by Gary Starta
“Because, Steven argued, “the old way included such evils as slavery. Do you condone that behavior just because it’s old world? We were designed to evolve; but not just physically. I’m talking mentally.”
“You’re talking mental all right,” Jon said snickering. Steven then paused and also began to laugh. “You know, I’m beginning to sound more and more like Linda everyday.”
Before Steven could finish his laughter, he noticed Jon’s face had suddenly turned pale. The surgeon’s jaw dropped open as he motioned silently for Steven to turn around and look at the municipal building. Someone was teetering on the precipice of the building. In a few seconds, that being was plummeting in a free fall to the ground.
Jon and Steven dropped their balls and gloves and raced towards the municipal building. The two men feared the worst as they drew closer upon the fallen body. Steven feared he would be witness to a gruesome sight as the jumper fell straight onto a simulated concrete substance. Although the synthetic material was designed to allow the ground underneath it to breathe, it’s consistency was the same as natural concrete and would be very unforgiving to those who fell upon it. Even Sanderson could feel his stomach becoming queasy despite working many years as a plastic surgeon. Sanderson could not help himself from thinking that the injured man would probably need extensive re constructive surgery—if he had survived the impact.
Upon closer inspection, the two men recognized the man was Peter Ciprelli. Jon and Steve suddenly realized they had rushed to his aid out of pure instinct. There wasn’t much they could do to help the man who now lay face down on the ground.
Just as Steven turned to ask Jon what to do next, Peter uttered a few muffled groans. The men were shocked into silence as the victim then proceeded to roll onto his back under his own power. Peter had suffered a few minor abrasions on his hands and forehead, but other than that he looked fine.
“We’ve got to get him to Dr. Hiroshi,” Steven mumbled in disbelief. In what seemed like a surreal moment, Peter sat straight up and said, “I am fine.” Ciprelli was upon his feet before the men could produce any further reactions.
In his home, Mikola Petrovsky was also witnessing the quick recovery with the aid of a micro camera he had installed on the building. Things were working as planned, despite Peter’s escape from serious injury. Mikola knew he could now kick his mind control game up another notch.
Chapter 3: Net Worth
Brooke Lawrence welcomed Renee Mercer onto her live Internet broadcast with a warm smile and an outstretched hand. Just a few minutes before the show, Brooke had been busy staving off Mercer’s sexual advances with a cold stare and a guarded stance. But Lawrence knew she’d have to put up with some of Mercer’s unbecoming behavior in order to find out why no reporters were allowed to interview the Ceres colonists. The more uncouth Mercer became, the more the Harvard law school student suspected the World Aeronautics Association was trying to keep a terrible secret under wraps.
As Lawrence started to address Mercer with her first question, the security executive cut her off mid-sentence to compliment her fashion sense.
“Your long brown hair and that purple suit are just stunning together,” Mercer commented.
Brooke could not hide how uncomfortable she was with Mercer’s assessment and quickly scrambled to repeat her initial inquiry. “Tell me Mr. Mercer, as head of security and public relations at the W.A.A., how proud are you of the civilian colonists?”
Mercer paused a moment to sip some water. He wanted to be careful how he responded to the question as the security executive could now sense that the interviewer may be interested in more than just space association publicity. Renee could smell blood in the water just like any good shark—that’s why he was top profiler for the Virginia PD once upon a time. Taking a deep breath, he meted out a contrived answer which sounded like it had been rehearsed the night before. “Brooke, I am beaming like the parent who finds out his son or daughter has just had a child. I feel like the grand overseer of this project. Each man and woman we successfully send to Ceres will produce offspring that will become the first generation of children on a new world. It took the association more than a century to finally make this day a reality. I would like to congratulate all the men and women of the space program who made this possible.”
“Mr. Mercer, the stories in the papers have also credited artificial intelligence for making the colonization a reality. Would you like to say anything on behalf of the A.I.’s that built and piloted Terran’s Ark?”
“I would say thank you—but the technology you speak of is not programmed to accept compliments. Suffice to say, I would much rather compliment your beauty, Brooke.”
“My research indicates that most of the funding for the Ceres project was allocated to the development of robots. Surely, they played a large part in the project. I can’t see how we’d be having this interview if not for them. I would remind our viewers that failed technology was the reason the first ship of scientists never made it to their destination. So it seems to me that the robots are making it possible for Earth businesses to eventually cash in big on their investments. I want our net viewers to know that A.I.’s have also replaced many of your technicians over the years. It seems peculiar that on the eve of the colonization, we experienced the horrific murders of at least two of those workers. Can there possibly be any connection to the association’s heavy reliance on robotic hardware and the deaths of those space techs?”
Mercer then squirmed nervously in his seat. Although Renee realized Lawrence’s show was not being broadcast on the major news networks, he certainly did not like the way the interview was turning out. If he said anything controversial in this interview, it was guaranteed that every news agency would pay big bucks for the rights to broadcast it 24/7. So Renee reasoned it would be best to place a sincere and compassionate look on his face to address the murders of his employees; however, he was having little success. Renee had not been called upon to smooth over any scandals of late. He was used to toying with the likes of Kay Jennings, a reporter who could easily be bought when the result translated into fame for her. He also was used to his employees following his orders without question like when he commanded his security guards to gun down Phil Jackson in cold blood. Mercer braced himself as to how his response would come out. A pounding in the back of his head from the previous night’s drinking spree wasn’t making things any easier.
With a dry, raspy voice, Mercer began his answer. “I can only express my deepest sympathy for the families of our dear, departed technicians. I want their loved ones to know that their work also paved the way for the future we now envision on Ceres. As the world sadly knows, Chuck Paterson and Bob Schmitt murdered each other over love. Dana Jackson is quite a temptress,” Mercer added with a phony chuckle. “I would also like the viewers to know that the disappearance of Phil Jackson was also due to his unfortunate relationship with Mrs. Jackson. Sometimes our workers put so much dedication into their jobs that their family life suffers. The association is now offering free counseling programs to any worker who feels the stress of balancing their work and home life.”
“But Mr. Mercer, your human workers are facing more layoffs and job re-assignments due to the implementation of A.I.’s. Doesn’t the association believe the heavy dependence on robotics is more responsible for creating the anxiety you referred to than the charms of a single woman?”
“We will always need our human techs to oversee the function and maintenance of our robots. I am also proud to announce we have authorized more vacation time for our human employees. Of course, our robotic friends will not share in this extra leisure time,” Mercer added with forced laughter.
“So shouldn’t you also be offering more rights to your non-human employees? I hope you were just joking about their treatment. As a future lawyer, I would fight for the rights of any being who is treated like a slave.”
“As you should, my dear. I will offer a full benefit package to our robots when the federa
tion officially declares their sentience. Right now, they are not considered living creatures.”
“But you and your investors would have to agree they are valuable creatures, Mr. Mercer?”
“Totally. Our investors can be assured they are receiving the best care and maintenance.”
“I find it odd that humans who may feel the threat of job security would be so willing to provide this maintenance.”
“Brooke, our techs our consummate professionals. We would never hire anything less. Again, I salute our workers.”
“I’d like to ask you Mr. Mercer why a rumor is circulating that the publication of a forthcoming book is being held up due to its content. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand this book is being authored by one of our revered Ceres citizens. Is there any reason why our free society should be concerned about the colonist’s mission? I mean it’s not like we have nation’s competing for engineering secrets.”
“This is just standard procedure, Brooke. The screening process for becoming a colonist is very rigorous as I’m sure you well know. We have to be assured that only a certain light gets cast back to Earth about the traveling process. A fatigued astronaut might have some criticisms about that process which might not encourage the enlistment of the next generation of colonists. The writer of this memoir may regret publishing negative comments after time goes by and they have had sufficient time to reflect upon their journey. The book publishing industry sometimes wants to print subjects while they’re hot without regard to the impact they may have upon society. I believe the public should be guarded from this type of journalism.”
“Should the public be so guarded from the colonist’s commentaries? As a journalist, attorney and federation citizen, I wonder why I cannot freely interview our nation’s heroes.”
“In due time, my dear…” Mercer was then suddenly flanked by two large police officers. Renee’s plans for fame most likely did not include his impending arrest. The CSI’s had obtained a financial record indicating Mercer transferred credit discs to Turner. There was no accompanying record indicating the payment was for any courier service. This gave law enforcement officials sufficient reason to suspect that Mercer had ordered a hit. Renee flailed his arms in protest upon his arrest which was broadcast before a small Internet audience. That small audience would soon grow to billions once Lawrence sold her recording to the media giants. But during this moment, Brooke was enjoying the true display of Mercer’s character. With a heavy dose of arrogance and barbaric behavior, Renee screamed, “You don’t know who you’re fooling with. These are false charges. And Lawrence—you bitch—you can expect a lawsuit from the association.”
Brooke’s suspicions had been confirmed. A scandal was being covered up by the space association. No other journalist had thought to call them out on the carpet for their “no interview” policy. All the other writers were busy furthering the career of Dana Jackson.
Mercer’s ill display soon produced shocked reactions around the world. Even Sparkles the cat—who never missed her owner’s show— bristled with disgust while perched in front of a home computer. And Sparkles only reserved judgment for the worst of mankind.
Chapter 4: Bruised Egos
“I can’t find anything wrong with him other than some abrasions and bruises. There is no bone or organ damage nor do I find any signs of internal bleeding. Peter Ciprelli is one lucky man.” Dr. Hiroshi spoke in a hushed but curious tone to Jon Sanderson and Steven Carlisle while Peter rested quietly on a couch in the doctor’s living room a few hours after his fall from the top of the municipal building. “Right now, I’d say you two are in need of some rest as well by the looks on your faces,” stated Hiroshi in reference to the pale color of their faces. “It was fortunate that technology came to the rescue as I doubt either of you had the fortitude to assist Mr. Ciprelli on your own. Sanderson and Carlisle had used their data net transmitter to summon an air coach to the scene of the accident. The coach, which was equipped with emergency medical equipment, lifted Ciprelli onto its bio-bed with no help from the two conscientious, but panicked colonists.
Neither the plastic surgeon nor the science fiction aficionado could muster enough courage to ask Ciprelli any questions about the nose dive he took from the three story building. They were just too shocked by Peter’s calm demeanor. The men hoped Akira’s medical prowess would provide an answer to the mysterious happenstance. However, Hiroshi could only offer a physical diagnosis. “Gentlemen, when I asked Peter for an explanation as to what he was doing on top of the building he could not provide me with any further details than you did. Are you sure he willingly took the plunge from the roof? Peter says he was feeling too disoriented at the time of the incident to explain his motivation for climbing on top of the building. I can only surmise that maybe it was related to some architectural concern he may have had about the structure. Since he was the one who designed the holographic building, it would stand to reason that his fall was possibly work related.”
“I don’t believe that to be the case,” Steven said in defiance to Hiroshi’s analysis.
“The doctor could very well be right, Steven. Let’s not keep Akira from his patient.” Jon had quickly intervened before Carlisle could utter another word. Sanderson then made an odd motion with his eyes to indicate that Steven should refrain from any further commentaries. When Sanderson surmised he and Carlisle were out of ear shot of Hiroshi, the plastic surgeon defended their abrupt exit. “Steven I think there’s something odd going on around here, too. However, I think we should plan a course of action before divulging our concerns to the scientists. I suggest we meet with Linda to discuss this issue as soon as possible.”
“I am in total agreement with you on this one,” Steven responded to Jon. “I think we’ve been kept out of the loop about something. I mean, why weren’t we alerted of the scientist’s illness as soon as it happened?”
The two men proceeded to enter the air coach and programmed its navigation system to take them to the Dougherty’s house. In his living quarters, Dr. Hiroshi had heard the men’s private conversation thanks to Adrian McElroy’s cybernetic skills. The androids had been equipped to hear conversations that took place up to one football field away.
“Please gentleman, just take a sip of your chamomile tea to calm yourselves. Although I am an excellent counselor, I cannot hear two simultaneous conversations.” Linda strained her vocal chords to speak over the din of her two visitors. Sanderson and Carlisle were talking over one another in their excitement to explain the strange incident they had witnessed a few hours earlier. The counselor decided to brew a pitcher of a soothing tea to quiet her guest’s outbursts.
After downing his beverage in three swallows, Carlisle launched into a diatribe which warned Dougherty of a conspiracy. Steven explained his suspicions were validated by Dr. Hiroshi who rushed to provide a reasonable explanation for Peter’s unusual fall. Jon backed up Steven’s assessment with his eyewitness account of Peter’s dive from the building. “He willingly took the jump, Linda. And now I might too as I am troubled deeply to find myself in agreement with Steven,” Sanderson joked wryly.
“It was so odd, Linda,” Steven interjected. “Only a few minutes after his crash landing, I hear this Mr. Ciprelli telling me he is doing just fine. I have fallen out of my holographic bed several times due to programming errors and found myself in more misery and pain then him.”
“I have listened to your incoherent babbling for minutes at a time and found myself to have been a victim of excruciating pain,” Jon said to Steven in mock disgust.
Sanderson then quickly shifted his gaze towards Linda before Steven could protest the accusation. “If the scientists are indeed keeping us in the dark about something—shouldn’t we make preparations to protect ourselves?”
Linda wanted to console Jon and Steven for making valid points even though her counseling skills told her to deflect their concerns in order to maintain control. “This still isn’t a good time to break the news that
the scientists are androids. I cannot risk divulging the truth until there is a life and death situation,” she thought to herself. Linda also did not want her husband to become privy to the men’s accusations. “Matt would not hesitate to send a distress call to Earth even before there was any real distress,” Linda thought. She quickly envisioned an order coming from the aeronautics association to demand the deactivation and dismantling of the human/android hybrids if the secret was revealed. Dougherty then reasoned it would be best to buy some more time before giving Sanderson and Carlisle a plan of action.
“I thank you for bringing this concern to my attention. But please remember gentlemen that we have just landed on a new planet after traveling five years in space. Let’s be sure our initial response to any situation we deem to be unusual is carefully thought out. These men and women have risked their lives to build our new homes on Ceres— therefore, I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt before making any serious allegations. We still have no proof that something strange is going on. Until we do, I cannot jeopardize the colonization of this planet on theories alone.
I will consult my husband Matt about the proper protocol for contacting the space association in these matters. Please give me some time to get back to you before taking any action.”
After the men left, Linda beat herself up for the lies she had just told her friends. There certainly was proof that something strange was going on here. However, the mission would have ended in failure if McElroy did not build the androids to take over for the ill scientists. The scientist had also provided measures for the colonists to take in case of an extreme situation. Linda did not want to betray McElroy’s efforts. She believed the colonists were not in any extreme danger— even if one of them had plummeted from a roof top—and she wanted to honor the late doctor’s wishes. She also wanted to keep Ceres as independent as possible from Earth’s governments. What Linda didn’t know was that Mikola Petrovsky’s specialty was creating extremely dangerous situations.