The Silence Between the Stars
By Alan Davenport
Prologue: The Blue Marble
The man sat motionless, staring in awe at the image of the planet below his ship. It completely filled the view screen. An impossibly blue and green sphere. Beautiful beyond all words. He gaped, mesmerized by the image. Gaunt and unshaven, he had the appearance of a crazy person. In a way, that was what he was. For over sixty years, he had traveled through the empty void. Each day blending into another. His hope slowly slipping away a little bit each day. He had long ago given up any hope of ever finding a planet… a planet that could support human life. He no longer truly believed. He no longer knew why he kept up the search. It had become a routine… just something to do. He set the computer to pilot the ship to the next star system and then tried to find something to occupy his time on the endless, long, empty days.
In the beginning, he had an explorer’s excitement upon arrival to each new solar system. “Maybe this will be the one!” he would say. Each time, at each system, he was disappointed. Often there would be no planet in the circumstellar habitable zone. That “Goldilocks Zone” that was neither too close to the star nor too far away, where liquid water could exist in the quantity needed to support life. Alternatively, there was a planet, but it was too small to hold onto an atmosphere. It had an atmosphere but it had no oxygen. It had no water. It was too big and the gravity was excessive. It had water but the air was poisonous. The list of the disappointments was as varied as the stars to which he had traveled.
Science told him that there was the potential for there to be forty billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy alone. Forty billion! He was sure that he would find one… that he would be the first to do so… but after disappointment after disappointment, he had lost all hope. He kept up the search by rote. What else was he to do? He did not wish to return to the dying Earth. (Perhaps it was already dead.) He had long ago decided to travel the stars forever… until either the food ran out or a mechanical failure of a vital ship’s system took him. He could not return to Earth. Not with its fifteen billion people, wars, climatic failure, and chronic food, oxygen and water shortages. No, he would continue to travel. Endlessly travel.
When the computer announced that there was a planet in the Goldilocks Zone of this non-descript yellow star, he did not even glance at the display. He simply instructed the computer to go orbit the planet and inform him of its findings upon their arrival. He did not watch the screens in anticipation as he had in the past. Instead, he had gone for a nap. He could not bear to watch… to endure… yet another disappointment. Yet here it was. A water planet with large landmasses all tinged in green. This was not the blue and mostly brown planet of his home world… this was a living, vibrant planet.
Even in his early romantic and most idealistic days, he did not imagine a thing of such beauty. Yet here it was, below his ship, waiting for him to land on and to explore. Staring, his mind wandered back to his days back on Earth. Back to the crowding and the horror of an over-populated and dying world. It seemed to be but a nightmare. Something not real. So long ago. So many untold light years away. Another life. Unreal.
Chapter 1: The Dying World
The grass was green. He stood with his arms outstretched, inhaling the fresh clean air. The white-noise sound of a waterfall filled his ears. It was heaven. He stood there, drinking in the sound, with his eyes closed and a faint smile of pure bliss upon his face. Something intruded. He shook his head. “Go away,” he muttered. Again, the intrusion, more insistent this time. The dream evaporated into memory as someone shook him awake. “Wake up Nathan. You have to see this!” He resisted, wanting to return to the idyllic place. “Go away,” he muttered again. “No seriously, wake up,” the voice insisted. “The law passed. You have to see this!”
“What the hell Jonathan,” he complained. “I was having this nice dream. I was outside by a waterfall. The air was fresh and clean and…”
“Don’t be a fool Nathan. You know that you cannot go outside without an oxygen generator. You and your ridiculous fantasies. That world does not exist. It never did. Those old historical videos you watch are nothing but lies and exaggerations. Come back to the real world. Here, let me replay the news.”
Jonathan turned and faced a blank wall in their luxurious three by three meter apartment and said in a commanding voice, “Computer, replay the World News Network video on the world population control bill.”
The blank wall flashed and morphed into a computerized image of a beautiful woman. She smiled and said, “Do you wish the full article or the summary Jonathan?”
“Full article please.”
The wall chimed, flashed and the WNN logo instantly appeared. A second later, the scene cut to a smartly dressed and very professional appearing woman sitting between an older man and a younger one. The older man wore a well-worn suit and sported a brown fedora upon his head. The young man had wild shoulder length hair, was unshaven, and had on excessively colorful clothing that changed color as he moved.
The woman smiled into the camera and began speaking in an overly loud, over-enunciated voice. “This is Amanda DeMuthe bringing to you yet another World News Network exclusive. Today, at 12:00 UTC, the world population control bill passed in the world senate and has been signed into law by world president Marta Piozzi.” Amanda flashed a smile of perfect white teeth and continued, “June 1st, 2100 is set to be one of the most historic days of human history. I am honored to have here to my right, the minister of world population control, Sir Horace Frankel. To my left sits the distinguished professor of Earth environmental studies at Princeton University, Doctor Star Secker.” Nodding to her right she said, “Minister, if you would. Please begin by describing this historic law and what it means to the people of Earth.”
The minister gave her a perfectly executed fake smile and in a condescending and pompous voice said, “It would be my honor Ms. DeMuthe. As you know, the world population sits at well over fourteen billion people and if nothing is done, stands to reach fifteen billion by the year 2105. With all the food, water and oxygen shortages, something had to be done. As you may recall, January of last year President Piozzi tasked me to form an emergency committee on world population control. As a result of the work of that committee, I authored the bill that has become law today. This bill will curb… and dare I say… reverse world population growth. I am proud to say I have single handedly saved the world from starvation.”
Amanda smiled and skillfully prodded him back on track as she said, “Yes Minister, we are eternally grateful for all of your hard work. Could you give us the details of the new law please?”
He smiled his beatific smile towards Amanda. “Of course Amanda. As I was saying, I have personally saved the world from starvation and…”
Amanda gave him a stony face and interrupted, “Yes, we all are grateful for your hard work minister but now is not the time try to boost your approval rating for your run at the presidency. Please stick to the issue at hand and describe the measures that are to be implemented with the passage of the bill.”
Minister Frankel’s carefully practiced face flashed into anger for a split second before he regained control and smoothly hid it. “Ahem, of course Ms. DeMuthe. As you know, social programs to stop people from having sex have been largely unsuccessful. With sex of course comes children and the population continues to grow. These programs never have been particularly effective. As far back as the 20th century, China tried, and for the most part failed, to curb their population.” Frankel grinned and said, “The problem is motivation. People like sex. Making sex illegal as some of my colleagues suggested would never work. The WPC bill is ingenious in that it says ‘Let
people have as much sex as they want’.”
Amanda arched her eyebrows and said, “Now just how is that supposed to work, Minister?”
Minister Frankel flashed her, his perfect fake smile and said, “It’s simple. Starting immediately, sex remains legal to anyone who has undergone voluntary sterilization. In addition, we are paying 50,000 world credits to any individual who voluntarily undergoes permanent, non-reversible sterilization with the stipulation that no sperm or eggs may be harvested and frozen for later procreation. In order for non-sterilized individuals to have children, they must first obtain a license from the world population control agency. All non-sterilized individuals may still have sex; however, any non-licensed pregnancies are to be terminated. No exceptions. If any individual ignores the law and allows an unlicensed pregnancy to produce a child, both parents will be arrested and mandatory, full recycling will be initiated.”
Amanda looked at him in shock as she said, “The death penalty? For both parents and the child? Isn’t that a little bit extreme?”
The minister smiled and said, “No, not at all considering the situation. Let’s face it Amanda, the world is in trouble. The extreme emergency requires extreme measures. We are not banning ALL children, just unsanctioned ones. We do not want the human race to become extinct; we just need to reduce the population before everything collapses. It will not be difficult for socially irresponsible individuals to obtain a license to have a child; as long as they have no genetic abnormalities that is. In addition, to discourage people from having children we are retroactively initiating a ‘child tax’ of 10,000 world credits per parent per child per year. In addition, we are instituting tax of 25,000 credits per year on all non-sterilized individuals.”
Amanda’s face lost composure. “Minister! That will mean that only the rich can afford to have children! What about the 58.9% who are unemployed and already have children? What will happen to them?”
Minister Frankel smiled his self-satisfied smile and said, “My bill takes that all into account. As you know, suicide has been legal for the past twenty-five years. My bill now has legalized euthanasia as well. Any parents who cannot afford the child tax may now legally relieve themselves of the burden.”
Amanda’s eyes opened wide and she pounded her fist upon the table. “’Relieve themselves of the burden’. That is quite a euphemism Minister! What you are saying is that parents who cannot afford the new tax should have their children ‘recycled’? Recycled? Really? Another euphemism! Why not just say it; they will be encouraged to kill their children! How can you condone such monstrous cruelty?”
The minister’s face lit up with passion as he said, “It is not cruelty! It is a mercy! What would be more cruel, a pain-free death at a recycling clinic or face a life full of starvation, thirst and oxygen deprivation?” With a carefully sad expression on his face the Minister continued, “I did not pass this law without a lot of soul-searching. Something had to be done. Civilization is on the brink of collapse. It is groaning under the weight of nearly fifteen billion people. Something had to be done!”
Amanda stared at him, stricken speechless for the first time in her long career.
Noting her expression the minister gently added, “We have to do this or else there is going to be no world left for the children to inherit. This bill will save us all.”
Amanda stared, mute, at the Minister for several seconds before she regained her composure and said, “Well Minister, you certainly have given us plenty to think about.” She looked directly into the camera and continued, “Now that we have heard from Minister Frankel, we will now discuss the ramifications of this bill with Professor Star Secker after a word from our sponsor, the good folks at Eternal Rest Recycling Centers.”
The screen faded to black for a second before changing to show a beautiful blond woman dressed in a perfectly pressed, snow-white doctor’s uniform. A look of compassion and empathy upon her face. She smiled a perfect smile and began talking sympathetically as if directly to the viewer. “Life is rough. There is never enough food. The price of water continues to rise. Oxygen and housing is in short supply. Perhaps you are one of the majority who are unemployed and cannot afford these essentials. Without employment, how are you to afford the 25,000 credits a month rental fee for a minuscule apartment?” The woman held out her arms towards the camera and continued, “Life is rough. We at Eternal Rest can save you from this horror.”
The screen changed to show a man lying peacefully on his back upon a bed of pure white. With his hands folded upon his chest and his head upon a pillow, his face was relaxed as if in complete bliss. The woman’s voice continued, “We offer you an escape from the horror. Why suffer? Let us erase your pain and suffering… permanently.” The screen faded back to the woman, still smiling and with her arms still outstretched. A man’s voice replaced the woman’s, he spoke very rapidly, each word running into one another. “Please visit WWW.ERRC.COM for our nearest location. Free-for-those-who-sign-over-their-government-recycling-benefit. Eternal-Rest-Recycling-Centers. We-have-a-100%-approval-rating. None-of-our-customers-has-ever-lodged-a-complaint-against-us!” The screen faded to black and then the face of Amanda DeMuthe re-appeared.
“Well, our friends at Eternal Rest Recycling must love your new bill,” Amanda said with a knowing smile. “You ARE a major shareholder aren’t you Minister?”
Minister Frankel’s face turned beet red and he sputtered out, “Well Ms. DeMuthe, I don’t see how this is pertinent to the issue at hand!”
Amanda smiled at him and sarcastically said, “It is okay Minister, nothing wrong with a little profit from all your hard work, is there?” The minister turned an even darker shade of red. Before he was able to say any more, Amanda smoothly continued, “Relax Minister, I just wanted to make sure that the people truly knew who they were voting for in the next election.” She stared him down and then turned to the colorfully dressed professor to her left and said, “Let us welcome Doctor Star Secker, the distinguished professor of environmental studies at Princeton University in New Jersey in the former United States of America.”
The professor stood up and with a flourish of his hands, bowed to the camera. A rainbow of colors flowed over his clothes. “Thank you Amanda, if the situation was not so grave I would say that it is a pleasure to be here.”
“Indeed professor,” she agreed. “Before we begin I have to say that your suit is quite amazing.”
Minister Frankel looked at the professor as he would a particularly noxious insect. Doctor Secker completely ignored him as he smiled warmly at Amanda. “Why thank you Amanda. It is the latest in college fashion. It is made with organic LEDs powered by an eternal super-conducting battery woven right into the material. It’s quite a technological marvel,” he said enthusiastically. “This is nothing. You should see it at night!” he said with a wink.
Amanda placed her hand lightly on his arm and said, “I would love to sometime.” There was a moment of silence as they looked into each other’s eyes. She broke eye contact, cleared her throat and then nervously continued, “Anyway professor, let us discuss the ramifications of Minister Frankel’s bill shall we? Has he single-handedly ‘saved the world’ as he claims or are we still in trouble?”
Professor Secker dropped his flirtatious smile and with all seriousness, sadly said, “No Amanda. It is too little, too late. We are still doomed, I am afraid.”
Minister Frankel, still giving him the evil eye, interrupted him. “Now Star, there is no need for this alarmist talk. You could cause riots!”
As if to prove the minister’s point, Amanda nervously looked at him, raised her voice and said, “Surely you exaggerate. It cannot be that bad!”
Star slowly shook his head and said, “I wish it was an exaggeration Amanda. The situation is grave. Far graver than everyone realizes. Let me lay out the facts. We have killed this planet with our numbers. Ninety-five percent of all animal species have become extinct with more going extinct every day. Most plant species have died o
ut as well. With no plants to produce oxygen, the planet’s oxygen levels are at historic lows and the levels continue to fall. Already one quarter of the population cannot survive at sea level without supplementary oxygen… Go up in altitude and it becomes significantly worse. In cities like Denver and Mexico City, fully fifty percent of the population cannot exist without support.” He paused for this to sink in before continuing, “Nobody is going to be climbing Mount Everest any longer, you can be certain of that!” He stared at his hands in his lap before dropping the final bombshell. “However the human race will not last long enough to die from oxygen deprivation. It is starvation that will do us all in.”
Minister Frankel angrily interrupted him again. “Now really professor. Now you are just being an alarmist! Energy production is no longer an issue with the new eternal super-conducting batteries. With the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions the environment is set for a full recovery.”
Star emitted a little, scornful laugh and said, “I think that it is you who is overstating the extent of the recovery, Minister. Besides, not all the free energy in the world will solve the starvation problem. People cannot eat energy!”
“No, they can’t,” he agreed. “However, unlimited free energy will allow us to produce food more efficiently. Besides, new food production methods have come into operation already. Aren’t you the one who is overstating things now professor? ”
“No, I am not overstating my point. I wish it were the case.” He shook his head at the Minister and continued, “I am aware of the new food production methods coming online and I have calculated that even fully implemented it still will not be enough. There will still be mass-starvation which is going to cause the collapse of society… as early as a year from now if my worst case calculations are correct.”
Amanda looked over towards the minister and asked, “Just what new food production methods have come online, Minister?”
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