The meeting went on long into the night.
Arlette decided to use every member of her team to present a part of what was a first attempt at an immigration policy for Ceres to Mission Control. She began by reporting on what had been achieved so far in terms of self-sufficiency, growth and social cohesion, pointed out their concerns about industrial development and then handed over to Julia.
“Let me start by acknowledging that what I am going to say is the view from Ceres, not an attempt to take into account all the other factors that you have to consider,” she began. “We are a small pioneering community which has, within a period of three months, established a viable presence on Ceres. We are limited in the rate at which we can grow by the lack of infrastructure, but we recognise the physical impossibility of correcting this in the short to medium term because of the huge amount of equipment and know-how required. For example,” she went on, “we see no prospect of being able to prospect for oil and gas, or producing it if we should find it, in the foreseeable future. That means we are likely to remain dependent on the small nuclear power plants we brought with us for lighting and heating, on solar power which we use to recharge our vehicle batteries, and on coal which we can use for our expanding energy requirements. We have some avenues where we can expand, like agriculture and transport, but a large majority where we cannot do so without a very substantial airlift from Earth. These facts of life are well understood by the steadily increasing band of settlers we have here. Despite the high level of education of most of the crew, more and more are beginning to enjoy the pioneering life and find themselves able to make a meaningful contribution to the community. Discussions about returning to Earth are becoming few and far between.
“It is our conviction”, she concluded, “that the most effective way to develop Ceres as a successful human society is to apply this model in numerous settlements around the planet, sited in close proximity to its major natural resources, and equipped with the hardware and know-how to exploit them specifically. We will then have motivated people in stable communities with the interest and potential to grow and trade with one another. We need, as a top priority, a team of geologists to carry out a global survey and so pave the way for the foundation of an efficient global economy.”
Marcel followed her with his assessment of technology requirements. “First, second and third it’s communications!” he said. “All members of this community need to avail themselves of the combined knowledge of the human race, so we must make the global internet available to all with robust transmission and reception systems. Fortunately this is not a great deal in terms of shipment volume. Then”, he continued, “we must bolster our medical community with additional skills and manpower. We are in an alien environment here and very vulnerable to unknown bacteria and viruses. Moreover we will inevitably be seeing a rash of happy events within the next year.” He paused.
“As for the industrialisation of this particular community, we see steel, copper and probably other metals production as likely candidates. This needs geological verification, as Julia pointed out, but with this background, our longer-term evolution is possibly into heavy engineering, driven in part by the considerable hydroelectric potential we have seen in the mountains to the east of us. We will need, therefore, some very creative engineers to transform practical experience on Earth into manageable technologies for Ceres.”
“Henri?” prompted Arlette.
“Security issues are manageable at present,” said Henri. “The indigenous animal life can be dangerous if you are unprepared, but they aren’t a threat to the community as a whole. We also see no signs of internal instability within our community. Our concerns about ethnic conflicts related to events on Earth have pretty much evaporated. This is a happy community engaged in the healthy pursuit of their own well-being. Our biggest threats by far are the potential return of alien spaceships from Andromeda, should they manage to establish a new wormhole, and any conflicts we might import with new immigrants from Earth.” He glanced at Arlette, who was mouthing “Genes” at him.
“Of course,” he went on, “we have had the crisis over the conspiracy led by Genes Clayton and backed by Chang Chao. We have no grounds to question your conclusions that this was a Mafia plot to take control of our mission and exploit the outcome for criminal purposes. The heroism of Clayton in the Battle of Ceres has gone a long way towards relieving the concerns of our community and putting the issue into the perspective of misguided political views. But, getting back to the Andromeda threat,” he went on, “we now have a system of observation satellites throughout the Omega 16 planetary system which will give us ample warning of any new arrivals. The faster we get on with colonising Ceres, the better we’ll be able to manage any unwelcome visitors.”
Arlette then summarised briefly. “We need a limited number of new immigrants with specific skills and a lot of equipment as we have specified,” she said. “New expeditions to targeted locations on Ceres need to be carefully planned and resourced according to the local opportunities and conditions. We think that’s subject to a very comprehensive geological survey and at least a year away. We urge you to think very carefully about the suitability of new immigrants to the pioneering way of life which is likely to predominate here for a considerable period of time. Those who are not willing or able to participate in the basic activities which sustain and benefit the community are likely to find themselves a centre of controversy rather quickly. Thank you.” She cut the link.
“Well, let’s hope they’re in a frame of mind to listen,” said Arlette with a sigh. “By the way, which of you want to stay here and be part of the development of Ceres and which of you want to come with me to Omega 16-4?”
35
The Parting
The response from Mission Control which arrived a day later seemed to Arlette to be almost completely unrelated to the communication that had elicited it and was concerned almost exclusively with the Andromeda threat. It alluded briefly to the initial colonisation process as being successful, and made no reference to the programmes for further development, but rather focused entirely on what was perceived as the need to introduce armed spaceships to defend against future alien incursions. These spaceships were being designed and constructed as a top priority, apparently at the expense of everything else needed to develop the settlement.
Arlette, Julia and Henri glumly watched the video a second time around.
“I don’t believe it!” said Julia. “How could they be so utterly insensitive and testosterone driven?”
“I’m not surprised,” said Arlette with a tone of resignation. “The big-wigs don’t want to find themselves under greater threat here than they were on Earth.”
“Exactly,” said Henri. “That’s a response governed by the political leaders who want to be in control. The welfare of the ordinary citizen comes way down the list when the security of the state is in question. They are naturally going to concern themselves with that before they commit further manpower and resources. After two spectacular defeats, wouldn’t you expect the Andromedans to make no mistake the third time?”
“I may be naive about the technical capabilities of an alien civilisation from another galaxy,” countered Arlette, “but putting through a wormhole to another galaxy is not just an afternoon’s work, whoever you are.”
“Agreed,” said Marcel. “We have earned ourselves a substantial degree of security, not least because the communication channel for the Andromedans has been cut off and they could not know what might be waiting for them next time they try to come into our space. If they are going to try again, it might well be to another part of the Milky Way which is not populated by prickly Earthmen.”
“Exactly,” said Henri again, inserting himself back into the discussion. “One of the options they would certainly have to evaluate would be the reaction we have just seen from Mission Control. The Andromedans know we have a substantial commitment to this part of the Milky Way. We have a settlement and we have fought
hard and successfully to defend it. They know we have an open wormhole back to our own solar system, so we would be in a good position to improve our defences. I think Marcel is right: they’ll look elsewhere for a foothold in the Milky Way next time.”
“Surely Mission Control will understand that argumentation?” put in Julia. “It’s so wasteful of time and money to build a military fleet when we just need resources to keep our settlement growing. How long will it take them to do that, anyway, Henri?”
Henri looked over at Marcel. “I would think a year at least. What do you think?”
“At least!” came the response.
While Henri and Marcel engaged in an intense discussion about the possible nature of the warship that might be built, and what its capabilities would need to be, the two women went for a walk in the Ceresian sunshine.
“Are you serious about going to 16-4?” asked Julia.
“Absolutely!” came the reply. “The settlement on Ceres needs wise leadership, but that doesn’t have to come from me. Marcel or you can do that job perfectly well. I need to know whether 16-4 is habitable and a potential alternative to Ceres. It makes a huge difference if we have two planets, both of them larger than Earth, which could become new homes for the human race. Surely you see that?”
“Ye-es,” replied Julia cautiously, “but it’s also taking you away from the mission you were charged with. It looks to me as though we are heading for a break, or at least a fundamental change, in our relationship with Mission Control, and that bears thinking through very carefully.”
Arlette laughed. “Of course you are right!” she said brightly. “And I’m not someone who has a reputation for rashness, but I am not going to follow poor policies slavishly either. Mission Control has taken data we have given them and come up with an answer that all of us here think is the wrong one. It’s our job to help them get it right. However, if, for reasons of local political expediency, they don’t get it right, then I’m not going to implement a policy that I think is bad, not only for Ceres but also for the rest of humanity.”
“You do realise that that could be considered piracy, don’t you?” Julia asked, a smirk on her face.
“You really believe that?!”
“It could be seen that way if someone had a political reason to do so, Commander,” said Julia. “This is a very important step you are considering and we need to air it thoroughly.”
“I know, and I’m trying to do just that.” Arlette reached out and held Julia’s arm. “I just have you three and I need you all to be with me,” she said softly.
Julia compiled a video of all four of them addressing various aspects of the alien threat, and building on the argument that the least likely choice of location for the Andromedans to attempt to gain a new foothold in the Milky Way would be Omega 16 or the Earth’s solar system, where they would be sure to meet unknown but serious opposition. It reiterated the need for a certain number of skilled immigrants and selected equipment.
After several days Mission Control finally responded with a short statement to the effect that they saw little point in further developing the colony while it remained so vulnerable to attack, and that if Commander Piccard felt that the resources on Prometheus were inadequate to continue with her mission, she should return with her ship to make the case for a second trip at a later date.
“I’m surprised he didn’t propose to tax us to finance the warships we don’t want!” spluttered Julia after they had watched it.
“It’s consensus politics,” said Henri. “The G25 leaders are only concerned about how they look to their constituents.”
“I don’t know about you three,” said Marcel, his palms face down on the table before him, “but I would rather spend the rest of my days with the woman I love doing my best for this great little community.” He turned away and stared at the wall.
“Well,” said Arlette. “Who’s for going back to Earth and begging for development resources while our bosses are engrossed in building military ships to confront an enemy that they know nothing about and will probably never see?”
They all looked at her, and, one by one, shook their heads. “Right,” she said, “let it be recorded that the leadership of the Prometheus mission elects to stay in Omega 16 and to make its best endeavours to enhance the security and prosperity of its settlement on Ceres.”
They all nodded.
“I have one more question for you,” said Arlette. “I am asking for your approval to take Prometheus to planet 16-4 to assess its suitability for human development.”
“Why do that when we have barely begun exploration of Ceres?” asked Marcel.
“I think,” said Arlette, “that whether we have one planet or two to develop in this system has a huge bearing on the potential of Omega 16 as the long-term home of the human race. Prometheus has provided the mapping data and the mineral surveys. The rest has to be done on the ground. We need to know if 16-4 is attractive and habitable.”
Julia spoke first. “Yes, I want us to move forward,” she said. “This is a quantum step you are proposing while the further development of Ceres will be incremental until such time as Mission Control provides fresh resources. I want to go.”
Marcel shook his head slowly. “Our entire investment is in Ceres. We must nurture it at all costs. I vote to stay.”
Arlette turned to Henri. He was looking at her with an expression that seemed to be somewhere between bemusement and affection, but he sounded quite decisive in his response. “I am with you, Commander,” he said.
“Thank you,” said Arlette quietly. “Are we then all in agreement with the appointment of Marcel as Chief Administrator of Ceres?”
Everyone smiled.
“In that case, Marcel, you and I need to agree on who will crew Prometheus and who will stay on Ceres. Let’s get that done and identify any tricky cases that may require some diplomacy before we announce our decision.”
Freddy Jones was the only section leader to make the decision to stay on Ceres, and some considerable arm twisting was required to get food production and preparation adequately manned on Prometheus, but within a week the choices had all been made and all concerns addressed. The announcement was made by Arlette, as succinctly as ever, and a send-off party organised. It was held two days later and coincided with the worst rainstorm they had yet encountered on Ceres.
Arlette was rather more passionate when she stood up before the group she was about to leave while the rain thundered down outside.
“I want you to know that nothing I have ever known gives me more pride than to be a member of this dynamic community on Ceres,” she began. “I hope you are all conscious of the extraordinary significance of each one of you in the history of the human race. I often wonder how history will see us, but when I look around me today I see that every value that humanity stands for is represented here. We must now invest further to secure our future in the Milky Way. We shall go to planet Omega 16-4 and assess its suitability for a second human community, but you will always be the pioneers who changed history. It is our destiny and our privilege to go where no human has ever gone before, but we do so with humility and the knowledge that we bring not just the skills and knowledge of single human beings, but the very best of the thousands of years of civilisation which we represent.” At that point there was a dramatic crack of thunder directly overhead. She looked up, smiled, and bowed. “You obviously get my point!” she said and stepped down to laughter and applause.
Marcel stepped up to the podium. “I can’t call on the same level of authority as Commander Piccard,” he began, and there was another perfectly timed clap of thunder; “well, apparently I can,” he went on, to laughter, “but I want to echo those sentiments. While we lack many of the conveniences that are commonplace on Earth, we also lack the anxieties and uncertainties that are increasingly afflicting the Earthbound population. Our social cohesion, tolerance and goodwill is a pleasure to all of us. Let’s continue to build a society that makes space for
everyone and that will be an example for future generations. But for now let’s salute the crew of the Prometheus mission who will be taking the next step to ensure that we all have an even greater future ahead of us.” A rumble of approval ran around the room, and then the music started.
The departure of Lander 1 the following morning was watched by most of those who remained on Ceres, but the mood prevailing, as the craft shrank to a bright dot in the sky, was sombre. For a second time there would be no means on Ceres to take the pioneers back to the mother ship, and it reminded them all of their isolation and dependency on one another.
Back on Prometheus, the prospect of heading back into space to explore an unknown planet after a long and often tedious period in orbit energised the entire crew. Bjorn Johansson, the new leader of the propulsion section, was quick to assert himself in all aspects of the ship’s operations. He was a man of few words, with a shock of yellow blond hair and a ready smile, but no one who was subjected to inquisition by his icy blue eyes doubted his intelligence and insight. He greeted Arlette with a nod and a smile, and reeled off data on booster fuel regeneration, hull integrity, gravitation system performance, satellite status and food stocks, ending with “we are in excellent shape” and a brief smile.
“Hmm, can you fly?” asked Arlette.
“Of course!” he replied. “I was a combat squadron leader and have piloted most of the ISEA vessels.”
“Have you been through the motor man trial process?”
“Not yet, but I can do it before we leave and let you have the results.” He smiled again and half raised his eyebrows.
Arlette nodded. “Yes, do that,” she said.
Julia and Henri were talking to Cobus Vermeulen when Arlette entered. “These are the satellite photos we have of 16-4,” he said. “You can see that the weather patterns are quite a lot more turbulent than they are on Ceres.”
Omnipotence: Book I: Odyssey Page 30