Ark II - 20. What Was, Is, and Will Be

Joel rubbed his stomach satisfied as he left Manu and Andrea in their lab to continue their work on the recycled food. Joel knew they used what the residents didn’t finish with their meals. That included recycled waste from the residents. The main thing was they wasted NOTHING! The “poop” in the paste was reworked, had the dangerous parts removed and reworked for consumption. Now, Manu and Andrea had to get what was eaten to look appetizing. The “tenderloin steak” he had eaten needed work to make it “look” like a tenderloin. Andrea was right. A meal was presented first to the eyes. Joel hadn’t “seen” the steak. Yet, when he tasted it, it tasted like the steak. His mind was telling him it wasn’t. Everything else told him it was. The smell and taste were right. His mind was telling him “Almost.” Was his mind so resistant to the idea it was a steak? Sure.. He had eaten the whole thing. It wasn’t just the wasted food and recycled sewage. They were using plants as well. Like they had with livestock, Manu and Andrea were using plants as a material they could manipulate for taste. Soybeans, corn, and other plants could be raised as a source of nutrition flavor. And they did give him the steak sauce he asked for. It was good, though Joel wondered if he spoiled his dinner. Oh, well, he’d be fine. Though Sara Beth would insist he exercise more because of it.

In spite of any threat, things on the Ark were settling down very nicely. The people had their jobs to do and did them very well. Joel was careful not to seem like a parent. No one just lazed around having nothing to do. He went to Mark’s and Matt’s lab where they were working on their artificial womb where they were planning to have a child together. This had been done with other animal species that were about to become extinct. Taking the sperm with the X chromosomes of two males they combined them making a female. Her eggs were fertilized with another male of the species creating another female. Genetically pure offspring was needed and through trial and error saved a species from going extinct! Joel understood the process and wondered with a species, who at the time, only had five surviving members, all male, three of which were considered elderly…yet they soon had a dozen. Then twenty. A hundred. None were in the wild. The panda was a bear, that beautiful black and white bear, they tried to keep from going extinct by modifying the DNA of the panda to have the panda bear to eat and digest more than bamboo leaves! They were carnivores but depended almost exclusively on bamboo. That didn’t go too well. The scientists tried to activate the carnivore gene and increase the bears’ desire for meat! They would eat the high protein dinners the scientists gave them, but the panda just wouldn’t do what they were supposed to. They almost lost that wonderful bear. There were subspecies that they had on the Ark. They needed ROOM! Even if they put some of the more dangerous predators on the other islands, such as the lions and tigers, they needed room! They could keep these species going in zoos, but wasn’t that defeating the purpose?

Gaea was eighty percent water. Meaning there was twenty percent land available to terraform. There were other areas that were larger than the island they chose to settle. Choosing the New Hawai’ian Islands was due to the proximity to the equator and where they put the Space Ladder. The climate of these other islands needed to be studied and terraformed just like New Hilo, the largest of the New Hawai’ian Islands. There were other islands that could hold life. This wouldn’t happen overnight! This was going to be an ongoing project.

Joel arrived at Matt’s and Mark’s lab and Joel had to admit, their lab looked more like the mad scientist’s laboratory than the others. Here there were the beakers with the lighted heat sources beneath, connecting tubes from one to the other as precious drops of liquids dropped slowly in another. This was WAY out of Joel’s wheelhouse. He understood practically nothing here. There were the computers that watched these chemical reactions.

Matt and Mark were chemists. They knew what everything was and worked to make…whatever, work! He noticed a large white, literally a large egg-shaped thing big enough to have a baby just about anything inside. Maybe not a whale or elephant, but… It was also monitored by the computer. It was shiny and white with tubes going in the top and bottom.

Joel walked in as he pointed at the egg-thing, “Is that your artificial womb or egg?”

Matt turned to Joe and smiled, “Yes, it is! In this or the several others, we can bring a new life into the world.”

“Essentially,” Mark said touching the outside of the artificial womb or egg, “Except the life that divides, most all life begins the same way. Be it insect life, aquatic life, reptiles, or humans…two separate chromosomal strands are combined to make a new individual. All are created in eggs.”

Matt nodded, “The new life forms in a protective environment and given the nutrients, hormones, and enzymes to make the new individual form properly and healthy.”

“I get that,” Joel said. “You wanted to begin creating a child made up of the two of you,” he looked at them, “How are you going to do that? Is that happening now?”

Mark thumbed behind him at the artificial womb, “In there now!? God, no!”

“We are going into stasis again soon,” Matt said simply. “The Stasis Gas basically stops all biological function…or at least reduces it to the least fraction of life functions. We didn’t want there to be any unexpected problems with a child.” He shook his head, “At least not while we’re in stasis.”

“We are growing a Microcebus Tavaratra,” Mark grinned. “Or a Northern Rufous Mouse Lemur.” He held his hands together not more than six inches apart, “A little primate.”

Joel gave them a smirk and grudged a nod, “I know what a lemur is. Not that one as well as you, but I know lemurs. They’re mostly from Madagascar and extremely endangered.”

“Right!” Mark nodded, “And this is part of the Ark’s project to bring animals near extinction back from that near extinction!”

Matt turned and touched a computer and brought up a screen to show the double helix of DNA. “We have the DNA from two different lemurs and combined them to make a new strand and individual.” He touched the image on the screen, “They are both X strands of DNA. Making this one a female.”

“We chose this primate because the lifespans,” Mark said. “The gestation period is very short. In about six weeks she will be weaned and in a year or two be ready to give birth.”

Joel nodded, “Okay, okay, but weaned from what? What is going to teach her how to be a lemur?”

Matt did the follow me gesture with his finger and led him to what looked like a toy. It was crude but clearly a lemur. It was motionless. “From her!"

“This robot is not as sophisticated as the puppies and kittens created on the Ark,” Mark explained, “but she had what we know about lemur behaviors from Athena who has hundreds of years of behaviors about lemurs in memory.” He touched the lifeless lemur, “This mother lemur-bot has raised several offspring before this one.” He grudged a shrug, “Lemur behavior, no matter what the species or subspecies have preset behaviors they carry instinctively.”

“When we return to stasis,“ Mark explained and pointed to the egg. “She goes into stasis, too.”

Joel looked at the egg, “She was created by two X strands of DNA from two males?”

“Yes,” Mark nodded. He touched a computer screen.

Joel had seen an embryo of many species before and right now it could be any one of them. It was curled up and was sort of twitching. It was alive! “Wow.” Joel said reverently in awe.

Matt chuckled, “Wow, indeed.”

“We aren’t cloning anything!” Mark defended to an unspoken objection.

Joel looked at Mark surprised, but understood why he pointed that out, “I never thought it was.” He smiled at Mark. “Ignorant people think any life created in a lab is cloning. Your mad scientists!” He shrugged, “So, what if it IS cloning? For a long time, movies and television have stories about clones…exact duplicates of another individual by DNA and even the same fingerprints, the same age…everything is the same.” Joel shook his head, “Even the same memories! How? A person born using someone’s DNA enters the world in the normal forty weeks of age. A baby. They have to grow up like anyone does.” He grinned, “Well, there were some great movies about that. The Sixth Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger? The actor and then governor of California?” He saw the blank stares and waved them off. “You should see it! Anyway, I loved it, but there was one flaw. Even though they had these blanks they programmed with a donor’s memories and the blank woke with all the memories. A man is fatally wounded and is looking at his clone and talking to him, emphasizing to me that they are two separate individuals. The dying man’s life was ending, and he was NOT the clone!” Joel remembered another movie, “Ooh, Womb, the movie with Matt Smith, the British actor where a woman loses her beau in a fatal accident and has his clone placed in her to bring him back to life. She gives birth and raises her boyfriend’s clone from infancy to young adult, but again he was NOT her boyfriend! He looked like her boyfriend and even acted a little like her boyfriend but WASN’T her boyfriend! Her boyfriend was dead! Cloning does NOT bring a person back. It creates another, separate individual!”

Matt and Mark just stared at Joel in disbelief. Matt shook his head, “When did you find the time?”

Joel shrugged, “It relaxes me.” He pointed at the egg. “THIS is NOT a clone. Even if it were, can she reproduce?”

“Sure,” Mark nodded.

“Then we’re fine,” Joel smiled. “She will be producing offspring with new traits from two individuals.” He looked at them carefully, “Is that what you intend to do with Adel and Brice?”

Matt nodded, “We have to. Adel doesn’t have eggs or sperm. She has DNA strands we will join with Brice’s to create an individual made from the two of them.”

“I understand if we lost someone, the desire to get them back,” Joel said. “However, a clone is NOT getting them back.”

“Right,” Matt nodded. “We CAN clone individual organs such as livers, lungs, hearts…though livers are not exactly clones.”

Joel nodded, “That organ grows from a few cells to meet the need of the individual.” He looked at the lab area and did the line from the classic Frankenstein. “It’s alive!” He saw the startled looks on their faces. “Frankenstein, 1931. Classic film and a classic movie quote.” He patted Matt’s arm. “You guys really need to watch more classic films.” He sighed contently, “I love the media of twentieth and twenty-first centuries.”

“Why?” Matt asked.

“Because the birth of radio, movies, and television gave people a canvas to bring books and imaginings to life for the first time other than plays.” He held his hand up, “And there are some great plays, but man found a way to bring stories of drama, romance, and fantasy to life! Dreams we could record and show again and again. Games on the computer look as real as real life! Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolfman, Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz are just a few of the classics. Nobody should deny themselves Superman, Batman, even War of the Worlds! Classics, I tell you. Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who…Matt Smith again, was a great Doctor Who.”

“There’s not enough time in the day!” Mark protested.

“Loony Toons with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and my favorite, Marvin the Martian!” Joel grinned. “Those cartoons are history lessons. During World War II, they touched on every aspect of life in United States such as rationing, recycling, even women in the workplace normally occupied by men! Rosie the Riveter. All the push to promote loyalty and supporting the war effort. If it’s important, you make time. I thought it was, so I made the time.” He grinned at them. He pointed at the computer screen with the double helix, ‘So, you just pull the strands apart? And put it with someone else’s strand?”

Matt looked at the helix on the screen and then gave Joel a grudging nod, “That’s it. Essentially.” He went on, “Incorrect pairing of the DNA can cause Trisomy or Downs Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and other birth defects.”

Mark nodded, “Matt and I have it easier. Our sperm carries half our DNA. We combine half of my X sperm with his X or Y and we have either a girl or boy.”

“We can’t combine a Y and a Y,” Matt chuckled. “Putting our two halves together and putting it in an egg like this and we’ll have the son or daughter.”

“Putting Adel’s DNA together with Brice’s is just a bit more complicated, but we’ve done it before with the condor,” Mark shrugged.

“Maybe you guys ARE mad scientists,” Joel looked at the mother lemur-bot and asked. “Are we going to have to use mother-bots for any animal species that teach their offspring how to survive?”

Matt shrugged again, “With higher functioning animals, we might. Mother turtles teach nothing to their offspring, but newly hatched turtles know to scramble like crazy to the water. It’s instinct. Creatures like lions, tigers, and bears…”

“Oh, my!” Joel inserted with a grin. “Sorry, an irresistible urge to add the line from The Wizard of Oz.”

Matt chuckled, “THAT movie we’ve seen. I knew you’d remember it. That’s why I said what I did.” Matt continued with what he was saying, “We will be using mother-bots for many species, including the marine lives such as whales, dolphin, and elephants make these low-pitched clicks and groans,” Joel held his hand out helplessly. “Some of these animals communicate making sounds, whales, dolphin…. Elephants make these super low low-pitched sounds we can’t even hear, but travel for MILES. Can we do that?”

“You need to talk with Dana Crenshaw. We have the DNA for them. That’s what Matt and I do,” Mark said. “Adult versions need to make sure the offspring of aquatic mammals don’t drown. The offspring need to surface to breathe!”

“Seals, penguins, and walruses,” Matt said and looked at Mark, “Is the word walruses correct or is it just walrus?”

Mark smirked, “I’ve heard both, but I think walruses is correct.” He pointed at Matt, “We now say whether it’s one or the other. Spoken and written language is a group or sounds and scratches on paper that we all agree means something. We’ll say it is.”

Matt nodded quickly, “Then walruses it is!”

“Anyway,” Mark said. “We’ll get it done. Adel wants a child. Fine. She’s brilliant and she has what we need. We just need to assemble it and get it to grow. Or Nancy or Connie wants a child. Again, fine. They have what’s needed.”

“You need to talk with Dana Crenshaw,” Matt suggested. “She’s the animal behaviorist. She’s the animal doctor who knows what adult animal parents are supposed to do. She taught many extra bits to Athena.”

“I will,” Joel said. “I need to speak with Joder Mast, so, I’ll see you around.” He said and walked out of their lab.

 

Joel entered the lab where Joder was working on a robot he didn’t recognize. Clearly it was not just a robot, but a robot designed to operate in the vacuum of space. There were six arms that extended from the body of the robot. A bug? A big bug. And larger than the sentries. There was nothing cute or cuddly about THIS robot. The many arms could extend and take its many fingers to grip anything. The “hands” also had tools it could use to cut or chisel anything loose.

“I’ve said this many times today,” Joel began causing Joder to turn to face him. “Wow.”

Joder chuckled and grudged a nod and he looked at this new robot, “Impressive, isn’t it?” He waved at the robot, “Medika Yates did the design and had her team assemble this robot.” He looked again at Joel, “We’ll have five of these babies out there! We’ll get the Boron Nitrate,” he said confidently.

“Forgive me,” Joel began sheepishly. “I’m not as well versed with geology, mineral mining, or asteroids. How is Boron Nitrate formed?”

Joder shrugged, “There are several forms of Boron Nitrate. The four we found around Earth are here, too. Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal form is what we’re looking for due to its properties. The refractive index, thermal conductivity, and stability. Boron Nitrate is found after a volcanic eruption on Earth. I assume the same will be on Gaea.” He smiled at Joel, “Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal form was found on Earth after the greatest eruption EVER!” He smiled, “An eruption on a star! A hundred times denser than a diamond. Enormous pressures crafted Boron Nitrate.” He nodded, “There are the occasional bombardments by asteroids with Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal form on Earth and Gaea. Those are rare. Yet in a solar system, it is more plentiful.” He patted the mining-bot affectionately. “These robots will look for and breakdown asteroids to see if they have Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal form!” He walked over to a counter where things were scattered around. He reached into a recessed shelf and withdrew a round coin sized, highly refractive crystal much more refractive than a diamond. It was concaved and perfectly smooth. It was beautiful! “Here’s one.”

“Wow,” Joel said in reverence. He grudged a shrug at Joder, “Sometimes our children know how to express themselves better than we do.”

Joder nodded, “I agree.” He reached into recessed shelf again and withdrew another crystal. He held the one slightly in front of the other a few inches apart. “Energy sent through the first is increased and hits the next one and the boosted energy is boosted again.”

“You said to get the crystals shaped,” Joel began. “You use other Wurtzite Boron Nitrate to do that and you said it was hotter than a star.”

Joder nodded, “It is.” He held up a hand of caution, “I will do this offsite of the Ark. I don’t want to put anyone in danger.”

“Good,” Joel nodded. “You did this on Earth?”

“I did,” Joder admitted. “The lab I used was equipped with chambers I could use and I did it remotely, even before I knew how dangerous it was. Now, I do. Doing it in another location off the Ark is just so important.” He smiled at Joel, “Now, we have the smelter running…” he raised that I’ve got a point finger. “With cubic Boron Nitrate, or c-BN, is a wonderful insulator. It can protect things if it’s lined with c-BN! That’s why meteorites that have Boron Nitrate don’t burn up on entry into the atmosphere.” He grudged a shrug, “Well, it will a little, but not as much.”

Joel felt the lightbulb on an idea go off in his head, “Okay, and Boron Nitrate is plentiful in Ran’s Solar System?”

Joder nodded again, “Sure. If you know where to look.” He grinned, “And I do!”

“We need the Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal form for the Rojas Drive and power for the Solar Collectors. Can it be broken up and added to other metals?”

“Yes,” Joder nodded. “It won’t be as temperature resistant as c-BN…”

“But it would add resistance to whatever it’s made with,” Joel began to pace in a circle as he thought. “Our very future homes and buildings we use and occupy can be made more resistant.” He turned to Joder, “Our Harpy Dragons!” He threw his arms out, “Hell, all our Harpies! We can add Boron Nitrate or c-BN to our lander and even to the Ark! It would add more protection!”

“Yes, it would,” Joder smiled.

“Wei is creating windows and the transparent covering for the settlement,” Joel thought out loud. “Can c-BN be added to the glass or whatever?”

“Yes,” Joder nodded. “That would make the dome added resistance to heat.”

“Athena,” Joel said quickly.

“Yes, Joel?” Athena appeared beside him.

Joel knew what Athena was and who she was, but she had ridden to the level of demigod! She was always listening, did so much on the Ark that Humans could do, but did it better and faster. Now, she just appeared. Joel knew Rita was overseeing Athena’s programming. However, Joel had the thought about her, so it was a concern. Was he paranoid? Maybe, but it was a concern Joel had. Just like potential threats from other Humans. Would it happen? Time would tell. “Wei, Hank, Angus, Alejandro, Adel, Medika, and anyone else on your teams building the settlement and Harpies, meet me in the Control Room!” He turned to Athena, “Go ahead with the processing of the ore, but hold off with the smelting.” Athena nodded. Joel grabbed Joder and kissed him on the cheek, “You are a smart, gifted man, Joder Mast.” He grabbed Joder’s arm, “Come on.”

 

In the Control Room, they waited for Hank to arrive.

“Sorry, I’m tardy,” Hank said with a smile.

Joel chuckled, “I’ll take it from your salary.” He teased. He slapped Joder’s arm lightly, “Tell them about the Boron Nitrate.”

It took a few moments for Joder to cover the many forms of Boron Nitrate. He explained how it could be more than just a way to boost power.

“By adding this Boron Nitrate,” Wei began. “We can make things heat resistant?”

“More resistant than before,” Joel nodded getting excited again. “The dome will not only be water and wind resistant but also heat resistant.” He was pacing again. “I know many people think I’m paranoid, but if we’re resistant to heat, we can be resistant to laser blasts.”

“And my Harpies will be, too!” Angus nodded.

“Not totally,” Joel cautioned. “But more resistant than before.”

“This Boron Nitrate was made by Ran!” Joder said waving outside the Ark. “We need Wurtzite Boron Nitrate that can only be made by Ran. We need to find raw Boron Nitrate that’s all over this solar system. In the asteroid belts it is in many places.”

Joel nodded, “We now have a new priority.” He waved at Joder, “He said there were five asteroid mining robots.” He smiled and nodded excited, “I say we make more. Many more.” He pointed at Alejandro, “They need to be equipped with your drive.” He pointed at Adel, “They need your communication network.” He stopped and sighed, “I’m not your dictator. If there is a problem with what I have said, tell me.”

Hank leaned into Alejandro, “Oh, yeah. Joel is such a task master.” He said loud enough for everyone to hear; including Joel.,

Angus chuckled, “You work closely with him all day.” His head shook, “How DO you stand it?”

Joel grinned, “I just don’t want anyone to think this is MY Ark or MY decision.” He looked at the others, “Are there other concerns or worries?”

“Just one,” Adel said happily. “When are we starting? Let’s do this!”

Joel smiled, “Do we have enough construction material for more mining robots, Medika?”

“The materials are not a problem,” Medika answered. “We’re getting ore from Gaea, so I can have more made.”

“The Wurtzite Boron Nitrate in hexagonal crystals, Joder?”

Joder thought a moment, “I have three crystals. I showed you two in my lab.”

“We have the lander we haven’t converted to use if needed,” Joel pointed out. “But the Harpy-lander will function without the Rojas drive, won’t it? Just without the Alcubierre Field.” He asked Angus.

“Yes,” Angus nodded.

Joder added, “Then we can take the crystals we used to make the Harpy-lander and make five more.”

“Hold on,” Hank inserted. “Isn’t the reason we’re doing this is to get more? Won’t they we out there?”

Joder nodded, “Yes.”

“Then no problem!” Hank said logically.

“Using one crystal won’t give us the speed the Harpy lander had,” Joder pointed out. “It still will be faster. The drone we sent to Earth is on its way back…”

“So, let’s do THIS!” Joel clapped his hands in excitement.

Hank chuckled and shook Wei lightly, “I’m excited about this. What about you, Wei?”

Wei grinned, “I share your excitement.” He nodded.

Angus and Alejandro looked at each other, “Alejandro and I have the drone for Tau Ceti about ready. Should we use the Wurtzite Boron Nitrate crystals for the mining robots?”

Joel thought a moment, then shook his head, “We need to locate Ark III. We need to know where they are and how they’re doing. I think we can go ahead with the launch. We weren’t counting on the crystals for the miners.”

Alejandro nodded, “Then we launch it tomorrow.”

Joel bounced, “Terrific!”

 

Joel sat with his family in the Communal Dining Area for dinner. He had a large bowl with a large salad. Joel was still very happy from the very productive day.

Sara Beth smiled at her husband, “You had a good day.” It was an observation, not a question. “I see you’re having some salad with your salad dressing.”

“I did!” Joel nodded happily. “I saw Manu and Andrea where I had a great early lunch of tenderloin steak,” he waved at his salad, “That’s why I’m eating this. I’ve got spinach in it along with various lettuce.” He grinned, “You can’t have shrimp vinaigrette dressing without those little shrimp. If they ever get to recreate shrimp from recycled stuff such as uneaten food and waste we leave behind, I’ll be happy. If they can do my pulled pork barbeque…well,” he did his rapid inhale of wonder, amazement, and awe at the thought. “I had tenderloin made from recycled material.” He grinned. “Poop steak?”

“Joel,” Sara Beth scolded lightly. She looked away from him.

“Well, it was!” Joel defended. “It tasted good!” He grudged a shrug. “It didn’t look like a steak, but it tasted like one. Anyway, they told me they were working on it and it will get better! Then I met with Matt and Mark, saw the artificial womb and egg. They are breeding a lemur right now.” He looked again at his boys, “Created from two male lemurs. So, Uncle Hank and I could have a child together, your Mom and Aunt Rita can have a child together and Uncle Matt and Uncle Mark can have a child.” He smiled at his sons’ surprised reactions. “AND,” he pointed at them, “I found out there is a substance we have in the system that will make what we build stronger and more heat resistant!” He grinned and nodded, “I did have a very good day!” He smiled at Sara Beth, “How was your day, Honey?”

Sara Beth chuckled, “Not as good as yours. I did botany today. I started a new hydroponics farm for some vegetables we can use. Beans, corn, squash…” she got a puzzled look. “I know the soil adds flavor by what they’re grown in. I’m trying to add the right chemicals to recreate that flavor.” She shrugged. “When we go to Gaea, we’ll have elements from Gaea added to the flavor.”

Joel nodded, “I don’t doubt you’ll find it.” He grinned, “How are your cucumbers coming?”

Sara Beth smiled, “I should have pickles in a month.” Then she frowned, “Will we be in stasis then?”

“Probably not,” Joel shook his head. “We have too many things in the air. We’re sending the drone and sentinels to Tau Ceti tomorrow to locate Ark III. The drone sent to Earth is almost back and we’re sending that drone to Canis Minor to find Ark IV.” He smiled, “Plenty of time for your pickles.” He grinned as he saw the three on her plate now. “We have to replenish the supply on the Ark.” Sara Beth gave Joel a smirk at that comment.

“How do you make pickles, Mommy?” Ian asked.

“How long does it take?” Kevin asked.

Sara Beth looked at Ian. “A really good pickle needs a few weeks. There is a brine that can be salt based, or vinegar based. I prefer the vinegar-based brine. That takes a minimum of two weeks. There is a faster one that takes only a few days, but I like my pickles my way.”

Ian smiled, “I like the pickles you make, too.”

“Lunga’s giving a concert tonight,” Kevin said and looked at Joel. “His said it was Rag tonight.”

Joel smiled hearing that.

“What’s Rag?” Jimmy asked. “Lunga said it was to prove he was…diversified?”

Sara Beth grinned, “Meaning he doesn’t just play ONE style.”

“Rag,” Joel smiled. “Meaning Ragtime. It is a style of music from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. Very upbeat. You’ll love it!”

“What was wrong with your poop steak?” Kevin grinned looking at the stern look from his mother.

“Give it up, Babe,” Joel chuckled. “They’re boys! As long as you try to convince them not to say it, the more they will want to!” He raised his arms in a helpless shrug, “Don’t encourage them by telling them not to! And it IS funny!”

Sara Beth sighed and gave in, “Fine.”

“Come on, Honey,” Joel smiled. “Puke, poop, piss, and farts are something we all do. Even grown adults use phrases and terms like draining the snake or taking a dump with each other. Guys will openly say it with each other all the time!”

Sara Beth nodded, “I said fine.” Then she pointed at her sons. “What you say to each other or your friends…fine. Say it with us, but…” she jabbed her finger at them, “I expect you three to be little gentlemen with other adults around. Got it?” The boys were smiling as she did that.

“Do it for your mother,” Joel said to them.

“So, what was wrong with your poop steak?” Kevin asked again.

“It didn’t look right,” Joel answered. “It was thick like a steak, but it was too light in color to be cattle steak. And it didn’t quite chew right.”

“Maybe you could think of it as a Gaean Tenderloin,” Jimmy suggested.

Sara Beth’s eyes twinkled, “So, I have a choice of meats now. Brisket, rump roast, and now poop roast.” She grinned. “I can make you hamburgers made from ground poop meat.”

Joel waved at her, “There you go! You’ve got it!”

“I can make spaghetti with meatballs made from the ground poop!” Her head was shaking, “Sorry, Nana Maria.” She apologized for her perhaps breech of Italian protocols. Then she pointed at her sons. “I am not a buzzkill, nor am I a stick in the mud.”

Joel laughed lightly, leaning in and kissing her “You never were.” He shrugged a bit and added, “We discussed this. You’re a mother. Your job is to set limits. This time I’m asking you to let up about this one thing.” He touched her abdomen, “Hi, Daylia! Your brothers will be dragging you along with them!” He looked at Sara Beth again, “I told you. She might be cruder than any of her brothers.” He turned to his sons, “I defended you, but let me explain something.” He sighed sadly, “I had a man in my regiment that was a great tactician. He was strong and would have made a good leader except for his mouth. He couldn’t say nearly a single sentence without saying fuck, fucking, or shit.” He saw his sons’ surprised expressions. Even Ian knew those words were wrong. “Yes, you were surprised I used words you never hear me say. My point is, the military leaders passed him over for positions of leadership because they didn’t see his abilities because of the words he used without thought.” Joel shrugged, “But I did. I asked him to show others how smart he was by not using certain words. Where he grew up, in the area of Chicago, that language was used by everyone in his peer group. I even attached a computer device to him that would alert him when he reverted to using those words.” Joel grinned, “I reprogrammed his mind. He got promoted finally and proved himself.” He thought a minute. “I wonder what happened to Kirt.” Then he brightened, “I can look him up on the computer now! If he survived the bombs and lived through the fallout…” he sighed. “If he survived he would probably be dead from old age. Still…” he pointed at Kevin, Jimmy, and Ian. “There is power in words. There is no magic, but they can show everyone who you are. I told your mother the words you use now is not that important among us, your family.” He chuckled, “Even your Uncle Manu thought poop paste was funny, but not really accurate.” He grudged a shrug, “I told Uncle Manu if he managed to replicate the pulled pork barbeque with the mustard barbeque sauce, I’d willing accept that.” He held his bowl up, “If they manage to replicate this shrimp; I swore if they managed to replicate crawfish I would totally be converted!”

Sara Beth chuckled and put her hands on Joel’s, “Your eyes told you the steak was wrong. Perhaps with time you’ll learn to see it differently. Jimmy is right. We should rename what you see so your expectations will be different.”

Joel nodded, “Your right. What we had might not be brought back. What we have will be different, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It could be better!” He looked at his family, “Your mother really only eats the occasional chicken and fish. Occasionally, she will eat a small steak, but she could make a good vegetarian. I would be a lousy vegetarian and certainly not a vegan. We’re bringing life here to save it, not to kill and eat it.” He did his grudging nod, “Yes, I am a carnivore who loves his steaks, pulled pork, southern fried chicken,” he chuckled, “and especially seafood.” He waved the finger again to make his point, “but I’ll give it up to save the lives we have on the Ark. That includes the cows, pigs,” he swallowed with mocking difficulty, “That includes mosquitoes and…roaches.” He shuttered at that. “Ew.” His sons laughed at their father. “I guarantee if a snake or rodent comes into our future home,” he pointed at Sara Beth. “Your opinions of these lifeforms will be a little different.”

Sara Beth smiled and shook her head, “All life deserves a chance to live. Technically, we’re eating things parent plants intended to feed their offspring.”

Joel frowned, “One life group at a time! Find a way we can survive on rocks or just the energy from the star, we’ll do that. Until that time, one step at a time. I want to talk with Dana Crenshaw.”

“Why?” Sara Beth asked.

Joel shrugged, “Just out of curiosity. I want to know how some of these animal lifeforms are going to be raised by robotic parents.”

Jimmy’s eyes grew, “We have a lot of robots. We have them for mining, gardening, pets, and even Robbie and Robot.” He looked around. “We live in a giant robot now.”

Joel nodded, “That’s right. Athena and the Ark are more than a smart hammer or screwdriver. Robbie and Robot are special because of Athena. They are part of our family. Athena, too. We put our lives in her trust.” He smiled, “Sally can answer some questions for me.”

Sara Beth nodded, “Well, while your salad won’t get cold.” She motioned to her plate, “Ours will.” She looked at her sons, “Finish up and we’ll enjoy Lunga’s talent tonight.”

 

After everyone cleaned up after dinner. The thin keyboard for Lunga was placed in front of a stool. Again, the three pedals were there. Joel remembered after some years of seeing a piano, he wanted to know what they were for. Some pianos only had two. The one on the right was to sustain a note or chord. The one on the left was to soften the note or chord. What was the middle one for? It was a sostenuto pedal. Darn those Italian or Latin names. Some referred to it as a practice pedal. It locked the hammers and keys in place to keep the volume soft or sustained. It was rarely used, so many manufacturers didn’t include it anymore. Lunga’s piano did.

Lunga was greeted by applause just because he came out to play. He bowed slightly and with a smile said, “I chose tonight to play another genera of music.” He chuckled, “My dad Adam said I was showing you I’m not a one trick pony.” He chuckled, “He’s right. I’m not. I love all classics. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Debussy. I love all music. I chose the first song because of you, Commander.” He saw Joel’s surprised expression and Joel pointed to himself and mouth “Me?” silently, making Lunga nod, “Yes, you, Commander Joel. Our new settlement on the new Hawai’ian Islands is named New Charleston, which I found puzzling at first,” he shrugged, “I mean, the Old Charleston and the original Hawai’ian Islands are practically on the opposite sides of the northern hemispheres! But I got used to it. Anyway, the first song is by Eubie Blake who composed this song in 1899…according to him.” He shrugged, “Anyway, it’s titled Charleston. So, you understand why I chose it.” Lunga sat on the stool and got himself prepared mentally.

Joel was pleased that no one said a word in the crowd. No one coughed, a classic issue at any concert on Earth. No one here smoked! Cigars and cigarettes were not on the Ark! The air had no pollutants. If there were an allergy to pollen, the allergy was put to sleep after the brain was taught that what the brain saw as abnormal flora, fauna, and dust were not abnormal and to stop reacting! Joel had NEVER had an allergic reaction to seafood. He felt so sorry for those who did! The new treatment was available on Earth and certainly on the Ark.

Lunga began to play and it was quick and light. Complicated chords and flowing music made many feet move at the peppy music. Joel found himself smiling at the music. It wasn’t a long song, but there were many songs composed by Eubie Blake. Joel recognized Memphis Blues, and I’m Just Wild About Harry. There were others. Then Lunga told them he was playing songs by Scott Joplin. Joel knew Maple Leaf Rag, who didn’t know The Entertainer? There were dozens of others. Joel was pleased to see his boys liked it, too. He hadn’t noticed that Sara Beth had plugged in the electrodes to her abdomen making her body into a sound chamber so Daylia could hear it, too. Sara Beth was doing it with Mozart, Bach, and spoken literature. Joel grinned and reached over rubbing Sara Beth’s very slight swell forming.

Sara Beth looked at Joel and smiled. She knew what he was saying to Sara Beth and Daylia, “Our daughter will be a genius.”

Joel knew his daughter would be smart, but even he knew childbirth was iffy. Not like it was in the past. Doctors could see what needed to happen sooner and could detect problems well in advance. There were still concerns with the labor and accidents during birth. He knew that Sara Beth was already bonded with Daylia, and he was, too. Not as much as Sara Beth. He knew there were treatments and even corrective surgeries they now could do even prenatally for an infant. If there was a problem Sara Beth would NOT terminate Daylia. Ever. He didn’t believe any couple on the Ark would take that option. All, except Mark or Matt. If what they helped create was flawed in some way. They might. Adel and Brice could face a possible flaw. Would they?

Lunga performed for an hour and a half. Everyone loved it.

On the way back to their quarters, Ian looked at his parents, “Can I play music like that?”

Joel looked down at his youngest son, “You can play whatever you want to play. That’s up to you.”

Ian nodded, “I want to.”

“You have to learn to read music,” Joel cautioned.

“I’m learning,” Ian almost whined.

“You heard the music tonight,” Sara Beth added. “Try to play what you heard.” She shrugged, “Or make up a song.”

Ian nodded and was happier, “I need to hear more. Lunga is teaching me to play, he can show me.”

“I’m sure he will,” Joel encouraged. “I’ve heard some great things from your room. Your brilliance is showing, you’re going into some different areas than your brothers.” He looked at Kevin and Jimmy, “All my children are brilliant. Daylia will be, as well.” He touched Ian’s head, “Yours is definitely in the arts. You will grow up to be the newest composer, sculpturer and painter!”

“All of the above,” Sara Beth grinned. “At the same time.”

“What do you think I’ll be good at?” Kevin asked.

Joel smiled, “You will make a great leader.”

“A leader?” Kevin asked surprised. “Why?”

“I’ve seen you boss your brothers around,” Joel grinned.

“They almost never listen,” Kevin grumbled.

“No,” Sara Beth shook her head. “I’ve seen you when it’s important, you convince them the wisdom of what you suggest and get it done.”

“And,” Joel added happily, “I’ve seen you with your birthday present and played tag with those guns you received…you dictate what you see needs to be done and direct how to do it!” Joel hugged his son to him as they strolled. “You have a natural leadership quality.” He looked at Jimmy, “How is your study of robotics going?”

“It’s exciting!” Jimmy said enthusiastically. “Miss Medika has been teaching me a lot about robotics.” He bounced slightly as he turned to Robbie, “I finally got to see what you have inside, Robbie!”

“I trust your opinion of me has not diminished.” Robbie said with a more solemn tone.

“I told you,” Jimmy said apparently again. “My opinion has risen!” He thumbed over his shoulder while speaking to his parents. “I thought it would be more complicated." He shook his head at his father, “Those old movies of yours don’t know what they’re talking about. The movies show more wires and gears.”

Joel grinned, “Technology improved, and in the past, all those gears and wires were needed.” He shrugged, “Not so much now. Wiring connections to servos and operating systems isn’t as needed today. There is more room.”

“Robbie!” Jimmy said. “I’m very impressed with you. More so now!” He patted Robbie on the side, “Now, I’m working on a means where you can taste food. Not chemically analyze food, but taste and appreciate food.”

“Doesn’t that mean experience with taste?” Sara Beth asked. “He will have his own preference?”

“Yes,” Jimmy nodded.

“Robotic tastes will probably be different than Human tastes,” Joel offered.

“Hey, yeah!” Jimmy said as his eyes widened, then he frowned, “But first I’ve got to get him to taste something.” He threw his hands out in futility.

Joel’s head went back a little, “And I think you answered the question about what you’ll be good at.” He smiled and hugged Jimmy.

 

As Joel drifted off to sleep, after he and Sara Beth had gotten the boys to bed…there wasn’t much stalling or postponing tonight. They had a busy day! And that day was only a few minutes longer than they had on Earth. Athena had been lengthening the day to match Gaea’s thirty-three-hour rotation. Even the Habitat Ring’s rotating had slowed down to have the gravity match what was on Gaea. They weren’t super strong as the gravity now was only a fractionally less than Earth’s gravity. There would be no long-term ill effects.

Jimmy was right. They were very heavy into the use of robots. Due to Joel’s love of movies and television he knew where his concern about Athena came from. That Terminator Series of television shows, the movies, and the many novels about computers and robots taking over Humans or just trying to wipe Humanity out. Could Athena do that? Sure. She could suffer from a psychotic break…a computer’s version of a psychotic break, but sure. Those big brains on Earth had taken the extra steps to ensure the Ark II had the needed supplies, equipment, and manpower to be a success. They took their time with the Ark. He knew that Ark III and IV were rushed. The Earth Authorities had wanted to get people off the Earth after the bombs! The desire was to build as many Arks as they could and get people out to build new worlds. The Ark Program had stopped at Ark V. Even Ark V was rushed. The complex underground in Antarctica was not originally supposed to be an Ark at all, but it made sense why it was now. It was a protected area from radiation and had a source of clean water. The people in the Stasis Pods were protected. According to what Athena decrypted in the memos and correspondences, these people would wake when the environment calmed down. Would the PEOPLE on Earth calm down?

Athena. He knew Rita and her team worked hard to make sure Athena’s programming was uncorrupted. He also knew there was one location that Athena could NOT access. When Rita and her team audited Athena’s program, Athena could NOT see or record anything. Rita would know if Athena tried. They have Athena raised to the level of a goddess, yes. Athena could see all, hear all, remembered everything, and helped in very critical areas. She was asked to do so much, and she did it. That was her purpose. When a Human had that kind of power they did have a tendency to change and believe in that power. If Athena ever got the ability to read minds they would be in BIG trouble.

The Board on Earth had given each section leader a code. Athena didn’t know these codes, nor were they recorded anywhere. Each leader had their own code and were “conditioned” to NOT give it away. Meaning Joel had one as Commander, Sara Beth had one, Steven Combs did, Dana Carek had one, Wei Ch’en, and Rita, of course. That code would shut Athena down! Any system such as life support, the engines, or even the Habitat Ring would go to emergency backup. If they were still enroute to a destination, computer navigation would be cut off and the Humans onboard would have to keep these systems going while Rita and her team tried to find the problem and correct it. So far, there had been no problems. Any of the codes could be entered by keyboard or verbally.

He knew there were problems with Ark III. There was a problem with leadership, Ark IV had equipment failure and deaths. They had been launched too quickly. That caused the problems. Not on THIS Ark.

They had succeeded in everything they had attempted, so far. There were those that knew they would fail with some species. Gaea would change others, or rather some species would change to fit life on Gaea. Humans would change, as well. Joel looked forward to having bird songs from real birds soon. Butterflies! Everyone loved butterflies. Having one land near you as you relaxed outside. Those pretty, delicate wings, and gentleness were calming. That made him think of Monarch Butterflies. Those pretty butterflies migrated from southern Canada and the Northern-eastern United States to Southern California and Mexico. Only, now there was no Canada, United States, or Mexico on Gaea. The instinct to migrate thousands of miles was still there, wasn’t it? Most of the butterflies on the Ark were from Butterfly Farms around the world. The instinct may have been dulled. He’d have to ask Dana Crenshaw about that. He couldn’t do much about it, but he was curious. Most scientists love to talk about their work. He’d ask her tomorrow; after the launch of the drone to Tau Ceti! He fell asleep and dreamt of a bluish sky on Gaea as gulls called as they circled looking for food. The crash of waves on the beach. He also dreamt of butterflies.

 

He woke that morning having had a very peaceful and restful night. Sometimes, on Earth those kinds of nights were hard to come by. A person could be tense all of the time! Stress. Were they safe? Was the family safe? Here, with those thoughts not plaguing him, he was resting better! And with the slightly longer days, that meant the nights were longer, too! Alarm clocks. They weren’t really needed on the Ark. Sure, if you had something to do, Athena could wake you up. However, that blaring alarm wasn’t there. No reveille on the Ark. Joel didn’t miss it.

After showering and putting on a clean pair of coveralls, he headed out to see Sara Beth feeding their sons. Not Robbie this time, but Robbie was watching and interacted with them. There were no problems with him doing it, but Sara Beth was the mother. It was her job to care for her children. One she liked.

Joel went to his wife and put his arm around her, “Are you okay? I heard you get up early. Is Daylia giving you a hard time?”

Sara Beth nodded, but smiled, “It was like I said. She was awake all night! Moving around, kicking…and I’m just in the first trimester!” She laughed, “So, naturally my morning sickness kicked in. I had to get up and give myself the medicine to calm that and,” she shrugged, “I thought I might as well start breakfast!” She waved at the table where a large stack of pancakes waited on the warmer. The clear dome over them kept the pancakes warm and a little steam kept them moist.

Joel sniffed and his eyebrows rose, “Are those…”

“Butternut pancakes?” Sara Beth smiled and nodded. “Yes, they are. I also have your applewood bacon and tangerine segments.” A soft beeping noise came from the dispenser, “Oh! And your cold vanilla latte!” She turned to go and get it.

When she brought it back to a smiling Joel, he pulled her in kissing her passionately. Then he touched her abdomen and leaned over and said, not so quietly, “Give your mom a break, but I won’t mind you doing this again. Perhaps not tomorrow, but soon.” He stood up as Sara Beth smirked at him. “Aren’t you pregnant ladies supposed to take it easy?”

Sara Beth rolled her eyes, “Ha!” Her short laugh was at notion was to point out the absurdity of that statement. “I’ve got too much to do. Not the botany part, the medical part today.” She nodded and caressed Joel’s face, “Don’t worry. If I get tired, I’ll sit. With the medication and prenatal vitamins, I often have energy to spare!”

Joel nodded and looked at his sons who were devouring the delicious pancakes only their mother could make! “Save your dad some!”

Kevin grinned as he waved at the pancakes under the dome, “There are plenty, Dad! We couldn’t eat all those!”

“More raw materials for the poop paste and poop roast,” Jimmy happily said.

Sara Beth shook her head, “Don’t lose yourself in the newfound freedom of expression.” She scolded.

Joel took his latte and sat at the table. Removing the clear dome, he got three good sized pancakes putting them on his plate, he got the spreadable butter, covered between the pancakes with the butter and topping the stack, then got the hot syrup and poured some. His sons watched as Joel did this. Joel grinned, “Buttering pancakes is a science. The butter has to be evenly distributed and the syrup has to be sufficient. You learn your preference and refine them.”

“We learned about racism yesterday,” Jimmy frowned. “And sexism. I couldn’t understand that.”

Joel looked at Jimmy and smiled as he nodded, “I hope you never do. Judging anyone because of their gender, ethnic, or culture is just wrong.”

Sara Beth sat and began eating her own breakfast. Only one pancake for her and less butter and no syrup, “There are recorded times in history when the idea my becoming a doctor and scientist just wasn’t though possible.”

“Why?” Jimmy asked and then nodded holding his hand up to stop the answer he knew, “I read why, because it was thought women weren’t smart enough and should stay home and clean and raise the family.” He shook his head, “You’re very smart! You aren’t smart enough!?” He asked in disbelief. “The ones that aren’t smart are the ones that thinks you aren’t!” He looked at his mother, “You’re a great doctor! And scientist!”

Sara Beth smiled, “Thank you, dear.”

“And what does a person’s race have to do with how smart they are!?” Jimmy almost demanded.

Joel smiled hearing his sons’ outrage. He shook his head, “Some cultures, my own Southern culture included, thought some people with dark skin, or what they called black and Indians or natives as not even Human. These non-Humans couldn’t be as smart as we were and these people didn’t even have souls because they weren’t people like the men who were white.”

“Could they prove THEY had a soul?” Jimmy asked and pointed to his mother. “Mom said medically they couldn’t find the soul anywhere!”

Joel nodded, “That’s right. People like Uncle Xolani, Aunt Medika, and even Uncle Manu were considered inferior because the color of their skin.”

“That’s stupid!” Kevin stated firmly. “So, Uncle Xolani’s sister allowed her egg to be used and had Lunga by Uncle Adam. Uncle Adam has a soul because he’s white!? How much of Uncle Adam’s soul did he pass to Lunga? I’ve never known anyone who can play a piano as well as HE can! He has a soul! Lunga, Uncle Xolani, Aunt Medika, Uncle Manu…they all have souls, as much as anyone does!”

Joel smiled even more, “And that is why you are taught this. I am so glad you see how foolish and stupid that is. People like your Uncle Nayef, who is Muslim and from the Middle East and Uncle Joder who is Jewish were persecuted because of where they were from and they’re religious belief. We teach you this so future generations will know NOT to be this way and to never forget.” He sighed, “Your Uncles Xolani and Adam would never have been allowed to marry. Not because Uncle Xolani’s race, but because they are both men. The same for Uncle Mike and Uncle Matt...”

“Because they’re both men,” Kevin nodded. “And Aunt Connie and Aunt Nancy.” He nodded again, “And Uncle Steve and Uncle Leif…”

“That’s right,” Sara Beth nodded. “They are homosexual. Some people saw and see that is against nature.”

“Who cares?” Jimmy asked in disbelief. “How are they adversely affecting anything in nature!?”

Joel was so proud of his and Sara Beth’s sons, “It’s not affecting anything in nature. I’m so glad none of this makes sense to you.” He pointed at his sons, “I know you won’t let it happen on the Ark or on Gaea!”

 

Things at the table continued to be upbeat after they got their points across. Ian may be a five-year-old, but he listened. He also learned. Joel was whistling as he strolled with Sara Beth to the elevator, and she went to Sick Bay. His boys had raced off with Robbie right behind them at a slower pace. Could he run? Joel’s mind thought about that. He’d never seen Robbie, the small version or the current large version run. He thought it was possible but…

“Good morning, Joel!” Hank greeted behind Joel.

Joel knew something was up. Hank was by nature a very happy man, but now he looked even more so. Why? And he was carrying something in a small container. “Okay,” Joel said smiling at Hank. “What happened?”

Hank’s wavering head and huge smile just made you happier, “Well, I was going to tell everyone at once in the Control Room, but…” he opened the small container and removed a long cylindrical object that looked like a cigar! Joel knew there weren’t any cigars on the Ark! There was writing on the…cigar? “Rita and I are doing our duty.” He turned the cigar so Joel could see the words “It’s a girl!” in pink.

Joel smiled again, almost as big as Hank, “A baby!?” Joel asked incredibly.

Hank’s humor kicked in as he took the cigar back, “No, I was just kidding.” Then he handed Joel the cigar back and added another one that said, “It’s a boy!” written in blue.

It took Joel merely a second to understand what that meant, “Wait. What? Both!? Twins!?” Joel asked loud as Hank’s head nodded rapid and happily.

“We found out yesterday,” Hank reported grinning. “Poor Darrin,” he said to Joel, “he at first was confused.” He laughed, “he was the doctor Rita saw and Darrin was reading the test results and didn’t understand why the computer was reading the baby as a girl and then a boy! He quickly figured it out seeing there were two babies, one a girl and one a boy!”

Joel threw his arms open and hugged Hank, “Congratulations, Hank!”

Hank chuckled, “Rita deserves the credit, but thank you. I can hardly wait for little Annie and little Hank Junior.”

Joel nodded, “I know the feeling. I can hardly wait for little Daylia.”

Hank brightened, if you can imagine a happy man becoming even happier, “Hey! We’ll both have four children!”

Joel was still smiling as he shook his head, “It isn’t a race or competition.”

Hank grudged a short but happy nod, “So, you say.” Then he looked at Joel more, “Are you sure about that?”

Joel grinned, “If it is, I say we’re even now.” He held the cigar up, “You have cigars?”

Hank smiled handing Joel the container, then took one out, “I tried a cigar once.” He frowned, “I was twelve and a friend got some from Cuba. He said they were the best and smooth.” He laughed, shook his head and removed the clear covering of the cigar. “It wasn’t two puffs later I was puking, and I felt I was coughing my LUNGS out.” He smiled at Joel, “Which I WAS! I swore then and there, I would never do that again!” He put the cigar to Joel’s nose, “Smell it?”

Joel smiled more at the pleasant smell of rich chocolate tickled his brain, “Forgive me for doubting you, Hank. For just these few minutes I thought you lost it a little.”

Hank wasn’t really offended. He gave Joel a sappy grin, “Oh, Joel, how could you doubt ME?” He took the end of his opened “cigar” and put it in his mouth and sucked on it a little. “I found these when I went to a conference in Switzerland. Delicious and they don’t soften or melt in your hand! It will take you all DAY to consume them!”

Joel threw his arm over Hank’s shoulder, and they began to go again toward the Control Room. “Let’s tell the others.”

 

There were now thirty pregnancies on the Ark! Yep, they needed to move to Gaea. They needed the room now. There were now thirty-one additions coming to the Ark! Unless there were other twins on the way. Or triplets!! That would be great. Then again, not so great for the poor mothers.

Everyone in the Control Room was thrilled that Hank and Rita were having the new additions. All were surprised and delighted by the chocolate “cigars.” Joel knew Hank had planned this in advance, even before they left Earth! Hank said he had plenty for any future births. That meaning was clear. It meant there were other births he hoped and planned to have.

As nice as it was, they did have other concerns. No, there was no clock to watch, but there were jobs to do. Joel again looked at the messages from Sol’s Solar System. The Space Programs on Earth had centered on going outward from the sun. There were probes sent to Venus and even a manned mission, but with temperatures over eight hundred degrees Fahrenheit, the interest in Venus sort of died. Minerals were there, but colonization was forgotten. Robot mining was being done, but Mars and beyond were the focus. Venus was smaller than Earth and her gravity was less, though way more than Mars, but Mars was better. So, they thought. Money, again. Commercially, the big money and profits were where the big companies decided to go. The Arks weren’t really thought important until these big companies realized they could make money from providing the metals, fuel, and food supplies. The Ark had food supplies that would last a few YEARS! There was no spoiling of food. The Stasis Containers kept things just as they were at harvest time. That was a HUGE boon for traveling long term into space. Mars and the mines got good, and fresh supplies.

Joel went over reports from Earth. Except for contact with the Lunar Colonies, Mars, and the mines, the Space Programs were dead. The Earth had been critically wounded and it would take a while for it to recover. Humanity left on Earth had nearly been wiped out! The rates of illnesses and deaths grew every time Joel looked at the reports. Opportunists were springing up everywhere. The countries hit by those bomb blasts were suffering. Joel hoped those fools who set those bombs off were dead as they tried to make Earth. Whatever group they were with wouldn’t die. They were the dangers Joel worried about. Right now, those groups weren’t as much a threat, but they had enough resources to make and set some powerful bombs off in major countries. That proved they could be a threat to the people on Gaea. Ark III had smart people onboard and technology. So did Ark IV. The Ark II was approaching a time to return to stasis again and this was for over ninety years! That was a long time and Joel dreaded what he’d find out then.

“We’re ready to launch the drone to Tau Ceti, Joel,” Alejandro’s voice was heard as Joel studied his screen. “You said you wanted to know. The drone we sent to Earth is a day’s flight away from us now.”

Joel nodded, “I wouldn’t miss this.” Joel stood up from his position at the desk-computer where he worked. “He touched the screen and Alejandro’s handsome face appeared. “I’m on the way.” Joel smiled even after having read what he had from Earth. All was functioning well on their Ark. He was safe. His family was safe. They were very, very lucky.