
“Thank you, I’ll make sure you’re in the loop.”
“Good. Now I’ll get out of your hair and let you get on with it,” said Lucius as he hugged Christopher before he left the office.
* * *
“I had no idea you’d be able to shake loose from business doings so soon,” Aidan said to Valerie, following her through his front door carrying her bags.
“If the contract from the Air Force comes through, I can probably retire. Plus, I haven’t really taken time off for over a year now; I’m due,” she replied.
She wandered around, seeing what had changed since the last time she was there. Aidan called downstairs, “Excuse me if this is an indelicate question, but which room should I put your bags?”
“Why not put them in the spare room so I can hang everything in there and spread out my makeup and stuff. But if it’s okay with you, I would like to share your bed,” she replied.
“No problem. You hungry?” he called.
“Not so much. Can we wander around, maybe stop in and visit Constance?” she asked as Aidan came back down the stairs.
“Hang on a minute, I’ll give her a call,” he said, pulling out his mobile.
“Constance? Aidan. You busy? Okay, I’ll be dropping by in a few minutes. Right, bye,” he said, ending the call. “No time like the present.”
T
hey set out on a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, giving Valerie a chance to look around until they reached Constance’s home.
“Knock, knock,” Aidan called through the screen door.
“Come in,” Constance called out from inside.
Aidan opened the door and gestured Valerie inside. She entered the office and Constance jumped up to come around her messy desk to give Valerie a heartfelt hug.
“Girl, you’re looking great!” said Constance when they pulled back from the hug. “Is this reprobate treating you all right?” she asked.
“He’s been the perfect gentleman. And quiet as it’s kept, he’s also easy on the eyes.”
The two women laughed as Aidan had the good graces to blush.
“And how are you? Silas told me you’ve been busy since you’ve been back,” Constance said to Aidan.
“Still kicking, and all the happier for Val being here,” he replied.
“What do you two have planned for dinner? Want to join me and Silas? We’re eating here.”
Valerie looked at Aidan and nodded.
“Sounds good. What time? And can I bring anything?” Aidan asked.
“Not a thing. I’m going to indulge in a little Southern cooking, greens with hocks, green beans, fried catfish and cornbread. Come by at seven. That sound all right?” Constance asked.
“Perfect. I can’t wait,” Valerie said. “Are you sure we can’t bring anything? I can stop by early and lend a hand,” she offered.
“I’ve got this. Now run alone, I have a bunch of work to plow through before I start dinner,” said Constance, making a shooing motion toward the door.
Aidan gave Valerie a tour of the community since many of the newer installations and construction was started after her last visit. She was quite impressed with the mix of 21st Century technology alongside simpler, more sustainable practices. She liked the data center in the community hall and was impressed with the technological amenities of the new dormitory. And once they reached the barn housing the community’s telescope, Valerie wanted to understand the details of the communications system. It didn’t take very long before they were deep in the weeds about the analogue to digital converters, the optical sensors and the interconnects with the telescope for aiming the entire system.
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