A shudder ran through Jann's body as the implications of Vanji’s genetic experiments with the human race began to sink in. “Oh my God.” She stepped back from Vanji and stared at him in shock. It took every ounce of her will to keep it together. Get a grip, old girl, don’t let him see, she thought as she clutched the totem tighter in her pocket.
“Ah, I see you are suitably impressed, as I knew you would.” He had mistaken her body language for one of admiration, not of horror.
Jann looked around at the lab equipment to give herself some time to gather her composure. Finally she said. “So, tell me, why are there no children, surely with everyone in the full flush of youth there must have been some pregnancies?”
“Ah, well the clones are sterile and, well... natural reproduction is... forbidden.”
“Forbidden?”
“It is too harsh an environment for such fragile biology, and, let's face it, we have a better, safer way of doing it. We think of it as a major evolutionary step for humanity.”
“But how do you prevent it, it's the very essence of life, the need to reproduce?”
Dr. Vanji scratched his chin and looked down at the floor for a moment. “I wasn't going to mention it right now, but since you have brought it up I may as well tell you. All females of the species have a procedure to make them sterile. And I assure you it is quick and painless, you won't feel a thing.”
“What, you're not fucking serious?”
“It is not a request, it is for the good of the colony. You must realise this after all I have shown you.”
Jann began to feel even more trapped, she looked around, she wanted to run, to get out now.
“Just think about this.” Vanji continued. “When you set foot on this planet for the first time you were in your early thirties. Now, three years later, you have the physical body of a twenty-five year old. This is the gift we have given you. What we ask is a small price to pay for this miracle.”
Jann stayed silent and tried to keep from running.
“It is good that you found us, you were using your new found youth and energy to live like a cave-woman. This was a complete waste of your talents.”
“How do you know this?”
“Ah, we may be hidden from the world but there is not much we don’t know.”
Jann thought about how much had changed. She had gone feral, that much was true, but at least she had freedom, both of thought and action. Yet here, she could possibly be sacrificing her womanhood. In her mind, this was a very high price to pay. By now though, she had regained some composure, she stayed calm.
“So why all the secrecy, why hide all this from Earth?”
“Just think of what this technology could do to humanity if given free reign. It would destroy them and possibly the entire ecosystem with it. It needs complete control and we are not ready yet.”
Jann had to admit, he had a point. It would do nothing for the human race but sow the seeds of its own destruction. “But, why hide. Why not let them know you are all alive and prospering but keep silent on the genetic breakthroughs?”
“Because if they know we are here then they will find out. And then they will come and they will simply take it. Do not underestimate the greed of humanity. The lure would be irresistible. So we must wait until the time is right, when we alone can dictate the terms and keep control.”
“And when is that?”
Vanji gave her a long intense look as if considering how much he could reveal. “Soon, the time is very soon. And it is you that has made that possible.”
“Me? How come?”
He waved a dismissive hand. “That’s enough for today, I think. We can resume our discussions at a later date.” He signalled to the ever present guards. “Please see Dr. Malbec back to her room.”
CHAPTER 8: The Council
Vanji sat at the head of a long table which had been carved from solid rock and polished to a high sheen. On either side sat the members of the colony council. They were all Alphas, original colonists, and all had a youthful appearance that belied their true ages. No clones, Betas as they were called, held positions on the ruling council.
He pulled at the cuffs of his robe of office, something he wore only when the council met. It conferred power and status and signified his authority. There was much to discuss, the assembled members were rife with rumour and counter-rumour concerning the latest addition to the colony. But, first-things-first, protocol needed to be observed so Vanji stood and signalled to The Keeper of Records.
“Can we start with the figures for the previous period?” he sat down again.
The Keeper consulted his screen and a 3D rendering of various datasets materialised in the centre of the enormous stone table.
“First the good news. We’ve had a record number of births this period, bringing our total population up to one hundred and ninety three.” There was a cursory round of applause at this news. “If we continue at this rate we will reach a population of two hundred in the next period.” The Keeper continued. “That said, the rate of discontent and insubordination continues to rise. We’ve had three recycled this period and an increasing number of Betas requiring correction.” This last set of statistics was met with muted murmurings.
“It seems that our Head of Harmony Sector is failing in her duty to fulfil the requirements of her office. This cannot be allowed to continue.” Luka Modric, Head of Operations, pointed an accusatory finger across the table.
“I would challenge that it is our Head of Maintenance that is failing in his duty and is, in fact, the root cause of this discontent. These constant power outages are a cause for concern, not just for Betas.” Harmony reciprocated by pointing at Maintenance.
“We do what we can with what we have, some systems are old and spare parts are not easily manufactured here in the colony. Betas still lack the skills to fashion what we need. The population is growing too fast.” Maintenance fought back with a resigned acceptance of reality.
“My Betas can make anything,” Manufacturing slapped the table. “Anything you have asked for, they have made. Have they not?”
“Enough of this bickering, it is not what we need right now.” Vanji silenced the Council members and then waved at The Keeper to continue with the data report.
The Keeper cleared his throat and continued. “Eh… mining output suffered a sharp drop due to… eh… issues with some of the processing machinery.” This was met with silence around the table. “However, we have sufficient supplies in reserve to maintain manufacturing levels in and around those of the previous period.”
Manufacturing directed a raised hand at Maintenance, “I rest my case.” Manufacturing just scowled.
“Food production is 5.6% higher overall with increases seen in all areas most notably in that of… eh… wine.” This was met with several nods of approval.
The Keeper of Records droned on in this fashion for some time as the ups and downs of colony life were read out in numbers and percentages. When he finally finished the rest of the assembled council breathed a collective sigh of relief.
It was Luka Modric, Head of Operations, who spoke next, as was his right by rank. “So what is the current status of this… ISA crew member?”
“She is being kept under close guard at present while she undergoes a period of psychological readjustment,” replied Vanji.
“Is that wise? If word gets out of her existence here, then the Betas may become more unsettled. They would find this revelation hard to absorb. If not handled delicately it has the potential to unsettle the colony.” Head of Harmony was concerned.
“It’s bad enough that Boateng escaped and made the trip. Now we are living with the consequences of that,” said Modric.
“Have we found out how Boateng got access to a functioning EVA suit?” The question was put to Daniel Kayden, Head of Hydro.
“Not yet, but rest assured, we will.”
“He had to have help from someone, and it must have been from an Alpha,” Modric contin
ued.
“Well that makes twenty people, if we include you in that,” said Kayden.
“Are you accusing me of have some part in this?”
Kayden raised a hand. “Just saying, you are also an original colonist, as we all are here.” He opened his arms to emphasise the point.
Vanji leaned into to the table. “His trip has proved fortuitous for us. If Boateng had not set out on his quest then the ISA crew member would not have come to us. She is a biologist of some expertise, so a very useful addition to the colony.”
“Yes, but at what cost? What if they have seen it?” Modric pointed skyward. “A satellite may have picked up all this activity.”
“All the communication we have intercepted over the past few years indicates that Earth has given up on sending another mission here anytime soon. Even if they have seen something they can’t know what it is — it’s not going to prompt an invasion.” Kayden was getting into his stride.
“Her presence here is a clear danger to the social balance of the colony. The Betas already have a strong creation myth developed around Colony One and that… bee-hive hut. That’s why Boateng escaped, it’s this obsession they have, it grows stronger every-sol. Therefore, for the good of the colony, I proposed that she be recycled immediately.” Modric was adamant.
Vanji raised a hand. “Let’s not be so hasty, she could be very valuable to us. And may even help calm the Betas.”
Modric was having none of this. “I propose a vote, a show of hands. All in favour of recycling the ISA crew member Dr. Jann Malbec?”
A few timid hands where raised. “Well that settles it,” said Vanji. “She stays.”
Buoyed by this besting of Modric, Vanji considered that now might be a good time to get consensus from the council for his latest creation. He nodded to his Head of Genetics. “Lori, if you will. Now would be a good time to make your presentation.”
Lori Bechard tapped some icons on his screen and a 3D rendering of a human rotated above the centre of the table. “This is HYB-Q003.” He waited for a beat to increase the drama. “She will be the first quad-donor hybrid ever created.” This was met with shuffles of interest.
“More Hybrids, Vanji? I thought it was agreed by the council that this line of genetic experimentation was to be phased out?”
“It was never agreed, Modric. At best it was advisory. The development of Hybrid humans is the future. As I’ve argued many times around this table. We are bringing into being an entirely new race of humans. This is to be celebrated, not denied.” Vanji was standing up now, one hand on the table, looking directly at Modric. “What’s more the twenty or so Hybrids we have in the colony are the best resource we have for keeping the Betas from getting ideas beyond their station. In short, Modric, we need them.” He slapped the table and sat down.
Lori took this his cue to continue. “HYB-Q003 will be birthed within the next few days and represents a new pinnacle in our genetic cloning programme. For the first time we now have a Hybrid clone that is biologically capable of reproduction.”
The council erupted.
“What? This is going too far, we cannot allow this.” Modric was apoplectic. The others added to his outrage with their own outbursts.
“This is madness.”
“Have you lost your mind Vanji?”
“I for one am not comfortable with this,” said Harmony.
“This goes against everything we agreed.”
Modric stood up and raised his hands to quieten them all down. “There is a simple way to settle this once and for all. I propose another vote. A vote to ban all experimentation with Hybrid clones, forever. For the good of the colony. All in favour?”
Hands shot up, save for the Geneticists and Daniel Kayden.
“Very good.” Modric turned to Vanji. “The Council have spoken. There will be no more of this line of experimentation. It is to cease immediately and this… Hybrid will be recycled.” He sat down.
“You are making a grave mistake.” Vanji’s face was tight, his body taut, his anger barely contained. “You are throwing away the future evolution of the human race.”
“This is not our future, Vanji. Nor will it be. It has been decided, no more of this line of experimentation.” Modric waved a dismissive hand.
Vanji seethed, he had been defeated, his ambition thwarted. He had played his hand too soon, grossly mis-calculated. He looked around the table at the assembled councillors. They were fools, simpletons with no vision.
But at least, now he knew who was on his side.
CHAPTER 9: Intrigue
Along one section of the upper gallery of the vast main cavern, a common rest and recreation area had been created over time, for Alphas only. It was their exclusive domain and no clones could enter, unless of course, they were on the serving staff. It was long, with a low wall running along the edge, like a balcony. Above this wall ran a window that afforded those who had sufficient rank to gaze down across the lush vegetation and busy industry of Colony Two. It was one-way, Alphas could see out, but nobody could see in.
When Kayden entered, he noticed that Modric was already there, sitting at one of the far tables facing the window, in a quiet and secluded spot. He played with a drink and looked to be deep in thought. He had asked to meet Kayden here, to discuss things, as he put it. Modric’s way of finding out which side he was on, he presumed.
“Modric.”
“Kayden, come, sit.” He waved a hand at the seat closet to him. Kayden sat. “Drink?” he lifted his glass. “Sol 11,345, an excellent vintage, I would highly recommend it.”
Kayden nodded and a glass was poured. Modric raised his own to him. “I would suggest ‘to your good health’ but that would seem a little self-serving.”
“Indeed.” Replied Kayden, as he took a sip of the fragrant Colony wine. “That was a brave challenge you made, back at the council meeting.”
“Perhaps you think it foolhardy? To overrule Vanji like that?”
“The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Maybe I grow old. Maybe I tire of this place and this… existence.” He waved his glass towards the vista out the window. He looked back at Kayden. “Does it not feel strange to you, that your mind is that of a forty year old but the face staring back at you in the mirror is only twenty-five?”
“Far from it Modric. I’m constantly amazed at what we have achieved here. Perhaps it’s really something else that bothers you?”
Modric looked into his glass for a moment, then looked over his shoulder before leaning in closer to Kayden. “I feel we are living on borrowed time. I sense the Betas grow more agitated with each passing sol. It’s like we are sitting on a powder keg. Look at us, look around you. We live the exalted life as top-dog in the colony hierarchy as Alphas. Yet we are few. Every time Genetics birth’s a new Beta we become more of a minority. And the history of societies ruled by minority elites never ends well.”
“Ha, you are being paranoid.” Kayden laughed and quaffed his wine, refilling his glass from the bottle on the table between them.
“Maybe. But you know this creation myth that the Betas have developed around Colony One is getting very strong.”
“Yes, I’ve heard rumours. Is it really true?”
“It gets more ingrained with them every-sol.” He sat back. “It’s because of their dreams. Strange, don’t you think, that they should all have the memories of the Alpha they were cloned from? Growing more lucid as they age.”
“Yes, but that’s what makes them so useful. Without these dreams they would know nothing, they would have to learn like children. It would take years before they are productive.”
“Well it’s a double edged sword, one I hope we don’t all fall on.”
They stayed silent for a moment and gazed down across the vast cavern. Betas were working away, planting, harvesting and maintaining the lush garden.
“It’s the reason Boateng escaped and tried to journey to Colony One. It’s this… desire that is awakening within t
hem. It grows stronger and stronger.”
Kayden considered this, but stayed silent. Modric continued, “Look, it was bad enough that he got out. But now, the last ISA crew member shows up at our door.” He pointed skyward. “They must have seen all this activity. Earth must suspect something by now, assuming they still have a working satellite up in orbit. We cannot remain hidden much longer.”
“I will grant you that, Modric. This is a concern.”
“We are entering uncertain times. This ISA woman is nothing but bad news. Why did Vanji allow it?”
“I don’t know. He sees something in her. She’s a Biologist apparently.”
“Her presence only serves to undermine the harmony we have maintained with the Betas. She is from Colony One, to them she is a God, don’t you see?”
They went quiet again. Each sipping wine, each deep in thought. After a few moments Modric refilled their glasses and sat forward.
“We have all toiled under the shared belief that we cannot let Earth have this technology; genetic manipulation, longevity, the ability to clone humans. The population would explode and ultimately destroy what’s left of the planet.”
“If they find out we are here they will come, they will simply take it, we are still not strong enough to stop them. You know this, Modric.”
“If we are not strong enough now, then when? Do we need a population of three hundred, or five hundred, or what?” There is no clear plan, that I can see. Meanwhile we can’t venture out, we can’t utilise the resources that we know exist in Colony One, nor can we receive supplies from Earth, even trade with them. In the meantime we are fracturing, there are essential parts we simply cannot manufacture here. What happens when one of these fails, we all die? What good is the secret of eternal youth if we are dead?”
“You’re being overly dramatic. We have power, heat, water and food a plenty.”
“A society needs more than that to keep harmony, you know that as well as I do.”
“We live in dangerous times, make no mistake.”
Colony Two Mars: A SciFi Thriller (Colony Mars Book 2) Page 5
