HADRON Axiom

by Stephen Arseneault

  Lisa said, “Please, take a seat in this first chair.”

  Jeff sat, leaning back. “Does it recline?”

  The chair tilted back.

  “Footrest?”

  A footrest folded out from the front.

  Jeff nodded. “OK. Where’s this interactive holo-image?”

  A circular bar rose from the back of the chair, flipping over in front of Jeff’s eyes. A holo-image of the Rianta moonscapes surrounded his head.

  Jeff remarked. “Oh wow. I have to say, this is pretty cool.”

  Bob said, “The chair has sensors in the headrest, no need to move your arms if you don’t want to, although it will sense those as well. The ones in the headrest monitor your brainwaves. Within a few short minutes you can master tens of commands. Once you become accustomed to its use, you will only need to give a command mentally to accomplish whatever it is you need to do. It really is quite remarkable. Most of our people spend their day right here in the chair.”

  Mace asked, “Why not just put four chairs in every apartment?”

  Lisa replied, “These chairs require special sensing equipment and quite a bit a processing to render all of the mini-worlds that are available. And the Mawga know that it’s in our best interest to continue to interact with each other. Otherwise, everyone would just go off into their own little worlds. Not really much of a living, hey?”

  Jeff said, “Bob, you’ll be happy to know I just fed one of your little donatis.”

  Bob grinned. “Yes! Aren’t they something?”

  Jeff replied, “Uh oh. That’s not good.”

  Bob asked, “What is it?”

  Jeff pushed the holo-bar up out of his view. The image turned off.

  “I picked up a big rock and dropped it on the donati. I think I killed it. Made a mess.”

  Jeff looked up to a shocked and horrified expression on Bob’s face. “Relax, Bob, I’m just pulling your leg. I didn’t smash the donati. Just having a little fun with you.”

  Bob frowned. “I guess we each have our own ideas of what we consider having fun.”

  Mace smirked. “I’d say you’ve been spending too much time around Johnny.”

  Jeff laughed. “Actually, a prank similar to that one came from Jane.”

  Mace smiled. “She is a treasure.”

  Bob took back the floor. “Yes, well, the holo-interface has simulations of more than six hundred worlds. Most people sit in the chair wearing a holo-suit which offers feedback to your senses. You can feel the heat of the desert, smell a budding rose, or even take an ice cold plunge in the Arctic. All of course which are maintained with safety parameters that keep you from physical harm. It really is an amazing and immersive system.”

  Lisa gestured toward the doorway. “Shall we?”

  As they walked, she continued: “Next, down here to the left, are the medical facilities. I’m certain you will be just as impressed with those as with what we’ve seen so far.”

  Jeff replied, “Yes. This is what I’ve been waiting to see. I can only imagine the improvements that can be had over our current treatments when using some of this holo-technology.”

  As they turned into the medical section, a long, broad hallway was lined with doors. Bob opened the first door on the right.

  “Gentlemen, meet the surgeon!”

  A standard looking gurney sat in the middle of the floor. A dozen armed devices hung from the ceiling above it.

  Bob gestured toward the gurney. “Mr. Moskowitz, can I talk you into lying on the table?”

  Jeff replied, “I’m not about to get my appendix removed or something, am I?”

  Bob laughed. “Goodness no, but after your prank with the donati, it might not be unwarranted.”

  Lisa offered a scowl. “Bob! These are our guests!”

  Jeff held up his hand as he leaned back on the gurney. “It’s OK. I know it was in jest. Right, Bob?”

  Bob hesitated before replying. “Rrright.”

  Bob said, “Surgeon, please perform a facial skin exam, followed by corrective lasing.”

  Jeff gave a worried look. “Corrective lasing?”

  An arm came up from the back of the gurney, clamping onto the sides of Jeff’s head in an effort to immobilize him.

  “Uh, Bob?”

  Lisa replied, “Just relax. It’s a completely painless procedure.”

  A voice came from the ceiling. “Please close your eyes for the procedure to begin.”

  Jeff complied. Seconds later, a bright red line swept across his face several times.

  The surgeon’s voice remarked. “One hundred forty-six anomalies have been detected. Corrective lasing is beginning.”

  Eight arms stretched down. A red beam from a laser on each pointed to a specific spot on Jeff’s face. A quick flash from an extremely short pulse of infrared light was used to burn individual cells deep under the surface of Jeff’s skin. The full procedure lasted all of ninety seconds. The head clamps retracted.

  Bob said, “You can open your eyes. It’s over. See… no gall bladder!”

  Jeff smiled. “You’re a funny one, Bob. I’ll bet you’re a big hit in the dining hall.”

  Bob grinned. “I like to think so.”

  Lisa said, “Mr. Moskowitz, you’ve just had every damaged cell, or group of damaged cells, in your dermis, ablated. In four weeks, your new skin will make its way to the surface.”

  Lisa looked up. “Surgeon, did you also run the smoothing procedure? Or toning?”

  The voice from above replied, “The smoothing and toning procedures were not run.”

  Lisa frowned. “Too bad. I just had my first procedure done on my face last week. I can’t wait to see the full results. I’ve already noticed a decrease in the bumps on my nose and a reduction in large pores. I’m so excited to begin the full body process. The Mawga say this procedure alone should put an end to skin cancers. That and the fact that we will spend most, if not all of our time, in this building rather than out in the harsh sun. With the simulations in the gaming center, you really don’t miss it.”

  Bob said, “The health benefits of being in this community center will be a boon to… well, to our health. I’ve lost fifteen pounds in the last three weeks just from eating the nutrient bars alone. I no longer crave sweets and I’m no longer depressed. It has just been a tremendous help to my health and psyche in so many ways! And you will be receiving all of these same benefits when you join your local community center!”

  Lisa added, “A similar procedure to this one can be performed on all cancers. They can remove plaque from arteries. They can reverse liver damage. I’ve been told, Bob, they can even regrow hair!”

  Bob grinned. “One step ahead of you, Lisa! Already had my first treatment!”

  The group was led out into the main hallway. “We have one final tour stop, the fitness floor. Lisa, would you like to lead?”

  Another two hundred acres was covered with a variety of machines, surrounded by a jogging track. Each machine had an interactive holo-display to enhance the user���s workout. After a trial run on an exercise bike for Jeff, the tour came to an end.

  Bontu said, “Mr. Hardy, what do you think?”

  Mace took a deep breath. “Looks like you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into this.”

  Bontu nodded. “Yes, yes we have. And it is all for the benefit of your people. With the establishment of these centers we can facilitate the rapid rebuilding of your governments and bring stability to everyone’s lives. One thing Bob and Lisa neglected to mention in their excitement was the education systems. Those are built into every holo-display. Our scientists tell me, with this equipment, your average child could receive the equivalent education of elementary level through a doctoral degree by the time they are fifteen years of age. Wouldn’t that be remarkable?”

  Mace shook his head with a half smile. “Hmm. Not sure I like the sound of being surrounded by a bunch of fifteen year-old know-it-alls.”

  Fifteen minutes later, the shuttle dock
ed with the ship.

  Chapter 13

  *

  Jeff stood out on the catwalk deck with Mace as the great ship sped toward its first assignment. “Wow, Mace, you weren’t kidding. This is a treat. Hard to believe we’re standing out here while traveling at this speed and we don’t feel a thing. No wind, no sound. Very peaceful.”

  Mace replied, “Yeah, this is where I spend most of my time.”

  Jeff leaned on the rail as he looked at the landscape three thousand feet below. “Remarkable.”

  Bontu joined them. “Mr. Moskowitz, what did you think of the tour?”

  “Impressive. But I have to ask, the people living there, what do they do? I mean, for work?”

  “Ah. You see, Doctor, they don’t have to do anything. Participation in the community center is completely voluntary. We ask nothing from you other than civil behavior.”

  Mace asked, “And what if someone doesn’t behave?”

  Bontu looked confused for a moment. “I suppose we would ask them to leave. Yes, leave. We have not had any issues to date.”

  “You have what, fifteen thousand people in there? You’ll have problems. Humans can be temperamental and unpredictable at times.”

  Jeff nodded. “Yeah, just wait until you get your first domestic disturbance. Someone will have a little too much to drink and get in a nonsensical argument with someone else.”

  Bontu slowly shook his head. “This center currently houses twenty-five thousand. And I don’t anticipate that will be a problem, Mr. Moskowitz. There are no alcoholic beverages in the community centers.”

  Jeff laughed. “Now, I’ll admit to being a teetotaler, but there are a lot of Humans that are hardcore. They won’t give up their beer or wine, or any booze for that matter.”

  “I believe that to be a false understanding on your part, Mr. Moskowitz. The nutrient bars and beverages provide a balance to both mind and body. Alcoholics will no longer crave a drink, just as smokers will no longer desire the puff of a cigarette. These minor addictions will quickly become a thing of the past. And with the balance of the mind comes happiness. You saw the reactions of both Lisa and Bob. I can assure you they are typical for the average community center member.”

  Mace said, “Just one big happy family, huh?”

  Bontu nodded. “I believe that to be an accurate description.”

  Jeff looked back over the rail at the passing terrain. “I don’t think you’ll have any problem with volunteers, Mr. Montak, or should I say Chancellor Montak?”

  “Whichever you like, Mr. Moskowitz. Titling is only important to me within my culture. From you, I only ask that you be civil.”

  The ship came to a stop over Charleston. A shuttle ride had the three on the ground a few minutes later. An Air Force captain came out to meet them.

  “I’m Captain Bill Turner, commander of the base here. I suppose this visit is about the comms?”

  Mace noticed a euphoric look on the captain’s face. The same euphoric look as was displayed by Lisa and Bob.

  Mace walked forward. “Come with me, Captain.”

  When the two were out of hearing range, Mace asked. “You’re ready to accept the comms, am I correct?”

  The captain replied, “We are. Well, most of us. And as the CO, we will all be accepting the devices.”

  Mace nodded. “I see. Can I ask you a few questions, Captain?”

  “Please, Mr. Hardy. Ask whatever you like.”

  Mace glanced over his shoulder to check his distance from the ship. “Have you been distributing and eating the newest batch of nutrient bars?”

  The captain smiled. “Why, yes, I have. And I have to say they are delicious. I’m full of energy!”

  “You indicated that some of your troops weren’t interested in having the comms? Can I ask, have they been eating the nutrient bars?”

  The captain’s expression turned to a frown. “No. We seem to have about half of our outfit that has no desire for anything alien. Even though this latest batch has been made with all Earth ingredients. Some are just stubborn that way, I guess.”

  Mace stopped walking. “Would it be OK if I were to talk to the highest ranking among them?”

  The captain thought for a moment. “I can’t see where that would hurt. Perhaps you can deliver the message to them in such a way that they will respect it coming from you. I could give the order, but the Mawga have been clear that any acceptance has to be voluntary. If you think it will do them good, Mr. Hardy, by all means, please be my guest.”

  They returned to the ramp of the shuttle.

  Mace patted the captain on the back. “Mr. Montak, the captain has given permission for me to talk to the highest ranking of the soldiers who are holdouts here. The captain is prepared to accept and distribute the comms in this district. I’d like to take a shot at talking to his group of holdouts.”

  Montak clasped his hands. “Excellent, Mr. Hardy, please do so. We have a busy schedule ahead of us, but full participation in the program is desired.”

  The captain turned. “Lieutenant Dalia. Get Master Sergeant Holmes out here ASAP!”

  The lieutenant, saluted, turned and sprinted away. The master sergeant and two of his cohorts walked out onto the field.

  “Captain, you sent for us?”

  The captain replied, “I’d like you to go for a walk with Mr. Hardy, Jack. He has some things to discuss with you.”

  Mace reached his hand out for a shake as they walked. Master Sergeant Jack Holmes looked over and huffed.

  “Working for the grays, I see.”

  Mace replied, “I take it you have no interest in the food, power, or comms they’re offering?”

  The master sergeant scowled. “You know what I see? I see a bunch of zombies running around here all gleeful that someone wants to be in charge of us. I have to say I don’t care for being made dependent on these… beings. They’re making it all too easy. I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

  “Well, Sergeant, maybe today is the day you join the resistance.”

  Jack Holmes replied, “Not sure what you’re referring to there, Mr. Hardy. I haven’t seen any kind of organization against the Mawga. You aren’t trying to bait me, are you? I saw you came in with that alien. Why are you pitching for their side?”

  Mace stopped. “Sergeant, you might have to call me a double agent in that regard. It’s true, I am out here talking to the holdouts on behalf of the Mawga. But I’m also out here finding out who we have left. That latest batch of food they started delivering a few weeks ago, it’s tainted. With exactly what, we don’t know. I’m betting your captain was just like you before it was delivered.”

  Jack nodded. “A complete about-face. He’s the one that trapped himself, though. I’ve seen him eat those bars off and on out of expediency when he didn’t want to leave what he was working on. I advised against it, but after having had a couple himself, and having seen others eating them, I guess he figured they were safe. Big mistake.”

  “Mr. Holmes, I think we’re dealing with a silent insurrection here. On the surface, all this assistance is very much welcome; however it all seems geared toward making us dependent, just as you say. Our farmers have quit growing, and our towns and cities are now building these massive community centers.

  “I expect to see everyone who’s eating those bars moving into one of those centers as soon as they’re open. We just went on a tour of the one in D.C ��� and I can’t say anything bad about anyone who would want to live there. The Mawga are providing everything, including healthcare and entertainment.”

  The sergeant growled. “This all just chaps my ass, Mr. Hardy. Half my guys, the ones who are still sane, feel intimidated. There’s a lot of pressure to just accept all that’s being offered without question. And as you said, they’re making it all too easy. If there’s a resistance forming, we’re gonna have a tough time keeping it going. At the moment, this is all voluntary. If that changes, or if they turn the screws on these zombies, well, I’m not
sure what we can do to stop it all.”

  “For now, Sergeant, I want you and anyone with you to keep resisting the food. And as for the comms, the Mawga have as much as admitted to me they can track your whereabouts and listen in on your conversations.”

  Jack scowled. “They’re like all those free Internet services. Everybody rushes to sign up, only to find out a year later they know way more about you and your personal life and habits than you’d like. All this free stuff will come at a price, and the masses are all too happy to rush right in.”

  “Well, Sergeant, that’s where you and I come in. It will be up to us to make sure we aren’t all taken over the edge. Surround yourself with only those you completely trust. Have them be your eyes and ears.

  “If we can’t save more than just a few of us, we won’t be able to accomplish much if the time comes for action. When we go back, just act like you’re sitting on the fence, haven’t quite made up your mind. My next status to the resistance, I’ll make sure they put someone in contact with you.”

  Jack let out a sigh. “Thanks for this talk, Mr. Hardy. It gives me hope to see others out there besides myself who aren’t blind to what’s going on. The axiom of this Mawga stuff being free might not be so true. And I look forward to having contact with this ��� resistance.”

  When they had returned to the ramp of the shuttle, Bontu stood with his short arms on his hips. “Mr. Holmes, I hope the talk went well?”

  The sergeant stood silent for several seconds. “He gave me a lot to think about, Mr. Montak. Those community centers sound interesting. I’ll be giving all this some deep thought.”

  Bontu clasped his hands and smiled. “That is all we ask, Mr. Holmes… consideration.”

  As they walked back up the ramp, Bontu turned to Jeff. “Mr. Moskowitz, how went the pitch for a community center?”

  Jeff replied, “He was all for it, Mr. Montak. I think that place easily sells itself.”

  After running through their list of required stops, the great ship turned back toward the cave. When the shuttle landed, Mace and Jeff said goodbye to Bontu and proceeded down the ramp.

  Bontu held up his hand. “Mr. Hardy, please, one moment…”