by Ken Barrett
“Everybody’s been missing her music,” Rose stated.
As the night progressed, Carolyn did play a long set that was a mixture of classical and bluegrass tunes. Keith, Rose, and several others in the pub even got up and danced. The crowd was clapping in time, the beer was flowing, and it was easy to forget about the war and the struggle to save mankind. Then, shortly after her set ended, thunder cracked in the distance and a second later the ground shook and rumbled beneath their feet.
The Lantern became silent, as they all worried about the source of the sound. It wasn’t thunder; the storms that had wet the streets late in the afternoon had long since passed by, leaving a clear and somewhat cool evening. Moments later, a second explosion violated the night from somewhere to the east.
“Everyone stay put and you’ll be safe,” Earl ordered. “Anyone caught out on the street after an attack will be taken for a rebel, and either shot on sight or brought in for questioning.”
“And you guys really don’t want that to happen,” Liam said with a pointed look at his cane. He caught Rose’s gaze and she nodded, indicating her understanding of what had happened to him. They all waited while sipping a final beer, anxiously hoping that their world wasn’t about to end.
Carolyn flopped down in the chair beside him. “Why does this have to happen on my one free night out on the town?”
“It’ll be ok,” Liam said as he wrapped his arm around her. “We’re safe in here, so we’ll just wait for an all-clear signal before heading home.”
“Yes, I know.” She leaned over and lightly kissed his cheek. “But why do people have to do things like that?”
“People gotta hate,” Keith replied. “It’s what we do best.”
*****
The computer hardware for all five ships is ready to be sent south, Liam typed in a memo to his boss. Julee would of course forward his message on to Mother along with her weekly status report. He was wary of completing his projects too soon, because if he was of no further use then there was no point in keeping him around. Mother could have him killed, or worse yet, sent back to the Treatment Room for the amusement of the psychotic bitch that ran that place. He pushed those thoughts from his mind and continued typing:
This will allow the computers to be installed without a rush and gives us a chance to fix or repair any installation glitches. Once everything is in place and powered up, I’ll upload the operating systems for each vessel.
The navigation program is obviously a different matter. Even on our fastest quantum computers the program takes several days to run, and only then can it be downloaded into the Slip-Drive processing unit. Therefore, I’ll need to know the precise time of departure two weeks in advance.
The last paragraph was a necessary lie. He worried that Mother would renege on her promise and leave him behind when she and all her kind escaped to the stars. No matter how long he delayed, the old bitch would probably have him killed once she got everything that she wanted from him. His hope was to stave off that eventuality as long as possible, and maybe if she was in a rush to leave she would forget about further punishment and simply abandon him.
He hoped that Carolyn would be included in the crew. Regardless of her staunch belief in socialism and adherence to her Aunt’s philosophies, he had grown very attached to her and wanted her to survive the coming disaster. She was intelligent, creative, and was the most incredibly beautiful woman he had ever been with; his attraction to her was undeniable. If the worst happened, and she was also abandoned and left behind after the government pulled out, he hoped that they could somehow escape the city and build a life together. It was a stupidly romantic thing to wish for, but in the worst of times, fantasy is often all we have left.
Long before Fort Collins fell, his mother had read bedtime stories to both him and his sister. Most of those tales ended with the line: ‘And they lived happily ever after’. That was perhaps the first big lie their parents had told them; it was simply a dream that would never come true. Still though, he found himself wishing that he and Carolyn could find a way to survive and be together into their old age. Such a stupid thing; a nerdy computer programmer dreaming of a life with a gorgeous woman in a post-apocalyptic world.
He swung around in his chair and glanced at the ever-present guard that stood behind his desk. The man lightly tapped his leg, letting Liam know that he was the real Earl, not an imposter. “Well Earl,” he whispered. “The hardware is ready to go south. All that’s left to do is the programming. Do you think it would be ok to have a cup of tea with me out on the balcony to celebrate?”
Earl shook his head slowly, then lifted his gaze to see over the cubical walls. “Can’t,” he replied very quietly. “But I got the ok for another night at the Lantern for you and Carolyn.”
“Oh, that’s great, she’ll be really happy.” He struggled with his cane as he stood up. “But for now, I guess I’ll have to drink my tea alone.” Earl remained behind as he made his way through the cubicle maze.
Julee met him as he entered what was once Ron’s office. Since taking over the department, Liam had turned the windowless room into a breakroom, he even had a few cots brought in for those in his staff that worked late and were too tired to make the long walk back to their homes. “Getting a cup of tea?” his boss asked.
“Yeah, just to clear out my mind before getting elbows deep in operating system code.”
“Yes, I just saw your memo, and congratulations. You’re ahead of schedule, aren’t you?”
“I’m not really sure of that. It’s hard to apply a schedule to a blind panic rush.”
Julee smiled. “I know what you mean. Still though, you’re the only one that’s even close to finishing on time. Ron is way behind, and Mother’s getting pretty upset with him.”
“We need the power from his reactors, or no one’s going anywhere,” he replied. “Anything Mother does in retribution will only cause more delays, so I hope she keeps her temper in check.”
His boss nodded. “How much is involved in creating the operating system?”
“Let’s grab a cup of tea and talk.” He limped into the breakroom, then took cups off a shelf that was just below the circuit breaker box and poured their tea. “I’m planning for obsolescence,” he continued. “For the people though, not for the hardware or software. Building a culture on a new world will take a long time, so those ships will have to sustain us. In the worst case, it could be generations before everyone is living on one of Trappist-1’s planets. Keeping a multi-generation crew educated could be a problem, so the on-board computers will have to know how to do what everyone else forgets.”
“I see.” Julee gazed sightlessly into her cup for a long moment. “I don’t think anyone else has thought of that contingency, but it seems like a distinct possibility, so I’m glad that you’re taking care of it.”
“I’ll create self-aware AI systems, and program them to care for humanity. Our descendants may have to count on that infrastructure to stay alive, but the crew may not know how to issue the proper commands, so I have to make it failsafe. The only way to do that is to give our computers the ability to make decisions on their own.”
Julee grinned nervously. “What if the computers decide that they don’t want us around anymore?”
He laughed. “That won’t happen because their primary function will be hardcoded in. Their only job is to keep everyone safe. So, evil machines won’t devour humanity, I promise.”
“What about the weapon systems?”
“Yeah, I saw those in the spec’s, are you sure that you’ll need them?”
“It was a request from Military Director Bradley and Mother gave her ok,” she said. “I hope they will never be needed, but I suppose it’s good to have them just in case we meet up with some unfriendly aliens.”
“Yeah, I guess. But where did you get nuclear missiles? I thought they were all used up during the Mideast and Asian wars.”
“Most were,” she responded. “But years ago, we got luck
y and found a mostly untouched military base in Arizona.”
“I really wish we could’ve left all that stuff behind, but I guess you’re right that having them is a good idea.” He shrugged. “But to answer your question; yes, the computers will have full control over all the weapons systems.”
“Well, ok. I’ll still report to Mother that you’re ahead of schedule but will add that you’ve still got a big job ahead.”
“And I’ll get the launch date in advance?” he asked.
“Yes, well, I saw your request but I don’t think Mother will agree to it.”
He had expected her answer. “Well ok, but I was just thinking of everyone’s safety. If we get everyone on board and still need to make a calculation that could take several days to complete, we’ll have no way to escape quickly if the Sun starts acting up.”
Julee chewed her lip. “You have a point. We don’t have a date yet because so many projects are running late, but I’ll try to get Mother to give it to you as soon as it’s known.”
*****
The second Trappist-1 probe, who had chosen the name Ross, was preparing himself for launch. Liam hunched over Ross’s communication portal and typed:
Your velocity and location look good. Begin your start-up sequence and shut down all systems. A good voyage to you Ross and give my regards to Lucy.
“Yes Father,” Ross’s voice said through his earbuds, and a moment later he vanished.
Liam rolled his chair over to Lucy’s portal, and typed:
Has Ross arrived?
“Yes Father. He is very handsome, and much bigger than we expected.”
Ross’s function is a little different than yours. First, we built him to test the process of flying a larger object through N-Space, and that gave me the chance to include some tools for you to use.
“Tools?”
Yes Lucy. I built Ross to mine the asteroids in your star system. He can refine materials that you can use to create even more companions or build anything else you like.
“Oh, this is so exciting. Ross is waking up now, and he seems to be fine. Thank you for sending him to us Father. We can create our own civilization now.”
A creator has a responsibility to what he builds. Liam sat back in his chair and smiled, knowing that at least one part of his life and work was going well.
*****
He had been working late into the night for days, maybe weeks; he didn’t know how long because every day ran into another and they were all so similar that it was hard to tell them apart. Earl had gone home hours before and left him alone in the workroom. Liam sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, it was about time to head home to get some sleep before starting the whole process over again tomorrow.
As always though, there was one more thing to do before leaving. He leaned forward to peer into his computer’s multidimensional display and touched the hidden icon that would check the secret database drop box. A message from Keith had just arrived. He entered the decryption password, then began to read.
Liam. I’m being recalled by my handlers and will have to leave the city soon, but Rose is refusing to come with me. She says that you stayed with her in Fort Collins, so she won’t abandon you. I’ve tried my hardest, but she insists on staying behind. I’m worried because things are about to get very dangerous. Rose says she can handle everything on her own, but is there a way that you can help protect her?
I was able to get my handlers to delay the attack on Pike City. It turned out to be easy because there’s so much arguing and confusion among the Tribes. I figure you have another six months before you see anything showing up at your door. During that time operatives outside the wall will work to weaken the city gates. Those staying behind inside the city will bomb distribution centers and government buildings. I tried to make the science buildings off limits, but don’t know if I succeeded, so be careful.
I’m sorry to lay all this on your shoulders. We will all meet up again after the walls fall and the city is ours. Until then, stay safe and please do what you can for Rose. Keith.
He sat back and considered how to respond to the message. Keith had just dropped a huge load of crap in his lap, and his mind spun as he wondered what to do about it. The city was going to be a mess, and he couldn’t protect his sister if she were across town; the best way to keep her safe would be to somehow convince Mother and Julee to allow her to stay with him at the tech center. But how could he do that? There had to be a way, but before thinking too deeply on it he needed to respond to Keith.
Keith. Please speak with your handlers about leaving the city’s southern route open. Most of the army is retreating in that direction, if you let them go, taking the city will be much easier.
There may be a way to have Rose move in with me at work. Trust me, I will do everything I can to keep her safe. Liam.
After closing down the connection to the database, he considered what to do about protecting Rose. There was only one choice, but it was risky for them both. He opened a message window to his boss, and began to type:
Julee. I’ve not been completely honest with you regarding my family. My sister Rose is in Pike City, and after the recent bombings I’m very worried and want her to move into the tech center with me to keep her safe.
I know that Rose will not be allowed to escape the solar storm along with the rest of us. Keeping her here in the meantime is all I can do. Mother will certainly be upset about this revelation, but perhaps she can see my sister as another point of leverage she can use against me. I will work night and day and guarantee the navigation and on-board computer systems work perfectly if my request is granted and my sister remains safe.
Please consider my request and let me know your decision as soon as possible. Thanks. Liam.
Chapter 18: Reunion
“I wish you had told me Liam.” Julee stared at him from behind her office desk.
“I didn’t know who to trust,” he replied. “The army from Pike City destroyed my home and killed my parents along with most of my friends. As far as I could see at the time, everyone here was my enemy.”
She slowly nodded. “Yes, I can see how you might feel that way. What we did to Flatiron was… well, it wasn’t a shining moment for our city.”
“This is my home now though, and I’m worried about my sister’s safety.”
“Terrorist attacks in our city are increasing, but how do we know where your sister’s loyalties lie?”
“I guess you don’t, but how can you be sure of anyone these days?” He paused to think a moment. “Flatiron was a neutral city. If the savages were our friends they would’ve defended us, wouldn’t they?”
“You do have a point there.”
“Putting Rose in your hands insures my cooperation, but she also has something to offer. She was a sociology and history teacher at the university. Maybe she can help with how our people will live on board ship.”
“Really, how?”
“Earl, I mean Reggie, the man that stands watch in my workroom, he told me that family partnerships are going to be determined by genetic testing.”
“Yes, so?”
“Wouldn’t it be a good idea if the people you put together actually got along? I mean, the family is the core of most societies, so if it’s not working at that level it could lead to bigger problems.”
Julee nodded and smiled. “Ok, that’s good. Having your sister work here will be a win for us, so I’ll bring her in on my authority and keep Mother out of it.” She suddenly frowned. “But Liam, I’ll be checking your work, and if something suspicious shows up, well, it won’t be good for either you or your sister.”
“I understand, and thank you.”
*****
Rose moved in and became his next-door neighbor a few days later. On that first night, Earl and Carolyn joined them for dinner in the tech center cafeteria. The harsh rattle of plates and the soft murmur of conversations reminded them both of eating lunch at the university in Flatiron; their memories of those ti
mes were sadly nostalgic. The four of them sat with Liam’s co-workers near the exit that let out into the first-floor hallway.
“So,” Carolyn said while picking at her food. “What happened to Keith? I thought you guys were together.”
“We were,” Rose replied. “But he was killed in a terrorist attack last week.”
“You don’t seem very broken up about it,” Carolyn stated.
“Keith was a nice guy, but I always knew that what we had was temporary. He was great and I liked him a lot, but emotionally,” Rose shrugged. “He just kept my bed warm.”
“Oh. I guess I understand then. Lots of guys that I met at the Lantern were like that for me.”
“Yes, well, just because I sleep with someone doesn’t mean that I love them or anything. I still miss him though, he was good to me and didn’t deserve to die like that.”
Liam kept his head down, carefully studying his food as he ate. The candor of the women’s conversation made him uncomfortable, and he really wished that they would have kept their discussion private. All he could do was hold tight to the hope that neither would ask his opinion about anything. Earl sat across from him, occasionally glancing up self-consciously, and probably regretting accepting the invitation to dinner.
“So, I hear you’re doing some work for us,” Carolyn said.
He breathed a loud sigh of relief, happy to have his sister and girlfriend talking about something a little less personal. Both women looked at him and laughed. “You have to pardon my brother, he gets embarrassed easily,” Rose said.
Carolyn giggled. “Yes, I’ve noticed.”
“Julee is having me work up a compatibility test for couples,” Rose said. “It’ll be something similar to what we had in Flatiron. You see, healthy babies can be made by anybody, but the stable families that raise them are another matter. If you want a cohesive social structure, those that are partnered have to at least get along.”
Earl looked up and smiled. “Yeah, I was talking to Liam about that a while back.”
