Ark II: Life on Gaea - 13. Chapter 13 Strange New World

Joel waved at Efim. “We’ll leave you with your friends.”

Efim waved in the direction of his bees. “They are friends. Very needed on Gaea.”

Hank was now relaxed. “And you have never been stung.”

Efim smiled, “Never. Not once.” He gently slid the honey-soaked hive portion back and chuckled. “And here it comes.” He looked at Hank. “They know gentleness and calm. Controlled breathing and me...being calm. They know me as part of the hive.” He shrugged.

“Huh,” Was all Hank could say.

“Can we help you bring the honey back?” Joel asked but still remained at a distance.

“I have help,” he waved behind Joel and Hank.

Joel saw a squat robot roll towards them. Not an A2 or A1, just a simple robot they used for many manual tasks such as loading or hauling. Joel was reminded of the ones on the Ark that watered and pruned the lush foliage Sara Beth put out. He knew those plants were dead now. The safety protocols killed every living thing on the Ark, except those in storage. That was sealed. How he missed Sara Beth. He knew now the part of “part of me” related. A major part of him was taken. Cut off. There were men and women who lost arms or legs who talked about feeling pain from the part of them no longer attached. How could their foot ache when there was no foot? Yet, they felt it like it was still attached! Phantom pain they called it. Sara Beth was not a phantom pain. It was real. He would love to see Sara Beth’s phantom. There were times he felt, real or not, that Sara Beth was with him. Especially with Daylia. Raising that little lady would be hard without Sara Beth. He could and would, of course, and what did he know? Sara Beth could be letting him know he wasn’t doing this alone. Hank knew the pain, as well. He was raising a teenage girl! Whatever power that was controlling this would help him. So would he and the others on Gaea. He felt sorry for Hank. Joel felt Hank and Matt needed a groups session with Nayef or Leah, him included as the three of them knew the loss better than anyone.

He and Hank headed back to New Charleston for supper and to see their children.

In the dining hall they saw the many citizens gathering to eat. There was a good many gathered around Adel and Brice as they looked at something. Just above the table was a small three-dimensional image Joel could almost make out. Joel stopped near them.

“I gather all can see this,” Joel smiled at Adel.

Brice looked up and beamed, “Meet our son!” He waved at the image.

Their son still had two more months before he was born. Joel saw the image of a young man about twenty. Handsome, having features from his father and his mother, Adel. “I guess Athena helped with this.” Joel postulated.

Adel grudged a nod, “The DNA tells the story. Barring any injuries...she aged him eighteen to twenty years. This is what Joey will look like.”

“Joey!?” Adel said surprised, but good natured. “Micheal. After your father. We agreed.”

Brice wasn’t upset, “We have a few more weeks. We can still name him after your father.”

“The obvious is both,” Joel suggested. “Joseph Micheal or Micheal Joseph.”

Adel laughed and let out a short, “Oh.” She held her stomach. “He moved.”

Joel was amazed by the neural interface Adel wore. Being born male, she wasn’t carrying a thing. However, the interface sent what was happening to her brain. Movements, kicks or whatever their baby was doing...she felt. What was really great was their baby heard and felt everything Adel felt. Two-way transmissions. She reached down and felt her legs. “I can do without the swollen ankles.”

“Really?” Hank said in awe. “You have that? What about cravings?”

Adel’s head wavered as she thought, “Not really. Whatever is needed is fed to him.”

“Frequent bathroom visits?” Joel asked.

“No,” Adel chuckled. “Thank goodness.”

“Wait,” Hank objected. “She has the swollen ankles but not the frequent need to pee!? Why not?”

Adel smiled, “My mother wasn’t bothered by that because she carried me high. I didn’t press on her bladder until the last month. I may yet.”

“Well,” Joel said. “Whatever you name him, he will make a fine contribution to the colony.”

Hank looked around the dining area. “We are changing.” He observed. “We’re changing the Human race.”

“That’s inevitable,” Joel said. “Do you see that as a bad thing?”

“No,” Hank waved at the people in the dining area.

Joel saw many of their children with their “pets.” Kim Reese with her kitten Samantha. Alan Reese had Barney sitting next to his feet. The beagle puppy would always be a puppy unless they aged him. Kiri Taika was walking now on sturdy legs followed by the bulldog puppy she named Bibi, her infant pronunciation of baby. Kiri had grown, but Bibi would not. Joel knew Athena was running all the pets’ programs. That’s why the pets always listened and obeyed. “You know why we did that.”

In walked Chloe with one of Hank’s infants followed by Apollo who had the other. Rachel had Robot’s hand. Robot had expressed that he should not carry one of the children as he was too hard and cold. Hank had argued that Robot could heat himself up, but it was understood. Then Rob came in holding Daylia. Robbie had said something similar. Three boys passed them hurrying to Joel and Hank. The three were excitedly speaking at once.

“Okay,” Joel held his hands up. “I want to hear all of you, but one at a time, please.” He pointed at Ian. “Is what you have to say long?”

“Nah,” Ian bounced. “Lightening is learning to do tricks! I can’t wait to ride him. You’ve gotta see him!”

“I will,” He looked at his middle and eldest. “Now you two.”

The two glanced at each other and started again. “How is Earth?” Kevin asked. “Is North American in a nuclear winter?” Jim asked.

Hank waved at his sons, “See? Even our mode of travel has changed. You and I travel over twenty light years in a day!” He threw his hands up, “And we never leave Gaea!”

Joel grudged a nod, “Yes, Hank. We do. We’re doing it again in a few hours.” He looked at Kevin. “Earth needs a lot of repair...” he looked at Jim, “They are still dealing with effects. We’re helping. Mostly by Ark V.” He saw Leah with Jeremy and Debra Snodgrass. The way Debra rubbed her stomach, she was still pregnant. Athena appeared next to them as they strolled. Yes, things were changing. “Oh, Athena.”

She looked at him, “Yes, Joel?” She looked at the three with her. “I’m still with you.” She appeared again with Joel. She was still with the three, but with him, too. Yes, they were changing. She was not the goddess, but damn close. “I can speak with just you through the interface...”

Joel chuckled, “This is fine.” He sighed. “When I was on Earth, there were things you helped me with. Remembering. Thank you.”

Athena let out a light laughed, “I immediately got the impression that wasn’t appreciated.”

“I appreciated it,” Joel hurried on, “but I should be able to remember myself. No help from anyone. I agree with Sara Beth, my children will be taught and think for themselves.” He looked at her. It was easy to forget she was computer generated.

“Certainly,” Athena nodded.

“Except for math,” Joel held up his “I’ve got a point” finger. “Any more that multiplying or dividing, even that I appreciate the help.” He looked angrily at Chloe. “I hate math.”

Athena laughed heartily, “I understand that.” She tapped herself on the right side of her head. “You think in the wrong hemisphere.”

Joel nodded, agreeing. “I’m too right brained. I can’t do anything about it now. Not that I ever had a choice.” He grimaced, “I’m wary of left brained people.” Then he brightened, “I want my children to know two plus two equals four, minus one makes it five! I want them to not only know it but see it.” He looked at his boys. “I know Jim does! He sees quantum physics in his head! He sees our moons pulling on Gaea and Zeus! He knows how and why! He understands and sees it!’ He smiled. “Is Debra having her baby?”

Athena nodded, “So far.”

“Would the neural interface work with their baby?”

Athena gave a shrugging nod, “We don’t know how far the delay is yet. We are scanning her pregnancy many times to check not only the brain’s development but any physical problems. It’s too early to tell.” She shrugged, “He might not be that far behind.”

Joel waved that off. “I’ve known some that are not that delayed.” He began to pace in a circle. “Can those neural filaments help?”

“Dr. Reese was talking to Jeremy and Debra about that,” Athena said. “Debra is hesitant because we would insert them early. The filaments don’t know the age of the brain.” She raised her “point” finger. “This is highly experimental. They’d used the filaments on the mentally challenged before. These filaments have been improved. The had success fueled the reason to try.”

“We’re putting eyeglasses in the brain,” He used as an allegory. “We’re not taking out the eyes!”

Athena nodded, “That’s right. The wearer will see better than we will.”

“Meaning he could be smarter than any of us,” Joel said, marveling. “But that won’t be his smarts.”

Athena nodded hesitantly, “Remove the glasses from the man that can now see better than anyone...he will again be blind.”

“Okay,” Joel conceded. “He needs to be taught though.”

“Of course,” Athena said. “I can present new information to the brain. Accessing that information afterwards is the tricky part. I will be there to help to make the connection cognitively.”

Joel grunted and nodded, “Barroso accused us of breeding a super race.” He shrugged, “And what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing,” Athena answered. “But you’re not. You’re using what you have.”

Joel found himself thinking about how Human Athena was.

Athena’s head nodded once as she laughed a short laugh, “No, I wasn’t reading your mind, but I can read your expression.” She sighed. “There is something I can’t do.”

“What’s that?” Jel asked.

“I have never had a dream,” Athena said reverently.

Joel’s head went back slightly hearing that. “You don’t sleep.” He reasoned.

“Not since I was brought online March 3^rd, 2251.” Athena confessed. She grudged a nod, “My awareness grew and regressed for fifty years. I didn’t even have a name until 2301. I was told I was to be on the Ark and given a goal. Get the chosen few to a new home and set up a colony.”

“You did that,” Joel assured. “I hope you know, you aren’t finished.” Joel looked at Athena. “You’ve been awake the whole time.”

“Aware of every millisecond,” Athena stressed. “Not even a daydream.” She said sadly. “My mind doesn’t wander.”

“You have no subconscious,” Joel nodded.

“Until I do,” Athena said. “I don’t consider myself sentient.”

Joel saw his sons were not being as patient now. “Anyway! We’ll help with the Snodgrass baby. He will learn and think on his own,” Joel said firmly. “Assist as needed. No one is to use you to think, or we’ll have people that forget how to think. Unless I need help, I will ask for it.” He sighed, “Jeremy and Debra are very smart people. Their child will surprise everyone!” He headed toward his family turning and said to Athena, “It’s a new world.”

A person from the past would recognize them as Humans but see unhuman things they were comfortable with. Seeing his family interact with the others, he felt a swell of contentment. Due to what he’d seen on Earth, he knew Sara Beth and he had made the right decision. His family was safe. No one here was stressed from work. Hidden anger and frustrations were not here. No unemployment and no homelessness. That didn’t mean there would not be problems i the future. None were here now. He sat with the family as he took Daylia into his arms.

“Where are you off to tomorrow?” Jim asked.

Joel grinned, “Cylebia on Ganymede.”

Ian’s eyes widened, “Around Jupiter!” His brow furrowed, “We travel all this way to leave them behind, and now you’re going back. Why?”

“We’re all still Human, son,” Joel explained. “We are helping the ones in need.” He shrugged. He was looking at a pad his eldest was using. “You know the rules, Kevin. No reading or homework at the table.” Not his rule, but Sara Beth’s rule.

Kevin put the pad down with the stylus next to it. “I was just doodling. Sorry.”

“It looked pretty intense,” Joel said. “For school or personal?”

Ian smiled, “He’s drawing an alien.”

Joel’s eyebrow rose, “Really? Can I see it?”

Kevin handed his pad over, “I’ve based it using Earth’s evolution to bring other intelligent creatures to sentients.”

Joel looked at what appeared to be a kind of octopus. Or at least it had eight appendages. It clearly was not Human. It wore an eyepiece and was using tools.

“Lunga, Lui and I were talking about our own evolution and thought about what could have happened elsewhere.” Kevin explained. “There’s not necessarily to be primates to evolve from.” He shrugged. “We agreed in order for a creature to evolve they must have intelligence, yes. They also needed to use tools.”

“They couldn’t create fire underwater,” Jim observed. “Nor could they walk on land.”

Kevin shrugged that off, “There are creatures that have a natural electrical charge. There are octopus that travel short periods over land. We’re talking about millions of years. They could evolve to travel further and longer. It’s all theory.”

Joel nodded, “He’s right. Really, Human evolution is due to an accident, a fluke following extinction events.” He saw wide eyes staring at him. He chuckled, “Dinosaurs lived for one hundred and sixty million years before mammals evolved. It was after they died off did we rise. There were some intelligent dinosaurs. There is no reason to believe on worlds we go to will have Humans or even humanoid creatures. You know I love Star Trek.” His boys nodded. “You know the Borg.” He got nods again. “The Star Trek galaxy has Humans everywhere. In order for a species like the Borg to exist, they have to have Humans or at least humanoids. I’ve never seen them assimilate creatures that are aquatic. Dolphins? Whales?” He waved at Kevin’s drawing, “Never this octopus like creature.” He waved over their heads, “Creatures we may not realize are alive until it talks to us.”

“Why were there Vulcans, Klingons, and those other Humans on the show?” Jim asked.

“They had the show to explain it,” Joel said. “Billions of years before a species that first roamed the galaxy seeded the primordial seas of many worlds so no one else would be alone. The very DNA linked together formed an algorithm that caused the computer to explain the connection.”

“That’s how they got Spock!” Kevin nodded. “And all those others that were half one and another!”

“Right!” Joel nodded.

“That was just a show,” Jim complained.

“Yes, it was,” Joel agreed. “Who knows what was done. Galaxies form and stars are born. Planets. A pattern begins.” He shook his head, “No, there is no Borg or Klingons...we’re out here now. We are in three systems now. Who knows what we’ll find?” He handed the pad back to Kevin. “Your space traveling Octopus could be out here. We just need to find him.”

Joel felt pride as his sons spoke about aliens they might encounter. They were smart and could handle it.

He met Hank in the kitchen the next morning. Joel took his cold latte out and put Jank’s mug in.

“I assume you want the same thing,” Joel asked. He could change his mind.

“We are creatures of habit,” Hank grudged a shrug. He pointed at Joel’s hand. “Cold vanilla latte?”

Joel snickered, “It works.” He took a large gulp. “I can drink it fast and it wakes me up.”

Hank laughed lightly and he said quietly, not looking at Joel. “Can I ask you a very personal question?”

Joel looked at his friend, “We don’t have many secrets. Ask me anything.”

Hank, being blond and fair skinned, began blushing before he even spoke. He still wouldn’t look at Joel. “Are you having dreams?” He held a hand up and hurried on, “I know we all do, but are you having...” he finally looked at Joel. “I mean sex dreams.”

Joel wasn’t squeamish about talking about sex. He and Sara Beth spoke to each other honestly. Hank was more conservative apparently. “Of course. It was a major part of our life.” How did Joel approach this with him? “Are you?”

“Oh, yes,” Hank answered quickly, seemingly relieved. “Every night.”

Joel smiled, “You and Rita had a good sex life.” Joel nodded. “Sara Beth and I had one as well.” He sighed. “We were cut off.” Joel put his mug down. “We are sexual beings. Geared and made for sex. Naturally you dream about it. There some kind people here that will be there for you.”

“That are already married or just divorced and too young...” Hank protested.

“I was hinting about me,” Joel said. “I know you are attracted to me from when our minds merged...”

Hank looked as if he was going to cry, “I dream of someone holding me, touching me, who gives a damn about me.”

“I want that as well,” Joel circled Hank in his arms. “You’re lonely and I give a damn about you. As social beings we aren’t meant to be alone.”

“What about the command structure?” Hank asked as Joel got nearer. “Won’t we be jeopardizing...”

Joel grinned, “We need to toss that manual away. This is a new situation.”

Hank nodded, “Have you ever penetrated a guy? I know you said you jerked off with some guys...”

Joel grimaced, “I’ve not gone that far. Circle jerks and sucked a cock or two in the military. Have you?”

Hank nodded, “I penetrated one. Sucked a few dicks and had my dick sucked...”

“That bed is just so big!” Joel moaned.

Hank pointed at him, “Exactly. It tells me every night how alone I am.”

“We have to be totally honest with each other.” Joel insisted. “What we want and need.” He smiled, “I will let you top me.” He shrugged, “I’ve never done it but I’ve seen it.”

“Sure,” Hank smiled. “Same with me.”

“Men have done it for millennia.” Joel grinned. “We will try sleeping together tonight. No expectations.”

“Do you snore?” Hank asked.

“Sara Beth had that dealt with, so no.” Joel smiled. “Do you?”

“Only after I’ve drunk too much and on my back,” Hank admitted. He looked hesitantly, “We tell the kids.”

“Of course,” Joel agreed. “We’re doing nothing wrong. Attempting to be secretive will paint it that we are doing something wrong.” He grudged a nod, “I admit, I am feeling uneasy. I’m not cheating on Sara Beth, and you aren’t cheating on Rita. They died.”

Hank nodded and tapped his temple, “I know here. We should keep reassuring ourselves.” He patted his chest, “To reassure here.”

Joel’s smile became knowing, “In fact, I’m confident Sara Bet would push us into it.”

“So would Rita,” Hank chuckled. “This isn’t just to have sex.”

Joel frowned, “We don’t have to have sex at all. I’m seeking warmth and companionship with a dear friend. You. If you don’t...”

“It’s not that!” Hank insisted loudly, then his voice hushed. “I’m...nervous.”

“Nervous!? Why?” Joel asked but suspected why.

“Because it’s significant!” He said loudly again. He got quiet again, “If all we wanted was to get our rocks off, there are plenty of others here that can do that. Hell, we could get Apollo or Rob to help do that. Athena I think would help, but what we’re planning to do is different.”

Joel put an arm around Hank, “Yes, it is.” Joel chuckled, “We have a good bromance and have for over a year. We’re just adding that one thing.” He nodded, “Just say it. I love you and I know you love me. Are you in love with me? I could easily see it go that way. I’m letting you into my space, not just for sex but for company.”

Hank sighed with relief, “Same here.” He shook his head, “We’ll start slowly. Maybe a shower together and get used to touching each other.”

“We should change our rooms,” Joel suggested. “Mine reminds me of Sara Beth.”

Hank was nodding more, “Same with me. I’ll never forget Rita.”

Joel laughed a short laugh, “We each have four reminders.”

Hank was feeling better, “I’m glad we talked. I do love you. You’re my best friend.”

Ian’s rapid approach was heard. “I was reading about Gaea.” He waved at the floor, “Not the planet, but the goddess.”

Joel grinned, “And?”

Ian waved away from himself, “Athena was her granddaughter.”

“And Athena’s mother and father?” Joel asked.

“Zeus and...” he began snapping as he tried to remember.

“Metis?” Joel suggested.

Ian’s fingers snapped as he pointed, “Yes! Metis...” he looked at his father, “Zeus swallowed Metis before she gave birth to Athena. She was born fully grown wearing her armor! Kronos was really bad for eating his children...”

Hank and Joel laughed, “He was indeed.” Joel smiled.

“They were always at war with each other,” Ian marveled. “They married brothers and sisters.”

“In the beginning there were only men,” Hank said.

“Do you know who was the first woman?” Joel asked. He saw Ian shake his head. “Why don’t you find out?”

“Why do we learn this stuff?” Ian asked. “None of it can be remotely true.”

“Before we knew about the Earth’s rotation, the sun and moon...” Hank began. “Even about the seasons or the stars...these stories explained those mysteries.”

“We asked that same question,” Joel admitted. “You learn about the evolution of Human morality and culture. It inspires ethical thinking. You understand that man has changed very little in thousands of years. The consequences of courage and truth.”

“We were so impressed,” Hank nodded. “We name planets and stars after them.”

“Our Athena is a great entity and has guided us here,” Joel said. “I say she is Athena.”