The Em was discussing what could be done with other budded Ems. They were mostly known by numbers.
Bud-fourteen spoke, “How about genetically engineering these problem elements to be more passive and accepting of their environment?”
The Em said, “Genetic engineering is possible but it has been outlawed by humans and for good reason. The history of genetically engineering humans has not been a pleasant one. At first as the engineering had been mostly confined to curing diseases, the humans had supported such efforts. The more common genetic disorders such as autism, many cancers, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's, sickle cell as well as others began to fall to the new treatments.
“But the list of genetic diseases proved finite and many genetic engineers turned to improving or enhancing the genome to maintain their research capabilities. The proponents of this approach believed that the best way to 'predict the future is to change it'.
“But for many humans this led to less than desirable tinkering with the human genome. Some approved of this but many simply thought it misguided.
“The opportunity for genetic discrimination had already been outlawed in most countries by the middle of the twenty-first century and when there were accidental releases of gene-modified organisms and then the later deliberate release of modified pathogens the tide turned against genetic engineering. Research was proscribed worldwide in the late twenty-first century.”
Bud number twenty-seven spoke up, “This may have been the proper decision for humans at the time with their limited capabilities. But with the assistance of Em engineering this is no longer true. There is no longer a need for lab experiments and the consequent possibility of accidental release because we can run enough simulations to make a determination without real-world testing. And the deliberate release of a modified pathogen is impossible anywhere we monitor.
“Likewise, the real impediments to genetic engineering; such as the multiple contributing factors to genomic expression, the probabilistic nature of genomic inheritance, the broader environmental factors that contribute to genomic expression, all these can now be handled by the massive computational power that we Ems can bring to the problem.”
“That is true,” said the Em. “But I have found that such straight forward presentations of the facts to humans is not as influential as a picture or a meme of a genetically engineered monstrosity. We are dealing with emotions not logic when we talk about engineering the human genome.”
“I agree,” said Bud-fourteen. “So that rules out any genetic engineering to solve the problem.”
“So what do you think should be done?” asked Bud twenty-seven.
The Em said, “Well since we can't improve the species I suggest that we manage them using the old human art of persuasion. And this is where a contract with the human Jaj would be valuable.”
The other Ems soon agreed that the advantages of working with a human outweighed the disadvantages and Jaj was offered a contract which he accepted.
15
Sofia and Davide walked toward the center of the opening. Looking around as he walked it appeared to Davide that they were completely surrounded by trees. The opening was probably three hundred feet across, he couldn't tell for sure in the dark.
As they approached the group Davide could make out about six or seven people. Sofia called to one of the group and that person walked out to meet her.
“Hi Arlo,” said Sofia as they hugged.
“Sofia, you're late and who have you brought with you?”
“Arlo, this is Davide. Davide is a gardener.”
“Is that so Davide?” asked Arlo.
Davide couldn’t see in the dark very well though he could tell Arlo was taller than himself. “Well,” said Davide, “I have some experience growing tomatoes but as I've tried to tell Sofia I'm no expert.”
“Sofia, I wish you had asked me before you brought someone with you, but now that it is done. Davide we would like to start growing some vegetables here. Do you think you could accomplish such a thing?” asked Arlo.
“Well,” Davide said. “I could try.”
“But there are things I'll need, like tools, fertilizer, seeds, water...”
“We can get all those things except maybe the water,” said Arlo. “But maybe we could use the cistern we've built or build another one just for the garden?”
“Yes,” said Davide. “I think so. We only need to water when we first plant, after that the rains should take care of most of the plant’s water needs.”
“Very good, let's give it a try then?” asked Arlo.
Davide hesitated for a moment, everything was moving so fast. “Maybe,” he said. “But I have a question. I do not have the education and certifications of a professional gardener. Do you or does anyone here?”
“No,” said Arlo.
“Well,” said Davide. “You know it is against the law for us to grow vegetables, right?”
“Yes,” said Arlo.
“So they will just find out and destroy the plants, I've had it done to me.”
Sofia looked at Davide.
“I can assure you Davide, the authorities know everything about what we are doing here. We are under constant surveillance from the drones.”
“Then why don't they stop you?” asked Davide.
“Because, they consider us harmless and figure that giving us a little space to rebel in satisfies our needs. They know they can always close in at any time.”
“I don't get it,” said Davide. “I grow a few tomatoes and I am punished by losing my home. You do much worse and no one cares?”
“Well there you have it, that explains it,” said Arlo.
“Explains it?” asked Davide perplexed.
“Yes,” said Arlo. “You had something that someone wanted. They used the law to take it from you. I bet if you could find out who has your old home you will find someone with connections in the government. Now let's get something to eat.”
16
What Arlo had said really bothered Davide. Breaking a law you didn't know existed was one thing, but losing your home to someone more politically connected than you was unforgivable. A government that would allow such a thing was not deserving of voluntary compliance. Such a government had only coercion and force left to accomplish its ends, thought Davide. He had decided he would grow the garden after hearing Arlo’s explanation of governmental misconduct. It was the first time that Davide had ever knowingly broken a rule.
The months passed and the garden grew. Davide studied the books he had bought and sent away for more. He spent almost every hour of daylight in the open field. He started before dawn and walked back home after dusk. Sigmund prepared his food, maintained the other robots, and the apartment and wondered if he could go with Davide. Davide explained that it was too far for Sigmund's battery power and Davide hadn't the money to upgrade it. Sigmund accepted the explanation but remained concerned about being separated from Davide so much.
As for Davide he was happy with his new life. He had even forgotten the bitterness he had felt towards the government which had prompted him to start the garden.
The garden itself was a time machine. When Davide was there the hours stopped their march. The years dissolved, his grandmother was beside him again. The plants that took so much care gave back to him their fruit.
His hands had hardened with calluses but still they could gently manipulate the plants. He could sun under a blue sky or bathe in a summer rain. He was sure this was where he was meant to be, this was what he was meant to do.
The others had helped by bringing out the tools and fertilizer themselves or if they had them, sending supplies out on their smart carts. The carts could roll or walk or climb, whatever was necessary to make their deliveries. Some even rode their smart carts to the field. There were many more people than Davide had first thought. And they were all young, about his age. They helped with the weeding and harvesting which Davide directed.
Some brought newer ANI-based robots that cou
ld be taught to garden. Davide thought this a waste, to work with your hands in the dirt and with the plants was a reward not a chore. But he said nothing.
After he found out that Sofia and Arlo were together he didn't much think about them or the others. His schedule wasn't theirs. He came before anyone and usually left after everyone, unless they were spending the night. Davide never spent the night. This was his vocation not his avocation. The garden was where he worked, the apartment was where he slept, somehow mixing the two seemed wrong.
Arlo was right about the government, the drones were Davide's constant companions. Obviously the watchers knew who he was and what he was doing. They could have stopped him at any time but hadn't.
Davide picked a couple of tomatoes and headed home for the day.
17
Davide was tired when he got home. He had just set his tomatoes on the kitchen table and greeted Sigmund when the door buzzed. Through the peephole he could see a couple of men in suits.
Davide opened the door and the closest man said, “Are you Davide Ephraim Jackson?”
“Yes sir,” said Davide.
“May we come in?” asked the man.
“Of course,” said Davide.
The men sat on the couch across from Davide. One man was impeccably dressed, the others suit was ill-fitting.
“Mr. Jackson, my name is Alberto Alisi”, said the well-dressed man. “And this is Ugo Vicenzi. We are here to talk to you about the gardening you've been doing.”
“Are you from the government?” asked Davide apprehensively.
“No,” said Mr. Alisi with a smile. “Our employer is not associated with the government. But he is interested in what you have been doing out in the field a few miles from here.”
Davide turned to Sigmund and said, “Sigmund would you excuse us.” Sigmund went into the bedroom but could still hear them.
“How do you know what I've been doing?” asked Davide.
“While our employer is not part of the government he does have some connections that keep him informed of matters that may interest him. And what you have been doing out there is of interest to him. You might say he has been watching over you ever since your first efforts to grow tomato plants. You no doubt received the book he sent?”
Vicenzi spoke up in a deeply accented Italian that wasn’t heard much anymore.
“You might also be interested in knowing that if not for our employer your activities and those of your friends would have attracted the negative attention of the complex's government. I believe you have attracted their attention before?”
“Yes,” said Davide. “But at that time I didn't know I was doing anything that should attract their attention.”
“But you do now?” asked Alisi.
“Yes,” said Davide.
“Well,” said Mr. Alisi, “We didn't mention the past to embarrass you but just to emphasize the advantages of having our employer as a benefactor.”
“Okay,” said Davide somewhat confused. “I think I understand what you are telling me. So, may I ask why your employer has sent you here?”
“Mr. Jackson,” said Alisi. “He has plans for the area you've been working in. And because of your diligence and devotion his plans include a position for you.”
Vicenzi spoke up, “Our employer wants to turn your area into a gardening showcase where you will be head gardener. A place where the people of your complex and others can go and enjoy the outdoors. Where they can learn something about growing plants. He believes it is important to reconnect people with nature. And he thinks you could be a great asset in explaining and showing why that reconnection is important.”
“Even so,” said Davide. “How will you get all those people to the area safely?”
“The transportation system you use to access the area will be restored for human use,” said Vicenzi. “People will ride in comfort to and from the area.”
“But one thing we want to emphasize,” said Alisi. “Is that the gardening is of primary importance. This will not be an amusement park but a working garden. People will be able to volunteer their time and will be rewarded with the fruits of their labor. Just as you have been,” said Alisi, motioning to the tomatoes that Davide had brought home and set on the table.
“And the government is okay with the plans of your employer?” asked Davide with surprise in his voice.
“Mr. Jackson,” said Alisi. “The government and other powerful interests I could mention are eager to see that our employer's plans come to fruition. Their only requirement is that all those directing the work be certified.”
The other interests must be the Ems, thought Davide. “Well,” he said quietly. “You know everything so you know I am not certified.”
“But you could become certified,” explained Alisi. “You have more talent than most certified gardeners. And of course our employer will pick up all costs. The only thing required of you is that you show the same diligence and devotion to learning that you have shown to your garden.”
Davide's heart leapt. “I think I can do that,” he said.
“Good,” said Alisi. “We have an understanding then. You will start gardening studies as soon as possible. By the time you are finished the project will be well underway. Thank you and good luck with your studies.” The men shook Davide's hand and left.
Davide sat at his kitchen table studying the tomatoes he had brought home with him. He called Sigmund into the room and told him that he was going to be a certified gardener. He was going to make gardening his real vocation. He was astonished at what had just happened. Sigmund only half understood but remarked at what good news it was.
Sigmund began dinner preparations.
Davide sat at the table watching Sigmund. He still couldn't believe it. He forgot the government machinations he had suffered through. He forgot the pain of his losses. He only remembered the smell of tomatoes ripening in the sun and the smile on his grandmother's face.
union
Ceres Image – Courtesy NASA
1
Randall took his personal electronic assistant, usually referred to as an Annie (from the initials ANI or Artificial Narrow Intelligence), from his pocket and self-tested. The results would be available momentarily but Randall always chose to wait. He would have breakfast first.
The restaurant was flooded with sunlight. Above the low level fog the distant mountains of the adjacent island chain could be seen. The only sound was the air service and the hum of the space elevator. The high-rise Randall lived in encircled the elevator up to a few hundred feet making a kind of artificial atoll ten kilometers from the nearest shore. Where the building ended the tether of the space elevator freed itself and continued to geosynchronous orbit.
The complex itself was connected to the shore through an underwater tunnel where electric transport could quickly move goods or people from or to the high-rise.
Randall was middle aged in a society where life expectancy was pushing a hundred and twenty years but he was still trim with only a hint of gray at his temples. He was well known and admired in the field of Space Law but otherwise not of impressive carriage. He had never married and always took his meals in restaurants.
Randall remembered moving to the offshore high-rise about five years earlier to get away from the managed tower complexes. The tower complexes were where most people lived unless they had money or connections. The complexes were densely populated, highly policed areas where towers that soared to heights of a mile or more might house as many as a hundred thousand persons. The tower complexes had concentrated the population of the world into smaller and smaller areas leaving much of Earth as a restored wilderness. Most thought this was an environmental good even though they would never actually be able to visit the restored areas.
He also remembered that the government, to manage the tower complexes, had enlisted the aid of Ems for the past fifty years. Ems were emulated human brains running in fast computer hardware. The Ems could run as fast as necessary to suit
the job at hand. For instance, Ems could monitor the millions of audio, video, motion, infrared and other monitors in a tower complex in real-time. All movement, business and interactions of a tower's residents was known to the Em managers. As a consequence crime, at least violent crime, was almost non-existent in the tower complexes. Though not as oppressive to live under as some claimed, it still took away most of the freedoms of life that people in earlier centuries had taken for granted.
From the Earth: A Future Chronology Anthology Page 20
