Paradise Reclaimed

by Raymond Harris

  “Where are your officer’s sarong and bracelets? You’re in the company of lower ranks,” said Torv coldly because it was the only retort she could think of.

  Biyu shrugged her shoulders. “Sore loser,” she said as she bent over backwards to do a slow handstand flip back onto her feet.

  Torv sighed and muttered, “showoff”, before beginning to remove her armour.

  “I’ll see you later. I’ve got stuff to do,” said Biyu before departing with a series of running flips and somersaults, simply because she was filled with the energy of triumph.

  If she was going to assess the military capacity of the Northern States she had to have a sense of what ordnance they might possess. She had no real idea of their industrial capacity but she had to start somewhere, so she was looking through the weapons systems at the time of the final wars under the assumption that they had a least been able to replicate and maintain old equipment. If Prax was right, there might not have been a great deal of innovation since then.

  The thing that had shocked her most was just how much time, effort and resources went into building what had been called the industrial-military complex. Even the poorest countries struggling to feed, educate and heal their people had military budgets in the billions. At the beginning of the long collapse the total global military expenditure was close to two trillion US dollars, an amount easily able to resolve many critical issues.

  She understood the history well enough. Sometime in the Neolithic, human populations began to expand and compete for resources using organised violence. As they developed into small agricultural city-states they became increasingly stratified, with the warrior caste becoming increasingly important and powerful. As the city-states grew, they enriched themselves through wars of conquest, creating empires that rose and fell with monotonous regularity. The history of these empires followed an obvious pattern: expansion and enrichment that eventually lead to overexpansion and internal collapse as corrupt elites fought amongst themselves for the ever-diminishing spoils. Everywhere it had been the same; the most remarkable feature of this history was that very few ever learned its lesson. It was a function of primitive human psychology to be very inward looking, to only consider the immediate consequences, in terms of self, time and geography. What mattered first was personal opportunity, only then came family and tribe. History was filled with examples of humans who had betrayed their immediate family or tribe for personal advantage. The larger consequences of this historic cycle of violence seemed beyond the average person’s cognitive capacity.

  Yes, there had been voices of warning, perhaps for as long as the problem had existed. Some of these voices had even managed to have some sort of influence. For the most part Buddhists had adhered to the philosophy of non-harm, ahimsa. There were exceptions, but again, only when the perpetrators forgot the universal position of the Buddha and focused on more narrow ethnic or nationalist affiliations. All the other religions managed to find convenient exceptions to pacifist teachings: the Christian doctrine of just war, Islamic jihad, the Hindu dharma as expounded by Krishna to Arjuna.

  Perhaps the most critical question, even more important than ordnance, was the military philosophy of the Northern States. Where were they in the cycle? An empire at the point of expansion, its vision focused, or an empire at the point of collapse, overstretched and riven by factions? Did they have a warrior class? What was the accepted level of brutality? We’re there any legal constraints?

  The developmental stage was critical to her study of military capability. If the state was strong then there would be evidence of unified military effort: military bases and supporting industrial infrastructure. If it was weak then control of the military industrial complex might be diffuse, with different factions running covert operations, in which case she would be looking for more subtle signs, such as small training bases in remote locations and unusual cargo movements, most often at night.

  She had access to data from geostationary probes and the occasional discrete mobile terrestrial probe. The problem really was instructing the AI so it could sort through the massive amount of data to isolate items of interest. At the moment she was looking at what appeared to be a large military base close to the border with the Kingdom. If this was correct then it told her that there had been, or might be, conflict between the NS and the Kingdom. The other thing she noted was that there appeared to be little attempt to camouflage the base from aerial surveillance, suggesting that they lacked aerospace technology, or at least were not concerned by it.

  This meant that the next question to ask the AI concerned the existence of landing strips and signs of air traffic. She was about to formulate a precise set of parameters for the search when her screen displayed the image of the strategos (her seniority allowed her to override whatever Biyu was doing).

  “Magnus Zhang, sorry to interrupt; are you able to come see me? I have something I wish to discuss.”

  Biyu’s screen returned to the satellite images but she had already stood to leave. She put on her officer’s sarong and silver bracelets and walked out the door. A scooter was waiting for her, which meant the strategos had meant immediately. She accelerated down the corridor and flew up the nearest shaft and within thirty seconds she was knocking at the strategos’s door. She heard “enter” and did so. The strategos was sitting in an armchair with her two consorts standing by her side.

  “Zhang, I don’t think you’ve met Rivka and Tomas. Come join us, would you like a drink, wine, spirits, or tea?”

  She walked over. She had never seen the consorts up close. They were stunningly beautiful and exuded a confident sexuality. The boy Tomas was exceptionally handsome and also exceptionally well endowed. The strategos smiled when she saw her looking at him.

  “One of the perks of high office. They are both skilled thera, in the sexual arts. By and large they are too much for me to handle, but I do get a good deal of pleasure watching them fuck. Rivka looks exceptionally beautiful when she has an orgasm. It is a sight to see.”

  Biyu looked at Rivka’s alluring smile and then back at the strategos. “Is this what this is about?”

  “No, sorry, although I wouldn’t mind watching either of them, or both, pleasuring you. No, I am sorry. I am a little tired and I’ve had a few drinks. I should perhaps have waited to talk to you, but this seems to be the only time in my busy schedule. Now, a drink?”

  “Wine, a purple…”

  The strategos started to stand but Tomas put his hand on her shoulder, “allow me.”

  Biyu watched as he walked gracefully across the room to the side table.

  “This is about a more personal matter,” said the strategos. “I can ask Rivka and Tomas to leave, but they are very discrete and naturally have a high security clearance. Part of their job is to listen to me prattle on. Rivka has the kind of demeanour that draws you out, part of her training. She has a rather unique ability to pinpoint the source of stress and slowly extricate it. Both of them have a high degree of empathy.”

  “Your job must be very stressful,” Biyu acknowledged.

  “Everyone is stressed. What we are seeking to do carries a price. I understand that most armies accommodated the sexual needs of their soldiers, even when the prevailing religious codes demanded celibacy. Sometimes it was regrettably by force, rape, but otherwise it was through some form of organised prostitution. The officers of course, had access to the best.”

  “One of the costs of war is post-traumatic stress disorder. Having access to tenderness and human touch helps heal,” said Rivka softly.

  “The understanding of this mechanism on Earth was crude,” said Tomas as he handed her a wine. “But it was an accepted practice in most military cultures, even to the point of special divisions devoted to recruiting consorts and sex workers. The existence of a military base usually meant the creation of brothels in nearby towns, to which the authorities turned a blind eye.”

  “It is also quite interesting to note how many young women were attracted to s
oldiers, as if they sensed the need. Since the beginning of war it seems many a girl has lost her virginity to a soldier boy,” said Rivka.

  “The Spartans had it down to a fine art, virtually instituting homosexuality amongst its soldiers,” added Tomas.

  “Alexander the Great…” Rivka began.

  “Hephaesteon, yes, I know the story,” said Biyu. “But I don’t understand the relevance.”

  “It’s not relevant,” said the strategos. “It’s just small talk, although it may have relevance to you on Earth. I understand brothels are usually an excellent source of information.”

  Biyu had to accept the point. There had indeed been a long association between sex and espionage.

  “On Earth sex was restricted as a means of social control,” explained Rivka. “As a restricted but essential commodity, it could be used very effectively…”

  “Particularly if someone was discovered to be enjoying the forbidden, in which case they could either be corrupted or blackmailed,” Tomas added.

  Biyu suddenly realised the implications. “And you are thinking of establishing a sexual unit of some description?”

  “Initial stages,” said the strategos. “It is certainly part of our thinking in regards to our defence force, sex was always used as a weapon of war. We are not sure of the situation on Earth. If they are still a repressive culture then yes, it may be useful. It is something to think about and your thoughts would be appreciated… But that is not why I asked you here.”

  Biyu looked at both Rivka and Tomas. She could easily imagine them using their beauty and skills to great effect. They seemed to understand her look and smiled back seductively.

  I understand you are due to have one of your ova implanted into your partner Zoe in a few days?”

  Biyu nodded. “And to have the biomechanical enhancements.”

  The strategos leant forward. “I have an unusual request. Normally it is none of our business, but the Congressional strategy committee would like to offer you and Zoe some genetic enhancements that are not yet public.”

  “You mean, like the girls?”

  “That is one option, but genetics has advanced considerably. We now have a palette of interspecies options previously not available. Of course, you and Zoe have the final say. You may already have decided…”

  “A tail?” asked Biyu. “Someone was telling me they fancied a prehensile tail…”

  The strategos laughed. “Yes, I have heard some fantasise about a tail and yes, it is being considered, but not just yet.”

  “There have been some interesting ideas,” said Rivka.

  “Some have been ruled out, like bioelectricity…” said Tomas excitedly. “Imagine being able to give someone an electric shock?”

  “The problem of course, is how do you carry a foetus with that ability without it reflexively shocking the mother? And how do you train a young child not to shock her playmates?” the strategos observed. “We have to consider all the consequences and hazards.”

  “So what are you suggesting?” asked Biyu.

  “For you and Zoe to gestate the girls’ genome, only with the latest IQ enhancement, hearing improvement – which will necessitate a change to the external ear, a further degree of improvement in eyesight, true hermaphroditism…”

  “True hermaphroditism?”

  “Yes, both male and female genitalia,” said Rivka smiling. “The girls were a step toward that but now the geneticists have cracked the more complex codes that create both.”

  “They will neither be he nor she and will have a fully functioning penis and a vagina,” Tomas added.

  “Fully functioning?”

  “Yes, it will produce both sperm and ova. It can impregnate and be impregnated. The ethicists have successfully argued that eliminating gender will finally solve the imbalance issue,” said Rivka proudly.

  “And gestation and physical maturation have been reduced,” said the strategos. “Such a child will be an adolescent by the age of eight and will gestate for six months. The only drawback is that it will be a new species.”

  Biyu sat back stunned. She understood exactly what that meant. If she accepted these modifications her child would not be able to breed with humans.

  “Technically the girls are a subspecies, but these developments are a step beyond that,” the strategos added.

  “There is reason to assume that in time there may be several species of humans. Each new colony may find certain modifications better suited to their new environment,” said Tomas.

  “I rather like the idea of fur,” Rivka purred. “Except Eden’s climate is too warm. Some soft fur…”

  “This is a lot to take in,” said Biyu frowning. “I was aware of changes, but not so many, so quickly. I will have to talk this through with Zoe.”

  “Of course, and because of that I am granting you additional leave. You should also know that justice Goya is having this discussion with Zoe on behalf of the committee. I would also hasten to add that we do not assume these modifications are designed to have military application, although they certainly do. No, they also have certain advantages for the other disciplines. I can imagine going to a dance performance where colour shifting and bioluminescence are part of a new aesthetic language. Over time our culture will be transformed.”

  Biyu closed her eyes and turned her thoughts inwards. She sighed. It was suddenly all too much. When she opened her eyes Rivka was staring at her with a look of concern.

  “Your heart rate has increased and so have your levels of cortisol and norephedrine. I am personally sorry we have overwhelmed you.”

  “It’s alright, I just need…”

  “Zoe? It is clear you have a strong bond with her. It was obvious in your speech patterns and micro expressions. She seems wonderful, and I understand a very talented dancer too.” Rivka placed her hand on Biyu’s arm. Her voice was having a calming effect.

  “You’re good,” smiled Biyu recognising what she was doing.

  Rivka matched her smile. “Of course I am and I invite you to discover just how good I am.” She leaned forward and kissed Biyu gently on the lips. “Can I invite you to stay? Tomas and I will take care of you – just for tonight, so you can understand and experience what we can do.”

  “We will teach you things,” said Tomas appearing over Rivka’s shoulder.

  “I can leave if you wish,” suggested the strategos.

  Biyu felt hypnotised even though her reason knew exactly what was happening – Rivka was using a carefully modulated voice, touch and an open stare to woo her subconscious mind. She could have resisted if she had wanted to. “No, stay. It appears I still have things to learn.”

  They led her to the strategos’s apartment, bathed her, fed her, massaged her, seduced her and then fucked her gently and expertly over and over, until she was lost in one amorphous, dreamlike climax.

  61

  Prosperous and Anaïs

  Prosperous showered, slipped on an old pair of khaki cargo shorts and sat at the screen in his room carefully scanning images of Eden for signs of animal life. He was used to looking at satellite images to help his clients track endangered species and he knew exactly what to look for. Animals usually left clear signs: walking tracks, disturbed vegetation, cadavers. He found the searching relaxing, almost meditative. It allowed him a moment to forget the confusion and stress of so many new ideas and strange people. In many ways he preferred the solitude of the bush or the simple company of people around a campfire.

  He also found it was a good way to get used to the radical new environment of Eden, with its explosion of colour and dense forest cover. It would lessen the shock when they finally breathed the alien air, especially given that it was his responsibility to be as alert as possible the instant they arrived.

  He was scanning riverbanks for signs of animals coming to drink or bathe when the AI’s voice announced “Li Li is calling” in Swahili and her image popped up in the bottom left-hand corner.

  “Hi Li Li,”
he said and her image automatically expanded to fill the screen, optically distorted because of her screen’s wide-angle lens.

  “Hi Pros, not disturbing you am I?” she inquired in French (his second language).

  “No, not really, just scanning Eden for animal signs,” he replied.

  “Yeah, I was talking to Anne about that. She hasn’t seen any signs of large animals either.”

  “No, none of us has. I think the New Zealand theory might be right.”

  “Listen, I wanted to connect with you after Alice threw her grenade, see how you were coping… and to offer our apology…”

  “Our?”

  “Yes, the Crickets, and Anaïs, who is here with me.”

  Anaïs appeared over Li Li’s left shoulder, her long hair freed from its usually carefully coiffured ponytail. “It was a shock to me too,” she said, attempting a placating smile.

  “Alice lacks tact,” said Li Li. “She means well. I am afraid she is like her mother. Alice was a designer baby. Her father is an anonymous donor selected from a sperm bank specialising in high IQ. To her such things are normal.”

  “Yes, well it was a shock. Of course I have heard of these things…”

  “It was never intended to be so mechanical,” said Anaïs. “We would have to get to know each other, and like each other. Alice doesn’t quite understand these emotional necessities.”

  Prosperous blushed. Clearly Anaïs was not ruling a liaison out. “But I don’t know anything about you, this situation is absurd,” he stammered.

  “Yes, it is,” said Li Li. “Which is why I think you two should talk face to face, so you can be assured of each other’s good intentions.”

  “The schedule is tight…”

  “Are you free now?” asked Anaïs. “Li Li’s room is only two floors up. I would feel so much better if we cleared the air.”

  “We really can’t afford too much interpersonal tension,” added Li Li. “Best to deal with any awkwardness immediately, don’t you agree?”