Excolopolis_Poles of Enforcement

by Jack L. Marsch

  “Of course. We have narrowed down the possibilities to one of our neighboring star systems, about ten light years from us, but we haven't managed to pin point which star system. Therefore, there is quite a large area remaining to be defined, and there is something else!” he said, with an almost audible shudder.

  “What?”

  “The radiation itself is very strange. It seems to slow as it nears the planet Earth. We have no idea why,” Martins explained.

  “That is strange, indeed.” Steersman's eyes narrowed. “Can we use their language at a level at which we could send a message back to them?”

  “We know a couple more terms that we could possibly use to build a message.”

  “All we need are these three words: send your coordinates,” said Steersman.

  “We can communicate something similar. In place of ‘send’ we have the word ‘give’, and instead of ‘coordinates’ we have ‘location’, perhaps that will be enough.”

  “Give location.” Steersman thought about it for a moment. “Seem quite understandable to me.” He played with the thought for a few moments, then made a decision. “Okay, you and your team, you're hired.”

  “Thank you, Mr Steersman. You won't regret this decision.” Martins' face lit up. “I must go back to Brazil now ….”

  “Yes, obviously. We need to continue this project as soon as possible, so first compile a comprehensive list of the equipment, materials and space that you will need for your work. When it is done, you and all of your colleagues who are part of this research can start bringing over your families. Please send me personal details for each of your colleagues, as everyone must go through a security check before admission to ASEC.”

  “I can prepare the lists quickly, but paperwork doesn't happen quickly in my country. Brazil has a rather large bureaucracy and relocation is certainly not going to be an easy process.”

  “Dr Martins, I don't care about the worries of petty Brazilian bureaucrats. Begin to get used to the idea that we at ASEC do not appreciate excuses. If you find that it's not possible for every member of your team to be here in Excolopolis and ready to work by next week, then let me know and I'll send an aircraft to bring you all here within hours. The consequences will be mine to deal with. You are going to start a new life here. Don't feel the need to bring your TVs, washing machines, or anything. There are fully equipped houses waiting in the Orchid Hills residential area for every family. In return, I expect you to quickly pick up from where you left off with your research.”

  “Understood, Mr Steersman. I'll do my best to make sure we continue as soon as possible.”

  “Excellent. I'll wait for you to contact me very shortly.”

  ***

  Chapter 11

  Gravitor

  At 10:00am on June 27, 2077, just as the office at PrEUST was closing its doors on student applications, some a way away the DCG Expo was opening its gates to a technology exhibition that was stirring up an ever larger storm. The fact that ASEC was not presenting a vehicle made the event less controversial. As it turned out, however, a huge surprise awaited the general public and the press on opening day. Nearly three-quarter of the automakers exhibiting at the expo were unknown, their development centers and workshops recently founded and built from scratch. These companies – which had seen tremendous breakaway opportunities in the new technology – were founded mainly by a large number of daring entrepreneurs who were from a growing middle class in developing nations, and who were willing to put almost everything on the line. They sent concept vehicles that were branded with incredibly rich designs and were equally richly equipped to compete in the expo.

  Only a few dozen of the world's major car manufacturers had been able to organize themselves at such short notice, and to develop their own prestige models to represent their company names. Others sent in agents prepared with pre-written contract under their arms, ready to strike, buying the design of new unknown companies so that – having bought the rights – they could immediately start mass production.

  It soon became apparent that a comparison between the two ends of the world were being made: the elite manufacturers of the wealthy and privileged west, and the manufacturers of the developing countries that were hungry for success. What was sure was that none of the car manufacturers had any reason to blush for their concept designs and an intense competitiveness vibrated throughout the huge exhibition center and became the prevalent atmosphere at the expo.

  Alisa Clancy, the lead organizer of the Expo was a real dynamite. The job couldn't have been done with a more relaxed attitude, but it was still a miracle that she hadn't had a coronary. She filled the place with her presence each time she went through to inspect progress, making sure that everything was perfectly in its place and running smoothly right until the close of the event.

  The most spectacular part of the expo was the thin membrane dome that was suspended above the event by thousands of floating spheres and covered the whole area. The spheres would occasionally begin to move spectacularly, at times making the sky seem like it was moving, and even spinning and undulating.

  An artificial outdoor world was created in which even buildings could not break the unity, as everything was in one space. Only huge ground plates irregularly tiered onto each other in the vast area gave it a layered aspect, through which a complicated road network ran. Highlighting this were the dense compositions of lush woods, flourishing all around.

  Alisa Clancy took it as a rebellion directed personally at her when – on the very first day – impatient exhibitors made it known that they didn't wish to be restricted to the limited territory given to them for the exhibition, especially considering that the whole area looked like a giant test drive track.

  It was Mercedes who started it, but when the news swept across in a matter of minutes that the marketing manager – who hadn't wasted any time in setting up vehicles for a show tour of the expo – had ordered the whole fleet to circle through the exhibition to promote their model to the visitors. No more was needed for Audi to follow, and before long they were all at it.

  When Alisa Clancy saw what popularity the idea had garnered amongst the public, she felt deeply offended that the idea had not come from her, so to preserve her dignity, she generously allowed it to happen. She did, however, send a memo around to all exhibitors to let them know that any mishap or danger would mean expulsion from the show. Having assuaged her ruffled ego, she returned to her usual mercurial self.

  At nights, the expo was like a bizarre landscape where, in the sky was an expressive net of spheres and on the ground unique lighting effects flickered and pulsed from each of the vehicles.

  By midnight, even Alisa Clancy saw the world through rose tinted glasses after the endless champagne in the company of powerful CEOs and industrial magnates, but she restrained herself in the company of her boss. There was no way she wanted Sean Steersman to think, even once, that she might not be fit for the job.

  She had been able to live with her urge to comply for a very long time. At a traumatic turning point in her life, when she lost her little Biewer Yorkshire Terrier Lottie, she decided that she would no longer try to fight for everything with her personality. Rather, she began to let momentum swirl and carry her in the direction that life decided for her.

  Although she was notoriously difficult to work with, she was able to keep together thousands of threads, pulling them in just the right way so that everything worked smoothly and, even more, worked on time. That is how she came to be chosen for the job at ASEC.

  “I hope you are satisfied with the beginning, Mr Steersman,” she said, relaxing a little.

  “Let's talk about satisfaction at the end, when we can evaluate this event as a whole, Ms Clancy,” he answered shortly. “The one hour ticket isn't working out. We have to get rid of it. I don't want to see people hurrying through, trying to see everything in one hour.”

  “I agree,” she nodded. “We have one more space available and Iveco has indicated t
hat they have their vehicle ready and would like to take part.”

  “Give them all the help they need to settle in for tomorrow morning's opening.”

  “They are on their way here. They were only waiting for my call to get permission.”

  “Good.”

  “Mr Steersman, although my duties are limited to the Expo area, its success still heavily depends on external factors as well.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I have heard that demonstrations are taking place in the vicinity. It seems to me that there's not much fencing around the Expo territory. There are only signs warning that illegal intrusion can cause severe nausea.”

  “The area is protected by a bionic zone. Those who have no ink on their skin are not protected from the bio-mechanical effects of the barrier, which causes headaches, abdominal cramps and a strong urge to urinate.”

  “It is a sophisticated deterrent, but doesn't it contravene some kind of ethical code or law?” she asked, a little taken aback.

  “There are not only visual displays drawing attention to the zone's effects, but also a warning sound. Only those venturing into it with the intent to cause harm are affected. Children under the age of fourteen will not be affected and neither will pregnant women.”

  “How can the system distinguish whom to react to?”

  “It works on a hormonal basis.”

  “Oh … if it doesn't affect me, does that mean that I'm pregnant?” she asked uncertainly.

  “Well, you can be pretty sure that you would be, yes.”

  “Is it more reliable than a pregnancy test?” she joked uneasily. “And what if demonstrators pay for a ticket and then cause problems here?”

  “At the entrance a face recognition system screens and recognizes unwanted guests by using their facial features. The entire territory is also protected by special squads trained in crowd protection and control, that are ready to jump into action the second they notice any sign of threat.”

  “Are they those little black snowmen-like figures that are everywhere?” she asked.

  “Yes. Has that reassured you, Ms Clancy?”

  “Yes.” She smiled, embarrassed. “I have to say that I have never organized an event of this scale, where everything has gone so smoothly. It is not only the exhibition that is extraordinary, but also the circumstances.”

  “Everyone knows their duty,” said Steersman.

  “Yeah, but I hadn't experienced anything like that before, and I've dealt with companies so precise and so fixated on detail that they even check the direction the grass is lying.” She gave a laugh.

  Steersman smiled. “Probably the difference is that I'd never check the grass. If you can determine expectations with no more than five operational points, then it is almost certain that everyone will have a clear idea of their direction and duties. You always need to select the best person for the job and that's it. If they are the best and no one else can do their job better, then they should be given freedom to sort the details out for themselves.”

  “I think you know well enough how to motivate people,” she said, moving the conversation in a different direction.

  “I manage to do fine, yes. It's a great misconception that people can only be motivated by money. There are people with far more sophisticated hearts working at the ASEC; people who live for professional success. For them, the stability and security of their family, honor, professional challenges and a concrete goal in life are very important. These are more difficult to secure than money,” he added.

  “I don't know what will come next for me. I have achieved everything that can be achieved in this profession. And after the DCG Expo it can only go downhill,” Alisa sighed.

  “Well, take a break somewhere far away, and then it will come to you,” said Steersman, quietly.

  “I will,” she said reverently, as if she had suddenly found peace. “It's a shame that we can't see the stars.” She looked up at the warm glow of the floating dome that sheltered the arena.

  “You could see them from your hotel room if you wanted to, and anyway, the expo will close very soon.”

  “I might do that then … would you like to join me?” Alisa looked at him.

  Steersman nodded. “All right. See you in twenty minutes,” he agreed.

  “See you there.” She smiled back at him, as she left.

  Outside, the city showed not even the slightest sign that the sun had set. The air was warm and balmy, and the night was dizzy with wafting fragrances carried by a gentle breeze. It occurred to only a few to spend such a night in sleep.

  *

  The vehicle exhibition area opened the next morning, bathed in vibrant sunshine. The movement of city traffic gave some indication of the even more intense vortex of visitors descending on the expo that day. The traditional rotating car displays used by automotive companies had been turned upside down, each host company trying to appeal to the public with bold festival elements and gimmicks. Their rivalry seemed friendly, but only on the surface. The fight was all about winning the favor of the public, which was hardly surprising, as the company with the most popular car was be given four million drive units – a gift that would mean a huge step ahead in the emerging market competition.

  ASEC finally decided to make an index of visitor interest as a basis for making the final decision.

  They declined to specify exactly what behavioral criteria was used to establish the level of interest of each visitor, but everyone understood ‘interest’ in the traditional sense, which meant that manufacturers aimed for spectators to experience more and more exciting shows associated with their models.

  For them, it was not that difficult to achieve. In the cases of some models, there was an unbelievable variety that showed the depth of human imagination and ingenuity. Because no company knew what their rivals would come up with, an array of variations appeared for each model that, by itself, could have represented the entire field of technological diversity. All in all, the hordes of novelty hungry visitors were not destined to go away unsatisfied.

  However, behind the spectacle and pageantry, hard business wars were being fought. For the heavy weights of the business world, this meant a crowded fish pond into which they dived and – with ruthless aptitude and fierce tenacity – joined the bloody battle to catch their intended victims.

  They worked like undercover agents, unnoticed, using sophisticated methods to intimidate rivals with the help of whatever tools they needed, working for principals who were cloaked in obscurity. Whether it was blackmail on the basis of questionable past transactions, airing private peccadilloes, or even both, they all enriched the storehouse of the Machiavellian arts. Thus, after the first days, choice of agents with offers began to wain, only the hardest were able to stick the pace.

  A small southern Italian company was ‘enjoying’ striking popularity among agents.

  Over the first two days, nearly fifty had placed offers. Castore Pagnotto's workshop had always produced masterpieces, but the small family concern had come to the event with an extraordinarily beautiful design. With their sports vehicle, the family had given themselves a huge boost in collecting public ‘votes’. Even with such an advantage, they had not trusted to chance, and had brought from Italy a coach packed with a troupe of nubile Amazons to still further draw wondering eyes.

  “As far as I know, nothing is against the rules as long as the guest is in no danger. Well, except for maybe the heart attack,” was the easy going reaction of Mr Pagnotto, as he answered a question from a GlobalNet journalist regarding his army of gorgeous sex-bombs.

  A little further away stood two men in Savile Row suits, motionlessly watching the company owner.

  At that moment, Mr Pagnotto had all of his attention focused on his service team, who were carrying out the final adjustments to a second prototype that was still under development. The only one in existence had been delivered from Naples during the night. Still in pieces on departure, engineers had worked to assemble it in
the truck on their way to Excolopolis. It was to be the cherry on the cake that represented the Pagnotto workshop.

  The two in suits patiently waited their turn. They knew exactly when to put in their offer, knowing it was a dead cert. They were left with almost no competition, as those who had already tried had all been refused and had gone for easier prey. Indian companies were proving to be better partners and all had high potential designs which the agents were more than happy with.

  “Mr Pagnotto, if you could spare us a moment of your time we would be happy to explain how your name will become immortalized for generations to come,” one of the business men behind him said quite suddenly. “My name is Vincent Hester and this is my partner, Dustin Hoey.”

  “Greetings, Mr Pagnotto.”

  The sun bleached, gray haired man looked at the two strangers in some surprise and said, “okay, boys, please tell me, what will make the Pagnotto name a legend.”

  “We know how much work you put into your company and the risks you take,” Hester started. “And we truly appreciate your kind of entrepreneurship. We would like you to devote your talents exclusively to that which has made you a name to be reckoned with in this industry.”

  “Okay, boys, get to the point.”

  “Very well. We would like to invest in your company to the tune of ten billion euros for a start.”

  “Look, Gentlemen. I've been already offered money, maybe less, but the general idea was the same.”

  “We know it's not about the money. It's about the conditions of cooperation. From the investor's side no one would interfere with how you run your company. Everything would remain the same as it is now, including your staff. You will receive all the help you need for planning and manufacturing. We will build a factory for you, obtain machinery, labor, and all you have to do is keep your models at the forefront of design.”