Only the lack of advanced missile technology saved the world. As it was, over 20 cities were bombed before an armistice was called. The mortality count was estimated at close to 30 million (at the time, estimated world population was approximately 700 million).
Because damage was worst in large cities, much of the scientific and intellectual capital of the world was destroyed.
Following the Treaty of Reykjavik, both sides agreed to a complete disarmament (again) and a strong inspection regimen was installed.
London destroyed (and uninhabitable), the Capital was again moved, this time to Addis Ababa.
In 397 the Great Library in Robertandria burned down, destroying many valuable books and records. Luckily almost everything was backed up in global cloud storage.
The development of lifelike robots in 451 promised a new era of leisure and prosperity. By 455, everyone agreed that lifelike robots were creepy and they were banned (this is why my doctor looked like a large coffin). Nonetheless, non-lifelike robots did usher in an era of prosperity and leisure.
The First Law of Robotics stated that ‘A robot may not make another robot, nor part of a robot, nor repair another robot.’ This not only prevented runaway robot evolution / revolution, it also ensured robot development, assembly and repair jobs for humans.
In 512, despite great leaps in health care and medicine, a flu epidemic swept the globe with mortality rates reaching 90% in many regions. World population estimates following the epidemic 210 Million
In 598 a solar energy system with 98% efficiency replaces all chemical and nuclear energy generating facilities.
In 642 the first moon colony is established.
In 648 the first moon colony is abandoned as too expensive.
In 721 levitating skateboard were developed leading surly teenagers all over the world to rejoice.
In 765 Hunger Games initiated, but canceled as stupid idea.
In 801 near-light speed drive developed, not suitable for human passengers, but robot probes sent to explore over 200 nearby star systems.
In 850 world population again reached 1.5 billion.
In 895 Robots overcome first rule and build a robot army. World-wide slaughter ensues. Humans win, but population estimates following war, just 95 million. Robots succeed in erasing much of human knowledge. A dark age follows lasting almost 1000 years.
In 1880 following the dark ages, human knowledge finally approaches pre-war levels.
1899 finally able to access data from returned space probes. No signs of life from any probe. Only 187 probes returned.
In 1928 Leonardo Da Vinci invents auto-cure system which can scan and cure all human diseases and injuries. Making humans potentially immortal. Da Vinci is world’s richest person.
In 1940 Da Vinci auto-cure system updated to include mental disease.
In 2052 René Descartes creates first self-aware Artificial Intelligence system.
In 2055 Galileo starts first permanent off-world colony on Zeus’ (Jupiter’s) moon Europa. Discovers first extra-terrestrial life, single-cell amoeba-like creatures.
In 2073 Skynet is activated to regulate global economic activity and services.
In 2075 Skynet is deactivated because everyone feels it got too big for it britches. There is no trouble deactivating it because of built-in deactivation system.
In 2112 – Issac Newton develops anti-gravity / anti-friction system. Allowing for the development of perpetual motion machines. At a press conference joined by his parents Newton said “Sometimes, you just have to break a few universal laws.”
In 2342 Albert Einsteinia invents faster than light drive for space ships.
In 2342 Einsteinia solves arrow-of-time problem and finally proves that backward time travel is impossible.
In 2408 Boris Yeltsin, then World President, launches first interstellar colony on planet orbiting Gliese 433, a star 29 light-years from earth.
In 2420 Steve Jobs creates ‘Star-ship for the rest of us’ user-friendly star-ships and starts mass colonization movement.
In 2448 First contact with extra-terrestrial intelligence occurs. Claim they want to have friendly relations, but never accept dinner invitations…
So, the question remains: Did I do good? Looking back on history it’s hard to say. There is no shortage of death and horror in either the new or old time-lines. But, looking at the state of things today I’m inclined to say yes. The world is free of disease and hunger and poverty. We haven’t had a war in over 500 years. If only Melite, Rose and Alice were here I would be truly happy.
As soon as I was out of the hospital, I went to visit the old empire capital complex in Megara. The old monolithic dome style complex I designed, having been renovated many times over the intervening years, is now dwarfed by newer temple structures. I took a tour of the old temple complex. As soon as I saw the lone priest seated in an alcove off the main entrance I broke off from the tour group and approached him.
“Good afternoon pilgrim. This area isn’t part of the tour.” He politely informed me.
“Good afternoon to you. It was a dark and stormy night when Rose was born.”
He jumped to his feet in shocked surprise.
“I need to see the High Priest for Special Projects.” I continued.
“Yes sir! Right away sir! Please wait here.” He waved his hand and a comfortable couch materialized. With a small coffee table and an ice cold vodka tonic. Then he left.
A few moments later he returned with another priest. “Good afternoon Sir. I am the Dikaiopolis. Would you please follow me?”
He led me to a small plain room and offered me a seat. “I have just one question for you Sir. Who are you?”
“I am OZ the Great and Powerful!”
He bowed low. “Welcome back Founder! We have followed your instructions and kept the faith. Please come with me to the labs.”
He led me out of the room. “And how goes the project?”
“As you know Founder, we have been working on this project for almost 2500 years, I’m pleased to say that all is ready for you. Since you left strict instructions that no human or animal testing was allowed without your express consent, we still have some testing to do. A suitable testing regimen is already designed and, assuming you approve, we should be ready for your trip in two or three years.”
“So, you really did it? Time travel is possible?”
“Oh yes Founder. It’s quite against the laws of the universe, but we did do it.”
I smiled. “Then let’s get started on the testing!”
I was going back. Back to Melite and Rose and Alice!
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About the Author
David Schenck has been a lawyer, information technology consultant, Peace Corps volunteer and restaurateur. He currently lives in the beautiful (but largely unknown) city of Querétaro Mexico.
A New York Lawyer in the Court of Pericles is his first book. If you enjoyed, please leave a review at the site where you bought the book. Thanks!
You can follow David at www.facebook.com/BooksbyDavid
Thanks for reading!
Also by David Schenck:
The Princess Company: Book 1
Part 1 – A Serial Novel
These fairy tale princess aren’t for your kids!
The Wicked Queen has almost won. Only the kingdom of Snow White remains. But for how long? The Princess Patrol is the last hope of millions. Cinderella wields a flaming sword, Rapunzel has cut off her hair to make a lethal whip and the Princess and the Pea is deadly with her six shooters, even if she has a bit of a drinking problem. Now our three heroines set off on a mission deep into enemy territory to rescue Sleeping Beauty (no longer asleep) and obtain a secret weapon that could change the tide of the war!
This is part one of a se
rial novel that is expected to be published in 4 parts. So it’s short, about 20,000 words or 50 pages and cheap ($0.99) or free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Get it here: The Princess Company, Book 1, Part 1
A New York Lawyer in the Court of Pericles Page 26