The Way of the Seed_Earth Spawn of Kalpeon

by Richard Dean Hall

  PART THREE

  The nature of man brings death and destruction by waging war, but pales in comparison to the wrath of nature to bring more.

  —Thanatos Amondo

  49

  CATAL HUYUK, IN WHAT WILL BECOME MODERN-DAY TURKEY

  6800 BC

  Barjeen looked over his shoulder as an audible ping announced Robfebe’s arrival. She crossed the observation deck to the open viewing area.

  “Is it what you expected?” She pointed to the city.

  “It has grown considerably since we first introduced seeds into it,” Barjeen said.

  “The planet has completed a thousand seasonal rotations around its sun since we inserted the two called Asil and Ece.”

  “And what is the total population?” Barjeen asked.

  “Counting those that live in the outlying villages, there are more than ten thousand inhabitants.”

  “And is their interaction of the way?”

  “It is,” Robfebe began with an affirmative nod. “They are totally egalitarian and cooperative, and have no hierarchy of privilege or power. Their resources are plentiful.”

  “So, they haven’t been tested by aggression and war?” Barjeen asked.

  “Not yet, but it will come when lesser groups grow strong enough and attempt to take what they want and need by force.”

  “And then the pattern will begin.” Barjeen shook his head. “Cities will become countries, and empires will arise from war and conquest. Nothing will change for their future but the technology to kill each other more efficiently and continue the cycle.”

  “Why should we expect it to be any different on this small planet?” Robfebe shrugged. “The model has always been accurate, and the progression on the other planets always the same. They will wage war, breed exponentially, deplete the resources, and poison the biosphere to the point of their own extinction. When destruction of the biosphere becomes imminent, we will intervene and begin the progress.”

  “Has the model predicted a period of potential biosphere destruction?” Barjeen asked.

  “We have an approximation,” Robfebe began. “Given the current data for the planet and historical scenarios from others, the naturals of the population will exceed the carrying capacity of the planet within approximately nine thousand orbits of the primary star. At that time, the resource wars will begin and escalate steadily.”

  “What will the final population of the naturals be?” Barjeen asked.

  “Approaching eleven billion. Those of the seed will number approximately fifty million. The final self-destruction will be rapid. Their final destructive technology will be primitive thermonuclear, but it will be enough to kill off most of the species, including the seed, with first use. After the biosphere destruction, disease will eliminate the rest of the naturals, but we will never let it get to that point.”

  “Correct,” Barjeen said with a wave of his hand. “We will set the interdiction at a population level of seven to ten billion, and until then continue harvesting, modifying, and reinserting until we have enough of the seed for the final transformation process. Are the two males and females ready to join the pair here now?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Robfebe nodded. “They have been further physiologically modified to the same degree as the two in the city.”

  “And their cerebral capacity?” Barjeen asked.

  “It is still evolving.” Robfebe gestured to the side of her head. “Since we first took them and modified the genes for brain development, their neocortex spheres have continued to increase in size and function relative to their environmental and group experiences. However, to ensure that process continues in future group dynamics, we have additionally altered the chemical composition of the brains to increase synaptic speed and intensity along neural pathways, which will result in the growth of additional networks. This will result in even more enhanced cognitive thought, quicker reasoning and response time to any situation, and accelerated motor skills.”

  “Then their brain modifications are complete?”

  “For now, they will be sufficient,” Robfebe answered.

  “And what are the additional modifications you mentioned?”

  “First,” Robfebe began, “we have successfully addressed the problem of brain damage caused by lack of oxygen from blood loss due to injury. We have engineered a synthetic molecular red blood cell, a hemocule. When introduced into the circulatory system, it replicates and migrates to all organs and tissue in the body. When injury occurs and blood loss reaches a point where organs begin to shut down and the brain goes unconscious, the hemocules begin saturating all organs and the brain with super-enriched oxygen. They prevent damage until the blood can be replenished and the synthetic stem cells can repair any damage to the body.”

  “But,” interrupted Barjeen, “how can that much blood be naturally replenished?”

  Robfebe acknowledged the question with a nod. “We synthesized an amino-acid accelerant that dramatically increases the rate of red blood–cell production in the bone marrow. It has tested extremely effective.” She patiently waited for the next question.

  “How long does it take to replenish that much blood loss?”

  “If,” Robfebe continued, “the loss were massive, it could take the better part of an entire day, but that is acceptable since the hemocules would prevent any permanent organ or brain damage during the process.”

  “But would the damage to the organs or brain be repaired as quickly?”

  “Not normally with just synthetic stem cells, but we have engineered nanobots that work with the synthetic stem cells and accelerate the regeneration process.”

  Barjeen was impressed. “Are you telling me that even with serious injury and blood loss that would normally cause death they will recover fully?”

  “Within an approximate two-day period they will recover fully, but there is a problem and an inherent danger that could result in loss of the specimen.”

  Barjeen frowned. “If the process has tested well, what is the danger?”

  “Two things: time and environment. The process is totally effective. It begins when the brain nears unconsciousness from oxygen loss. At that instant, the hemocules supply enriched oxygen to maintain all tissues, organs, and especially the brain while the synthetic stem cells and nanobots begin all cellular regeneration. However, with extensive injury, the aborning process can take a full day or more to bring the body to an incipient level and completely restore consciousness and normal function.”

  “And for that time, the specimen will be vulnerable to the immediate environment and could be destroyed,” Barjeen said.

  “Yes, and in any number of ways. It could be scavenged by animals, immolated, crushed, or even buried by mistake since it will appear dead until the aborning process nears completion, consciousness is restored, and normal respiratory function resumes. Unless the body is protected or isolated from danger, it could be destroyed.”

  “It is inevitable that we will lose some. We always do,” Barjeen said with a shrug, “but enough will survive to the transformation period. By then they will have seen and experienced enough to be ready to lead. Now tell me of any other modifications you have made to the specimens.”

  “We have made one additional modification due to the larger-than-usual number of poisonous species on the planet. We created a grouping of modified amino acids that can neutralize toxins produced by any poisonous fauna on the planet. The seed specimens will be totally immune to any injected toxins, and even if they are bitten or stung multiple times, they will only be mildly affected.”

  Barjeen nodded with quiet admiration. “As usual, you have done considerably to prepare those selected. Now all we can do is reintroduce them and monitor their progress. Hopefully they will survive, learn, and progress. We will reintroduce the chosen ones tomorrow, unless you foresee any problems.”

  “No problems. They’re ready physically, and in fact, I’m sure they will be exhilarated. Even though their conscious mi
nds have been in a coma state, their subconscious has been deprived of the pleasure they derive from the environment they are used to. Now that they are sentient, the experience of returning and the stimulation will be emotionally charged and uplifting. They are ready,” Robfebe smiled, “to return to their world and to learn.”

  50

  The following morning, Ott, Cha, Graf, and Yaan stood in the open expanse of the bay door as the shuttle craft hovered a foot above the grass of an open meadow, surrounded by a wide swath of towering forest. Gray slivers of dawn spread through the darkness, and the first rays of sunlight were peeking above the trees as Ott and the others turned to the rear of the bay for a final look. Thirty feet to the rear, Barjeen and Robfebe stood stoically as they watched. Barjeen took several steps forward and raised his hands palms forward. Ott looked to his own palms and pushed them toward Barjeen. Cha and the others repeated the gesture, and after a moment of silence, Ott spoke in Kalpeoni. They all had been taught the language through hypnopedia while in suspension. He formed the new words with obvious deliberation.

  “We leave to live again, and we will . . . return?” he asked.

  “Yes, Ott, you will return,” Barjeen answered.

  Robfebe stepped to his side and looked to each of them. “All of you shall always return.”

  The look on Ott’s face was that of comprehension borne of a trust that lacked total understanding, but he now knew the living spirts Barjeen and Robfebe were responsible for everything, including the destiny of himself, Cha, Graf, and Yaan. There would be more to learn in time. And there would always be more time.

  Cha stepped closer to Robfebe. “We go, and we return . . . to Barjeen and Robfebe.”

  Robfebe’s mouth curled into a tight smile as she touched Cha’s shoulder. “You will return, but now it is time for a new home.”

  Ott turned to the bay opening. With Cha, Graf, and Yaan at his side, he stepped out of the craft and into the light of a new day in a new land.

  The damp morning air was cool and carried the fragrance of lush vegetation mixed with the crisp sweetness of blankets of wildflowers. Ott, Cha, Graf, and Yaan walked forward at a steady pace. As the sun broke full above the distant tree line, Ott slowed to a stop and swept his vision in all directions. He took a deep breath of the dew-moist air as a pulse of well-being surged through his entire body and invigorated his consciousness. He rolled his head to the cloudless expanse that stretched unbroken to the horizon, and as the white-gold light of the sun warmed his face, he stooped to one knee and rubbed his palm through moist, thick grass. His mind was clear and his senses revived. A second later, with a loud whoop of sheer exhilaration, he leapt forward, bounding with an energy born from the absolute joy of being alive in an environment he loved. He ran with an effortless strength and incredible lightness of being that carried him with total abandon.

  From behind, Cha, Graf, and Yaan glanced to each other, smiles spreading on their faces. Three more whoops erupted in the morning air as they sprang after Ott.

  Approaching the tree line, Ott dropped to a sitting position with his hands resting on his knees. Cha, Graf, and Yaan flopped to the ground around him, rocking with laughter and slapping at the grass. When the laughter subsided, they all eyed each other with a collective introspection. No words were necessary. Their bond had been forged over millennia from when they had first been taken from the cave of Malan, and their lives and thoughts were interwoven in a tight tapestry of shared experience. They had traveled far and seen much over a period of time they couldn’t even comprehend, but now, for the first time, they understood who was responsible. The living spirits Barjeen and Robfebe had given them the gift of ongoing, ageless life and told them they and others like them would someday lead all clans in all lands. But fully understanding what that meant was beyond their conscious ability.

  Ott secured his bow and quiver across his back and cinched his pouch in place as he rose. When the others had done the same, he waved his hand toward the trees, and together they entered the forest with a blind anticipation of what they would find in this new land.

  Fine motes of forest dust and debris swirled and shimmered in the slashes of sunlight that cut through the high canopy of the leafy hardwoods as they picked their way through the thick shrubs and waist-high ferns. They were deep within the lush forest when Graf halted and cocked his head to one side. Everyone watched him. Graf raised his arm and made a chopping motion off to his right. The faint gurgle of running water splashing over rocks rose from that direction. Together they pivoted and headed toward it. Streams were always intersected by game trails, and traveling a well-worn path would make the going easier than picking their way through the undergrowth. Moving quickly toward the splashing sound, they soon reached the quick-flowing stream. They paralleled the stream for several moments until they spotted what they were looking for. The path was beaten bare by constant use. With Graf in the lead, they pushed away from the stream and moved along the path. Of the four, Graf was the most skilled at reading track and sign, and he surveyed the area as they pressed on.

  As they entered a brighter area of the forest, it became clear to Graf that the path was used frequently by both animals and people. He didn’t need to alert the others; the tracks were clear. They all pulled their bows from their backs, and with arrows nocked, proceeded while scanning the brush.

  Graf studied the tracks more closely. Something about them was unusual. He looked back to the others and extended his arm. Everyone pulled to a halt as he stooped to study the swath of tracks. With the skill of thousands of hunts, he interpreted their patterns and nuances. These were not tracks left by people and animals traveling separately. These tracks indicated animals and people walking together.

  Graf was confused. His skill as a tracker told him his interpretation was correct, but his experience told him it should not be. Animals and people did not walk together. They traveled over the same trails, but never together. From behind, Ott, Cha, and Yaan bent low and studied the tracks. In short time, they came to the same conclusion as Graf and were equally puzzled. People did not travel with animals; they hunted or avoided them. After a moment, Graf stood and faced the others. Puzzled expressions returned his gaze.

  Ott looked forward to where sunlight was shining into the trees. He sensed an open area lay ahead. Pointing with the tip of his bow, he stepped along the path toward the light. At the tree line they stopped and exchanged nods, indicating they were ready to step out into the open. Ott motioned forward with his bow, and together they stepped out into the brilliant sunlight. Clear of the trees, they took a few steps before stopping to stare ahead in silent awe at a sight unlike any they had ever seen.

  51

  The structure looming in the distance sprawled in a honeycomb of glistening white walls that stretched back as far as they could see. Unlike any dwellings they had seen before, the white city rose several stories above the green plain and was constructed of hundreds of interconnected, squared-off walls. The exterior walls had no openings of any kind and gleamed a sparkling white against the vibrant green plain and the blue sky above. At the highest level of the city, numerous heads and torsos bobbed along as people peered down from behind a low parapet. Above the first story were other walls offset to the rear, and positioned against them were numerous ladders. No ladders, openings, or entrances of any sort were apparent at ground level.

  The city was fascinating in its height and expanse, but it was the twin volcanic peaks rising in the distant background that made the entire vista awe inspiring. Jutting magnificently above the horizon, the twin cones twirled soft traces of spiraling gray-black smoke high into the sky. The twin peaks both announced and defined the sprawling size of the gleaming city.

  Ott stared for several moments until his concentration was broken by a soft tapping on his arm. He turned to Cha, who was pointing toward a grove of fruit trees on a hillside off to the right. Ott scanned the trees and the surrounding area, but it took several seconds before he could comp
rehend what he was seeing. In front and to the side of the grove, a small flock of sheep was grazing. Off to the side sat a boy with a bow slung over his back, holding a long, thick stick with a curved head. In the middle of the grazing flock, another boy walked among the animals. Ott thought of the tracks that had confused them earlier. The comprehension was obvious and puzzling at the same time. These people not only walked with animals, they controlled them. Ott shook his head. What other strange sights would they find in this new place?

  He exchanged glances with Cha, Graf, and Yaan, and then looked back to the towering white walls and pointed the tip of his bow toward it. Together they continued forward.

  Standing at the base of the wall, Ott rubbed his hand along the smooth surface. It was unlike any rock surface he had ever touched, and though he didn’t know how, he was sure it had been constructed by the people inside. Sounds from above pulled his attention from the wall, and he looked up to the parapet above. All along the edge, people bent over staring down while pointing and chattering to each other. While some just stared, others smiled and balanced children on the ledge so they see the newcomers.

  As Ott watched the growing crowd above, any lingering trepidation faded. These people seemed welcoming and excited to see unannounced strangers at their walls.

  A moment later, two long ladders were lowered to the ground. With the ladders in place, people swung on and scampered down in a steady stream. In a matter of moments, a group of more than a dozen people stood about smiling and pointing at the newcomers. What had started in Ott as caution gave way to a sense of welcome. Ott surveyed the crowd and was taken by something else new and strange. The men and women wore tunics of varying lengths that were emblazoned with bright colors and patterns. The clothing appeared soft and draped smoothly from the shoulders.