Putting the Human Back in Humanity
New Earth, Chapter 3 Begins
Chapter 3 of New Earth begins with this post. I have spent as much time writing the backstory than I have the actual story. Creating characters and their history and how that ties into the main plot and subplots takes a lot of time. And it’s never done really. I just keep chiseling away until it looks the way I think it should. There is much more to come, but for now, you will learn more about Maxwell Rhodes and his plans to put the human back in humanity. He’s had enough dealing with people who just simply do not understand what is needed to make things better. Tao may have something to say about that (when he figures out how to free himself).
On another note, we have an election coming up here in the U.S. I’ll have more to say about this over the next two weeks, but want to warn you to be ready for a wild ride. If you think things were crazy before, just wait. No matter the results on November 5th (or, sigh, however long it takes to get results), be ready for outrage and drama that will be deserving of an Oscar from the usual people trying to control the narrative.
We’re all human. Let’s put the human back in humanity and enough with the nonsense. And that goes for whatever side you’re on. Let’s all pray for this!
The latest post is below. To read the entire series, click the black button.
Peace.
Maxwell Rhodes remained on the stage in the conference room at the Welcoming Station, orbiting New Earth. He looked at the delegation strapped into their seats and seemingly asleep. Of course, they weren’t asleep. He knew that because, like everything else these days, he created the technology that allowed your mind to travel to realistic worlds that was also created with his technology. The entire delegation was consciously on a tour of Rhodes—the capital city of New Earth—using this technology.
While on this stage, Max lead the virtual tour. His consciousness, in effect, was split into two. A new feature he has been testing and not ready to release to the masses. Max walked into the rows of the audience with their eyes shut, looking at each person with contempt. How could they think forming a government would do any good for New Earth?
“I’ve tried to tell you,” he said, his voice echoing in the conference room, “but you will not listen! But I don’t blame you.” Max quickly scanned the room from end to end. He brought out both his arms toward the delegation as if he was to give them a hug. “It’s because you can’t understand. I’ve tried to guide you. All of you and everyone else back on old Earth, but your eyes were closed to whatever I showed you. Your ears, shut, to my words. Your weaknesses targeted. Your attention assaulted with false promises. You were misled. I won’t let that happen again.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Rhodes,” one of his workers said to him. “You have a call from Earth.”
Max was annoyed. “Well, I’m sort of in the middle of something.” He trained his clones himself and thought they should know better. He proudly designed their white uniforms and hats with the planet image and ring halfway around it signifying the ongoing work needed to make New Earth not just a habitable home, but the most obvious choice to live for every human. The economy on New Earth will double that of Earth’s in less than five years, he was certain.
“It’s JJ,” she said. Max turned toward her and nodded. He watched her exit the conference room.
Max was still leading the virtual tour of the capital city and had two or three more hours left. Probably more with the continued debate amongst the delegates about the appropriate form of government for New Earth.
Besides, JJ handled all of his important relations on Earth. And with all the industries Max entered across the world, that meant a lot of matters to address. Everything was regulated on Earth and getting anything done required a combination of expert focus, knowledge and people management. Especially politicians. Max would make time for this call.
Scanning the seated delegation who remain still with their eyes shut, Max tapped just in front of his ear and was connected. “Julian Jacobs, this better be good news.”
“Uh-oh,” JJ said. “Using my full name—you must be in some mood. Max, you know I’m your interplanetary brother, right?” he said.
“Just lay it on me, JJ,” Max said. “You don’t need to manage me. I don’t have time for it.”
“Manage is why you pay me the big bucks,” JJ said. “Especially to manage you.” Max smiled. “But I’ll get right to it. The U.S. isn’t approving Power—“
“You’ve got to be kidding me. I take air and create electricity."
“It’s not what you create, it’s—“
“There are no negative byproducts. It’s the cleanest energy ever produced.” Max was pacing the isles of the conference room. He looked at the resting faces of the delegates. He was showing them the wonders of New Earth and all it had to offer humanity. “Try harder, JJ.”
“I will. I’ll try harder but—“
“This is why I pay you the big bucks!” Max paused and thought of the immense opportunities of New Earth and all its resources. “Make sure they understand the magnitude of resources that I have at my disposal on New Earth. It would be a shame if the U.S. found itself at the end of the line when The Corporation starts delivering shipments of lithium, cobalt and graphite.”
Max waited for a response. He knew precisely what governments needed and their reliance on him was not something he particularly liked bargaining. But this delegation pushed him over the edge. These people from Earth, think they know how best to run a new planet? They have screwed up one planet already and he would not give up control of this planet. Or any other planet for that matter.
“Understood,” JJ finally said. “I’ll be in touch.” Max touched near the front of his ear, ending the call.
Max looked at the flat, slip on shoes of one of the delegates. “How inappropriate,” he said. “Tao is your name, I believe.” Max smiled at the unconscious Tao sat motionless strapped in his chair. “Well, Tao, I hope you’re enjoying the tour of the capital. I know I’m being an excellent guide. More will be revealed but it will be too late for all of you delegates.”
Max closed his eyes and his mind went elsewhere. Far away from the Welcoming Station, New Earth and Earth. His mind kept reaching and reaching further and further until…
Tao’s eyes opened and locked onto the motionless Maxwell Rhodes.