Guardian Stone 1: Stone Genesis (14 page)

Joe said, "They were in a meeting with analysts looking over some new data on the Glarin. They wanted to meet you folks and do a little test that merely confirmed my suspicions. Those three are the most powerful telepaths on the stations. It turns out that all of you have that talent as well. If you agree, it will be enhanced and you will be taught how to shield from outside activity as well as how to send and receive. That was what the arm raising was all about when they arrived. Did you notice that even little Ben there raised his arm and his back was to you at the time. He was not emulating your action, he was reacting to the telepathic instruction. So who is interested in joining us." All hands went up.

"That is great. Ok, when we are done here, return to your homes. Prepare whatever you would like to bring with you for the first week or two. Then just tell Barana you are ready and you will be delivered to your quarters on station and advised how to proceed. Indoctrination and medical upgrades are all done in your own quarters and those will start immediately. A guide will show up a few minutes after your arrival to get you started. Any other questions, just ask Barana, she will hear you and respond. After you get settled in, you can decide what to do about your belongings and homes. While you are gone, your house will be shielded so that nobody can get in, nor can the weather. Mortgage will be paid and maintenance such as lawns, gardens, etc. will be arranged. Welcome aboard. Now let's eat."

During lunch, June was explaining the educational opportunities and Joe was discussing the military structure. Joe noted that while they had fantastic equipment and simulators available, they had not yet developed a tactical structure for so many vessels. Most importantly at this stage however was the need for a solid officer corps. He asked that they consider those that they knew who might be likely candidates for the unfilled Command positions. He said recruiting of senior level positions would impact how quickly they could build a real fighting force. They would be taking on everything the AI could come up with. The education machines would be invaluable in learning of the capabilities of the warships and the stations. They would be spending time in simulators to familiarize with the Warships. But he wanted time spent doing just what he was doing this day. It was apparent that they all had a person or persons in mind.

White House, Washington DC  -

November 4 – C Day 66

Hank asked, "Barana, does the US President Dean Johnson have anyone with him right now?"

<
He presently has his Secretary of State, Anna Wilson, with him in the oval office and he has scheduled a two-hour luncheon meeting with her. The meeting has just started. I have the impression that he is expecting to hear from you and that he set this time slot up as he did for that eventuality. That is pretty astute.
>

"Well I would not want to disappoint him, would you ask him if Sam and I might have a half hour of his time to bring him up to date on a few things and that we have no objection to Mrs. Wilson's presence and in fact it is fortuitous that she is there."

After a pause, Barana said, <
President Johnson said he was hoping to hear from you and now would be a good time. He also said they have enough sandwiches for a battalion so you can help him eat them.
>

"That is great and we are both dressed for it, Sam are you ready?" She nodded that she was. "OK let's do it." In a flash they were both standing before the President.

The President said, "I was expecting and hoping to hear from you any time now so I set up an over long meeting slot with Secretary Wilson and crossed my fingers. It is good to see both of you again. I do not think you have met my Secretary of State Anna Wilson." He introduced them and said, "Why don't we sit over by that table and we can chat in comfort. We will not be interrupted for two hours and I assume Barana is with us."

"Indeed Mr. President, she is indeed. Barana, meet Secretary Wilson."

<
Greetings Madam Secretary, it is a pleasure to meet you
.> From the shocked look on her face, it was clear the she had heard the thought projected at her.

President Johnson said, "Well General, what can we do for you."

"Well sir, as you know, we started recruiting the day of the leaders meeting. As of today, we have had 800,000,000 people take us up on the education and medical upgrade. The largest groups to respond were from Africa, China, India and South America. The US had just a few under 60 million apply. The first groups are due to finish treatment in a week. At that time we have made it clear that all are free to return to their homes on Earth. For those that do, we have enhanced their knowledge for areas where they currently live as well as other areas of interest. If no one wanted to emigrate, we would be dumping a tremendous number of now literate people on the planet."

"The number of people from the USA that took up our offer came to just under 60,000,000 people, many of whom we expect to request a billet on the station. As the program continues, I expect that number to at least double. The number of people removing themselves from your workforce may well have a deleterious impact on your society. The same can be said for some of the vigor this country has brought to the table for many years. We will be telling people how to apply for GED's and how to further their education. Nevertheless, it is not our intent to cause undue strife and unrest. That many newly educated people are going to generate issues for you."

The President said, "Yes, I have been worried about that and trying to figure out what to do about it."

Sam said, "Mr. President, this situation is going to be exacerbated in those countries less able to absorb this many newly educated and healthy persons. But we have a partial solution other than life in a station. It would not be fair to give it to only one country because that would create imbalances that would ultimately tear this world apart. We have some technology that we will not release. It is against our charter anyway. There are things that we can help you with and many of these newly educated persons are going to be looking for better opportunities. The first of these is how to build a really inexpensive power system that does not rely on oil or nuclear sources. This will upset some apple carts. This will come to those who want to develop it under an Antoran patent so no one greedy soul can lock others out. No monopolies. Next we can show you how to transmit this power safely without all the unsightly poles and wires, etc. Recycling all of that material will take time. And there will be jobs there."

"Next, this is not something that should be controlled by the government. Down that path lies tyranny. When the power generation is effectively accomplished, we will show you how to use it to get into space without polluting the planet. This is with the caveat stated at the leaders meeting when Henry said that we would not tolerate carrying these battles into space. We have the means to prevent that kind of action and the will to enforce it."

Hank took over, "One of the things you will need is some of the more esoteric rare earths. China has a huge store of these elements but so do you. You just do not know where to look for them. We already have them mapped. Also a number of the planets in the solar system have these resources but that will come later. You will have to have discussions on how to utilize those resources without playing politics with them. When we are satisfied that you can do this we will provide you with the maps. Finally we will be leasing a number of our ships to Earth to the extent that you can put together a multi-national consortium to operate them. We will screen, vet and train the crews that will be operating these vessels. There will be mining vessels and freighters available under this program. It is doable in about 4 to 5 years or less if you have the will. We will also help to train persons displaced by the new technologies we are offering. We are particularly troubled with the number of disenfranchised persons on this planet. That treatment leads to tyranny, and from that to a form of slavery. We did not intend to become social engineers but it looks like that was dropped on us along with a few other issues. Your press conference last week tells us your head and heart is in the right place. Therefore we are telling you about this first. We will also be talking to other countries, particularly Russia, Great Britain, China, Canada, India, Australia, Israel, and Brazil followed by others. Our hope is that the countries on this planet can develop an agreeable approach and start utilizing what they have. What do you think Mr. President? "

President Johnson said, "Henry, Sam, you have dropped the proverbial ball in my lap. Do I think it can be done, yes. I will need to meet with the countries you mentioned, but if you are going to do some of the advance work that should smooth the path. We need a positive action plan to offset the trauma of last week. By the way, you have no idea how much money you have saved this country with the securing of borders worldwide. That is going to allow us to realign our military priorities. I am getting a deluge of units that want to shift wholesale to the Stations. I have told them I would be willing to talk to you about it. I also intend to talk to my counterparts about it to see if they are having the same experience. If I allow that before anyone else, it will look too much like I am trying to curry favor or political advantage. That will just cause more friction and animosity."

"What if I were to offer to host a meeting to all countries, this time voluntary, to discuss the issues I have brought up today. The oil producing countries are not going to be too excited about the idea but there are some things I can throw in that would sweeten that pot enough to overcome major objections. Its either that or get left out. In about another week, they will all be edgy about what an educated and healthy populace can do. I can spring the idea on them tomorrow and have a meeting in about a week on Station One. The agenda would be cheap power, safe transmission of that power, opening the door to space, and transfer of military personnel to stations. There will be some hooks for participation. For example universal suffrage and education and you know who is not going to like that."

The President said, "That would work but I might suggest a modification. Would it be possible for you to meet privately with the leaders of those countries mentioned to give them a heads up.  It strikes me that this would work best with a single or at most two locations, preferably with little air traffic to reroute. The only real challenge that I see is how the resources will be distributed."

Sam said, "One thought there Mr. President is to create national shares based on some criteria to which the majority agree. Kind of like what Alaska has done with its Permanent Fund Distribution structure. Then have some additional shares that would be based on need as determined by the comparative level of technology, education, infrastructure, etc. That would continue until the nation reaches par with some predetermined criteria. The model is out there. I would also suggest that we will probably want to extend the border freeze to a point where that should stabilize."

The President responded, "I believe that would work but the devil is in the details. How is the real project coming along?"

Hank said, "Reasonably well, we will know if we are going to meet our target goals in about a week. No matter how we do this, there are going to be population disruptions. In a number of cases, that may be a good thing. I will definitely keep you up to speed on what is happening. I appreciate your seeing us on such notice."

"Son what you are doing is beyond political baloney. What you are now talking about may well lead to a worldwide peace of our own volition. So I will support you when I can because I believe in what you are doing. I will not ask for special favors other than treat our people equitably. I will give you access anytime you want to meet with me if I am not tied up in a public function." He shook hands with Hank and then Sam and said, "see you both next week." With that Hank and Sam disappeared.

Anna Wilson said, "Are they always like that?"

"Each time I have seen them they are. A truly amazing couple, the world is in good hands with them. Well, let's cut this short for now, I have some serious thinking to do. Don't let on that they were in here."

Barana spoke to them both saying, <
knowing that your office is wired, I took the liberty of providing a false voice record of what has been said here. The recording will pass any test applied indicating that they are real. No one else knows that they were here. The cover story is that you discussed what to do about the Korean situation and the impact of the health care offer is having on the national health care situation. Madam Secretary a document is in your briefcase describing your discussion and it will appear to be your computer notes on the meeting. Mr. President yours are in your middle desk drawer. Thank you.
>

After the Secretary had left, Barana again spoke to the President, <
Mr. President, Henry and Sam left you a little present. On the papers I left for you, there is a small box with three vials in it. Each one is labeled, one for you, one for your wife and one for your son. Please open the one labeled with your name and pour the contents on your hand. The contents will slowly be absorbed into your person. Please do this now
.> He did as instructed. Barana when on, <
the vial contained self replicating nanites that essentially are similar to what Hank and Sam have. That is a body shield that activates when it detects a projectile coming your way. The difference between yours and theirs is that you will feel the impact of the projectile as though some one had touched you. The projectile will then fall to the ground. It will take about 15 minutes to start providing protection and about a half day to reach full strength. I would ask that you now proceed to your quarters where your wife and son are presently watching television. There you can administer their shields. We have reason to believe that an attempt will be made on your life and that of your family. This will be your safety net, Hank has been concerned that you and your family be protected and thought this was the best way to do it.
>

"Thank you Barana, Hank and Sam."

<
My pleasure, good day for now, your recording devices are now back to normal
.>