“That’s the idea, Alma, they can’t. But when you live in a potentially hostile environment like we do, our people have to be better, know more and have better imaginations than the kids in the U.S. There’s just no real comparison,” said Maxwell.
“That’s for damn sure. There’s people in America who repudiate science as a matter of political doctrine, essentially advocating for the next generation to be even more stupid than they are. It’s criminally insane,” Phillip observed, shaking his head. “We did ourselves a favor ridding ourselves of conservative white men, historically they bring absolutely nothing of use to a community to the table.”
“A little harsh, isn’t that, dear?” Alma said, smiling.
“It’s true. How can you plan for an effective, productive future when you deny the truth about climate science, or when you persist in claiming that the Earth is seven thousand years old and that the Flintstones cartoon is essentially a documentary? Religion has its place in helping maintain a community, but when it repudiates scientific truth in the name of doctrine, then it ceases to be a positive force. And looking at it from a biblical perspective, if we want to extrapolate from currently accepted folklore, then those of us living in this colony are truly the chosen people. We have more riches than those on Earth, we are better intellectually, we’re healthier, and we’re destined to live longer; we even live in Heaven! How do you think that notion would sit with so-called Christians?” Phillip asked rhetorically. “They already covet our belongings, our advancements in health, and a host of other things they imagine that we have. This all leads to the question Christopher called in a roundabout way.”
Maxwell laughed. “I was wondering if that was the direction you were heading.”
“How’s that, Max?” Alma asked.
“Because if the question called passes with a sizable majority, then we must play our part in the development of the entire human race. We won’t be able to shirk the responsibility any longer.”
“Has anyone said anything about the question to you, made any unexpected comment?” Alma asked Maxwell.
“A few, mostly little questions of clarification. I’ve also had way too many people tell me that it’s about damn time. We need to do something, I agree with Chris on that point. If some Russian asshole can secretly equip a spaceship with rockets and attack us here, we need to better protect ourselves,” he replied.
“If I had to guess, the question is going to pass overwhelmingly,” said Phillip.
“Why is that, dear?” asked Alma.
“For two reasons. One being punitive and the other based entirely on self-preservation. If it enhances security here, a whole lot of folks are going to go for it. Chris described how an old Soviet nuclear missile was fired at our ships, word of that is probably already making the rounds. I hate to say it, but Chris has been right from the day he decided to leave Earth and go to the moon. He knew this day would come, Max. Can’t you see?”
“Today, absolutely I can. But if you would have asked me even a week ago I would have called you crazy,” Maxwell said seriously.
“Lucius has hinted around about how Christopher has always had a master plan for us and Earth, but I didn’t see this one coming at all,” Alma said. “When we picked up Sydney and Lucius and then initiated Project Relo, I thought we were pretty much through with Earth. We had a genetically diverse community, we had the smartest people from the planet, and we were all the same race. We all pretty much believe the same things, and though we all left people behind we loved,” she said reaching for Phillip’s hands, “we knew what we were doing was necessary, and bigger than any one of us.”
“There may be a net benefit to Christopher’s plan that people won’t see for years, at least that’s what I think,” Maxwell declared.
“I agree, otherwise I would have said so,” Phillip added.
“And the logistics must be doable, right?” Alma asked.
“They are. It requires some personnel, and maybe a new base station. Peanut says his team could put one together in a month if needed, or re-purpose an existing one. No weapons, just defensive equipment and a Genesis clone for added safety,” described Maxwell.
“What’s your guess about how the community is going to vote, Max?” Alma asked.
“Good question. If I had to guess, the question is going to easily pass. The Svoboda mission was a threat to us all, so no one is going to consider that lightly. Had Chris called the question before the missile attack, I don’t think it would have passed; hell, it still might not. But I don’t think so. I think there’s plenty of support for the question, and we don’t have long to wait until the count is complete.”
“If we can say one thing about Chris, his timing is nearly always perfect,” Phillip said in admiration.
“It is. Now all we have to do is wait,” said Maxwell.
Chapter 41
WOKE UP THIS MORNING
The question was called, and when the final tally had been recorded, only eighteen members of the community had objected or abstained. When Genesis posted the results, the council formally considered the question called and answered. Implementation was now up to Christopher.
He gathered a team to work out the framework of the project, the logistics, personnel and contingencies. Since he had been thinking about the question ever since he left Earth, most of the work consisted of pulling together those he needed for materials acquisition and construction help for a new space station (Peanut insisted on calling it the Death Star) and a couple of jumpers equipped with extra heavy shields.
Christopher had no shortage of volunteers for his long-term project; even Chuck said he would contribute his time on the new space station to ensure everything went smoothly. Work on converting one of the more recently built science space stations for the new task proceeded quickly, with expansion of living and storage space the primary interior modifications, along with the addition of the heaviest shields Peanut’s team had ever produced. The output of this station could power the Pentagon for a year if needed. The one attribute that Christopher was most proud of in his extended family was that when something needed to be done, it simply got done!
In nine days the space station was reconfigured and armored up. Two standard jumpers were equipped with even stronger shields, tractors and power generators than the Jupiter-equipped spacecraft. Christopher and the council had more than forty volunteers for staffing the project, which not surprisingly included Andrea. Christopher left the team selection to the council knowing that Patricia, Chuck, Peanut and anyone else he could name would not allow him any further adventures where he could be in harm’s way. Andrea’s report of his behavior while in Earth’s neighborhood guaranteed that, and earned quite the tongue-lashing from Patricia.
Christopher understood why everyone was so protective and single-minded about it, though secretly he really resented their concern. However, the community was about to embark on its most ambitious plan since their secret immigration to the moon. And though it was his idea, and his plan, he was going to have to be content with helming the project safely ensconced in the colony, not in the wilds of outer space or traveling to Earth where the simplest thing like a traffic fender-bender could put him at risk for capture, or worse.
Just before the plan was to be initiated, Chuck and Peanut asked him to join them for dinner at Sherman’s.
Once they were seated, they toasted Riley and paused a moment to remember their absent brother.
“We haven’t seen much of you these last few days, you straight?” Chuck asked Christopher.
“I’m fine. I needed to step back a bit, and I wanted to spend some time with Ben and Pat. I kind of feel like I’m at a transition point in my life, that events in our community have reached a point where I can finally let go a little bit.”
“Bud, if you can do that, let go of some of that burden of responsibility, I’ll be glad to see it come to
pass,” said Peanut. “If anyone deserves to pull back a bit, it’s you, maybe even a little brother or sister for Ben should be in your future,” he added, blushing as the others laughed.
“That just might be in the works, we’ll see,” Christopher replied, smiling at his friend. “It’s hard to admit just how weary I am from making sure we’re all safe here, that everyone is living a life they don’t regret choosing. I’m not sure how much of this is psychological or maybe the retrovirus wearing out.”
Both Chuck and Peanut looked at Christopher in alarm with Peanut blurting out, “You’re not sick or anything, are you, Chris?”
“No—no, it’s nothing like that,” he quickly answered to reassure them. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that the weight has been hard to carry all these years. And I know it was all my own doing, that none of you all made me take on all that responsibility. But ever since that first trip to the moon I’ve been terrified I made a mistake and everyone else was going to pay for it.”
“This isn’t news to us, brother. You’ve always been wound a little tight, but if you hadn’t been that way we wouldn’t be here. We’re all the result of our pasts, Chris. Imagine if I hadn’t turned back when the team was picking on you and Peanut. I just don’t see how all this would have turned out the way it did. For damn sure I wouldn’t be here.
“As for you being worn out from all the worry and stress, it’s no wonder. But if you’re seriously talking about dialing back the Mother Hen routine, I’m behind you one hundred percent; we all are,” Chuck said, as Peanut nodded in agreement.
“We have so much to do to move our science and technology to the next level, and with you getting back to your research roots it’s going to be great, Chris. I can’t think of anything I will be looking forward to more than for you to head up research and development again. Give it some serious thought. You got Lucius and the others back safely, and your plans are going to keep us safe for years to come. It’s time for you to maybe just be a dad and a scientist. If anyone’s earned it, it’s you,” said Peanut.
“Yeah, maybe,” Christopher said quietly as their food arrived.
Once they started eating, the conversation turned to the interdimensional probe and how Peanut saw the first test playing out. “First of all, I’m hoping that the probe manages to leave our universe; then, of course, that it comes back. Then I’ll—we’ll have to pore over the data that the Genesis clone records to see exactly what we’re dealing with in terms of universal physical constants. I’ll say this, if it comes back to our universe intact, I figure we’re halfway home,” Peanut declared.
“How’s that?” Chuck asked, clearly confused.
“I think what Peanut means is that if the probe rotates out of our universe and returns intact, the interdimensional space isn’t going to immediately destroy future probes or ships,” said Christopher.
“That’s right. TJ and I are reasonably sure our shields can protect the probe, essentially bringing and holding a piece of our universe around the probe so the hardware works predictably. We’ll have to do that anyway once our ships follow the probe in order to keep the crews alive,” Peanut said.
“When and where do you plan on doing the first test?” asked Christopher.
“Any time now. As for where? A hell of a long distance away from the colony, maybe on the other side of the solar system; I don’t want to take any chances.”
“That sounds good,” said Christopher. Then he looked at Chuck and asked, “Are you going to be in on the test?”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it!” Chuck replied enthusiastically.
“Tell you what, once you get your show on the road, Chris, we can all go and test the probe together. Besides, you have to be there, it’s all because of your work that I’ve gotten this far along,”
“Get the fuck out of here, you’re right up there with Chris! Look at everything you’ve come up with on your own,” Chuck said, punching Peanut in the shoulder.
“But it all began with his first discovery,” Peanut protested, pointing at Christopher.
“That’s bullshit! That’s like saying Thomas Edison didn’t do jack because it was Benjamin Franklin who discovered electricity! Sorry my baby-brother-braniac, you’re just going to have to accept your due,” Chuck said, raising his glass, clinking with Christopher and Peanut. “To fallen friends, to us, and to an unlimited future,” he said.
After they drank, Christopher said, “We’ve come a long way. Even I never dreamed this was where we’d be today.”
“Really? Where did you think all this was going?” asked Peanut.
Christopher was quiet for a few moments, then said, “Hell, I don’t know. The idea for Project Relo kind of crept up on me. But once it sank in, it seemed kind of obvious. I even imagined that we might one day land the colony somewhere on Earth and have our own, ready-made city. But screw that now! Literally, the sky’s the limit for us thanks to you. But first we have to implement my plan.”
“And about damn time, too!” Chuck exclaimed.
“A whole lot of people are going to be surprised when it goes down. When are you scheduled to pull the trigger?” asked Peanut.
“We deploy tomorrow,” Christopher replied.
“That fast?” Chuck said, surprised.
“Peanut and I worked out exactly how robust the reinforced shields are, everything’s going to work out just fine.”
* * *
The world was still abuzz over the nuclear detonation in outer space, with the majority of the world laying the blame at the feet of the Russians. Claims were being prepared to file against Russia for their nuclear warhead’s destruction of electronics in orbit and on the surface of the planet. The United Nations was collaborating with the World Court in prosecuting Russia’s actions and the Svoboda crew, not to mention the discussion of serious economic sanctions for violating the Strategic Arms Limitation and Atmospheric Test Ban treaties. The World Court issued subpoenas for the Jove crew to appear at The Hague for the trial, including John under his assumed name.
“So are you going to go?” Bianca asked, as they ate dinner at an upscale New York eatery in the Soho district.
“I have to. The board held onto my secret identity. And with a pair of glasses and a Groucho Marx mustache and eyebrows, who’s going to know?” John replied, laughing.
“Madam Secretary has already informed me that I have to go as well. Maybe we can arrange to share a room while we’re there,” she said, winking. “I really wanted to try to invoke some kind of diplomatic immunity, but since I was the U.N. representative on the Jove mission, I have to testify. At least we’ll be able to spend time together there. I have to admit that I’m getting to really like having you around,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “New city, new restaurants, they can’t keep us in session all day and all night. And with that disguise you’re talking about, it’ll be like having a brand-new lover!”
Once their laughter died down, Bianca grew serious as she took a sip of her wine. “The attack on our ship and the colony is one thing, but the use of Cold War nuclear warheads against the colonists is a serious issue the international community must address. I can’t help but suspect that the separatists are not going to take that particular attack lying down. I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Plus, there’s all the damage the EMP caused down here. That’s not going to be overlooked either.”
Just then John’s mobile started vibrating. When he looked to see who it was, he was somewhat surprised to see it was Weston, who almost never called him after work hours.
“Excuse me, I have to take this,” he said. “Yes, Tom, what’s up? Really? No, I’ll be there.”
As soon as he disconnected the call, Bianca asked, “Is it something serious?” just as her mobile rang. Raising an eyebrow, she answered. Her conversation was even shorter with her only saying, “I understand.”
“Okay, you go first,” John said, chuckling.
“The White House has informed Madam Secretary that there is an inbound spacecraft from the colony due in the neighborhood tomorrow morning. And you?”
“Tom called to tell me that I have a meeting with the board of directors at 6:00 A.M.”
“Not a coincidence I’m thinking,” Bianca said, draining her wine in one gulp. “I’m wanted back at the office,” she said with regret. “Call me when you’re done with the board. I’ll probably still be in with the secretary.”
“I will,” he said, signaling for the check.
When they left the restaurant, John wasn’t surprised to see a car with diplomatic plates waiting for the ambassador. As the driver got out to open the door for Bianca, she asked, “Need a lift?”
“That’s all right. It’s not far. I’m going to walk off dinner,” he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
* * *
“I am not going down into that God damned bunker until there’s damn good reason to!” President Laughlin nearly shouted, surprising his wife and his personal agent.
“I’m sorry, sir. I have my orders,” Agent Andrews said apologetically. “We could just carry you down,” he said, smiling.
“The hell you will. Look, that spacecraft isn’t scheduled to reach lunar orbit until sometime in the morning, I’m not going to sleep in the basement for nothing. It takes less than ten minutes to get down there and get buttoned up. If the ship accelerates and looks like it’s going to get here faster, then wake me up.”
Confrontation Page 70