Ark II - 40. We're Home!

The time flew by, and they decided to go. Ian was liking his time with Lightening, but hunger made him go back. He promised Lightening he’d be back.

“I love Lightening!” Ian declared on the ride to the Dining Area. He shook his head, “Even with his mother there, he’s a real horse and has been alone.” He looked determined, “He’s not anymore.”

Joel smiled, “I know.”

“You missed it,” Jim said to his brother. “The lake is gorgeous!”

“I saw all sorts of animals,” Kevin agreed. “Butterflies like Dad loves, even rabbits!”

Ian looked disappointed, “It will be there tomorrow, right?” He looked at his parents, “Maybe I could ride one of the horses there and see it?”

“Yes,” Sara Beth agreed. “If you ride one of those android horses, I want you to have someone with you. Your Dad, myself, Rob...someone with you.”

“Okay,” Ian nodded.

 

Getting back to town...town! It was alive with activity, both Human and other animals! From their houses and the town people enjoyed being out. They got a quick lunch and Joel sent out the message about what they wanted for the party. Most people had things brought from home on Earth. The robots and Athena would bring them down. One of those things was Ian’s piano and Kevin’s workout equipment.

There was the dome but that was coming down soon. Joel kicked himself. He hadn’t even seen the buildings in town. He just got here and didn’t have the time. Where was his office? What did the theater look like? Several people were trying to coax the squirrels and chipmunks with unsalted nuts. Salted nuts were for people, not small mammals.

Kevin and Jim were going off to play with their friends. Ian wanted to return to Lightening. The reminder from Sara Beth he had to have some adult with him he nodded his understanding. Sara Beth made his day when she told him they would go back that afternoon.

“Who are you?” Hank demanded of Joel. He instantly grinned, “I haven’t seen you all day!”

Joel laughed, “I was sightseeing with my family. And Ian had to see his new friend Black Lightening.”

“Who?” Hank asked puzzled.

“He’s a year-old black Arabian stallion,” Joel explained. “Then we saw the lake...” he leaned in for confidence, “which we need to name, by the way.”

“An Arabian Stallion?” Hank asked. “He’s not a robot?”

“Nope,” Joel answered. “He kicks, bites and shits.” He glanced at Sara Beth who was talking to Rita. Sara Beth didn’t like this sort of talk. They were comparing their baby swells. Sara Beth had conceived while they orbited Earth. Rita was a few weeks later, but Rita’s swell was as large as Sara Beth’s. Joel remembered Rita was carrying twins so twice the baby swell...and poor Davina who had three!

Hank nodded with appreciation. “He can’t be ridden yet.” He glanced back at the people milling, talking and trying to become friends with the animals here. “Aren’t we spoiling the people?” He shrugged a nod, “I mean we have the robotic dogs and cats...now robotic horses that don’t need feeding or cleaning after...”

Joel nodded, “We are. I think they deserve it. Later, they can choose robots or real creatures. It’s just fair.” He grabbed Hank and shook him gently. “We’re not moving again!”

They heard it. This faint hum.

Joel looked and saw something moving overhead. A section of the dome was being removed and lowered to the ground. There were several robots doing this. The hum was the energy field turning on so nothing would escape. Later, the birds, butterflies and others could come and go freely...after the dome was removed. This would take a day. Just a day.

“We have some messages from Earth to see,” He tugged on Hank. “Let’s see our new office.” He turned to Sara Beth and brought her in for a good heartfelt kiss. “We have some things to do in our new office!”

“Okay,” Sara Beth nodded and waved toward Rita, “We’re going to visit Larisa.”

They separated and went in opposite directions.

“The air is okay now?” Hank asked as they walked.

“You have the link,” Joel poked him lightly in the temple. “Ask Athena. I’d say yes.”

The air had equalized all over Gaea. It was taking a bit longer in the ocean. There was so much of it. The gas processors would work for a few more decades, but the area right off their coast was ready. That contained water had the algae, plankton, and small mollusks. Fish were being added. The crabs, oysters, scallops were watched by Leif and Steve. Joel added to the list of things to do, he had to go to the new undersea complex. It was mostly underwater with a few structures on the surface. He knew there was a large pool, or bay that held enough water to hold a few whales! The barrier kept the treated water for the fish, and other lifeforms alive and breathing. Aquatic mammals breathed air like Humans. All of them would live. Sharks. Like the wolf on land was a misunderstood creature. Wolves were a danger to Humans when bothered. The shark was like them, but always hungry. Swim in their territory and you took your chances. There were people for centuries that openly swam with these predators and suffered no harm. Sharks were strong and didn’t care about your species. You bleed, that was the ultimate lure for sharks. Joel had suggested his sons swim on the beach. Sharks weren’t in the waters here yet. They were coming and when there was enough to eat out in the water, they’d be here. The swimming barrier would go up! All of sharks’ prey were near the shoreline. Humans would be one of the prey! Not for Joel! Lief had some deterrents he used very well on Earth. He and Steve were two of those people to swim openly with sharks carrying no real weapons.

Dolphin! He loved them. Joel had swum many times with those playful, intelligent creatures. They were also super insightful and caring. He’d witnessed children with special needs treated so carefully by dolphins. They toned down their playfulness and even went out of their way to keep the children safe. Okay, Joel loved Flipper. He wanted to have their own Flipper on Gaea. Boats and ships! They would need them on the ocean.

The walk to New Charleston’s offices and theater...even the school would be here. The people walked that far on the Ark. They went around the Angel Oak and entered the main building’s entrance. It was round. The entrance and the other side of the lobby, or rotunda as it was called in many stately government buildings had floor to ceiling windows that were also doors. The ceiling was a couple of stories high and also round with domed glass to allow even more light in. The floor was a mosaic design where points that went from the center of the floor to the edges like a star. Benches were in front of the windows where people could sit and talk or look outside. It was a little sterile at that time but Sara Beth and the others would add the plants and art. No other furniture as this was just to gather and go left or right down corridors. The great thing was the windows! They could see the world outside from in here. Bright sunlight poured in over... Joel tapped his feet on the floor, was this marble?

Hank chuckled, “No.” He answered Joel’s unspoken question. “It looks like marble but is stronger!” He saw Joel’s surprised expression and tapped his own temple. “I got that question pretty clearly.” He waved at where they’d come. “All the flooring and sidewalks are stronger. The roots that are always damaging sidewalks won’t break the sidewalks...even Angel’s roots! That miracle from up there,” Hank pointed straight up, “has strengthened the walls, floors, sidewalks and even the glass we install.” Hank’s head wavered, “Not that you noticed the glass on the windows. If you were like me, you didn’t shut the windows last night but kept them open as I did.”

Joel laughed lightly and nodded, “And slept better than I have in years!”

“We did all this,” Hank smiled, “Using those smart hammers again, but it is our choice about what and how it was put together. Robots put it together after we told them how.”

The school, computer control and labs were to the left and to the right were the conference rooms and offices for Nayef, Tom, and all the other doctors. Their hospital was there but the need for so many beds and rooms should be minimal...for now. The Control Room, as on the Ark was there. Really, the Control Room could now be anywhere with the neural links. It was felt a room to do what Joel and Hank were doing was important. Chairs were around the room that were plush and invited you to sit and relax. There were no monitors or keyboards here. The chairs had arm rests that would come up as needed.

“I’ll pull up the messages,” Joel sighed and sat in one of those chairs. Joel was indeed impressed about how comfortable the chair was. It supported without pressing on your pressure points. Humans worked for thousands of years to make the perfect bed and chairs. The chairs were ergonomic to ease and reduce those pressure points and support the back at the same time. Supporting the spine and lower back. Yeah, Joel could work in this chair for hours! He also had a walking office with him always. Using the link he pulled up the messages. This time there was a video portion. There were written and verbal messages, but now he could see who he was speaking with! It was a screen, sort of, that he saw. “Can you see this, Hank?”

“What you see and hear,” Hank nodded. “You send, or rather Athena sends and we receive.” Then he chuckled holding up two free hands, “Look Mom! No hands!”

“No keyboards or monitors either,” Joel said. “Yet, there it is!” They’d have to get used to this. “Okay, we’ll play more later.” Hank gave an...almost sharp salute.

They saw Dr. Frank Steinmeier of the United Worlds Space Administration on Mars. He was not elderly yet, at the time, but that was two or three decades ago. He was not unpleasant looking, but the gray in his dark hair, what remained on the top was creeping up. There were the treatments now. He didn’t have to be bald. Maybe he wanted it. At that time he looked to be in his late fifties or early sixties. Again, he asked for where they were, updates and any information the Ark had. Joel knew he was asking for the technology.

General George Harvey, Commanding the people of Ark V was in his late forties at that time. He was military. His coverall was light gold. The shoulder again told what he did. It was red. He was in Command. His Ark V emblem on his left side above that were his service ribbons such as worn when in uniform. There were a few of those from different campaigns and other services. It was to intimidate those under him.

“I was told my request for the updates were a bit...” he sought a word, “too much. Giving orders was my life before I was put here. I apologize. Alexander, our artificial intelligence, told me you were probably in stasis.” He sighed. “We are doing well. The buildup of ice due to the temperature drop is a blessing and a curse. We are protected from outside by the ice. No one can easily infiltrate our compound. We dug vast underground caverns,” the image showed a large underground chamber big enough for a few million people, but the walls of this cavern had windows and doors. That was where they lived and worked. The ground of the cavern held farms! For livestock mostly. He saw the cows, goats and other such animals grazing on what seemed like rocky ground. There was the hay and oats scattered. Light glowed above from strong lights covered the area with daylight. Yet there was no sun here. “We have our hydroponics for crops, medical plants and other needs.” His head wavered a little. “The ice also holds us here. Any tech or help would be beneficial. Beware of the Amigos dos Amigos. President Saies is a bit...” he left what he first was going to say and changed tactics, “President Saies was not elected to his office. He is a dangerous man. He’s smart, but that makes him very dangerous. He’s tried several times to get in here, but we and Alexander have stopped him. Be careful. General George Harvey out.”

It was the next message that was from this Brazilian President. In his mid-forties with very dark hair. He was Brazilian! He had the look of many Joel knew of the people there. He was not a bad looking man, but his eyes held a look that told Joel this President was not exactly lucid.

“Commander Nesmith, allow me to introduce myself. I am Campos Saies, President of Brazilia.” He was well dressed in a suit, tie and all that said he was confident in his position there. He spoke English, but it was accented with Portuguese and something else. Joel wondered what it was, and he was told it was from a language of the Tupinamba tribe near the beginning of the Amazon River. There were so many tribe families that had their own languages and understanding which one would be hard. There were so many. “I am gratified to learn that you, the Ark sent before the...” he paused to think of a word, “cataclysm that happened after you left. I have the one, the greatest group of people united left on Earth. There is no need to worry. However, you are still alive after two and a half centuries!? That is incredible! We don’t have the computer intelligence here, but we have very smart people. They tell me you are Commander Joel Kevin Nesmith. You and your people are colonizing a new world. Great! I am very interested in how you communicated so quickly to the Space Administration and Earth. That technology would help us. You apparently can travel faster than light. You communicated from points in space you couldn’t be without it. I am very interested in that!” He waved out helplessly, “We don’t have to be enemies. We can help each other out.” He smiled, “I believe the phrase is quid pro quo. You give, I give. That’s fair isn’t it? I look forward to a long friendship with you. Let’s make it a good one.”

“Man,” Hank said softly, “I don’t trust him at all.”

“He’s a member, if not a leader of the Amigos dos Amigos.” Joel shrugged. “They come off as friendly, until they disagree. Then they get a bit...violent.”

“He’s part of this organization? This Amigos dos Amigos?” Hank asked.

“According to the records,” Joel waved at an invisible Athena. “Right, Athena?”

“Yes, Commander,” Athena’s voice came. “They recorded his induction when he was seventeen and several kills later. That’s how he rose in rank.”

“He was promoted by killing people!?” Hank balked.

“Yes,” Joel nodded. “I made a career by being able to judge people.” He said sadly. “He comes across as friendly. That’s the modus operandi. They disarm and the go in for the attack.” Joel frowned. “He is too polished and perfect. There’s more.”

This time Campos Saies, President of Brazilia was not as polished. He looked pressured and paranoid. “Campos Saies, President of Brazilia again.” He said waving a cigar he was smoking as he spoke. “I was told you were still in stasis. You have to wake up some time.” His eyes darted to the left at...you didn’t know. “We will find out. A probe is being sent to where we think you are. That will tell us the truth. We don’t have that luxury. We never did!” He said angrily, “And I don’t care. We have things you don’t. Don’t think we can’t touch you and even hurt you. You must have told that computer you have to not respond. It hasn’t. We can hurt you. Believe that or don’t. You will find out. President Saies out!” If it were one of those old telephones, he would have slammed down the phone!

Hank’s eyes widened, “He is crazy!” He waved at where the screen had been. “He has the communications network! He’s using it now!”

Joel nodded, “It’s not his technology, but he’s using it and knows it.” Joel chuckled, “He wants our warp drive.” He knelt forward, “There are more.” The next one was from Mars.

“This is Lucus Saint-George of the United Worlds Space Administration,” the young man, maybe thirty-five years old and had a thick head of blond hair. “Ark II, I am the leader appointed to lead this group of worlds. I am replacing Frank Steinmeier who retired and still lives. I an also asking for an update. However, we had a probe find you and sent a nice report on you. We know you are in stasis and love what you’re doing on the third planet around Epsilon Eridani. It’s a beautiful world. We also know you have erected a dome to give a protected area to build a safe habitat to grow what’s needed. Our scans show trees and other growth. No Humans moving, but robots working endlessly!” He laughed, “You probably already know this! More personal updates would be wonderful to tell us you are doing well. Lucus Saint-George out.”

“Transmission protocol is being honored by all.” Joel smiled.

The next one was from Ark V. A gold coveralled member, much younger than General Harvey. He had dark brown hair and even had a tan! Underground in Antarctica!? No sun, remember?

“Lieutenant Commander Raymond Bouillion now in command of Ark V,” he said in a friendly voice. He looked down, “Yes, I could accept the rank of General. I was born in France but was raised here and any rank I have was given to me. I came as a baby, but this is my home.” He shook his head, “I envy you being outside.” He chuckled and shrugged. “I’ve been outside to defend the complex and did two trips to Brazilia for reconnaissance. Oh, and one to the lunar surface to talk with some big ranks with the UWSA. You know them.” It wasn’t a question. He was French but had no accent. He was raised there. “We’ve seen what you’re doing. Good work. When you get out of stasis, contact us, please. By the way, General Harvey died a few months ago. In case you’re interested. Raymond Bouillion out.”

“I trust him,” Hank grinned pointing where the screen had been.

Joel chuckled, “So do I. I trust my instincts.” He glanced at Hank. “I trusted my feeling about you. I haven’t been wrong.”

“Who else was on the list of candidates?” Hank asked and saw Joel’s face. “Oh, come on. I wasn’t the only one on the list.”

“List!?” Joel asked surprised.

“You were posted as Commander to take us here,” Hank pointed out. “You chose me as First Officer. I have no military background.” He waved outside their office. “There are a thousand men and a thousand women to choose from.” He grinned and quickly snapped his fingers, “Nayef! I know he was on that list. You like him.”

Joel laughed, “I love Nayef!” He said defensively. “I love Tom, Rita, Leah...everyone on the Ark I love!” He rounded his eyes, “Is the fact that you’re here in that chair next to me not tell you?” He looked at Hank more directly. “Nayef would analyze every decision. So would Tom. Rita is a great woman, but you know why I chose you?” Joel grinned, “You make me smile! You are brilliant, but I trusted you the first day we met! I remember a night where we debated whether Star Wars was better than Star Trek. I was delighted when you knew almost all the movies and shows I love. You have an easy, laid-back demeanor and you make everyone comfortable.”

Hank smiled hearing that, “You chose me.”

“I did,” Joel agreed. “The others are the best in their fields, but you were chosen because I really like you, Hank. You’re my best friend, other than Sara Beth, of course.”

“Just like you’re my best friend,” Hank said. “Other than Rita. Do we hug now?”

Joel chuckled, “We will after we read and listen to these messages.”

Hank’s face grew serious, “Are we in danger?” He waved again to where the screen had been, “This President is ten light years away. Other than making faces at us, using bad language or calling us bad names, what can he do?”

“That’s the question,” Joel said. “Isn’t it?”

The next message was from Brazilia. It wasn’t President Saies. The image was of a young man who had some of Campos Saies’ dark complexion, dark, with black hair and if he was over twenty-five it would surprise Joel.

“Commander Nesmith, or whoever is in command of Ark II.” The young man rose from his seated position and bowed slightly. “I am Luis Barroso. I stepped in as President of Brazilia upon the death of my grandfather, Campos Saies.” He had only the slightest accent. It was clear he used English often, but Portuguese was his first language. He was well educated. “Let me first apologize for my grandfather.” He looked sad as he said, “I’m sure you know of dementia. We tried to treat him, but he became so paranoid in the last years of his life. He trusted no one. The last year he barely trusted me. I was named his successor, but I assure you. There is an election happening and the people will pick the next leader.” He smiled as he walked. “I am so...moved by what you’re doing and have done. The probe sent was not ours, but we got what it sent to Mars and Ark V. I see a new world blooming on your new home. That dome already has forests of trees, and I have no doubt it will be beautiful. I trust you plan to terraform the entire planet. I would love to have a conversation with you. Please contact us when you can. Luis Barroso out.”

“Should I like him?” Hank asked in a way that said he really didn’t.

“I don’t know,” Joel answered as he thought and looked and listened to the message again. He turned to Hank, “I’m calling my other friends on the Ark, Nayef, Leah and Tom.” He nodded at the screen that wasn’t there again. “They can give us a better psychoanalyst of this other than just my gut.” He got up from the chair and pulled Hank into the promised hug. “Thank you, Hank. I appreciate all you do.”

Nayef, Leah, and Tom saw all the messages and conversed with each other briefly.

“This Louis Barroso is a very practiced motivational speaker,” Leah said at first. “Charming.”

Nayef nodded, “By simple observation Campos Saies was indeed paranoid, and his mental state was very troubled. The first messages he was showing that paranoia and way much more in his final messages. I’d need a detailed tomography, I can’t be sure.”

“Remember,” Joel cautioned them. “That probe sent our information to Earth’s solar system.” He looked up, “Athena, is that probe still working?”

“No, Commander,” Athena replied. “It quit functioning twenty years ago.”

“It sent information that was twenty years old,” Joel nodded as he thought. “It took a decade for the information to get there.” He looked at the time stamp. “The last message was sent five years ago. Only by our network are we getting it early. We need to know what threat Campos Saies was and how.”

“That would require a two-way communication with this President Barroso,” Tom said quietly.

“Athena,” Joel asked. “When will it be morning in Brazil?”

“In two Terran hours it will be nine in the morning,” Athena answered.

Joel nodded, “Okay, I will send a message to him telling I wish to speak to him at nine in the morning there.” He looked at the others. “Does that sound okay?”

He got nods and he sent the request.

“How did his grandfather get this kind of power!?” Hank asked. “He was clearly insane!”

Joel smiled, “Where they were was less effected by the radiation. He had clean water and food.” He shook his head. “All those who wanted to live moved from the more effected areas and...” he waved again at where the screen had been. “His father, grandfather and others used that to hold power over the people. He will be generous with those that swear to him.” He shrugged. “It’s been done before.”

“There are recorded incidents there,” Athena appeared among them. “Three...” she did the finger air quotes, “research complexes exploded under questionable circumstances. Most believe Compos Saies was responsible. No real investigation was done. Thirty-one scientists were killed directly.”

“If this new President was raised there,” Joel began, “He was schooled and very articulate.” He held the exception finger up. “If he was raised on the truth. He could have been raised to think like many in that part of the world.”

“How will you know?” Hank asked.

“A conversation with him will say a lot,” Joel smiled and clapped once. “Now, I want to see more of this building!” He looked at Hank, “Come on, friend.”

He saw the classrooms, yes, classrooms...plural. Here there were more traditional desks with monitors, keyboards, and mice! Not rodents, but those things to touch a cursor on to bring things up. The keyboards and mice were to teach the young people to learn, read, and writing the traditional way. Later with the links they could bypass this. Writing by hand was taught and that means paper and pen or pencil. The pad could be used. They were expecting preschool and kindergarten in a few years...thus the need for more classrooms. Joel visited the hospital. They were ready for one patient to multiple patients numbering twenty. They had been immunized and disease free. Who knew what would arise on Gaea? It was thankfully empty now. The Delivery Room was below their housing on Rainbow Row. A woman in sudden labor or trouble didn’t have to travel far. The hospital was for contagious diseases and illnesses which they didn’t bring with them. Joel knew they needed to be ready. The sick needed separation from the people to prevent the spreading of the illness. If it was too severe, they could go to the Ark, and it would be contained.

It was nine in the morning in Brazil when Joel sat again in the comfortable chair. A transmission was coming through. It didn’t flicker, it was just there. The man in Joel’s screen was about forty now. He was a handsome man now, but he was staring at the screen at what he saw.

“Who is this?” Luis Barroso demanded angrily.

“This is Commander Joel Kevin Nesmith. I’m calling from Gaea, or the third planet orbiting Ran...the star in Epsilon Eridani. I’ll send my authorization code.” He held his finger to a place on the computer “desk” where a part of his DNA was taken and sent. “Have your people confirm this.”

“You can’t be ten light years away!” President Barroso stated firmly. “There is no delay.”

“Ten and a half lightyears actually.” Joel smiled confidently, “Then we don’t need to talk. Sorry I wasted your time.” He didn’t play poker, but he knew how to bluff. It looked as it he was about to cut the connection when someone in the background said something to President Barroso.

“Wait!” Barroso said urgently as he listened to a man who spoke a version of Portuguese. Joel knew he said the call was from Gaea! Barroso looked with wider eyes at Joel. “How...I don’t...this is impossible!!”

Joel chuckled, “Yet, here I am talking to you. Do we continue?”

“Yes, yes,” Barroso agreed. “How are you doing this?”

“You are doing it also,” Joel informed. “As per an agreement, quid pro quo?” Joel smiled. “I’ll give the frequency modulation, and you can talk to me as often as you like. You can use the network to speak with Mars, Venus and Jupiter.” Joel’s face hardened, “Be warned. Any attempt to capture and study will result in our message buoy to self-destruct. You’ll get nothing. The buoy won’t be in the same places either.”

Barroso nodded holding a hand up, “Hands off. Got it.”

“I’ve given you access,” Joel said leaning forward. “Now you give back.”

“Give what?” Barroso asked.

“What did your grandfather plan to do to hurt the Ark?” Joel almost growled.

Barroso sighed and bowed his head slightly, “No one really knows.” He looked up and explained further. “He was paranoid before he got the dementia diagnosis. It became more pronounced in the last three years. He was always pushing our scientists to go further. A scientist that was always progressing was rewarded and renewed.” He smiled. “He had secret projects only he knew about. He did something and...” he grimaced, “when it was done. The research centers were mysteriously destroyed. The scientists were all killed...” he shifted uneasily, “they’re families were killed in freak accidents.”

“You don’t know what he had done?” Joel asked.

“No,” Barroso answered. “If I asked about it, he accused me of siding with his enemies.”

“He had enemies,” Joel said.

“All great leaders have enemies,” Barroso shrugged. “Leaders have to make decisions and sometimes those decisions are questioned. You follow through with those decisions and you make enemies. You know that.” Then his face changed to amazement. “You are almost three hundred years old!”

Joel shrugged, “I’m not even a year older in the time I’ve been out of stasis since we left.”

“Still,” Barroso said in amazement. “My grandfather, in the past made decisions regardless of what the people felt. He was greatly feared and that caused hatred and created enemies. I know you had to have made enemies. You’re a leader and have made decisions that aren’t liked. Sent men to do dangerous jobs they didn’t like but sent them anyway. Sacrificing one to save a thousand is what you do.”

There it was. Joel shook his head, “I’ve never asked anyone to do something I wasn’t prepared to do. I would put myself in danger first. The people come first.”

“If you aren’t the one to do it?” Barroso asked. “If you were not capable of doing the task needed? If you didn’t know how to do the job but someone else did, you make them go and do it. Right?”

“Not alone,” Joel answered. “Never where they would possibly be injured and never without me.”

Barroso frowned, “Then you could be leaving the many others without a leader.”

“I have been injured nearly to the point of death,” Joel looked at Barroso directly. “I and one other were injured, but I would never have allowed it to happen without me.” He sighed, “Both my wife and I were willing to potentially sacrifice our lives and the lives of our children for a chance for a better life. Every man and woman on Ark II were willing to do that! Every man and woman here would do whatever task with no order needed from me to save their family and we are all family on this Ark.”

“You weren’t scared?” Barroso asked.

“Terrified,” Joel said truthfully. “Fear is natural. How you react to that fear is more important.” He shook his head, “And you have no idea what your grandfather did?”

Barroso was thinking about what they had discussed. His attention came back, “I have no idea.”

Joel sensed something was not being said but left it alone, for now. “Fine. It may be nothing. We’ll talk again. Remember, don’t touch our network of communication buoys. They will self-destruct leaving nothing you can retrieve and reverse engineer. Don’t test us. I will inform Mars, Ark V, Venus and Jupiter of the same thing.” He shrugged. “The buoys will move and won’t be easily located. I ask you not to try. We on Gaea are doing just fine without talking to anyone. We will do it again, if necessary. Commander Nesmith out.”

The others in the office had linked in and saw and heard the conversation with Barroso.

“Excellent,” Nayef smiled. “You handled him well. You gave nothing else away.”

Tom nodded, “He will comply or do without.”

Joel looked at the sunlight coming in the window. “These Gaean daylight hours take getting used to.” He grinned at the others. “We have lives we’re starting here. Go back to them. Live!” He waved them away with both hands. “I have a wife and children to get to...” he raised his finger, “after I visit Larisa, Ansh and Pontia!” He sniffed himself quickly, “First, a shower.”

Hank’s eyebrows knitted, “Why? You’re not dirty.”

Joel chuckled, “I should introduce you to my wife.”

“What?” Hank didn’t understand. “I’ve known your wife over a year now.”

“You think you have,” Joel said. “Ms. Nature and all that’s natural refused to let Jim or Kevin swim in the lake. She feared fish and duck piss and poop would be swallowed by our boys.” He saw Hank’s eyebrows rise while the others smiled. “Yes, that nature streak is limited.” He rose. “Anything else?”

No one said anything so they headed out. Nayef smiled and pointed up at the sky, “Look! Clouds!”

That opening at the top of the dome was growing greater. There was a blue sky above and white clouds drifted by. Joel knew the color blue was due to refracted light, but it looked blue. Clouds were water vapor...who cared? They were pretty. The ocean needed more gases for sea life, but it was still a dark bluish gray. There wasn’t enough saline in the water yet. The breeze, that natural breeze didn’t have the salted scent yet. He wondered if they would get the Spanish moss to grow in the humid air. Grandfather’s beard. The dangling gray tangles that adorned the oak trees on the coast of Earth. They were everywhere in old Charleston.

Joel spoke to, waved at and passed the many enjoying being out. Going to his quarters, he heard noise and looked to see what the noise was. Robbie was getting Kevin’s workout equipment into place. Jim was having a work area installed with his tools and desk. His tools would be accessible from the workbench installed. Ian’s room...was that a grand piano!? Someone had taken a white grand piano and shrunk it for a child! Not a toy piano like Schroeder had in the comics from Peanuts by Charles Shultz. It was bigger than that, just a grand piano that was shrunk. It was open and Joel could see the strings inside. It was a concert grand piano, meaning it had more keys and strings. A standard grand piano had sixty keys. This one had eighty-eight keys! Modern songs covered the five standard octaves. Joel didn’t know about this one. Ian had a lot of space in this room that would swallow the one before. But Rob was putting something on Ian’s wall near the piano. It was a wall sculpture. Shiny brass or gold shined in a sweeping five lines of a measure of music. There was a treble clef and notes sculpted on the measure. Not really signifying a particular song, but the billowing music only you imagined. There were eight notes, chords...all parts of music. It was a meter across in length and a third of that meter wide.

“Where did this come from?” Joel asked amazed.

Ian smiled, “I made it.” Then he grudged a concession, “Well, Athena made it. I designed it on the computer.” He smiled again. “Do you like it?”

The lines were smooth and just flowed, “I love it!” Joel confessed happily. “When did you do it?”

“About a week ago,” Ian said.

A week for him but much longer time wise.

“I have other ideas for the house, your room, Kevin’s and Jim’s room...” Ian admitted.

Joel saw again how gifted Ian was, “You have time now. Do it! Has your mother seen it?”

Ian shook his head,

“We’ll show her tonight!” Joel smiled at how well it was going with his sons. “Anyway, I’m going to shower quickly and see your Aunt Larisa.”

“Okay,” Ian nodded.

“Is that gold?” Joel pointed at the sculpture.

“There are other metals besides boron nitrate out there,” Rob waved overhead toward the sky. “Yes, it’s gold. No tarnishing.”

“Huh,” Joel nodded.

 

The hot shower wasn’t new, but a luxury all Humans enjoyed. He’d take a longer one later, maybe with Sara Beth! She was carrying their daughter and Joel thought it made her more attractive. He knew many men felt that way. Athena had added some clothing choices and Joel didn’t put on coveralls. He put on a light blue shirt and white pants. Both were lightweight and allowed your skin to breathe. The shoes were canvas slip-ons. It was about twenty to twenty-five degrees Celsius out. Around seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Meriting casual dress. Gaea was feeling the pull now as Zeus, or the Godzilla planet orbit was near parallel with them and Zeus would pull Gaea away from Ran, giving Gaea a more elliptical orbit. This would be an annual event. For three months, until Gaea orbited out of Zeus’ grasp. The temperature would drop a little. How much they would find out.

“Guys,” Joel said to be heard by his three sons. “No coveralls. Wear casual clothes to play in.” He came out of his room and showed he was doing just that. “I am making an announcement; this week is casual dress.”

Kevin’s head went back slightly, “Its Thursday.”

“It’s day two since we landed and moved to New Charleston,” Joel said. “That makes it whatever day we say.” He waved them on, “Go change. We’ll be going again to the lake...which we need to name. We’ll go at the ninth hour. Go!” He looked away. “Sara Beth, are you still with Larisa?” He could have simply asked Athena, but...

“Yes,” Sara Beth answered. “Rita, Dana and I are still visiting. Why?”

“I’m coming,” Joel grinned. “I want to check on our newest resident. You, Rita, and Dana may want to change. I’m telling everyone to dress casually.”

“Oh,” Sara Beth said delighted. “Okay, we’ll change!”

It was a short trip for Sara Beth, Rita and Dana. The Delivery Room was just below the houses. Joel met them exiting as he entered the Delivery Room.

Sara Beth nodded and touched her husband, “Very handsome!” She kissed him. “Be right back.”

Joel entered the Delivery Room where Larisa was holding Pontia. Ansh was still right there. “You have this new house now. Have you even seen it?” Joel asked Ansh.

Ansh grudged a shrug, “It’s not going anywhere. We will.” He grinned pointing at Larisa and Pontia.

Pontia was awake, reaching a tiny hand for her mother. Larisa just smiled at her newborn kissing the tiny hand and said something softly that Joel didn’t understand, but Pontia did. Sounds a baby would make came, not crying, just the small sounds in reaction to her mother.

“May I?” Joel reached to move the blanket to see Pontia better.

“Here,” Larisa handed Joel her baby.

“Oh!” Joel said not opposed to taking her, but didn’t want to upset Pontia. “Okay, I just showered, clean clothes...”

Larisa laughed lightly, “I know.” She touched her own nose, “I smell it. Thank you for using a mild soap.”

He hadn’t thought of that! Strong scents were not wanted with babies...or Sara Beth. “Hi, Pontia.” Joel said softly. “I’m your Uncle Joel.”

“We decided on Tia as a shortened name,” Ansh said,

“The other children will do it,” Larisa said smiling and shrugged. “We just started it early.”

Joel grinned, “I wonder what they’ll call my daughter. Kevin could be shortened to Kev. Jimmy shortened his to Jim. Ian is...” he shrugged, “just Ian.”

“That depends on her,” Larisa said logically.

Pontia wore that soft knitted cap, pink of course, to keep her head warm. Larisa was in a gown that no matter the century was a hospital gown. It allowed Larisa to easily feed Pontia. Breastfeed. Ansh, in clean coveralls having been in the coveralls he came down wearing and wore over a century. No, Ansh hadn’t sweated nor was there dust on those. The fresh coveralls just were needed.

“I’ve told everyone there is to be no coveralls this week,” Joel said softly to keep Pontia, no she was Tia, calm. “I know the clothes are recycled. The manufacturing of new clothes including the coveralls will be down here.” He pointed down to the floor. “I know you have casual things to wear. I’m strongly suggesting you put that on. I don’t want to make it an order.”

Ansh smiled a nod, “I will change. I promise.”

“You heard your Daddy, Tia,” Joel smiled at the baby. “He promised.” He smiled even more at the baby, “I know you and Daylia will get along well. You are so precious! So beautiful.” Then Pontia let out a sound telling those around her something was wrong. “Either she’s hungry or needs changing. I don’t know.” He handed Tia to Larisa. “I know she needs you.”

Larisa took her daughter cooing at her softly.

Sara Beth came in wearing a dress you wore in Summer. It was a Hawaiian style dress that was white with colored flowering hibiscus blossoms of pink. It hung past her knees and was sleeveless. Only a strap on her left side held it up, her other shoulder was bare. It almost hid her pregnancy. Her hair fell below her shoulders, loose like Joel loved. She was a mother of three boys and soon a daughter and gorgeous! Joel was bias, but that didn’t make it untrue.

“Did you see our son’s room?” Sara Beth asked. She looked at Larisa, “Ian, our little musical genius wanted to try sculpting, and he has this amazing piece of art on his wall! Its beautiful!”

Joel chuckled a nod, “I have. Just before I came down here. We wanted to surprise you tonight!”

“I’m surprised!” Sara Beth stated happily. “What else can he do?”

Joel grinned, “We’ll see.” He looked at Larisa and Ansh. “I promised our sons we’d go again to the lake. We should get ready to do that. You three are expected at the party day after tomorrow! Rest up.”

Ansh hugged Sara Beth and Joel together, “Thank you.”

 

Color! Joel’s request that they shed the coveralls was obeyed and New Charleston was again transformed. Men and women were in casual attire with many colored shirts and light-colored pants or dresses for the women. The children were also in bright colors and clothes. They met Hank, Rita and their two girls outside as Rachel, in a light red dress, was trying to get a squirrel to come to her. The squirrel was tempted by the nut but wasn’t sure if it was safe yet. It inched forward as Rachel held the nut to the squirrel. This little Human had shown it had them when she scattered a few on the ground. She had another one in her fingers. The squirrel was almost convinced this Human was safe.

Hank glanced up, “Hi, Joel, Sara Beth.” His arm around Rita as they sat on a bench.

“We’re going with our boys to the lake,” Joel said. “You can see Black Lightening. Do you want to come?”

Hank frowned and scratched his ear, “I dunno.” He said. “We are so busy!” His tone said he was sincere, but his face said otherwise. Rita swatted him lightly. Hank pointed at Joel, “I was doing my duty. See his smile?”

Joel nodded, “That’s why he’s first officer. I told him that.”

“Have you ridden horses?” Sara Beth asked Rita.

“Not in four or five years,” Rita admitted. She motioned toward Rachel and Chloe. “We had a stable near us I could ride their horses. I rode while pregnant with both of them. I understand there are several android horses to ride. We can ride them?”

Sara Beth nodded, “It’s better than walking,” Sara Beth admitted.

Joel got a message from Athena. “Your girls may like that there are two new additions there. Born last night are two additional colts. Not even a day old! Three others are due any day.”

“Babies!” Hank stood up quickly. “Let’s not waste time talking. Let’s go!”

Chloe was in a dress? The bottom of the outfit was shorts designed to look like a dress. It was multicolored. She had discovered boys. Or rather, they discovered her. Lui and Lunga were on either side of her...Chloe had the look many girls had that wasn’t quite flirting. It was natural. Chloe was a pretty girl, and they were growing young men. How Hank handled it would prove interesting. She heard her father say “Let’s go” and looked up.

“Uncle Joel,” Chloe excused herself and came forward to Joel. “Since you put me in charge of the clock and calendar, I wondered what we should name the months. Using months from Earth won’t match. Do we use the Zodiac? Aries? Taurus? They would get people confused, too...”

“Can we use the Greek alphabet?” Joel asked. “For instance, this is the second day of year one on Gaea. Even the name of this planet we gave it is Greek. This is Tuesday, zero two, in the month of Alpha in year one.” He looked at his internal clock, “At 08:24 Gaean time.” He held his finger up, “We all need to decide about this. It won’t be just my decision.”

Chloe nodded, “We keep our biological calendar and clock on Terran time. I’ll prepare the new calendar so everyone can see it.” She brightened. “There are new colts?”

“Yes,” Joel nodded. “Three are there now. One is a year old and two more were born last night.”

“Real horses,” Chloe said to be sure.

Joel waved at her sister who was feeding the squirrel now who was taking the nut and munching happily, “Its all real. That’s why we’re here.”

 

They went by underground tram to the agriculture area and the livestock pen. Lightening was behaving oddly. Odd as in he was fascinated by the two additions who stood on wobbly legs but were getting stronger. His “mother” was cautioning Lightening somehow to be gentle. One colt was brown with a darker mane and tail. The other foal was white. A filly that had light brown patches around on the white. Her mane would be the same brown and her tail, once she had grown.

Ian ran into the corral with Lightening, who was happy to see him, but more interested in his new siblings. He was saying something in “horse” to them and fidgeting slightly. Ian looked at his father. “I was here all morning. I never saw them.” He waved at the two baby horses.

Joel smiled, “They were in the stable. They were born twelve Gaean hours ago. Mom horse there had to get them to stand first, then they were fed,” he glanced at Sara Beth, Hank, and the children, “not by Mom horse there,” he waved at the android mare, “but they had to be fed. A mare’s milk equivalent with the vitamins and extra...things for get them to grow strong.” He waved the children into the corral. “Say hello!”

Chloe got in the corral, “They are so cute!”

Lightening was interested in Chloe and Rachel, too.

Just like with Larisa’s new baby, all were welcome to see them, but limited numbers at first. Why were the Nesmiths so fortunate? Lightening was because Ian wanted a horse to ride. He would ride Lightening in a year. The Cavills were their friends, so they were next. It would trickle to the others.

Bottles of milks were given to Rachel and Chloe who gave it to the baby horses who drank greedily. The boys were stroking Lightening who was a little jealous, but clearly he wanted to play. They played with Lightening chasing him and Lightening chased them! The colts were getting stronger but didn’t have Lightening’s speed yet. They were not even a day old!

 

That late afternoon...the long day still had to be adjusted. The longer night was the compensation. Schedules would change. Joel left the messages available to everyone. The messages to Mars, Ark V and Brazilia. His replies to each.

There were thousands of individuals now in the Dining Area. They were Ark II, but now reflected individuals.

Joel stood, called for their attention and began, “Tomorrow, if there are things you left on the Ark, let Athena know what that is. We can get them down here.” He looked at the faces around him, “Athena does a great job with everything. I am so happy to see everyone in casual clothes.” He looked up, “The recycling of everyday clothes will happen here. The industrial manufacturing will still be on the Ark. Labs and work equipment are coming down. If you’re working, you wear what you feel like.” He chuckled, “You can work nude, I don’t care.” There were chuckles. “I ask you to think of the others with you and safety. Sparks and chemicals can be dangerous and painful. The A2s are coming down bringing your things tomorrow. There will be the A1s that will always be ready. The day after tomorrow will be our housewarming party.” He smiled, “Or our planet-warming party? Whatever, explore New Charleston. Make yourselves at home. This is our home. We are going to terraform all of Gaea, not just the islands of New Hawaii. Work tomorrow if you like. Or just look around. We have a lot still to do.”

 

They again enjoyed the fireflies and night insects. There were nightingales! Joel was so thrilled to hear the soft call of a bird he knew. Again, they were rare on Earth, but he knew the call of a Bobwhite! That little quail comforted him as a child. He even knew the species! It was a Colinus Virginius. Also known as Virginia quail. He was so interested he had to know more about it. Joel knew they were probably gone now on Earth. The Seed and DNA vault was still on Earth, and they could probably bring them back. The Bobwhite was here! Another bird he wondered about was the whip-poor-will! Called Antrostomus vociferus, it had a unique call. He knew they were gone on Earth because of those bombs but he knew by Athena they were here. He just hadn’t heard them yet. Mark’s and Matt’s artificial eggs were going strong the last decade before they came down nonstop bringing that life here! So many species of insects, birds and mammals would be brought back and live.

The next day was work, somewhat. No rushing, but Joel, Sara Beth, Nayef, Leah, Brice and Adel met with Matt and Mark Koval. Their lab was active here, and they spoke with Adel and Brice.

“We are ready to start the birth process for you and Brice to have a child,” Matt smiled.

Adel reached over and grabbed Brice’s hand and squeezed it in excitement. Brice just grinned.

“And it will be your child!” Mark assured them. “It’s a bit different as you will choose the gender from the start. Adding your X chromosome, Adel...and you do carry that in your DNA. Brice’s addition to yours will make an embryo. The artificial egg will do its job.”

Matt nodded and touched his own temple, “You both have the filaments inserted and you will go through the process which will be fed through the interface. Adel, you will feel it move and even kick later.” He smiled, “All of the phases you will go through, even the cravings!” He said brightly.

“But what’s most important,” Mark added. “Your baby will hear and feel you while it grows. It will hear your voice and heartbeat.” He smiled. “The safety and comfort will be felt and the warmth.”

“Really?” Adel asked more excited.

“Really,” Sara Beth nodded. “I am told it will be a real pregnancy, only not in your body.” She rubbed her swell again, “I don’t want you to miss a thing, not even the morning sickness, swollen ankles and peeing every hour, then every half an hour and lastly every fifteen minutes as you go through the trimesters.” Her tone said it wasn’t really appreciated. “Matt and Mark have done this successfully. There is little chance of problems occurring.” She held the finger up to point out something, “In fact, there are less. Human gestation is random chance. Variables are the dangers. Your pregnancy will be watched very closely to be sure it is done right.”

“After forty weeks,” Joel grinned at Brice. “You will have a brilliant daughter or son...made from you, Brice...” he patted Brice’s arm, “and from you, Adel.” He nodded at Adel whose eyes were tearing up. “Your child on the new world.”

Matt nodded, “We have the samples we need.” He assured them. “Say the word and we’ll start.”

“What word?” Brice was almost giddy.

“Do it!” Adel said immediately.

“Boy or girl?” Mark asked grinning.

The two looked at each other, not sure.

“Daylia could use a boyfriend in the future,” Joel laughed lightly. “One more wouldn’t hurt.”

“A boy!” Adel and Brice said together.

 

By hour one the next day the Nesmiths were up and scrambling to go to the party. Joel found his boys getting ready to be with their friends. Kevin’s tag game was going to be even better here. They had all of New Charleston to dodge, hide and chase each other. Ian looked rushed.

“Son,” Joel began quietly. “Is there a problem?”

Ian looked flustered, “I want to go to the party, but I want to see Lightening and the new colts.” He waved at the piano. “I’ve got to practice for today!”

“A new song?” Joel asked.

“Bach’s Concerto in D Miner,” Ian answered. “It’s the most difficult song I’ve done! Lunga is playing Ligeti! I never heard of him! It has five movements. It was composed in the 1980s...” he was almost rushing around.

Joel reached out and stopped him and hugged him tightly, “Know this. Your mother and I are so proud of you. I know you’ll do fine.” He sat and got his soon to be six-year-old to look at him, “That wonderful mind of yours is just telling you so much so quickly. I understand you want it all now. You can’t.” He smiled, “Take a deep breath.” He even did it himself and inhaled deeply as did Ian. “Let it out and take another deep breath.” Ian did it again. “Now, what do you want to do first?”

Ian chuckled, “Eat, then go to the party and then see Lightening.”

“That’s what you’ll do,” Joel said calmly. “We’ll have breakfast, go to the party and then you can go see Lightening. Okay?”

Ian nodded with a smile, “Okay.”

“What time are you playing?” Joel asked.

“Ten,” Ian grinned, “Or the tenth hour.”

Joel nodded, “Plenty of time for you to do all that and practice, too.”

They again had breakfast on their terrace/balcony in the morning sunshine. The overhead dome was almost all down. Over all of the housing it was. Joel saw and waved at Hank and his family doing the same. Many other families loved the new freedom of being outside and they were outside now. The same bird showed up, with friends. Crumbs were sought and here it would be...for a song. They did perform their songs.

 

The party started. Hundreds of people were out now enjoying the morning sun. Sara Beth and Joel were so happy to see Larisa and Ansh there with Pontia. Everyone wanted to see the baby but were careful not to crowd them. Larisa looked like someone from India or Pakistan! She had on a red and gold saree. Her jewelry was done as he held Pontia. Ansh wore a shirt that was buttoned to the throat, but the same red and gold. The saree hid all signs she had a baby.

Ansh grinned, “These,” we waved down at himself and then to Larisa, “are the clothes we were married in.”

Sara Beth touched Larisa’s silk covered arm, “This saree is so beautiful!”

“Thank you,” Larisa said.

Tia was asleep.

Almost everyone showed their culture in how they dressed for today. Angus, Davina and Flora were in tartans. The pattern was for the MacQueen Clan.

“Before you ask me,” Angus began. “This isn’t wool. It would be too hot here. This is cooler.” He looked at Joel. “And yes, there’s nothing underneath. We’re Highlanders!” He grinned and pulled his tartan up to show bare legs up his thigh, but not his ass or cock. “See? Nothing.”

Xolani was showing his powerful chest. He had such a black complexion! Not dark brown, but black. His skin was shiny, but no oil was needed. He had the piece around his neck, a headdress on his head. He wore a kind of kilt that looked like tiger skin with the stripes. He had a spear and shield. He was really kind of scary. He was supposed to be. Adam was an enigma. His grandfather in the early twentieth century came through Ellis Island, spoke almost no English and when asked his name, he tried to say he was meeting a friend. Friend was heard and the name Friend was assigned. He was Eastern European, but which country? Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, that was forgotten. He was all of them. Just like Joel and Sara Beth. Many countries, British and other Europeans. Hank and Rita were mostly French from Canada. A couple of Brits, hence the name Cavill.

Children laughed and chased each other. There were music groups that played during the day, including some rather different music. The Martian Invaders. It was odd because there were no recognizable instruments. No trumpets, no string instruments or drums...the music flowed with rhythmic sound from many, deep pitched and higher pitched harmonizing and had a pattern. Dancing was also odd. No known moves or steps but flowing gyrations that also had patterns. They were Martians! Yes, born and raised on Mars, but very Human. They wanted a sound and entertainment to be alien to Humans! It exploded around the solar system! Joel danced this alien dance. He didn’t hate it. He realized, there was no one from Mars on the Ark. He wondered if they solved the gravity problem. It was sixty percent lower than Earth’s gravity and that was the problem.

The day progressed and Ian with some others went to see Lightening. He did return and played beautifully for everyone, as did Lunga.

Joel got up holding a champaign glass as others got theirs. “My friends.” Joel said without straining. He was heard. “This has been an exciting week and will be. This Fifth Day, in the month of Alpha, year one has been momentous.” He grinned, “If you agree with the calendar.” He went on, “A new birth and new births coming.” He chuckled, “We are home now. Make yourselves comfortable.” He laughed and held his glass up, “Welcome home, people of Ark II.” He frowned, “I hated moving. We moved everything. Please. Let’s never do this again?” He sort of asked in hope.

No one disagreed but said, “Here, here!” That was said by all.

“Welcome home!” Joel smiled as they all drank the toast.