by David Harp
Chapter 24
Future Tech
As the group approached the main complex, enormous sleek dome structures interconnected by long curvilinear passageways arched gracefully below the tree-line. They gazed in awe at a small elliptical city. Dozens of circular buildings were connected like tinker toys. The design was so extraordinary, it could be considered art.
The structures had huge windows blending seamlessly into the natural landscape of tropical plants, streams, and waterfalls. The complex provided a fleeting glimpse into a world imagined only in their dreams.
“Are the buildings made of steel?” Dan asked.
“They’re made of flexible concrete which is stronger than steel, a better insulator, and much more abundant. In place of cement, we use a bonding agent with a molecular structure similar to rubber. Photovoltaic arrays have been built into windows and onto the skin of the buildings.”
“So the buildings generate their own power?” Haley asked.
“They do.” Claude answered. He pointed to a large tree. “But you may have noticed a number of these in the complex.”
“Yes,” Brian said before Haley had time to respond. “They are exactly alike. I wouldn’t have noticed except the leaf patterns are too mathematically consistent to be natural.”
“Good eye Brian. The residential buildings are self-sustained, but these particular trees are solar collectors fabricated from organic materials. They are one hundred times more efficient than commercially available solar panels. They provide supplemental energy for our laboratories and manufacturing units.”
The whole complex had the look and quality of a futuristic resort. Children were running and playing. Adults were laughing and talking. Some of them were at an extravagant swimming pool, others were strolling through the gardens, and still others were gathered together in a cozy dining area.
“Who are all these people?” Haley asked.
“Students and faculty, they live here.” Claude replied. “We have over one hundred families living on campus.”
“Is this a school?” Matt asked.
“Technically, we’re a fully accredited research institution. We teach students as young as six and offer advanced college degree programs as diverse as Religious Studies, Theoretical Astrophysics, and Biomedical Engineering.”
Matt grimaced. “I have never heard of this place. How is that possible?”
“We keep a low profile.” Claude answered. “Students don’t apply to the ORION Institute, we recruit. We search the globe for gifted people of all ages, and we offer what they need.”
“It sounds a little mysterious.” Haley said. “What do you mean by ‘we offer what they need’?”
“Education, food, housing and entertainment are free. Students are able to completely dedicate their time to study and self-improvement without the burden of student loans or bureaucratic paperwork. The one requirement is while you’re here, you contribute your particular talents to the workload and sign a non-disclosure agreement.”
Matt rolled his eyes, shook his head and moaned.
“What’s the matter Matt?” Claude asked.
“It sounds like a Communist commune, and like most Communist systems it won’t work. Instead of sharing the wealth, a few rich and powerful people at the top control those below. That’s a more likely explanation for why this place is secret.”
“Why are you being so rude?” Haley asked Matt. “Claude has gone out of his way to be nice to us.”
“It’s O.K.” Claude told Haley. “I’m surprised it happened this soon, but I would be disappointed if Matt didn’t challenge us.” Claude looked straight at Matt.
“The ORION Institute could make vast profits from any of the technologies you have seen today, but we haven’t applied for a single patent or copyright.
Our mission is not to make profits, and it isn’t about politics. We want to create a new world civilization that will eliminate war, poverty, hunger and debt. It will require a change in human behavior, and that will be more difficult than creating new technology.”
Claude could see the glazed expressions on everyone’s face. It was a lot to process in one afternoon. He could tell they were overwhelmed.
“Let’s eat,” he said cheerfully.
The sweet fragrance of Tea Olive blossoms and the peaceful sounds of a nearby waterfall relaxed the mood as Claude escorted them into a small domed building.
Once inside, a wide stairway led down to a small subterranean dining area. The room was well-lighted even though it was below ground with no windows.
“What’s this room’s source of light, and what keeps it from becoming a swimming pool or floating away?” Steve asked. (The high water level in South Florida made building below ground level impractical.)
“The room is illuminated by our own form of chemiluminescence,” Claude replied. “In simple terms, the whole room is a light bulb. The concrete is magnetically balanced to float in the wet soil like a submarine in water. The exterior walls are water-tight, but porous to air.”
It was clear from Claude’s tone he was getting tired.
“If there are no further questions, we have prepared a special meal for you.”
Chris couldn’t wait any longer to ask the one question which had been bothering him from the beginning of the tour.
“There is one thing I’ve been meaning to ask. How did you know Haley was coming?”
Claude looked a little surprised. He thought all five boys knew a lot more about Haley.
“Anastasius told us Brian had the medallion. Then when Brian gave it to Haley, it sent us a signal.” Claude chuckled, “Kinda like ET phone home.”
Claude glanced at Haley with adoration, “We knew it wouldn’t be long before the queen returned.”
