The Darwinian Extension: Completion

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  The broader human population on Mars had become a little uneasy about the deteriorating situation in ‘diplomatic’ relations with Earth. This had not been helped by the potential destabilising effect of the spat between the USA and China. They were nervous times. The Council was also suffering loss of confidence – it had been perceived as weak in allowing the rift with Mars to escalate. Logan was the antithesis to Xiang; he created chaos rather than calm or stability. His ‘blowhard’ persona had been exposed repeatedly. He was however not someone who would resign. The political and diplomatic shambles was too good an opportunity to miss for his required exit, but they needed a successor in the wings, in order to avoid the creation of a speculative vacuum.

  Various names were aired to fit the modified profile. Earth now depended quite heavily on trade with Mars and it was felt that someone who had a basic understanding and experience of the Martian psyche would be helpful. They also wanted a strong interface with the big five to offset a return to a culture of unilateral interests. They deliberated over the five becoming six, as the European Bloc had finally begun to overcome the excesses of wasted decades of the Brussels-led politically correct era. President Cheverry had managed to galvanise the disparate nations to a common consent to tear up the old Lisbon Treaty and re-establish a sensible balance of local and national representation.

  He was proposed as Chief Executive with the Assistant’s role being offered to Anatoly Rebrov, the Commander of the Darwin mission to Mars in 2034. There was pragmatism in such a blend, but it would also shift the political/technical relationship to deal with the hard line governments such as China. They were both sounded out and when agreement had been reached Logan was dispatched without ceremony.

  This was good news for Martians too, Carvalho in particular. Both new incumbents had pencilled in a visit to Mars in the near future. It would allow Cheverry to see his daughter at long last, and Rebrov was itching to see the new propulsion research.

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  Evander had transmitted his request to his father via Ayrton de Santos and received the anticipated encouragement to fulfill his ambitions. It would be one of Cheverry’s first tasks on Mars, to assure the young man that his extended stay was a valuable investment for Earth science.

  The progress of the QSD unit was slow yet rewarding, though not entirely without frustration, most of which was down to Evander’s perfectionist attitude. Sevicek and Yamamoto were continually asking for mock field testing of components. Evander was stringently expressing the view that they would fail, he didn’t need to test them in that way, they were simply lacking accuracy. His lack of practical experience was cited as unhelpful. Eventually Carvalho privately suggested to him that it might be good psychology to waive his objection so that the others could grasp the margin of failure. They were obviously not capable of visualising it the way he did. The young man shrugged his shoulders in mystified compliance. Red and Dan helped by admitting they knew how he felt and that he was correct in his insistence on more precision.

  The promise of a thaw in the Earth-Mars relations caused Carvalho to abandon his position on weaponry for the little fleet. The number of craft would remain at five, including the one already operating. He decided to offer the existing one for the forthcoming visit of Cheverry and Rebrov. He could spare Dan to pilot this, as the QSD progress rate would allow it. This was a much appreciated gesture and had the advantage of limiting the visitors to two. If Sabine was well enough the whole Cheverry family could travel back to Earth in the next Earth shuttle. This was also part of his thinking, insofar as it would ensure a reasonably good grounding in Mars society instead of the habitual whistle-stop tour.

 

  Chapter 20

  When President Cheverry saw his wife and daughter he was informed about the unorthodox procedure by Madame, and it took some time before he fully understood the reasons for her need to decide in haste. It became a little clearer when Sabine addressed him in English. She was far from fluent but that would happen within weeks; she barely knew fifty words in English prior to the switching of the box. According to her mother she was devouring all kinds of information from the Echus libraries. She had requested lessons in the Axis written language as she was fascinated by their incredible journey. Armand Cheverry put his concerns into perspective. He was well aware that this news would be controversial if it was disclosed now. On the other hand his daughter had moved from a terminal condition to one of outstanding promise.

  Rebrov was excited to meet up with Carvalho again. “Dan brought us up to date during the journey. This QSD research looks to have real promise. It will be a shot in the arm for propulsion development on Earth – that is, if we are still talking to one another.”

  Carvalho expressed his relief that the Council had seen the merit of drafting Mars expertise into the executive. “I only hope this Cheverry guy complements this decision with an objective handling of the five.”

  Rebrov was optimistic. “I have followed his career from the moment he took over the mess that was the EU. He slowly but firmly weeded out the parasites and trough feeders. He is currently on the brink of taking the big five to six, yet he has accepted this remit with the Council, on the eve of his greatest achievement. I know he will be objective and he has the political nous to deal with the renegade elements of governments. I am really looking forward to working with him and the Martian charter.”

  This was a relief for Carvalho. “Ok let’s introduce you to all the think-tank members, including Evander and Jet. The Axis capabilities might be just what it takes to make this QSD theory work.”

  The second message from Epsilon Eridani had come through. It had been received fractionally ahead of expectation and contained a log of the most recent contact information from Gliese, which indicated they were busy trying to install the new technique.

  The situation in Epsilon Eridani was good. They had made significant progress in medical research to improve the immunity of the remaining organic node constituents to the various hazards on their planet. Unlike the Axis in the solar system there had been no request to allow termination, but they still craved procreation. Apparently the Gliese based Axis had discovered materials and methods to improve existing data handling devices by massive leaps. The common denominator was, however, the issue of their redundant reproductive systems. The latest updates for the new communication technology were appended. The Mars-based Axis were discussing whether the advance in data handling would lead to more radical means of data encryption which would allow further improvements to the transmission speed. They seemed to be interested in this because the communication had also indicated that the Gliese planet had the most favourable environmental living conditions and the Epsilon Eridani population would consider going there but for the lack of safe means of transport.

  Stella and Pascal 2 were trawling databases for the most up-to-date research on human cloning and stem cell modification. They were aware that some papers on these subjects had been censored or truncated in view of new laws and increasing protest. The stem cell avenue was of most interest, the cloning aspect was purely for descriptions of methodology and lab conditions conducive to success. As they were concentrating on embryos they felt this was valid indirect research. They expected to see minute changes between humans who settled on Mars and those born there. The data already existed but it had not been collated and presented in this way before. The small statistical population of Mars, now sixty two thousand plus, would require caution in claiming correlation or trends in these comparisons, unless they were irrefutable. The stem cell work performed on Mars since the pioneering days of 2035 had an even lower statistical significance, primarily because almost all migrants were declared to be models of health as a condition of passage. The very low incidence of procedures mainly involved treatment of conditions such as developed cancer and diabetes. That was why Earth records were valuable. They were both agreed that stem cell design would be the main thrust of practical work,
while data was accumulated on the genetic transfer to offspring. That was underpinned by the assertion from Doc and Mac that the Axis still had the potential for benefit from designer cells for their remaining organic nodes.

  Cheverry asked to meet Carvalho for a private discussion. He had mulled over his return in terms of timing and agenda. “Commander, I know I’m scheduled to return via the inbound Earth shuttle, but since witnessing my daughter’s progress I would like to change that. Having discussed the situation with my family we’d like Sabine and her mother to remain here for a while. I feel if we are to progress such compassionate procedures on Earth I must be honest in declaring this one when I get back. That would I believe carry a risk to the family, it’s sad but that is how it is in the society we live in. I need to face this down before they do return, and in that respect I’m asking a favour of you. Can you take me back instead of waiting for the shuttle?”

  Carvalho appreciated how difficult the decision must have been for him and agreed to personally pilot him to Earth. “We can spend the journey getting a feel for one another’s objectives and hopefully build up accord.”

  “I am truly grateful for this gesture. Would it help if Rebrov stayed on past the next shuttle? I think it would be helpful for him and the Council to have an on-site perspective of Mars while we consider some of the policy revisions which I have in mind, and they are desperately needed.” Carvalho was hopeful this man could help restore respect between the two societies.

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  The stand-off between China and the USA was deepening and threatened to delay bringing Europe into the fold. The vacuum left by Logan’s departure and the new incumbents being on Mars didn’t help. De Santos was even more edgy than before. One specific item worried him continually. Since the kidnap, the red crystal had duly been returned to Beijing vaults. The legal case had been more advanced in China than elsewhere, even before their spat with the Americans. It was now in the process of submission as a unilateral action. There were also rumours circulating about a backup plan to seize it if the legal action failed. The uneasy truth was of course that with Beijing being located within Chinese sovereign territory, it would not be a difficult task to execute enforced surrender of Scarlet O’Hara. The Security personnel and Intelligence garrisons would be swept aside without much protest.

  This concern cascaded to the political will the leaderless Council would be able to summon, to resist the legal threat. He had witnessed the posturing before; the committee mentality was so hard-wired into these people that consensus almost seemed like failure to them. They preferred the tortuous route of ‘Procrastination Avenue’ to ‘Unanimity Boulevard’, with little regard for time or external actions which could render their voting obsolete. De Santos was not a risk taker, so it was quite a surprise that he took it upon himself to transmit the need for action to Cheverry.

  Hal Devonshire had asked Kinsey to go to Beijing to assess the situation while he tried to rally the other nations to avoid being distracted from the process of delivering entry of the EB (European Bloc) to the ‘Inner Sanctum’. His message was that it was even more important in view of the fracture of Chinese-American relations and the legal challenge by China. Devonshire was not having the initial impact he would have liked when he took the call from Sadat. “After long deliberation we have asked our guest General from China to throw some light on the allegations and counter-allegations from both your government and the Chinese. He is understandably nervous but realises that this may be a crucial moment for the world, and his own country’s place in it. He first reported this to us weeks ago and I passed a summary of what he revealed to Mr. Kinsey. He is now ready to appeal to all of his countrymen, and particularly the army, to force the regime to back down from their denials. He has listed the other military personnel who can confirm what he has said. He does not want that list to be revealed unless there is no other way to stop the invasion of North Korea. He does however fervently believe that the UN owes it to the rest of the world to give the North Koreans an ultimatum on the nuclear disarmament issue. Failure to comply would then give legitimacy for military intervention by UN forces.”

  “Is he prepared to deliver this to the world in a personal broadcast from the USAr?”

  “Yes, but he would like some assurance of coordinated response as a condition of doing so. I can see his point. Can I leave it with you? It should help get the EB back in focus.”

  “Yes of course, and thank you for your part in this Mr. Sadat.”

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  When the think-tank resumed with Rebrov included, the request startled everyone. Yamamoto referred to the ongoing production of the fleet. “Why can’t we use one of these craft to test our prototype? That is, when Evander is happy of course. If we wait until we have designed and constructed a leviathan like the Axis ships for mass transport, and something goes wrong, the time and material cost will be punitive. Our target could be the Axis settlement on Europa. It wouldn’t take long to get there, it is charted by both humans and Axis, and unless I’m mistaken there may be other messages there, as the Epsilon Eridani guys would only have sent them here if they didn’t receive a reply from Europa. So, how long did they wait, and has Fav sent any messages to them which may not have arrived there yet? The reason I ask this is because there may be direct messages from the Gliese system with more detail on the improved data handling paradigm claim. It’s surely worth checking out.” He was smart enough to know the Axis on Mars would support this. “The engineering aspects would have to be checked carefully to see if the prototype will fit the existing structure of the fleet craft or if changes are needed. Come on guys, this has the possibility of multiple payoffs.”

  The muted support was to be referred to Carvalho. Evander looked as if something was troubling him. He later explained that it was the current design capacity of only three personnel. “At present we need Dan to be the control interface, and the Axis will want to go. Who will make up the crew?” He was adamant that someone who really understood the concept should be included. He would have preferred a vessel with much greater personnel capacity.

 

  Chapter 21

  Carvalho and Cheverry were nearing the space elevator. The Commander had agreed with Yamamoto’s logic but also accepted Evander’s point in the event of problems and being stranded. He asked for the QSD carrier vessel to be revised to accommodate five people. This would take another two months but he felt this was not critical in the overall timescale.

  While Cheverry was getting up to speed on the impending appearance of the Chinese General on TV, following Hal Devonshire’s efforts to whip the UN into their tortoise-paced action, Carvalho was left with the opportunity to meet Kinsey. The American was also keen to meet as he had by then discovered the Symbiant’s involvement in the kidnap was not Logan’s brainchild. Carvalho was keen to know how they would protect Evander if, hypothetically, it had been made clear that his father may at some time want him to return. Although he was winning new friends in the physics community since the Seaborgium Oxy-chloride discovery, he was still legally a minor. Kinsey was equally concerned. He jokingly said, “A few of those Symbiants would be handy. The Brazilian authorities are helpful but are besieged by corruption. It is unlikely they would agree to pass him into someone else’s care. What about taking his family to Mars, if they would go?”

  “I think that might be interpreted the wrong way unless they volunteered themselves. I merely bring this up because as you know better than I do, that there is tension between nations here as well as between Earth and Mars.” It was not lost on Carvalho that Kinsey was currently operating out of Beijing and the American was careful to avoid discussing the Commander’s observation.

  It was unexpected. Carvalho had not picked up on this during his trip with Cheverry. The new Chief Executive had infused terror into the rest of the committee by issuing an ultimatum to China, and the General had yet to make his broadcast. Cheverry wanted it that way, to have the final impact, if all el
se failed. His speech was succinct and left no room for buying time. He started with a scathing criticism of North Korea. He also understood the feelings of both China and South Korea, both having borders with the unruly neighbours. He even expressed some understanding of misguided American participation in wanting to see the UN nuclear accord respected. He didn’t have any sympathy for the UN itself. They had demonstrated vigilance but nothing else other than rhetoric, and were part of the problem. “We at the Council for Human Exploration are charged with improving the options for mankind’s survival over the long term. It is therefore with regret that we feel we have to stray into politics to preserve that aim. We recommend the following immediate actions.

  1. America withdraws from any involvement in Korea.

  2. China limits its own action to repatriating migrants who penetrate their border.

  3. South Korea does the same.

  4. The UN delivers a fixed deadline for decommissioning and inspection of the requisite nuclear warheads.

  If any of these specific actions are not implemented we further recommend the respective consequences.

  1. Mars suspends trading with America.

  2. Mars suspends trading with China and they face expulsion from the current five.

  3. South Korea faces UN sanctions, and the trade licence with Mars is revoked.

  4. North Korea is subject to a world trade embargo, followed by temporary occupation to allow UN-led enforcement to decommission the warheads.

  If this list of repercussions fails, the Council for Human Exploration disbands and the Martian cooperation is lost. These proposals may seem draconian to some. They are offered solely to avoid decades of effort and investment being squandered, and the ‘Salvation’ programme initiated in 2033 being butchered by the species who inaugurated it. Finally there is a broadcast planned to categorise the recent allegations over the Korean plans, into absolute truths and lies. If assurances are not received to accept the first list of proposals, the broadcast goes ahead. The second list of proposals is then effective. Failure to achieve a satisfactory level of support will then trigger dissolution of this Council.”