AMERICA ONE - NextGen II (Book 6)

by T I WADE

  “Prime Minister Soames, Ms. Collins, and Mr. Brusk, the Matts are not Homo sapiens as we are, but a species that was dying out as we Homo sapiens came into being 10,000 years ago in certain areas of the world. They are Homo floresiensis, a race of people whose remains were found in Indonesia, and we believe that the Bushmen in Southern Africa might be the only direct descendants of the Homo floresiensis group of people. Any questions so far?”

  “Are these people Africans?” asked Mary Collins, an African American herself.

  I believe the answer is yes, Ms. Collins. By the way, I believe we have met. This tribe originated from the Sahara Desert, when it was a lush and green tropical paradise 10,000 years ago. The only major difference between our two races is that their size, jaw, necks and head differ slightly from ours. That, I believe, is down to the time difference between the birth of our modern race and theirs. The Matts were and still are a peaceful vegetarian race of nomads who found a home in the Sahara region of Africa and lived long enough to learn about physics and electronics we only dream about here on Earth. These lessons were learned from an even older Matt tribe who lived 10,000 years before them, and we met some of them on Mars. By the way, Short People, or Matts, and Tall People/‌White People grew to be on friendly terms on America One, and you may thank them for your Cold Fusion. The Matts gave Ryan permission to give you the science as a gift.” Both Prime Minister Soames and Martin Brusk both bowed, thanking Ruler Roo, who smiled and bowed back.

  “Yes, Dr. Martin,” stated Mary Collins. “I met you at a medical conference at the University of Toronto Medical School. 2013, I believe. I was a freshman. My second question, why the term White People? Surely you had African Americans aboard America One as crew?”

  “Funny enough, Ms. Collins, we only had one African American aboard America One, Captain Michael Pitt, ex-United States Air Force, and oddly enough his father was half white. To honestly answer your question, I believe the reason was that over 70 percent of our crew were not Americans. We had crew from several countries which are not known to have populations of African descent. It was a factor I realized going through medical files on the crew, and the point you made only hit me a few years into our odyssey, as mine were only medical observations. I believe Ryan never saw that situation. He wouldn’t, but I was told that several dozen of the science team who worked in Nevada were African American, but had no wish to go to space. Sorry, Ms. Collins, I hope I have answered your question respectfully.”

  “May I assume that cryogenics is the reason that these people are still alive?” asked Prime Minister Soames.

  “Correct, Prime Minister,” replied Nancy. “They do in fact live longer than we do, three times longer. Their childhood is over 30 years, and their records we found in the Sahara Desert showed one of their rulers living 350 years. When many of the survivors were found, skeletons of guards were also found. When the Matts went into cryogenic sleep, young guards were always placed to wake them up before the guards themselves died. It was a way to get around the solar system and not age at the same time. The reason that we have brought over 100 Matts back from cryogenic sleep was that something had happened to the guards and the sleeping crew were not awakened. Also, we have found out that any human body can only be put to cryogenic sleep once.”

  “Somehow many of us have survived to meet you Homo sapiens, the new leaders of Earth,” stated Roo in perfect English.

  Mars Noble said the same line in perfect Matt, to show that both sides were fluent in each other’s language, and Mary Collins became excited telling the gathering that she loved languages and hoped that she could learn to speak this old language one day.

  “Our entire crew who returned to Earth with us are ready to meet you. Please turn around,” asked Commander Lunar Richmond.

  With the introductions and short meeting over, the visitors turned to see the entire crew of America One exiting the apartment building on the other side of the pool and lining up in one solid group as if they were on a parade ground. Most of them were growing teenagers, or short people, and only a couple of dozen young boys turning into men were over five feet tall.

  The three VIPs met and welcomed each astronaut to Earth, and while that was being completed with Lunar and Saturn, a lunch of fish was to be served in the veranda room. Mars and a couple of the new robots that he now knew how to control set a table for lunch for twelve.

  Prime Minister Soames and Supreme Ruler Roo sat at the ends, as Heads of State, while the others joined the sides. Apart from the two leaders, Mary Collins, Martin Brusk, Joanne Dithers, the two Richmond sisters, Saturn, Mars, Captain Pete, Dr. Nancy, and Bob Mathews made up the table.

  “Are you missing your father?” Martin Brusk asked Saturn Jones sitting next to him.

  “Yes, there always seemed a more interesting atmosphere aboard ship when he was around,” Saturn complimented her father.

  “What about you and your father, Mars?” he then asked.

  “The same. VIN and Jonesy always were a pair, and they often turned flight briefings or security meetings into howling laughter sessions,” Mars replied.

  “Ms. Richmond?” asked Martin.

  “Jonesy was my instructor for over a decade. Thank god for autopilot, Mr. Brusk. Sometimes he and I would keel over with laughter during flight training. Something my father didn’t often understand,” Lunar replied.

  “What was that, Jonesy’s sense of humor?” Martin asked, smiling.

  “My father is a straight-thinking scientist, Mr. Brusk. He is also a damn good pilot, but you could always see the light-heartedness of the astronauts versus the straight faces of the scientists like my father, Igor and Boris,” smiled Lunar.

  “I used to crack up just seeing the scientists’ straight faces while watching the antics of the rest of the crew at flight briefings,” added Pluto Katherine Richmond. “Lunar and I were always flight crew, and often the briefings on the bridge were the funniest part of the day.”

  “Some were most spectacular,” added Captain Pete. “I’m also part of the flight crew, not the real brains of the scientist side, but they eased into humor over time.”

  “It must have been a very long time in space?” asked Prime Minister Soames.

  “You can say that again. Time sped past differently than on Earth, and one had to see the funny side of life to keep one’s sanity,” added Dr. Nancy. “Even I got used to General Jones, but for the record, it took a decade.” That made all the young astronauts laugh out loud.

  The three visitors could see how well the entire crew got on with each other. There were no secrets, even when Supreme Ruler Roo added that Jonesy taught him what was funny and what wasn’t, and that over time, even he laughed as often as the Tall People did. Mars invited Roo to explain his first hangover with the help of Jonesy, but the ruler just smiled and explained that his mentor, Commander Joot, never forgave the Tall People for drinking rocket fuel, as he called it.

  That led Martin Brusk to ask about the Matt craft. He was shocked to learn that it was the same fuel as the Tall People crew would drink aboard ship—ethanol.

  “Let’s get down to the business of the day,” suggested the Prime Minister. “I’m sure we can learn everything we need over the barbeque tonight. Ms. Richmond, what are your father’s wishes? What does he need us to do to help you? And Ms. Dithers, Captain Pete and crew of America One, what do you want from me, Martin Brusk, or Mary Collins? We have ties into three different governments, and each one can help you in different ways. We want you to stay on Earth this time. Thanks to Ryan, his scientists and to all of you, your bravery and your space odyssey, the tables of world power and domination have changed to countries who never thought a change was possible two decades ago. Ms. Dithers, you may make a difference in the downhill slope your country is tumbling down right now. The whole of Europe is now with us in our Freedom Alliance, and as far as population is concerned, we beat the U.S.A. and Russia, and are catching China. China was always the aggressor. We all believe that
they had the most to lose out of the big three. Millions have died. Their politics are in disarray, and even we don’t know who leads China anymore. Their space program came to a halt once your ships in orbit beat them. Heads rolled. We believe that currently we have the only space program here on Earth.” The Prime Minister took a long drink of water.

  He was slightly overweight and looked pretty unfit to Mars Noble, who looked the man over closely. The grey-haired Australian looked about 50; he certainly ate well and sure didn’t get enough exercise.

  “Thanks to Ryan’s offer of Cold Fusion, we have a new energy that we have mastered, copied in all three countries, and produced working prototypes, big and small. Our countries have clean air with far less pollution, thanks to your father, Ms. Richmond. This island, as you have called it Astermine Island, is yours, a gift from the Australian government. I understand that you have ships still in orbit protecting you down here. As far as I am concerned, and I’m speaking for my government, you are free to come and go as you please. If you want to continue your own protection in space, that is your decision. If you are going to continue with launches, we will continue to supply you with hydrogen, as long as you take up our new satellites until we have our own full time space program in a decade’s time. We hope that you and your crew, Ms. Richmond, will take our friendship for what it is worth, and that we are still firm friends when your father returns. Ms. Collins, I’m sure you have something to add, but it looks like lunch is about to be served. Thank you for returning, astronauts.” The Prime Minister held up his glass for a toast. Everyone copied.

  Plates of fish were served by two of the robots, and they were fast and efficient. During the break, Mars Noble had a chance to ask a question.

  “Mr. Prime Minister, Bob Mathews told me that all your aircraft have new autopilot systems that don’t need a pilot in the aircraft. Something like a drone aircraft my father told me about. Can we get some of those systems for tests?” The Prime Minister looked at Martin Brusk for the answer.

  “Since Israel has not given you a gift in thanks for the Cold Fusion system given to the country, and since we manufacture most of these new gadgets, I’m sure something can be arranged, Mars Noble,” Martin replied. “Ms. Collins?”

  “Well said, Prime Minister, Mr. Brusk. Astronauts, the Canadian government received the first working Cold Fusion prototype from Israel two years ago. Currently 10 percent of Canadian cities are now powered by Cold Fusion, and three of our worst polluted cities have changed for the better. With cleaner air and a cleaner environment compared to coal and other pollutants, we are most grateful. We do not use oil, apart from propane and natural gas, at all anymore. Nor does Australia or Israel, I believe. Many countries in Europe will also be under fusion power in the next decade. My main reason for coming was to speak with Ms. Dithers. Since the America One crew is a closeknit group, I’m sure Ms. Dithers doesn’t mind me talking to her in front of everyone here?” Joanne nodded that she agreed.

  “I know what you are going to ask, as does everybody here, Ms. Collins,” Joanne replied.

  “Yes, Ms. Dithers, your father hasn’t changed his ways since you left. He has tried everything he can to continue being the U.S. President, and unfortunately the new President Downs is the exact opposite man to your father. He is an introvert, a conservative tree-hugger, you might put it, and has very little interest in keeping the United States of America whole. As long as our Canadian troops keep him safe in Washington, he has little interest in taking on your father. Unknown to him, we are pulling our troops out towards the end of this year, just before the next elections. I believe that you are the right person to go into Washington and take over the reins. We all need the U.S.A. to return to being a powerhouse. Only the U.S.A., Ms. Dithers, has the power to produce more than we Freedom Alliance countries can. They have the old manufacturing infrastructure that, with our help, can be quickly modernized back into production within a decade. The American people are hungry and jobless, and they need somebody they can trust to run the country. So do we. For that opportunity, we would like to help you, Ms. Dithers.”

  “Why me?” Joanne asked her directly.

  “Three reasons, Ms. Dithers. Ryan told us before he left that he had gotten to know you well enough that he would return if you controlled Washington one day. Secondly, you have a way with your father we don’t. Thirdly, Ms. Dithers, you have a following in the U.S. I believe it is something you don’t know about yet. Somehow, you became popular with the masses over time. Even when you were many million miles away on Mars, your leaving the country, talking back to your father before you left, and being brave enough to go and live on a foreign planet gave you a still-growing following in many areas of the United States. I was told by NASA that the remains of its employees was one of the reasons for the continuance of your popularity. Like an icon, or a modern day Joan of Arc, there are many Americans waiting for your return.” That kept Joanne silent for a minute or two. This was all news to her.

  “The movement is called the CDM, or “Change Washington Movement,” is it not, Ms. Collins?” Joanne asked.

  “The new unofficial and banned ‘Individual Party’ was born out of the CDM, yes. How did you know its name, Ms. Dithers?” Mary Collins asked, her face showing surprise.

  “A party? Sorry, I don’t know about any party, but I started the movement a couple of years before I met Astermine in Nevada. We had just named the new movement the CDM, and I was actually travelling on my first mission to Nevada to ask Mr. Richmond to join my movement. After arriving in Nevada, I changed my mind and asked to go along with him and America One instead. For weeks before I headed into Nevada, I spoke at several NASA installations around the country. I was on a speaking tour promoting change in Washington, and it was directly against my father’s administration. That was when the CDM was really born, in Washington with my main supporters. I also spoke to a dozen large universities from the East to the West Coasts, and to large gatherings at the steel mills and other large companies. Oddly enough, my next meeting engagement after Nevada was at the Tesla Headquarters in California. I saw Mr. Brusk and his family drive up in a Tesla wanting to speak to Mr. Richmond. I believe that made me ask Ryan if I could go with his crew. I’m certainly glad I did. And, Mr. Brusk, I was most disappointed that you didn’t come with us.” Martin smiled at the younger lady, but said nothing. “Well, I’m glad my movement didn’t fizzle and die with my departure, Ms. Collins. How many people did you say?”

  “About one in four Americans, Ms. Dithers. About 70 million Americans inside the U.S., Canada and Mexico are hoping that you will return one day. The new political party’s name is the ‘Individual Party’, but it has been banned and made illegal by Congress. I still call it the CWM Party, and it is much like the Tea Party decades ago. Many in Washington are refusing to acknowledge that there is a third party that could be represented at the next elections. I believe the new party has twice the number of followers your father has and ten times what the current administration think they have.” That shocked everybody around the table. Mars watched his old friend Roo trying to fathom how many people that number was. It was sure more than his tribe.

  “I will decide over the next few days, Ms. Collins. As a family person, I must speak to my husband, who is the ruler of his tribe, and I am four months pregnant with our second child.” The Canadian Defense Minister nodded and smiled. The room went quiet for a few moments.

  “Martin, I’m sure you need to say a few things,” offered the Prime Minister.

  “I’ve said what I came to say, offering Ryan and his crew our help and friendship. Ryan has always paid for everything he has purchased from us. We have a few gifts ready for him in return, but need to ask whoever is in command about gold. The reason I ask is that gold has become the most valuable currency on Earth since most of the paper currencies became worthless, and many countries need gold reserves to partake in international business. Therefore, we are all looking for gold to hold up our new currenci
es, and I know that Ryan has a few tons stashed away somewhere. Supreme Ruler Roo, I would assume the gold Ryan gave us during his last visit belonged to your tribe?” The table was quiet, and Joanne Dithers replied on behalf of her husband.

  “Mr. Brusk, Ryan and I discussed this eventuality with Commander Joot, my husband’s mentor and previous leader of the tribe. Before he died, the commander offered all their gold to Ryan for whatever he needed when he returned to Earth to look after the Matts, as well as Ryan and his crew, if the Matts decided to return with us. Commander Lunar Richmond has a list of all the precious metals Astermine owns, and those that are stored from the asteroid mining. I have an amount, an approximation of the gold the Matt tribe are willing to offer the planet for a new tribal area of choice. Please understand the Matt tribe is what you see here. They are only 99 people of pure descent and thirty-three of mixed descent. So several hundred acres, like an island like we have here, is all they want.”

  “I’m sure we, Australia, can find a new island for Supreme Ruler Roo, Ms. Dithers,” interjected Prime Minister Soames.

  “I was sure you would offer, Prime Minister,” smiled Martin Brusk. “Israel doesn’t have land to offer, but we can share in the gold to compensate for our most latest ideas you are interested in.”

  Mars smiled at Captain Pete. Ryan had told him in front of Captain Pete one day that it wouldn’t take the politicians long to bicker and barter like vultures over road kill.

  “How much gold are we talking about, Ms. Dithers?” asked Martin.

  “We will make available five tons of pure gold for tribal purposes and another five tons for utilities, or whatever is needed to purchase.”

  “Is that all?” Martin asked a little sadly.

  “That is a small part of what the Matts have, and we can always negotiate for more in future,” replied Joanne, smiling and acting like real politician. That made the two men relax.