Necrotic Earth

by SW Matthews

  “Gravity research? So you have been making advances in that area as well?”

  Becquerel looked at Belloq sheepishly, then back to Ru. “Looking back, I realize that Mr. Braxton was making these plans with the intention of using your technology. Our gravity research has not advanced in some time. The gravity lab on the moon is to accommodate your designs and equipment, which we now have.”

  “Like I said,” said Belloq. “We’re putting everything on the table, in hopes of working together more amicably from now on.”

  Ru and Zhen looked at each other and nodded. “I’m trusting you, Henri,” said Ru. “I really have no choice, but even if I did, I believe you are sincere, and I believe that in reality, none of us have a choice. We work together or die.”

  “Agreed,” said Belloq.

  Becquerel continued. “The replicators will also be crucial for the success of this expansion. My team and I have discussed those plans, which were also… obtained from the Chinese. The design is much more complex than we anticipated, and will require the construction of generation six nuclear reactors, which will slow our progress a bit. Still, our hope is to have the research station fully functional within twenty years, at which time we can begin the construction of the first dome.”

  “And what is the dome for, Admiral?” Ru asked.

  “To begin evacuations, sir. Phase one of our plan includes ten domes, each capable of holding two hundred and fifty thousand people.”

  Ru thought a moment, then asked, “What are the limiting factors in your construction timelines?”

  Admiral Becquerel didn’t hesitate with his answer. “Without a doubt, the single biggest holdup is the number of qualified astronauts to actually preform the construction. We have been able to minimize the amount of work that needs to be completed in space, but it cannot be totally eliminated, and our robotic attempts have been less than stellar. Pre-assembling is also a sticking point, since it ends up requiring more cargo space, which is limited. We have made strides at improving that situation by building a maglev launching platform on Star Mountain in the Mexican Desert, which allows us to make multiple launches per day if needed. Our other time-eater is the actual construction of the components we need.”

  “The replicators will reduce your component acquisition time to minutes,” said Ru, “and I believe that one of our scientists will be able to help with your astronaut shortage as well.”

  “Who?” asked Becquerel.

  “General Rao. He developed a… method… of working in outer space, which could prove useful in this endeavor.”

  “Where is General Rao?” asked Belloq.

  “His last known location was Hotan. I haven’t spoken with him since the… destruction. If he can be located, he should meet with your chief science officer.”

  Belloq nodded. “I agree. We will find him and arrange for him to attend the meeting with Ling Wu and Pik Tong.”

  “So you do have them? And they agreed to help?”

  Oh, yes, Dr. Wu was quite interested in working with the new director of the Mars Project—who is also the CEO of what was Braxton Incorporated. I believe you already know her? Katherine Braxton.”

  Ru smiled. “I do, and her sons.”

  “What do you mean, ‘was Braxton Incorporated’?” Zhen asked.

  She has changed the name of the company. An attempt at a new start, I believe. It is now called Kinship Integrated Products.”

  “Kinship?”

  “As in, a kinship among all humans, I was told.”

  “It appears to be a step away from her father’s methods, but it’s just a name. How can we place our trust in a Braxton?”

  “What choice do we have, Jing?” Ru said. “I believe she is genuine in her intentions, which I am learning is the first, and most important, step forward. I think she is an excellent choice, Henri.”

  “Well, she is the first of many new appointments I am making. As you can imagine, relieving the government of anyone associated with William Braxton has left many vacancies to be filled. It is a slow process, but choosing her was an easy decision. Luckily, she was eager to help. In addition to refilling my cabinet, I’m working with Congress to encourage an evolution of our governing system. I believe it is time, actually past time, that we move forward with a global government, with the survival of the human race as its ultimate goal, and with checks and balances for every nation, so that no country is ignored or taken advantage of.”

  “That sounds encouraging, Henri, but I must admit that I am skeptical of such a proposal.”

  “As you should be. Which is why I would like to name you as my vice president.”

  Ru looked at Belloq in disbelief. “Vice president? Of UNA?”

  “It’s to be the first step to forming the World Alliance. Congress has agreed to amend the UNA constitution to nullify the current requirement that the president and vice president must be UNA citizens. That will free me to name you as vice president.”

  “The World Alliance?”

  “That’s right. The goal is to have elections starting in 2115, and then have them every ten years. Two people will be elected, and each will be limited to one term, alternating between president and vice president for five years each. They will not be allowed to be from the same country. The World Congress and World Court will also be formed, and will include members from every country.”

  Ru shook his head. “I cannot believe it will actually happen.”

  “After the events in China, and after uncovering all the activities that led to them, Congress is ready to move forward, and quickly. According to the experts, the detonation of over one hundred nuclear warheads has dramatically increased the rate at which our planet is dying. As you said earlier, we have no choice. But you do, Ushi. Will you accept the position?”

  “Of course I will do it.”

  ***

  A few days later, in a different room, and at a different location, another meeting was taking place—this one between Katherine Braxton, Pol Smallboy, and the Chinese scientists Dr. Ling Wu, Pik Tong, and Dr. Vada Rao.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Braxton,” said Ling Wu as he approached her wheelchair and shook her hand. “We are very much looking forward to working with you.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Wu, and you, Dr. Tong.”

  “I am not a doctor yet,” Tong said quietly. “I am still—or was—working on a PhD in China. But now…” He trailed off and looked at the floor.

  “We will make sure you obtain all of the education you desire, Mr. Tong,” said Kat. “In fact, I was hoping you would be willing to teach, and study with, my son, Pol.”

  The small pale boy stepped up from beside his mother. “Hello, Pik. I’m Pol.” They shook hands awkwardly, and Pik managed a weak smile.

  “Your replicator technology is very interesting,” Kat said. “The ramifications of such a machine are staggering to the imagination. I have perused the specifications, but my field of study is more chemistry than physics. I have to admit, I didn’t truly understand everything.”

  Dr. Wu nodded. “It is true that the engineering details are quite complex, but it is not difficult to comprehend once you understand the basic principles, and chemistry does play a large role in the replicator, along with physics. Specifically, quantum physics.”

  “I saw extreme pressure compartments, many, many energy recollection coils, very powerful magnetic field generators, and even some type of… gravity disruptor?”

  Wu nodded. “Yes, our work on the replicators led to the discovery of gravity manipulation, which is where Pik and I have been focusing our attention as of late.”

  Kat shook her head. “Unbelievable, Dr. Wu. Such an accomplishment surely ranks you as one of the greatest geniuses of all time.”

  “It’s not I, it’s this young man,” said Wu, motioning toward Pik. “He created the field of Fenxi Waliangzi.”

  “Fancy wooly hang zee?” Pol said.

  Wu chuckled. “It’s what we call the science of repl
icators. Fenxi Wuliangzi, a combination of quantum physics and analytical chemistry. But it may be easier for you to use the English approximation, Structural Quantistry.”

  Kat nodded, then turned to Pol. “I guess we have a name for your new field of study.”

  Pol looked at Pik. “I look forward to learning from you.”

  The boy genius smiled sheepishly and gave a slight bow.

  “And I look forward to learning from you,” said General Rao, approaching Pol and kneeling beside him. “I have heard so much about you. Amazing things! Things that surely cannot be true.”

  “Like what?”

  “Your age, your strength, your healing ability.”

  “I’m over twenty years old, I can heal from almost anything, and my bones, ligaments, and tendons are very strong, which makes me very strong.”

  Rao tentatively held out his hand, palm up. Pol smiled and placed his hand, also palm up, in Rao’s. Rao inspected Pol’s hand and arm, turning it over and feeling it with his other hand. “Remarkable!” He looked up at Kat. “And there is a serum? Created from him?”

  “There is,” she said.

  “And it works? It keeps a human healthy? Free from disease and infection?”

  “It does.”

  He released Pol’s hand and stood. “This will revolutionize my servo designs.”

  “That is the robotic soldier program you used in the battle?” Kat asked.

  “Yes, yes, but originally they were to be astronauts, to aid in the departure from Earth. The program was successful, but had certain limitations.” He looked down at Pol. “But now those limitations are gone. We’ll be able to train thousands of pilots, and they’ll be able to serve for… decades!”

  “We will need thousands,” said Kat. “And many replicators. We’re preparing a small facility on Appalachia Island to accommodate your initial pilots. Additional facilities will be constructed nearby, as well as several nuclear reactors to power the replicators. Our hope is to begin the first stage of the Mars Protocol very soon.”

  “The moon?” asked Wu.

  “That’s correct. Our moon will act as a staging area for the next steps. Jupiter’s moon, Europa, will be next, and act as a temporary outpost and preparation facility, and then, ultimately, a permanent settlement of Mars.”

  Epilogue

  Excerpt from Pol Smallboy’s “Just and Inevitable” speech, Exemplar City, Mars, 2209

  “The liberation of my brothers and me was a catalyst for numerous changes, and the beginning of a radical transformation of the human species. Not just in unlocking the ability to alter the genetic code, but also in unleashing the motivation to improve our personal code. Slowly, we shifted away from a society based on money, greed, and individual cravings, to the current state of developing our personal skills in order to benefit not only ourselves, but each other.” (applause)

  “The most prominent example of this new paradigm was the formation of the World Alliance. All remaining countries on Earth joined together, offering whatever services they could, not for glory or favors, but for survival.

  “As the precursor to our current system, the Human Coalition, the World Alliance was imperfect and hastily conceived, but it succeeded in bringing the majority of Earthlings together for a common cause.

  “The formation of the Alliance was crucial to both the expansion of our species throughout the solar system, and the recognition of what is possible with the application of our most valued beliefs.

  “The three principles of rational thought, deliberate action, and altruistic intention, while perfect in theory, proved to be too simplistic to support a thriving and growing population, but our early attempts to follow those guidelines eventually revealed the optimum balance between personal reward and collective benefit, which we continue to follow today, and which has ultimately led to the greatest civilization the human species has ever known.” (applause)

  “Of course, there have always been, and always will be, outliers. Those who cling to the false hope of covetousness, or the mournful reprieve of vindictiveness. Fortunately, the number of those misguided citizens is minimal, and growing smaller each day.” (applause)

  “Now, as we begin a new endeavor into exciting and potentially hazardous locations, it is crucial to recall our earlier aspirations. All the way back to when the Alliance enabled us to first leave our dying planet, so many years ago. Our first timid reach beyond the blue planet, the annexation of the Earth’s moon, was a difficult but necessary first step forward, and just like a child learning to walk, we stumbled and fell, but continued to endure until we prevailed.” (applause)

  “Many scholars claim that the period of our early off-Earth settlements was one of the darkest, and most dangerous, of all of human history. Having survived it, I can assure you that it was indeed a perilous time. We were growing rapidly, and we amazed ourselves with our technological advancements. Large-scale usage of the health serum, broad use of the replicator technology, widespread virtual-embodiment systems. All of these now-common technologies were only at their budding stages. Our genetic manipulation skills were not yet perfected, and the technological needs of space travel and habitation were not yet fully realized. We had made remarkable progress, but the true scope of our abilities was still hidden.

  “And yet, our greatest deficiency remained in the understanding of human nature. The fallibility and frailty inherent in all of us. Our largely untapped strength of will, and our easily provoked weakness of spirit. And, most importantly, our persistent desire to love… and hate.”

  Please continue reading for excerpts from two upcoming stories from SW Matthews:

  Annexed Moon

  and

  Lakeland Transit

  Annexed Moon

  Surface of the Moon

  2137

  Captain Orion Locke was gliding over the lunar surface in his Scout. The small craft was perfect for this mission. The transparent pod-like cockpit at the front allowed for unencumbered views, and the surveillance and stealth features ensured that he could zero in on his target while keeping them totally unaware of his presence. The only downside was the speed. He was moving at a snail’s pace compared to his prey, but it was worth it to maintain the element of surprise. He was determined to catch them this time.

  As he neared the rim of the crater, he switched on his radio. He remained silent and listened. After a moment it crackled to life.

  “I’m coming for you, you little bitch!”

  “Keep dreamin’, asshole!”

  Captain Locke crept to the edge of the pit and peered into it. On the far side, speeding along the wall, he could barely make out the shapes of the two Ranger ships. He decided to remain silent and observe. He locked the sensors on the two ships and activated the zoom function, then sat back to watch.

  The Rangers were built for speed, barely more than two large thrusters and a pilot’s seat, and it appeared they were being put to the test. Obviously the two were racing, trying to stay as close to the side of the crater as possible while still completing the circuit first. The lead ship was no more than a few meters from the wall and kept shifting location to keep the other ship from passing while still dodging the occasional rock formation and outcropping. Every time the second ship attempted to pass, the lead ship swooped over and banged against it, keeping it away.

  “Dammit, Gill! I’m going to smash your ass into the wall if you do that again.”

  Laughter from the other ship came through the speakers, and Captain Locke chuckled to himself. It appeared Commander Gordon Nightshade was suffering from the same type of torture he himself had once endured.

  “C’mon, Gordo! Try again!”

  There was no response from the second ship, but Locke saw it approach for another attempt at passing. The lead ship swerved to knock it back, but just before impact the passing ship dipped, causing Gill to miss and move over the top of Nightshade’s Ranger. Commander Nightshade then slipped up on the opposite side and started to speed past
. Gill quickly realized what had happened and moved to bump Nightshade out of the way, but it was too late. The trailing ship was now in the lead, and Gill was struggling to catch up.

  Laughter again came through the speakers, but this time it was Nightshade.

  “Lucky move, fuckface,” said Gill.

  “That’s skill, bitch. Maybe I’ll give you some lessons sometime.”

  The line went silent, and Locke knew Gill would be determined to show this new recruit some manners.

  He watched as Gill’s Ranger quickly gained on Nightshade, positioning to knock him out of the crater, a move Locke had been on the receiving end of a few times himself. When the two ships were nearly side by side, Gill activated the side thrusters opposite from Nightshade and quickly shifted toward him—and toward the rim. Locke was fully expecting the less-experienced pilot to get knocked out of the pit, but instead he performed a barrel roll, flipping off Gil as he circled above him. Locke watched in amazement as his friend, and the best pilot he knew, flew from the crater with a trail of expletives. The younger pilot laughed and sped away.

  Damn, this kid is good.

  Locke reached down and turned off his stealth functions.

  Gill regained control of his craft and eased over to face Locke. “Better get over here, Gordo,” said Gill.

  “Fuck you, bitch! I won that motherfucker!”

  Locke and Gill smiled at each other and looked down into the crater, where the Ranger was spinning and rolling in the center.

  “Commander Nightshade, get your ass over here!” commanded Locke.

  “Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!”

  Gill and Locke watched in amusement as the Ranger came to a sudden stop, upside down, then sped away from them, righted itself, turned sharply, and headed back toward them. When Nightshade came to rest in front of Locke, his face was red, but he looked his commanding officer directly in the eye.