Ark II: Life on Gaea - 7. Shock

Word about this upcoming election went wild. Most people wanted to know why, but when told why for Joel they nodded their understanding. They had not been given a choice. It was going to happen at the end of the next month. The title was debated. Prime Minister was chosen. What surprised Joel was Kevin! His eldest son had researched and planned something Joel had no idea about.

Daylia proved to be just as noisy as he and Sara Beth knew she could be. Joel loved his sons, but Daylia was pulling his emotions seemingly in a new direction. She was a good baby but required Sara Beth to nurse her almost every two hours. When her milk came in that helped, but Daylia still needed frequent feedings. Joel remembered his sons did the same thing when under a month. The breast pump gave Joel a supply when Sara Beth was too tired to wake up. She pushed a full bag of sugar out of her body! Of course, she was tired. Joel did go into the town in the day, talked to many on the Network. His son’s plan happened when he was in the Control Room.

He heard a fanfare! He knew the song. Where was it coming from? Joel went outside to the center of town. Near the Angel Oak stood Kevin on a platform speaking loudly to be heard over John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.

“You knew him as Commander of the Ark!” Kevin said happily to a gathering crowd. “He’s a man who thinks of you first!” He pointed at them.

Joel had the impression of those barkers in front of a carnival or circus where they cried, “step right up” or something. Kevin was doing a good job.

“For almost a year now,” Kevin continued, “my Dad has kept you safe. You are first on his mind. I love Uncle Hank, I do! I love Uncle Nayef and Aunt Bia. I know they would make great leaders. Dad has done it! He has a proven record. Show him you know that. Vote for Joel Kevin Nesmith as Prime Minister of Gaea!”

Joel grinned, but this was not planned for. He saw the many flags appear from all nations that made up the people of the Ark. There were even fireworks that could be seen, and the music was not blaring but heard. Confetti fell.

After it was over, the music stopped, the fireworks ended and there was nothing to clean up. Joel walked toward his son. People commented support to Joel. “What was that?” Joel pointed to the area all had seen the show.

Kevin grinned, “Your campaign! You are running for an office.” He smiled, “I did a lot of research about the historic campaigns on Earth. What party are you? Liberal or Conservative? Are you for big government control or little government control?”

Joel’s eyes widened, “I voted for the man or woman, not the party. Was he honest before in his life or does he lie just to get votes?”

“You never lie!” Kevin said proudly.

Joel grudged a nod, “I was psychoanalyzed to see if I could command the Ark... not just the ship, but the people on it...” He waved at the surroundings. “All these people were chosen because of their knowledge and personalities. We were compatible.”

Kevin nodded, “And you chose Uncle Hank as your first officer. I know. He is your friend, and you know he’ll do a good job.”

“I’m not a dictator or tyrant,” Joel said. “If I make a decision, I want their backing because I was chosen, not because I was commanding by a decision that wasn’t theirs.”

“I’m just reminding them!” Kevin said. “You know you will be elected.”

Joel smiled, “By their choice.”

“Sure,” Kevin nodded. “Those campaigns in the past were big deals! A lot of money was spent to get someone in office.”

“Which isn’t happening here,” Joel said. He hugged his son. “Do you think I’m doing a good job?”

“You are!” Kevin said. “Since the voting age is eighteen, I can’t vote...” he held that point finger up, “But we’re having a kids vote. Those like Lunga, Chloe, Jim and I are having our own vote!” He nodded, “You will be elected!” He grudged a waiver of his head, “Chloe and Lunga will probably vote for their fathers, but I know you’ll win.”

“I appreciate your support,” Joel began thinking how he could explain. “When we numbered in the millions, having rallies like you saw was to introduce candidates to the masses. Telling them all what they stood for.” He looked at New Charleston. “Everyone here knows everyone. They know what we all stand for.” He checked the time, “It’s three hours into the day. Shouldn’t you be in class?”

“Yes,” Kevin grinned. “Robbie knew what I was studying and suggested I do it here.” He shrugged, “What did you think?”

Joel chuckled, “I thought it was very good. I don’t want the other candidates to become jealous. Someone needs to give equal time to each. We aren’t Americans anymore.” He saw his son’s eyes widen. “We are from the United States, yes. Your Uncle Hank is American, but from Canada. Xolani is from Africa. What we all are now is Gaean. We’re all from Earth. Come up with a song and emblem we can rally around and solidify us as a people. Then you’ll have something we can rally around.”

Kevin’s mind was working on what his father had said, “Okay.” He smiled at his father, “I’m voting for you. It may not count, but I know you’ll do a good job. I listen to Uncle Hank, Uncle Xolani, Aunt Bia, Uncle Nayef” he pointed at Joel, “but I vote for you!”

Joel hugged his eldest, “Thank you, son.”

“We’ll get on making that flag,” Kevin swore. “I need to get back.” He waved, “Bye!”

The old ways were sort of gone. A person working from nine in the morning until five in the evening didn’t count anymore. He went back to his quarters where he saw Sara Beth in the kitchen putting some fluid in the stasis cabinet. She was dressed for her office. She still had some physical evidence she had given birth recently. Something she was exercising to rid of. She was still beautiful. She glanced up and smiled at Joel, “Hi. I was just going to see if you were coming by.”

Joel looked but didn’t see Daylia. Then he heard a cry from his and Sara Beth’s bedroom. “Are you going into the lab?”

Sara Beth sighed, “I have to.” She explained further, “There are some new strains of seeds we’ll need for the later farming. I need to research the DNA so it grows better.” She smiled, “Things like your coffee.”

“There’s nothing wrong with what we have now,” Joel said.

Daylia was not happy they left her alone even if they were in the next room! She let out her cry to let them know.

Joel smiled, “I’ll get her.” Striding in the bedroom he got his daughter from the bassinet bringing her head toward his own face. “Now, now,” he crooned softly kissing her head and cuddling her, “What’s the matter with my princess?” He asked walking with her into the kitchen. Daylia knew these voices and her Daddy’s voice in particular and calmed down. Joel shared Sara Beth’s parenting. They wanted to guide their children, not discipline them. Guidance. The Biblical directive spare the rod, spoil the child they agreed with. That was in Proverbs Joel thought. He also remembered Psalm that said, “Your rod and staff comforts me.” Or something like that. Sara Beth knew those were two separate things. The rod was used to guide the flock or livestock in the right direction, they were never beating whatever. The staff was to defend what they were guiding from any predator. They were a comfort. Not to beat submission. Joel agreed. They would never use violence against their children. How could they show tolerance and peace if they forced compliance? When Daylia cried, there was something that needed attention and Sara Beth and Joel would be there. It added a sense of security. It wasn’t an easy job being a parent. Joel determined to be a good parent. He checked to see if Daylia needed changing. That wasn’t the problem now. She wanted her parents. She was fine. He held his daughter close, and she was reaching for him with her hands which Joel let her feel his face. “You’re fine. Daddy’s got you.” He told her gently.

Sara Beth smiled as Joel came closer, “I can take her with me. I’m doing nothing dangerous.” Daylia was making noises at her father almost like a greeting. Sara Beth enjoyed watching her weaving her charm on her father. Joel was a good father. More important was he was a daddy. He had been a great parent to his other three. It would be interesting to see how he was with his daughter. He loved her, of course. She also knew that fathers and daughters were unique. Many times you could guess the gender of the baby by how the father treated them. Babies were tough. Men treated the sons more...well, they weren’t as gentle. Joel was more gentle with Daylia. “I really need to go to the seed vault.”

Joel was making sounds and holding Daylia close to his face where he was touched by his daughter. He shrugged, “Okay. If you need to.”

Sara Beth chuckled, “Are you listening?”

“Sure,” Joel answered. “Seed vault and coffee. I heard you.”

“Were you listening?” Sara Beth came and rubbed Daylia’s head. “You and I need to rub her head. Until the fontanelles fuses. To shape her head.”

Joel nodded, “Her soft spot. Having one eases the delivery. I understand.”

Sara Beth smiled a bit sadly, “This will be my first time away from her.”

Joel understood when it happened with their sons. This was also an important time for Sara Beth. He looked at his wife, “If you want to put it off anoth...”

“No,” Sara Beth interrupted. “I need to do it. I’ll be fine.” She said reassuringly. “Daylia will be fine. She has you. This is when a father and child bond more.” She waved at the stasis cabinet. “She’ll need to eat in a few hours. There’s milk in the cabinet.” She turned to leave and stopped, "Oh, and she needs sunlight. I’ve not seen any jaundice, but we don’t need to take chances. It’s been nearly a week. There is no yellowing do I see.” She looked at Joel closely, “You know, bilirubin in the blood?”

Joel nodded again, “Jim had it.”

“It’s a sunny day and not cold,” she waved at Daylia. “Strip her down and put her on the patio. Ran will take care of it. Check her hands and feet...”

Joel knew she was just being a mother. He smiled at her, “I know. The way to see if she’s cold. I know.” He kissed her gently, “We will be fine. I can call you almost instantly if needed.”

Sara Beth wiped away a tear, “I know. This is just so hard to leave.” She sniffed and stiffened her back. She kissed Joel. “I trust you. You will need your daily latte, and our other citizens need their coffee.” She raised her finger, “Good coffee is more than genetics! Environment and the soil is important.” She turned and left.

The lives on Gaea were changing. The growing population were why they were there. The days of packing those bags with formula, diapers, cleaning cloths were gone. There were stations all over New Charleston that had diapers, wipes and recycling stations. Nothing was wasted. Joel worked with his connection to Athena. All the while he watched Daylia as he laid her naked on a thick blanket in the rays of Ran. Daylia slept, woke and had to cleaned a few times but all was very good. Joel knew they were creatures formed by a star and sunlight was so important. They were growing. It would soon be Sara Beth’s birthday. He had to do something special for her. His sons came home from school just as they always did. Loud! Daylia wasn’t startled as she knew each by their voices. Sara Beth had told the boys they should be themselves and not slink it quietly. Daylia would get used to the noise and sleep when needed. Ian had neglected Lightening and was making up for the time he had devoted to the birth of Daylia. All of their sons were visiting the horses, but Ian had been studying the health of animals...especially horses. He thought he would go into veterinary medicine. Robbie and Rob were paying attention to Daylia, too. She knew them.

They would have a party every month by the Human chronology in every person. The people here were proving to be what they are. The dedication to work was there. Performances of the music were happening. So were the need for play. The number of games were rising in the form of soccer and even baseball had begun. The biology department against the botanists. Engineering from structural to environmental and a big game was planned between the winners to crown the best team. There were no gender bias happening as anyone who proved they could play a position was given that position. Joel was surprised to see an old game was redesigned. One of the engineers on the structural engineering team designed “skates.” They were antigravity skates. Once activated it would lift the wearer off the ground by a few inches. The wearer had to become accustomed to these skates and stay upright. The ball or puck was also powered by a low power level antigravity field and “slid” effortlessly. That cut back on friction with the ground. The sticks were pretty standard, and the goal posts were standard. The rules were also standard. The skates were sought by many. There would be many, young and older with the new skates. Sara Beth worried about the many new injuries from bloody knees to broken arms and even broken necks. There would be new developments in recreational equipment. Skateboards to hover carts.

The birthdays that month had been surprising. Sara Beth had made a vegan chocolate birthday cake! No animal was harmed or used to make it! Joel was fighting tradition as he liked cakes made traditionally. Eggs and milk with a big glass of cold milk with it. The vegan cake was good! It was chocolate! It was moist and delicious and the almond milk was good with it.

The need to have the seed and DNA vault down on Gaea was important. Matt and Mark were wanting to have what they needed on Gaea. There was a massive number of seed and DNA on the Ark. A new vault was being constructed below ground underneath New Charleston. The labs on the Ark could be used and the seed and DNA would be up there, too. Diversifying was just better.

They were a community. The beginnings of that was when they began dining every evening on the Ark. That was being furthered here in New Charleston.

Divorce. A terrible word. When you realize what you thought was there, isn’t. What choice was there? Who needed to know? They were so accustomed to filing paperwork, having a simple divorce seemed...wrong. Joel made sure each couple saw Nayef, Leah, Tom or Cindy to make sure they were certain. Once that was done a notation would be recorded by Athena and boom, it was done. Here. Anyone who wasn’t from here only needed to be told. Or not. Why did that person, not from Gaea need to know? If they wanted a date, simply ask. The marital status didn’t matter. Even a simple request for sex! Just ask! However, respect the answer. If it was no, move on.

The election. Joel was confident he’d done a good job as leader. Yet, there was this nagging thought in the back of his mind that wondered if they thought so. He made a statement that everyone received.

“My friends, you wonder why we are having this election. I want you to elect the leader for us on Gaea. I was chosen by the Board to command the Ark. You did not. I was chosen because of my history in a military run organization. I did that. Whomever you choose will be the voice for all of us and that will be honored. I will not be your king or dictator. We all will dictate policy and legislation. We had a constitution presented to us which was a combination of many countries and cultures. We were governed by maritime law when on the Ark. We are at our new home and a new establishment of those powers should be on record. I would be happy to do so, if that is your choice. All those on the ballot would make fine leaders. I have confidence in each of them. The terms of office are also on the ballot. You are in charge. Tell what you think should be done and for how long. When I commanded my first group of men and women, the test to see if I would think of myself first or the others. If it was a craft, I had to think of the craft first for the most to survive. I hated those. I promise to think of everyone when forced to make that decision. If you can think of someone not on the ballot, write the name on the ballot and send it in. Whomever is chosen will lead. You have superiors, they are your representatives here. They will talk to whomever is in charge. Our numbers will increase, but for now, you can come to whomever whenever.”

The other candidates were given similar campaigns as Joel had gotten. The strengths of each were explained but everyone knew them.

Daylia was growing! Joel knew that, but seeing her many hours a day, it surprised him how much. That was Daylia’s only job at the moment. Her attention was drawn by voices. Mostly her mother’s, but Joel saw her look in his direction when she heard his voice. She knew her brothers’ voices and turned her eyes when they spoke. Loud noises didn’t startle her. She loved the stars that Ian had programmed for the music she heard. When she was awake, she seemed to be trying to push further. Both Sara Beth and Joel shared parental duties and took her to work with them when they needed to. However, their computer network, they often worked at home and brought the office to them.

Rita looked like she would burst when she came over for some of Sara Beth’s special tea blend on the Cavill’s patio. It was an herbal blend to relax and calm. Rita was carrying two infants! Sara Beth saw how big each baby was and worried since each infant was over two point seven kilograms. Six pounds! Sara Beth made sure Rita ate properly having enough calories to keep the babies developing without causing unnecessary weight gain for Rita. She also promised to guide Rita with her exercises after the babies were born.

“I really struggled after Rachel was born,” Rita confessed and then grudged a nod. “I did indulge my cravings a bit more with her than I did with Chloe. It was my fault.”

Sara Beth chuckled setting her cup down on the saucer and shook her head, “I don’t believe it is your fault. Some physicians, me included, believe it is a natural desire for certain ingredients your baby needs.” She smiled, “Your babies in this case. You crave what your body thinks it needs. Your craving, and my craving is a way to get what your babies need.” She shrugged. “You are healthy. Your babies are healthy. That’s the bottom line.”

Rita chuckled, “Don’t tell Hank. I’m voting for Joel.”

Sara Beth’s eyebrows rose, “It’s a secret ballot. You’re telling me this why?”

“I think even Hank is voting for Joel,” Rita said with a shrug. “He won’t even vote for himself. He thinks the way it’s set up now is the way it should be.”

Sara Beth grudged a nod, “This is more for Joel. He wants the vote of confidence from everyone.” She looked at Rita, “I agree with Hank. Or all the mistakes by the Board they were right about the command structure. It works. I hate that no one will vote for Hank. Or for Nayef or Xolani.”

“If it ain’t broke,” Rita nodded. “Don’t fix it. It ain’t broke.” She rubbed her baby swell, “I’ll be glad when this is over.” She smiled, “I have work to do. I can’t get around comfortably like I’m used to.”

Sara Beth smiled, “Soon.”

Matt and Mark were overseeing the transfer of the many from the seed vault and DNA archive. Matt wanted to be sure they had enough of each on Gaea as well as on the Ark.

Sara Beth’s and many of the other birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated on Gaea. Joel was thinking about what to give Sara Beth and Rachel made a suggestion.

“Uncle Joel,” Rachel said patiently. “You’re overthinking about it too hard. You know Aunt Sara Beth and what she likes better than anyone. She isn’t looking for that special gift as a thing. She wants you!” She said logically. “She just gave you your fourth child! Some uninterrupted time with you would be desired. She needs to know she still attracts you.” Rachel smiled. “She does, doesn’t she?”

Joel was surprised hearing wisdom from someone so young, “Of course.”

“Let her know that.” Rachel shrugged, “Mom is always telling Dad he is the most important anything in her life. Then me and Chloe, hen her job.” She laughed. “Let Aunt Sara Beth know she’s most important.” Her eyes twinkled. “You are worried about the cake for her birthday. You and most people think the cake has to be sweet. It doesn’t. I’ve wanted to try some recipes I found for pickle cakes.”

“Pickle cakes?” Joel asked.

“There are many including a pickle cheesecake,” Rachel said. “I’ll make some for you to try and tell me which you think she’d like. Most are savory, not sweet.”

Joel couldn’t decide! Rachel made plenty for everyone.

The divorcers went forward and several of the quarters for the divorcing couples were converted for two of three divorced men and women. The work did not stop.

It was four hours before dawn when the call came.

“Sara Beth! Joel!” Hank’s voice came urgently. “Rita’s in labor!”

Joel smiled, “We’ll be right there.” He looked at Sara Beth, “You have a patient, and I have mine.” He shrugged.

“I’ll get Daylia,” Sara Beth picked her daughter up who didn’t even wake up.

“We’ll leave the boys with Rob and Robbie,” Joel nodded as he dressed quickly. He sent a message through Athena to Rob, Robbie, and their sons. Their parents would be right next door!

Sara Beth put Daylia in a hammock sling and put it on Joel.

Joel nodded and pushed Sara Beth gently, “I’ve got her. Go, go!”

Sara Beth took her medical supplies and hurried out of the bedroom. When Joel got to the Cavill’s Rita was already in the tub of warm water to give birth and Hank was telling her to breathe and demonstrated the panting she was to do. Sara Beth had given the medication to stop the pain, and it was taking effect slowly. Too slow for Hank.

“Dana’s on her way,” Hank reported without looking at either of them. The stress was in his voice.

Hank knew stress was not needed for Rita. He’d deal with that when Dana arrived. It was just a few minutes more when Dana showed up.

“Sorry,” Dana said smiling. “Our population is growing. We now have one hundred and thirteen babies coming.”

“Really?” Joel smiled. Everyone knew why they were on Gaea.

Dana grudged a nod, “A thousand fertile couples making love. I’m surprised it’s not higher. It will be, I’m sure. Matt and Mark have started their child.” She nodded, “That family will soon have four children when Nancy and Connie begin theirs.”

“You are going to be overworked,” Sara Beth smiled.

Dana nodded, “We’ll need a big nursery.” She looked up at Hank and gave a patient smile, “I know you want to help. This could go on for a few hours. Why don’t you give your wife some space?”

Hank looked alarmed, “But she needs me.” He protested.

“You’ll be right over there.” She pointed to the patio, “You’re doing more than what fathers have done in the past,” she looked at Joel for help. “Take him out on the patio for some fresh air?”

Joel took Hank’s arm and pulled him gently, “Let’s go.”

This delivery took quite a few hours. Chloe and Rachel were up to help their mother. Ten hours after it started, Henry Junior was born. He was crying almost immediately. Ten minutes later, Alicia was born. Chloe cut the umbilical cord for Henry Junior and Rachel cut the cord for Alicia.

Hank by this time was a very happy man as he held his son. “Don’t let your sisters try to beat you in anything.”

“Hank,” Joel shook his head. “Don’t start a sibling rivalry.”

“I’m not!” Hank defended, “But Little Hank was determined to be born first. They started it.”

After the after birth was delivered and Rita was resting did Dana stop Joel. “Matt wanted to go up to the Ark to finalize the seed and DNA retrieval.”

Joel nodded, “Give us a week or so. Then we’ll do that. I’ll tell him.”

Sara Beth and Joel returned to their quiet quarters. Their sons were at school. Daylia had been fed and was clean but awake. It had been a long day but Daylia didn’t understand what the problem was. Sara Beth threw herself across the bed with a tired sigh.

“How did Hank do?” Sara Beth asked Joel.

Joel placed Daylia beside her mother on the bed and laid Daylia between them, “He’s pumped with adrenaline right now.” He laughed, “He’ll crash soon enough.” He smiled at a thought. “This is a whole new world.” He looked at his wife, “There are so many women here pregnant now. Some babies on the way in those artificial eggs or wombs.” He chuckled. “The noise level will increase.”

Sara Beth nodded, “We all agreed to do this. A new generation being raised on a world with less stress. It will change us.”

“For the better,” Joel nodded.

“We can’t let anyone forget what happened and why we left,” Sara Beth pointed out. “Or we risk it happening again.”

“Agreed,” Joel said firmly.

Joel didn’t see much of Hank for a week. He looked over the new daycare facility they had for the many new arrivals. Everyone was giving time there so the many new parents could return to work. He also noticed there was an increase with the A2s. He was surprised to see Hank when he went to the control room.

“Hank!” Joel greeted but smiled at Hank’s wave in reply.

Hank looked very tired. “Hi.” He wasn’t his usual peppy self.

“I take it things are alright with you and the family,” Joel said.

“Fine,” Hank grumbled. He turned to Joel, “How do they do it?” He shook his head, “Rita is up every four hours feeding them.” He waved outward, “I’ve changed hundreds of diapers! How much poop can two little Humans produce!? Poor Athena. She’s recycling all that poop! For what?”

“There are a lot of reasons,” Joel grinned sitting next to Hank. “Fertilizers for one. It makes the grass grow.”

Hank nodded, “I just needed a break.”

“When does Rita get the break?” Joel asked.

“She’s planning one in a week,” Hank muttered. “She says she needs to check the computer on the Ark.” He looked at Joel, “I know she can do it here, but she wants to go there.”

Joel chuckled, “Did she say why?”

“She has the new computer system here,” Hank pointed at the ground. “Athena is everywhere. Rita said something about seeing that the transfer works. She needs to be there.” He leaned in toward Joel, “She’s leaving Henry and Alicia with me. I know she just wants to get away.”

Joel shrugged, “So? You’ll be fine. You have Chloe and Rachel to help.” He brightened, “I’ll be there as well. Sara Beth wants to return to the Ark for the seed vault. She needs to retrieve some seeds. We can watch our three together!”

Matt had also needed to go back to the Ark for some added DNA samples that were in storage there. It was agreed that they would take the Space Elevator up for a day. They were at the elevator’s base.

There was a group seeing them off the appointed day, including Daylia, Henry, and Alicia. They were in rolling strollers where they could nap or be awake safely.

“You’ve got my milk in the stasis cabinet,” Rita said to Hank.

Hank nodded, “I got it.”

Sara Beth kissed her sons and took Daylia out of her stroller and kissed her, “I won’t be too long.” She looked at Joel. “Three hours to the Ark, a few hours working there, lunch and then three hours back.” She touched her husband gently. “I’ll miss you every minute.” She looked at her family. “See you soon.”

Matt and Mark were parting saying a good-bye and the got on the elevator with three A2s.

Joel watched as the elevator began to rise. With the link by Athena Joel, Hank and Mark could see them the whole time. Joel had to admit much of what Sara Beth did was...well, boring. After the trip up to the Ark they parted to do the things they needed to do. It was odd to see them walking around the deserted Ark.

They gathered in the Communal Dining Area on the Ark. It was during that lunch when there was an awful crashing sound and Joel saw something come through the floor of the Dining Area. There was also the sound of rushing air as it was being sucked out of the breech. They were on the area closest to space. The spinning of the habitat ring was keeping them on the deck.

“Hull breech!” Athena’s voice said automatically. “Sealing the breech.”

Joel watched as the air stopped rushing out. A long, nearly six feet in length cylindrical bullet crashed into the Ark just feet from Matt, Sara Beth, and Rita. They had been thrown from their chairs. Joel watched as this bullet opened up and there was a hissing sound.

“Bio contaminates detected,” Athena reported. “Sterilization protocols proceeding.”

Joel stood instantly, “No! Athena! No!”

Joel watched as a bright light flashed a mere second and he watched as Sara Beth, Rita, and Matt vanished.

“No!” Joel shouted, “Sara Beth!”

Hank was just in shock, “They’re gone!”

Mark wasn’t reacting at all. He was too stunned to react as his mouth simply opened, but nothing came out.

Nayef’s voice came over the link, “Athena, are there any more of those things?”

“Two,” Athena replied. There was a blast and there were two explosions near Gaea. “Targets destroyed.”

Joel heard them but his mind only could think of one thing. His wife, his beloved friend was gone.