Ark II: Life on Gaea - 4. Expecting Guests and Birth of New Atlantis

The work progressed quickly. Joel took the Harpy Stinger back to the Ark so his three Elysians could ride down the elevator. They walked into what was their Control Room. He saw on a monitor a robot similar to the octopus-like robot ready to launch. Joder was feeding the coordinates to the guidance system and sent the eight-armed robot out into empty space. It turned and then took off for its first target.

“Your cycle has begun,” Joder said pleasantly. “That mining robot will send materials back to be processed which you can apply to making more robots and thus beginning an ongoing process.”

“Your smelter and processor are both operational,” Wei added. “You can add more robots to do the tasks.”

“This solar system has everything needed in abundance,” Joel nodded. “We’ll help you deal with whatever.”

“The people on the Ark originally knew what to do.” Hank said carefully. “The people there on Elysia may not. We’ll train them what to do.”

Wilma nodded, “Having you here is a miracle.”

“May I ask what happened yesterday?” Micheal asked. “You suddenly had to leave. Why?”

Hank shrugged, “Teenagers and sex.” He grumbled.

Joel wasn’t telling anything. He’d let Hank answer the questions.

“That just lets us speculate,” Wilma said with a knowing tone.

“My thirteen-year-old daughter was having a private moment with another her age,” Hank muttered. “They didn’t have sex but...”

“You didn’t feel she was ready,” Anderson nodded understanding. “I wasn’t when my Debra did.” He chuckled. “Debra now has three children.”

Hank’s eyes widened, “Your grandchildren.”

Anderson grinned, “And not all by the same father.”

Hank’s face held horror, “Not all the same father!?” He blurted.

“Hank,” Joel touched Hank’s hand. “We have a wedding coming up for four adults.” He glanced at the Elysians. “We have two same gender couples who knew they could become a family. Matt and Mark are having a child with Connie and Nancy. They also want a child with both of their same gender partners. The connection is the children.” He shrugged. “A very different family.”

Anderson smirked, “Unlike your Ark, our Ark wasn’t made up of families. I mean, many of the original people were not married or in relationships. That came later.”

Joel nodded, “I see.” He shrugged. “It was originally to keep members of the Ark from straying to others.”

“How did that work for you?” Anderson asked. “There isn’t any cheating?”

“We’ve only been up less than a year,” Joel gave a shrug. “I’m sure there is and probably will be more.”

“And who officiates new marriages?” Wilma asked. “Tradition tells ship captains can marry people.”

“That’s you,” Anderson grinned.

Joel smiled, but looked uncertain, “We haven’t had one.” He shrugged. “The marriages are only relevant to us.”

Anderson’s finger rose, “Ah, but your marriages are valid with the United Worlds Space Administration. That means Earth, the Lunar Colonies, Mars and all those.”

“How are you going to handle divorce?” Wilma asked. “That will happen.”

“All of you are looking at two centuries of marriage.” Anderson continued.

Hank’s eyes widened, “What do you give for a wedding anniversary present for two hundred years?”

“Sara Beth and I are looking at our sixteenth wedding anniversary this May.” Joel corrected. “We’ve only lived together for sixteen years. Not two hundred years.”

An A1 approached, “Joel, hello.”

Joel looked at him and recognized the voice, “Scott?”

The A1 nodded, “Yes. I was asked to come here to work on their Oracle.” He waved at the other A1. “Anthony is here, too.” He pointed at the red A on the A1. He pointed to his own S. “Wei wanted to have their Oracle’s computer online. We activated the holographic projectors.” He looked up slightly. “Oracle, are you ready?”

“I’m ready, Scott.” A male voice replied.

A shimmer appeared in the middle of the room and an image solidified. The image’s face Joel recognized. The image was male in his late twenties or early thirties. The black hair was groomed, and he was Greek. A muscular form under the uniform that was well developed. He was a handsome man. The image smiled and waved slightly. “Hello.”

“You’re the Oracle?” Anderson asked still a little apprehensive.

The new image nodded, “I am.”

Joel sighed and raised a hand, “One more time.” He waved at the Greek man. “He is not the enemy.” He activated a connection to Ark II. “Athena, can you come here?” He knew she could and did.

“Of course,” Athena appeared next to the Oracle. She wore an Gaean coverall that was a dress. The image of Gaea on her upper left shoulder. Her dark hair fell below her shoulders in cascading waves.

“You two make a very handsome couple,” Hank said jabbing Joel lightly in the gut.

“This is Athena,” Joel introduced.

Athena nodded, “I know each of you.” She smiled. “Because your Oracle and I have been in constant contact since we discovered them. He knows you, therefore, I know you. Ms. Cox, Mr. Thorton, Mr. Beck and Mr. Vargus.” She nodded to each. “It’s good to make your acquaintance.”

“We need to add the projectors to the town of Elysia,” Anthony explained. “Just as with Athena, anyone can access the Oracle just by computer or just their voice. Your Oracle will be there. You can interact with him by voice or talk to more directly looking at him. Like Athena, he can be several places at once. He can give whatever information that way.”

“She’s not subjugating you,” Anderson said to be sure.

“Not even once,” Joel answered.

“If anyone is subjugated,” Athena said pointing at Joel. “I’m subjugated by them. I am given a job by them, and I carry it through.”

“We don’t subjugate anyone.” Hank nodded, “And we don’t make her do it.”

“We ask her to do it,” Joel added. “We also listen to what she has to say to get things done. It gets done and done well!” He looked at Hank. “We were talking about anniversaries. Chloe may have the first wedding on Gaea.”

“One woman and one man,” Micheal said. “The woman takes the name of her husband. Their children have the name and pass it on.” He grinned. “We have a few on Elysia that have a couple of spouses.”

“Men with more than one wife,” Joel said.

Wilma smiled, “We have two women with more than one husband.”

“We have,” Anderson did air quotes, “marriages...with no wedding at all. It just is.” He shrugged, “In some cultures on Earth, the name and tribe are determined by the couple. For instance, to be Jewish you must be born of a Jew. Meaning the woman has to be Jewish. Some native tribes in the Americas the man leaves his tribe to marry his wife and becomes part of her tribe. His children are born of that tribe.”

“There are exceptions to all these rules,” Wilma added. “A man who converts is excepted...”

Joel nodded quickly, “Yeah, yeah...the point is a person is born. There are rules about passing the name and all that.”

“We say who is married,” Hank defended. “We, the people.”

“Right,” Micheal agreed. “We even have marriages on a limited basis. One year marriage, or five...”

“With no divorce needed,” Joel nodded.

“But almost every little girl wants a big wedding,” Wilma confessed. “My ancestry is from India and Pakistan. However, I wanted a wedding like Maria Von Trapp in the Sound of Music.”

Joel nodded his understanding, “That was quite a dress in that movie.”

Hank frowned, “But that thing off the back? The wedding dress train? Did you have a church big enough for it?”

Wilma shook her head, “The royal length train was a bit much. My daughter wants a wedding saree. It is to be red!” She smiled, “Every bride wants the fairy tale wedding where she is the center of attention.”

“Wait,” Hank said looking at Joel. “You have your fifteenth wedding anniversary last May?” He looked at the others, “I mean for us. Our biological calendar.”

Joel nodded, “We did. Sara Beth and I had a quiet anniversary with no party. We’ll have a big one this May.”

“We look less on the family tree,” Micheal corrected. “We focus now on the DNA tree.”

“It’s easy to know if we have children using the same DNA,” Wilma agreed. “No brothers and sisters or even cousins. Not even second and third cousins. We have to be careful.”

“We have the DNA vault to fill in gaps,” Joel said understanding.

Hank sighed, “Give it a few more years.” He shook his head. “Chloe might not be interested, but let’s wait five or six years. Please?” He waved at the image of the Oracle. “Are we just calling him Oracle? Or is there another name you prefer? Maybe a short name?”

The Oracle looked surprised, “A short name.”

Hank nodded, “I am Henry Cavill. I’m called Hank for short.”

“It’s a way to convey affection,” Joel explained. “Calling you the Oracle keeps you at a distance.” He waved at Athena. “We call her Athena. What does she call you, Oracle?”

“Oracle,” the male image answered simply.

“How about Ory?” Hank suggested. “It says we know you and like you.”

Athena smiled, “I think that’s a great name.”

Oracle thought a millisecond, “That would be fine.” He looked at the Elysians. “I was put with the Ark to help you. That is my purpose. I will not harm any of you. I promise. Dr. Rita Cavill deleted the affected areas and gave me Athena’s replacements. With Dr. Cavill’s help and Athena, I hope to be that help...if you let me.”

Joel saw the hours in his head. This was better than any watch or clock display. “It’s getting late. I have a son turning six, I have a planet that needs tending. Do we take the elevator down or wait until tomorrow?”

“We’ll all ride up tomorrow,” Micheal smiled. He held his hand out of Joel. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”

Joel smiled, “As I said, we get something from helping you out. We join to strengthen ourselves. We won’t be alone.” He looked at them. “We’ve shared a lot with you. You are sharing with us.” Then he pointed at them, “We’re giving you the means to travel faster than light. The truth is, it isn’t our technology. The theory was developed on Earth in the late twentieth century.” He patted Alejandro. “It was this man’s engines that made it a fact.” He touched Joder, “And this man’s Boron Nitrate that made it possible.” He looked again at the Elysians. “I hope you realize we are keeping this from some people.”

Wilma nodded, “Luis Barroso?”

Joel nodded, “Yes. He is not telling us something.”

Micheal smiled, “I got that feeling from the start. He was...too polite and polished. He wanted to charm us. I felt like he was tempting us.”

“He was,” Joel agreed. “We are trusting you with the knowledge. Please don’t give it to him. He would have the resources to use it.”

“He would use it against us?” Anderson asked.

“I know he would,” Joel nodded. “Don’t tell him or anyone else.”

Paul frowned, “I saw it and still don’t understand it.”

Alejandro looked at them, “Its forever changing and improving. We have taken the way we travel and reduced the time from years to mere weeks. Soon, down to hours.” He smiled. “You know we boost the power and boost that power and so on.”

“We fly in what I refer to as warp,” Joel grinned. “All those shows I love tell you they are going places. The next scene you’re there. The reality is it took several hours or even days.”

Anderson nodded, “Warp.”

“Warp, hyper speed jump,” Joel shrugged. “Your choice. Pick one. We get there faster.”

“Using the Boron Nitrate,” Alejandro began. “We boost the power and we’re boosting the power again.”

“You’ve showed us and explained it,” Paul began. “And I am just beginning to understand it.”

Wilma shook her head and frowned, “That much power doesn’t overload? Or explode?”

“Nothing will explode.” Alejandro chuckled. “We will constantly improve it. We will reduce the time to travel through space and even across the galaxy. Even across the universe in mere hours.”

“The boron nitrate formed after these solar systems burst into being,” Joder continued. “I know we’ll find something more in the debris after the galaxy was formed. There will be more out beyond this galaxy. It’s out there.”

 

They took the Harpy Stinger down to Elysia. It was just after that Joel opened his eyes in the Control Center on Gaea.

“Another successful day on Elysia,” Sara Beth said removing Joel’s headset.

Joel grinned kissing her, “Yes. My only regret is not being here.”

Sara Beth rolled her eyes, “But you are here. You never left.”

“We need to help them with making android bodies like ours so they can do it there.” Joel concluded. “They use the neural interface for entertainment. We may have to teach them how to operate in the androids.”

Leah smiled, “Then why bring them here at all? They can be here while safe there.”

“They have shunned most technology.” Nayef thought out loud. “Operating in an android body takes some getting used to.” He grudged a nod. “I did at first. Future meetings with Gaea and Elysia will take place for both planets. Maybe all four, Earth and Mars as well as the moon and elsewhere.”

“As long as we maintain our computers,” Hank said.

“If we keep the holoprojectors, we can have the holographic versions of each of us at the table.” Anthony said. “I know Scott can rig the network for that.”

Nayef nodded, waving them down and smiled, “Yes, but one thing at a time.”

“What if we create a virtual meeting place?” Anthony suggested. He then shrugged, “Going with the Greek mythology creating a virtual Mount Olympus? Where everyone can go and meet in real time.” He hurried on, “It could be anywhere. Shangri la! A place where we can meet.” He pointed at Joel. “I think we should for the next meeting with Mars or Ark V, you should be there.”

Joel nodded, “Using the neural interface.”

Anthony smiled bigger, “Yes! Not for manual labor obviously, but you would be there. On Mars, on Earth or the moons...as long as we have the projectors on you will be there!” He waved at the surrounding area. “They can be here. They can see and hear what’s here.”

Joel didn’t need them to decide. “Tell Lucus Saint-George and Raymond Boullion what to do.” He looked at Leah. “We need to instruct them how to use the neural interface. Like those on Elysia they may know how to use it for entertainment. They need to know how to use it with computer science.” He looked at Joder. “There is boron nitrate that have color.”

Joder nodded, “Sure. Just like diamonds the impurities that cause the boron nitrate to have color. Why?”

Joel looked at Sara Beth, “I think I found what to give Ian after his tooth comes out.”

Sara Beth’s eyes widened, “You want to give him boron nitrate?”

Joel grinned mischievously, “I want to give him marbles.”

“Marbles?” Sara Beth questioned.

“Boron nitrate marbles,” Joel corrected. “He’s turning six.” He shrugged helplessly. “We treat him like an adult most of the time. He’s a little boy. Marbles are what little boys play with. I did.”

“You did?” Sara Beth smiled. “But aren’t marbles played with other boys who have marbles? Isn’t it a game where you keep the marbles you knock out of the circle you draw?”

Joel looked surprised, “You know the game?”

Sara Beth chuckled, “I hate to burst your bubble, but girls play with marbles, too.” She folded her arms over her chest. “In fact, at eight years of age I had the largest collection of won marbles at my school!”

Joel grinned, “I just bet you did.” He looked at Joder, “The boron nitrate can be made into marble shapes and sizes, right?”

Joder nodded, “It can.”

Joel looked at Sara Beth and Joder, “We have coins we brought from Earth, but we don’t have currency. The boron nitrate is harder than diamonds. They won’t break like glass marbles. The impurities doesn’t affect the boost of the power, does it?”

Joder gave a grudging shrug, “Not really. The energy goes through it just fine.” He nodded at his own thoughts, “We try to get the boron nitrate with the least amount of impurities. There are really none that are impurity free...” he looked at Joel. “I can have some made for you today.”

Joel slapped him on the shoulder. “Wonderful! And have more made.” He saw Joder’s face grow confused. “Like Sara Beth said, you have to play with others...others that also have marbles. We need marbles!”

Joder nodded with a chuckle, “Got it. Ian gets the first marble made from something from space.”

Joel looked at Sara Beth, “He still has his tooth?”

“And guarding it from anyone who even looks like they will pull it,” Sara Beth nodded.

It was just a few hours when Joder came back with a cloth bag. He dangled it in front of Joel. “Here they are.” He looked at the sky. “I didn’t want to wait too long. The days are longer, but that tooth will come out.” He opened the bag and poured out eight “marbles.”

Joel smiled as he touched the clear balls. They glistened in the dim light. They were different colors of blue, yellow and green. “Now we wait.”

 

The following days were busy. Those on Gaea and those on Elysia worked tirelessly to get things on Elysia where they could function well. Joel thought it odd that the distance between them seemed to make them closer as people. They had all come out into space to give Humanity a greater chance for survival. The people of Gaea worked on the many projects as did the people of Elysia. It was also odd that the people of Elysia had done this longer than the people on Gaea.

Leah spoke with those on Mars and Earth to get them to work with the neural interface and their computers. Elysia was told about the neural filaments that would help with the neural interface. It was left to them to insert them. Medika and Anthony instructed how to build androids and robots.

It was only two more days when Ian came out and showed the tooth had come out. He was instructed to put it under his pillow.

“For the Tooth Fairy?” Ian challenged with a smirk. “There is no Tooth Fairy.”

“Perhaps not,” Sara Beth said back. “Why don’t you believe in the Tooth Fairy? How do you know?”

“No one has seen a fairy!” Ian stated.

“Is that true of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the other creatures?” Joel asked. “We have story after story about all of them. Was everyone lying?”

Ian looked doubtfully, “You believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.”

“Why not?” Sara Beth asked. “It’s fun and it makes us happy.” She shrugged. “I believe because I choose to. I want to.”

Ian thought for a moment and then nodded, “Why not?”

The next morning Ian came out for breakfast to show what he’d gotten under his pillow. He opened the bag and held the small glistening balls to everyone.

“Marbles!” Jim said holding his hand out for one. Being a budding scientist he held the one he got up and looked at it carefully. “It’s not glass.”

“No,” Joel agreed. “It’s boron nitrate.”

Jim looked confused, “How were they formed? I mean, a ball of polished boron nitrate?”

Joel nodded, “We use it to boost power, but the boron nitrate we use is a concaved surface. In space, we have the processer that super heats the boron nitrate so hot it becomes liquified. Then as it cools we shape it.”

“They can be shaped in a circle,” Jim said. “No diamond or boron nitrate is a ball. It has to be cut.” He waved at his mother’s left hand. “Your wedding ring is cut, not a ball or orb.”

“Agreed,” Joel nodded. “This boron nitrate was formed when Ran came to life sending things everywhere.” He held the blue one. “That’s why it’s so important. It can withstand great heat. It will...” he grudged a shrug, “melt? It’s as hot as inside Ran!”

“That’s why we have metal on the hull of the Harpies merge with it,” Kevin nodded understanding.

“Right,” Joel smiled.

Ian bounced the blue one in his hand, “It won’t break if I drop it.” He looked at Joel. “How do you play?”

Joel grinned moving Sara Beth forward, “Ask your Mom. She’s the champion.”

Sara Beth held a hand up and went inside. She came out with a flat square shaped box. Opening it she smoothed out the dirt inside and made a circle in the dirt. Dropping the marbles in the circle, she chose one, took aim and shot a marble at the marbles in the circle. The marble in the circle shot out of the circle. The marble she shot with stayed in the circle.

“Wow!” Ian marveled. “Great shot!”

“Like I said,” Joel grinned. “Your Mom is a champion.”

Sara Beth grinned, “It’s a lot like pool. If you sink the ball and the cueball, you lose a turn.” She picked up the marble again. “Rules are made by the players. Those were the rules I played with.”

It was a short game. There were only so many marbles. Joel assured them there would be more marbles and more games later.

 

Joel did go to Elysia, but only for a quick visit. Telling Wilma she was returning shortly.

Anthony and Scott were working on something with the computer and smiled at Joel. They were excited about something.

“Ready?” Scott asked happily.

“We were just doing some fine tuning,” Anthony explained happily.

Sara Beth walked up, “Why are we doing this? They go almost six lightyears every day. They are there on Elysia.”

Anthony nodded, “Yes. We could have it so they could see and be seen on Earth or Mars. They are limited.” He held a finger up. “He has the android body to house his mind and can move around and work. Using the holoprojectors is great but people prefer meetings face to face.” He shrugged, “You’ll have a virtual face to face in a place that doesn’t really exist.”

“We’ll put you there and bring the others,” Scott said. “Here we go.”

Joel saw the surroundings fade and another replaced them. He looked at the new surroundings. He was...on a floating platform? A platform where the floor was black polished marble that spread in a large disk. The mosaic floor had the star shape sending points outward. The edges of the platform had tall white columns of marble. Joel wasn’t sure about the kind of column, but Humans used them a lot. They added grandeur to any structure. Southern architects used them in their grand homes. Government buildings. They used them on Gaea with the rotunda. The columns here held up a marble “ring” that connected all the columns. What surrounded the round the platform overhead were thousands and thousands of stars. The platform was in space. No land was seen anywhere. It was comfortable. There was even a breeze.

“This is our version of Mount Olympus.” Scott explained. “You have more experience moving around. The others will get it but will probably have trouble at first. You being here first is to show it’s safe.”

Joel pointed at the ground, “The lack of a planet will be a hard thing to except.” Joel chuckled. “Nice programming.” He got “Thanks,” from both. “However,” he held that finger up. “I know many who are on ships for extended periods of time, be it submarines or ships like ours suffer from agoraphobia. The fear of being out in all this...” he waved, “open space.” He smiled. “You might want to put walls up,” he waved overhead, “and put a roof over it.” Joel didn’t see them but heard one slap the other lightly on the arm.

“I didn’t think of that,” Anthony defended.

“Neither did I,” Scott muttered. “Just a second.”

Joel watched as walls encircling the whole forum appeared. In between the columns were the wise men of the ancient world. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Seneca and others he knew were famous for bringing new ages of wisdom to the world. Enlightenment.

“We’ll bring the others,” Anthony said. “Just a second.”

An image formed and solidified as Wilma. She looked very surprised and looked around. Dressed in the bright red and blue but no indication of her rank. She looked at the forum and then at Joel. “Where am I?”

Joel grudged a nod, “That’s an excellent question.” He chuckled. He saw another image and saw a light-haired man appear. He wore a version of the coverall for Ark V. “And I will answer when we all get here.” He nodded at the man, “Commander Bouillion. Welcome.” Then another appeared. Men’s suits for business and for the office have not really changed in the last centuries. Dark. The tie was thin as was the custom now. “Mr. Saint-George.” He nodded and then waved at the surroundings. “We are nowhere. This place exists in the computer. This is a neutral place not on Earth, Mars, Elysia or Gaea. No one can just be here. Our computer systems will allow two or even dozens of people to be here at the same time.” He accessed the network. “Athena, Oracle, can you appear here? I know you’re listening.”

Athena appeared wearing coverall that was more of a toga, hair down and again very pretty. Oracle wearing coveralls that said Ark III appeared next to her and a handsome man.

“Mr. Bouillion, Mr. Saint-George, this is Athena and Oracle,” Joel introduced. “Athena is our artificial intelligence and Oracle is Elysia’s. I don’t know that you met.”

Bouillion was about to put his hand up to shake theirs and stopped, “Call me George.” He grinned and looked at Joel. “Can we shake hands?”

“In here? Yes,” Joel answered. “It may not feel quite right, but yes.”

“I’m Lukus,” Lukus furthered taking Athena’s hand lifting it and kissed the delicate palm.

Joel smiled at the idea of formal manners. The idea that it still existed pleased him. “Your ancestors were raised in Europe.”

Lukus nodded. “I am third generation Martian, but yes. English and French, with other Europeans in there, too.”

George looked at Joel, “You were born on Earth at the end of the twenty-third century?”

Joel nodded, “In Asheville, North Carolina. My wife and sons were born on Earth. We could have meetings using the screens,” Joel shrugged. “People do better when we meet face to face.” He grudged a concession, “Well, this really isn’t face to face. We are lightyears apart. I just feel better when I can see expressions and gestures.”

“Are we lightyears apart?” Wilma asked with a grin. “I’ve used the neural interface to see movies, plays and even documentaries,” she openly gestured with her hands, “but this seems real!”

Joel shrugged, “We’ve done a lot with computer imaging. It is real. In the computer.”

George walked over to the statues, “Very impressive.”

“I felt beamed up!” Lukus declared.

Joel smiled even bigger as he pointed, “I knew I’d like you.”

Lukus smiled hearing that, “Because I like Star Trek?”

“Do you?” Joel asked.

Lucus became embarrassed, “I was raised by a father who insisted I watch every show and movie while I grew up.”

Joel threw his arms out, “What better way to get a person to see the universe?”

Lucus nodded, “He didn’t care for Star Wars.”

“Why not?” Joel asked with a frown.

“Long ago in a galaxy far, far way?” Lucus said. “Dad didn’t believe the lightspeed technology was possible.”

“Warp power was?” Joel asked. “Matter and antimatter?”

“Don’t you have that now?” Wilma asked. “The boron nitrate?”

“They aren’t Dilithium. Boron nitrate isn’t the power source,” Joel chuckled. “We have advanced so fast and far...we need time to evolve. Computer imaging and reproduction has been improved so much. You now see, hear and feel what we’re supposed to. We see the scene, hearing the character breathe and,” he grudged a nod, “even smell the sweat or cologne.” He grinned, “Smell cookies baking or garbage...” he smiled. “All to tell the brain what it senses is real.” He nodded, “With the filaments, it becomes even more real.” He raised a finger, “But beware. You’ll feel what others are thinking and feeling, too...if they have the filaments. Hank, my first officer is feeling what his wife does carrying their twins. The morning sickness, cravings...I don’t know how he’ll feel when she’s in labor. My wife wouldn’t have them put in her.” He grudged a concession, “Anyway, this is where we can meet and talk. It’s secure.”

“Okay,” George nodded. “Do you have ideas about Luis Barroso?”

“You are ten lightyears away,” Lucus waved helplessly. “He is no threat to you.”

“His father, Campos Saies thought otherwise,” Joel began. “He said he could. Barroso claims not to know what was meant. Mr. Saies was a member of the Amigos dos Amigos. I don’t feel he is a bad man but raised by his father to think more of himself that he deserves. If you know anything, tell us.”

“There have been numerous attempts to launch things into space,” Lucus began. “The rebuilding of the space elevator has been difficult. The one you used on Earth was destroyed. We have the other in Australia. It is overworked. Mining off world has been essential to rebuilding Earth.”

“Is there a need for more satellites?” Joel asked. “There are more than enough out there now?”

George frowned, “There are satellites that no longer work out there.” He waved his arm indicating the sky above him. “In fact, there was a satellite junk removal right after you were launched. There is enough metal up there going to waste. There are thousands of them.”

“We’ve begun a new building program to create more solar collectors to bring more power,” Lucus explained. “And we have a new gravity program to give us normal gravity.”

Joel’s eyes widened, “You have?”

“It’s using the gravity magnification field,” Lucus explained. “We’ve used the centrifugal gravity for homes.” He grinned. “I grew up having a bed that spun like a centrifuge. It allowed the body to grow.”

“Mars’ gravity is a third of Earth’s gravity,” Joel nodded.

“That’s right,” Lucus replied. “The Earth’s moon is a lot less. They use the centrifugal gravity for homes so the people don’t lose muscle and bone.”

“Can it be applied to ships?” Joel asked.

Lucus grudged a hesitant nod, “In theory.”

“BP-Nell-Peg is given to prevent bone loss and muscle atrophy,” Joel remembered the injections he had gotten, given by Sara Beth.

“Yes,” Lucus nodded and shrugged. “But the growth of bone and muscle had to come up with a way or no child born on Mars or the Moon would be able to go to Earth again.”

“Can I suggest your scientists work together to make theory into fact?” Wilma suggested.

“We’ll do this,” Joel agreed. He sighed with contentment. “We are now a spacefaring species. We will evolve. We should schedule meeting times using the universal timeframe. With the understanding we can meet when a need arises that merits more times.” He accessed Athena and sent the calendar and clock Chloe had come up with. “This clock is based on the universe’s movements. Plus our Gaean clock. Day, night, week and year.” He looked at them. “I don’t want anyone to refuse to use the space elevator. I just think until we know what Campos Saies did, we have to be careful.”

“Agreed,” George said.

“Are we the Federation of Planets now?” Lucus smiled.

“We’ve made great strides,” Joel bounced. “Gene would be proud.”

“Gene?” Wilma asked.

“Gene Roddenberry,” Joel nodded. “He created Star Trek!” He said happily.

Wilma smirked a grin. “I’ve got to see it.”

“Yes you must,” Joel agreed. “We, as a species, now span to the star systems and occupy five worlds...” he grudged a nod, “with the mining worlds.” He smiled. “The only known species that has.”

“So far,” Lucus said.

“Right,” George shrugged. “We know we will find life out here. The odds that we are the only ones are almost impossible.”

“Another reason my father didn’t care for Star Wars,” Lucus pointed out. “Even in a galaxy far away and all that, Humans were there!”

Joel nodded, “The same with Star Trek.”

“Ah,” Lucus nodded. “That was explained by the Founders!”

Joel nodded, “The first intelligence in the galaxy that genetically seeded the primordial worlds causing the primate species to evolve on many worlds.” He shrugged. “Intelligent life may be difficult to see, but numbers are the universal language.” He grimaced. “Math.”

Wilma chuckled and shrugged, “One plus one equals two.”

“Who’s to say we aren’t the Founders?” Joel asked. “Now,” he clapped once, he pointed at Wilma. “You need to decide who we bring to Gaea.” He looked at George and Lucus, “We will bring you soon, but it takes a few weeks from your schedule. A week to get there, a week to return, plus the time you look over Gaea. You won’t feel it. I promise.” He smiled at Wilma, “I need to get back. You can be there when my son turns six! He’s performing Beethoven tonight.”

“He’s not six yet,” Lucus balked.

“He’s another prodigy,” Joel nodded. “He took to music like a fish to water. The hardest thing was getting him to read music.”

”He doesn’t get stage fright?” Wilma asked.

Joel shrugged, “None that I see. We never make him. No pressure, and he loves it.” He saluted slightly. “Until our next meeting. Keep us informed.”

 

The people of Gaea loved the classics, but there were always new approaches to classical music. That night a woman Joel knew was part of Leif’s and Steve’s aquatic team played a cello solo that showed her talent. She was interrupted by her husband who played a piano that became much more. Ian played Beethoven’s Concerto number One on a piano his size. Not like Schroeder’s toy piano in the Peanuts cartoon. It was a grand piano scaled down for a child. Then there were classical pieces that were played with a more modern twist using alternative instruments giving a more contemporary sound.

It was a week more when Joel and Hank met with the leaders of Elysia. They met in the Harpy Stinger and Joel waved at the three Stasis Pods.

“So,” Hank smiled. “Who is coming with us to Gaea?”

Wilma looked at her friends on Elysia, “I will.” She looked at Paul and Anderson. “Have you decided?”

“I can’t,” Micheal admitted. “I’m the city administrator. I say Paul and Anderson should.”

Wilma looked at the pods warily. “This is safe.” She looked at Joel. “As I explained, I was in one once because of a medical problem.”

Joel chuckled, “Your parents and grandparents did this to get here.” He held a hand up, “I know, there were problems with many of them. This isn’t the case here. There are defining moments in the past. We discovered not only how to use fire but know how to make it. We discovered concrete. Plastics.” He pointed at a Stasis Pod. “Stasis. We discovered how to put life into stasis. All life. With it we travel long distances and can ship food those distances and have no spoiling.” He slapped Hank on the back lightly. “We’ve done it for centuries and are just fine.” He nodded at Wilma, “You will be fine. In fact, I promise when you do wake from stasis, you will not believe you’ve been in stasis at all.”

Hank smiled, “As Sara Beth is always telling us. Stasis is not sleep. In other words, you won’t feel rested.”

Joel reached over and activated the pods which opened slowly. “In you go.”

“Shouldn’t we pack or something?” Anderson asked.

“Clothing and food will be provided,” Joel replied.

Paul shrugged and was the first to climb in a pod. The lid closed silently.

“We’ll show you want will happen.” Joel said brightly and activated the pod. “Just breathe.”

It took only a few minutes before Paul’s face showed he was unconscious. No twitching and no rapid eye movement.

“He’s alive,” Wilma said to confirm.

“Just,” Joel nodded. He looked at the Elysians not in stasis. “We can show you how we revive them...”

Anderson frowned, “This is silly. We know you won’t kill us.” He went to an available pod and got in. “Ready when you are.” He smiled, “We’re going to another world!”

“And will meet the real us!” Hank said.

Anderson looked surprised a second then nodded, “I forget you are in android bodies.”

“We’ll help you create ones of your own,” Joel said. “The A1s and A2s, too. You won’t have to rely on environmental suits.” He touched an icon on a control panel. “See you in a few minutes.” He turned to the A1s and A2s there. “You’re staying here. Allow Oracle to learn to use the interface. For the users, get back to Gaea. We’ve got guests coming. Allow the Elysians to learn to use the interface with these androids.”

 

The other Elysians with the A1s and A2s watched on the ground, the Elysians in environmental suits, as the Harpy Stinger rose from the ground and shot upward into the sky. Once they were on course, Joel and Hank removed the headset and sat up more on the couches on Gaea.

“They’re on the way,” Hank announced.

Joel nodded, “We’ve got two days to get their quarters ready.” He grinned at Sara Beth, “You know, flowers and all that.” He waved his hand absently.

Sara Beth smirked. “Flowers and all that,” she repeated. “Who could do that?”

Joel pulled her into a kiss, “No one else I know could do better.”

Leif and Steve walked in and went straight toward Joel. “We told Athena to let us know when you revived.” Leif said happily. He was excited about something.

“We want to show you the Nautilus!” Steve added quickly.

Joel put his feet on the ground, “It’s done!?”

“Yes!” Leif said urgently. “And we have a couple of more items to show you.” He paused, “If you have time.”

Joel nodded, “Yes.” He saw the clock in his head. “After lunch. It’s 06:50. I’m not as hungry, but I know it’s time for lunch.”

Sara Beth chuckled, “Your caloric use has been reduced using the android bodies, but yes, you are probably hungry.”

They went to the Dining Area and had a quick lunch. Sara Beth insisted on spinach salad and fish rich in omega-3s to keep his brain fed.

Joel was not going to let Leif and Steve suffer too much. This time Sara Beth, Rita and Hank went with them to Poseidon’s Gate. They went to the platform where a large vessel of a good size floated on the surface. Almost five hundred feet long! Ships had a particular shape. The hull on the water was shaped for the vessel to traverse rough water. It looked...well, it wasn’t metal. The color was light brown and seemed seamless. There was a deck that surrounded the “boat.” There were observation ports. It wasn’t just a boat. It was a ship that could submerge. It was the Nautilus, and the name was on the port bow and could function as a submarine, too.

“But wait!” Steve said excitedly. “Come aboard.” He waved to a gangplank that allowed you to get in the ship/submarine.

Getting inside the Nautilus, there was enough room for a large lab, crew quarters and work area. There were decks with quarters, for engines and all that was needed for the aquatic trips.

Hank glanced to his right and jumped slightly. “What the hell?”

Leif chuckled, “That is a shark.”

Joel looked at the tubular shaped thing. As big as a great white shark, but all black with a painted-on set of teeth sort of open and ready to bite. There were eyes painted on the sides. It was clearly a submersible. There were no propellers at the end that told you that but holes the water taken was shot out to propel it. A singular man could fit inside. “Yes, it is.”

“We made it streamline for great speed under the surface,” Steve explained. “Leif mentioned about the surgical alterations we could make so we could go underwater, and the problems we would face if we tried.”

Leif nodded, “Then Steve asked. Why?”

“With the A2s,” Steve explained further. “We can make A2s that are for the water!” He waved to a corner where there was an A2. Sort of. The toes weren’t exactly right. They were a bit longer than regular toes. “This one can swim!”

Leif nodded and put a headset on, then sat in a chair. The new A2 sat up and looked at them. “Hello, Joel.”

It was Leif’s voice. Joel watched him stand up and walked toward him. “Hi, Leif.”

The new A2 waved at the new body. “No scuba tanks needed. The counterbalance is automatic. I can stay down for hours or even days!” He pointed at his feet and Joel saw the toes lengthen and a film stretched to form fin-like feet. Fins rose on the sides of his legs at the calves and mid-thighs. Another fin rose from the top of the bald head. He waved at the shark. “I can get in that and go quickly. Get out and do whatever task is needed.”

“You created a merman android!?” Sara Beth balked.

Leif nodded, “No fish tail, but yes.” He grinned, “Do you want to see?”

“Please,” Rita answered quickly.

“No pressure sickness,” Steve said. “No decompression.”

“Never get the bends from surfacing too quickly!” Leif added. “It just makes sense.”

Steve nodded vigorously, “Gaea is a world that is basically one large ocean! The land area is only some scattered islands. Making robots and androids that can work for long periods in water just seems perfect.”

“Perfect for us,” Leif added. “We have decided to add some these features added to our android bodies.”

Joel had been looking from one to the other as they spoke as if watching a tennis match, “Boy, you two are certainly married.” He chuckled. “You’re completing sentences for the other without any effort.”

Leif threw his real arm around Steve and nodded, “We’ve been swimming in the same water for years now.” He shrugged. “It’s just natural.”

“Wanta see the plateau where we want to build New Atlantis?” Steve asked. “It’s not that far.”

“It’s between Molokai, Lanai, and Maui,” Leif explained. “About one hundred and fifty kilometers away. The Nautilus can do it in a few hours.”

Joel looked at Hank, Rita, and Sara Beth who gave him a collective shrug. Joel grinned at Leif and Steve, “Let’s do it.”

 

The Nautilus’s engines started and then sunk into the water. It moved to the barrier and then sank completely and began a more rapid speed. With no life below the surface, it was a barren rocky world. It took about an hour to reach the goal.

“Here it is!” Steve announced waving at a screen that appeared again. It was as if someone had sheered off the top of a mountain. It was an area as large as all of New Charleston. Not exactly level. There was a slight slope from west to east but that could be worked on. Ran could be seen as it shone through the water. The surface was just a few meters above the plateau.

“Here I go,” Leif announced and went to a pool in the deck floor and simply stepped in with a splash.

“You can see him on the screen,” Steve waved at the empty air. “Or put on a headset and see what he is doing as if you were him.” He lifted a headset.

Joel had scuba dived those few times, but this was different. The fear of drowning never happened. He could breathe just fine. The neural interface was putting him in the water, and he did feel the coolness of the water and felt the caress of that water around him. Athena told him the water was twenty-seven degrees Celsius. That was eighty degrees using Fahrenheit. That temperature was normal in the Southern Caribbean. They were near the surface and Ran warmed the water well. The sheer slope had been swept clean from the ocean currents.

Leif knew how to swim and therefore so did the A2. His toes elongated and fanned out. The movements to propel him through the water wasn’t really possible for a Human. Yes, he had legs as an android, but flexed more along the femur, tibia and tibia in the legs bending in more ways than Human bones. The flared out toes forming a strong, stroking stride and got greater speed. He was basically a fish or some aquatic mammal! Joel did feel as if he was a fish!

When Leif came up from the pool portion of the deck floor. He smiled at them. “What do you think?”

Joel looked at Sara Beth, Hank and Rita. He smiled, “I think we have the birthplace of our New Atlantis!”