Exodus Read online

  “Private Joker!” It’s Winters’ disapproving voice. Manuel’s heart sinks. The sergeant marches over to Manuel’s position where he has brought himself to attention. “What in the high orbit did you do to private Mallocs?”

  “Sir, he didn’t like my joke, Sir.” Manuel replies insistently, eyes ahead, shoulders back.

  “No one likes your jokes, Joker!” Winters is up in his face again and Manuel has to fight back the adrenaline from his recent encounter. “You just took one of my people out of service for weeks with that display!”

  “Sir, I’m sorry, Sir, it won’t happen again.”

  Sergeant Winters steps back and continues in a meeker tone. “No, Private, I don’t suppose it will.” Manuel fears he is about to be discharged and lose his chance at being part of the next off-world envoys. “You’ve made it very clear to Private Mallocs that you are not a victim. I doubt if he gives you a sideways glance the remainder of your time here.”

  “Sir?” Manuel waits on his punishment.

  “I would like to hear the joke Mallocs found so unfunny that he would incite violence,” Winters demands, seemingly knowing the boy had started the fight.

  “Sir, I – you might not like it,” Manuel starts, but sneaking a look at the Sergeant’s gaze repeats the joke. Winters smiles. It’s an unsettling look for the Sergeant but Manuel notices a kinship in the man’s eyes now. He laughs aloud for exactly 3 seconds and abruptly stops.

  “Was that meant to insult Mallocs?” He asks amusedly.

  “I honestly thought it was above him.” Manuel replies, still at full attention. Winters laughs again.

  “Very well, Joker, you’ve earned your name. Be at ease.” Winters turns to address the rest of his platoon. “Tomorrow you will all take part in an important exercise. Be ready at 0600 in your dress uniforms. You’ll require your pulse rifle as well. I have a detail that will put you all in the history books.” Winters exits the bunkhouse and the platoon relaxes. None more so than Manuel. A shared sigh fills the room, and everyone sinks back into their cots.

  HOW THE TABLES TURN

  Chancellor Bellows appears on everyone’s holo screen and EC in United Earth as the political debates end with Mr. Jim Chopra, formerly Admiral Chopra, landing a strong point for keeping the current government in power.

  “Thank you to each of our candidates for your candor and participation in this revealing debate on multiple topics worthy of everyone’s deliberation in tonight’s vote.” Chancellor Bellows is reveling in this, his final address to the UE. Thoughts of interstellar space cloud his mind. “The clock has started, and in one hour we’ll all know who our next Chancellor will be. Please take everything you’ve heard tonight into consideration and turn your attention to your EC’s. With one swipe on the candidate’s profile, you will be placing your vote for the future of all.” Raymond lifts his own EC and swipes on Chopra’s headshot securing one vote for his party and his friend.

  A live audience watches on from the sports arena where the debate is held, scrutinizing the numbers on the big holo floating over the crowd. Each candidate is represented with their votes appearing underneath. Surprisingly to Raymond, Chopra is slow to pick up the numbers, as two other parties push past the reigning party’s figures. Raymond looks to his friend and offers a reassuring wink. Chopra smiles from behind his podium. Confident as ever.

  “Senator Yaris’ party has taken the early lead tonight. In her own words, her policies toward Host reproduction is for, looking to replace positions once held by our enlightened Hosts. She also mentioned tonight that she is ready to decommission the military arm of your UE in order to avoid another civil war.” Raymond worries for the frame of mind of the people voting to disband the very military that saved them in this time of uncertainty. Regardless of the outcome, Raymond is bound and determined to be completely unbiased in hosting this vote.

  Yaris’ numbers continue to go up, but Chopra is now in second place. Raymond considers the stats he reviewed in early votes cast, Captain Drake’s intel and Tessa’s math. Each told him his party would soar past the rest, but that’s not turning out to be the reality at the polls. He feels suddenly nervous for his friend, but also for his plan to leave United Earth with anyone but Jim Chopra overseeing its continued success.

  “It looks like Chopra is beginning to see some solid numbers as his party moves into second place. It won’t take much momentum to squeeze Yaris out of first.” Raymond is merely stating the obvious as the figures continue to roll in. Roughly ten billion voters make for a sensational count scrolling under the candidate’s headshots. Then he sees it, a massive number of votes added under Chopra’s profile. “Looks like the tables have turned. Chopra is now in the lead and pulling away from Yaris. Deschanel is showing at a solid third.” Raymond feels lighter suddenly, his team’s predictions now appear reachable. Chopra’s numbers continue to gain ground leaving second place far behind.

  “It looks as though the citizens of United Earth like what Jim Chopra has to say. His platform is to keep everything status quo and continue to rebuild while sending citizens to seed our new planets through the lottery.”

  At eight pm Eastern Standard Time the vote is ended, and the voter turnout has broken records at over seven billion participants. Raymond calls his friend to the high stage, clapping all the while. He shakes Jim’s hand and officially swears him in. The crowded sports arena is alive with support as paper balloons fall from the high ceiling.

  ____________________________________________________________

  That evening, under dim lighting Raymond turns over his office of the last twelve years to his friend. He peers out the floor to ceiling windows overlooking First City, a city close to his heart, and one he has defended vehemently. He turns, taking hold of the steel and leather chair waiting behind his black walnut desk for its new resident.

  “I believe this is yours now… Chancellor,” Raymond smiles brightly at Jim Chopra, the newly elected Chancellor of United Earth.

  Jim moves from his place at the doors where he is taking it all in, the fortieth floor of the most powerful office in the world. The worlds, in another decade or so, with the addition of three new star systems under the guidance of United Earth. “We’ll need to change our name,” Jim tells Raymond as he pulls the Chancellor’s chair out, watching his friend’s expression turn sour. He laughs and reveals his meaning. “With so many new planets about to be added to our governance, perhaps United Planets?” Jim eases into the command chair of command chairs.

  “An upgrade,” Raymond agrees. “Something to work toward as the time grows closer.”

  “I’ll put it on the list,” Jim says, laying a palm on the desktop. The desk comes alive with holos and screens embedded under the wood veneer. “Ah, you’ve already relinquished your desk to me!” He watches as personal emails and congratulatory holos dance at eye level. “You’re not in any rush to leave office, are you?” They both laugh.

  “Just to leave it all, my friend,” Raymond replies light-heartedly, but truth be told he feels an incredible weight lifted from his spirit once the title fell away. The extraordinary responsibility has aged him. It may age Jim as well, but he couldn’t be more enthusiastic over Admiral Chopra’s appointment to this highest office. He has closure now.

  “Yaris had me worried there for a moment,” Jim admits. “Was she pulling votes from the religious sectors?” A good question; they are pacifists for the most part and a vote for Yaris was a vote to dismember the military. Thankfully that didn’t come to pass.

  “You’ve won, Jim, enjoy it.” Raymond moves across the room and waves a hand in front of a paneled cupboard. There he pulls out a 2098 bottle of Irish Whiskey and pours two glasses. “Your family will be here soon, so I wanted to congratulate you properly with a bottle I’ve been holding onto far too long.” Raymond hands the glass of amber liquid to his friend and they clink glasses. Both savour the peaty flavour, holding it in their mouths a moment before swallowing. Raymond watches as a smile grows on Jim’s lips.

  “It’s been an interesting couple of years, Chancellor,” Jim says nostalgically, “I don’t like to imagine what they would have been like were you not the man you are.”

  “Chancellor,” Raymond raises his glass acknowledging his new Commander and Chief. After another sip, Jim’s family appears at the double doors with a C-class escort. His wife runs to hug him, and the children follow. His grown daughter with a child of her own embraces her father, glowing with pride. One half of his twins also rushes in to congratulate his father. Raymond knows Jim will have a difficult time celebrating with one twin lost to the general’s war. Raymond greets each of them and announces his departure. Jim salutes his Chancellor and Raymond returns the sentiment, then extends a hand and pulls Jim in for a hug.

  “Keep me posted, Chancellor,” Raymond says. “I’m just an EC away.”

  “You can count on that, Chancellor.” Jim studies Raymond’s face as if not to forget him and all he’s done. Raymond bows out and exits the office of the Chancellor of United Earth for the last time.

  ____________________________________________________________

  The day has finally arrived. All off-world stations have been running shuttles up to the colony ships in orbit for two hours now to the cheers and excitement of a live audience. Many pull themselves from their loved ones as sobs follow, but overall it is a joyous occasion and one in which history will recall as ground-breaking. Manuel only wishes he were a bigger part of it. He has been posted as a soldier of the UE to guard the shuttle bay entrance against any would-be interlopers but would much rather be boarding the next shuttle than guarding it. His platoon of new recruits has been placed in strategic positions within and around the facility. Real world, active duty, Sergeant Winters told them; it will build confidence and experience. He watches on with great interest at the lucky few moving through the gates. He studies their expressions mostly. Some are alarmed and others anxious while the majority are elated. He imagines his own expression in their place. This feels like punishment for last night’s bunkhouse brawl.

  Manuel’s rifle rests on his shoulder. He isn’t enjoying the endless discipline required by the UE military. Just days in and he’s ready to bail. He nods at passing colonists, genuinely happy for them, and then in the distance recognizes a familiar face in line. That of the young Udo, Trevor’s daughter. He’s thankful to think she hasn’t squandered the gift. As she approaches, he notices a sly smile work its way up one side of her round face. Her black hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail and she’s wearing an oversized coat, presumably her fathers. Her fingers are adorned with rings – her mother’s perhaps, and she wears a long skirt with dark leggings and all-terrain boots. She’s looking directly at him now just three metres away. The line is moving at a reasonable pace. When they are close enough that he can smell her obnoxious perfume, she bumps her EC into his and Manuel’s embedded comm comes to life.

  He smiles at her and she is gone. He finds himself excited for her. Looking down at his own EC he realizes Udo has dropped him a message. Perhaps a thank you note? He raises his arm and reads the message. ::I did some research on you,:: she tells him, ::you’re a good man who lost his family – same as me. I think you deserve this trip just as much as I do. I found your profile on the EC Military site and knew you’d be here today. I used my dad’s friends to make you a chip-code. Use it. Please. I don’t want to be all alone on this trip. All the info is in the code. UDO BOYD.::

  Manuel can’t believe what he’s reading. Made me a chip-code? Is that even possible? His forearm lights up yellow as the file is downloaded and tentatively, he opens it. Immediately his EC pulses a light blue, just like those who’d won the lottery. His heart does a summersault. Passers by smile brightly at him as they recognize the sign. He feels awkward and elated all at once. What do I do? Board the platform? Abandon my post? Yes!!

  Manuel turns ever so slowly and joins the crowd as they make their way onto the next shuttle. It’s nearly full now and he’s afraid if he doesn’t make this one, he’ll be found out and the whole façade exposed. His head is down and he’s looking for somewhere to stash his rifle. Suddenly another, more seasoned soldier stops him at the final check point.

  “Private Thomas,” the older man knows his name. Of course, he does, it’s reading out on the soldier’s EC. “Why are you boarding this shuttle?” Manuel goes white. The chip doesn’t work. He’s been found out. There are strong repercussions for falsifying a lottery ticket and he’s about to experience them. “Military personnel don’t ride civilian shuttles. You know that.” Is that all?

  Manuel struggles to come up with an excuse when Udo arrives at the doorway to the shuttle. “Come on, daddy, I saved you a seat!” She says, trying to push past the soldier. The man looks down at Udo and laughs.

  “This is your kid?” He asks, not bothering to question it on his EC. He’s clearly touched by the damage the little girl has sustained to her right hand as it reaches for Manuel. “Why are you in uniform if you won the lottery?” The soldier asks Manuel.

  “I – uh,” Manuel trips over his tongue.

  “I asked him to dress up for the trip!” Udo says cheerfully. A bit out of character for this kid, Manuel thinks. “Come on daddy! Come on!” She’s laying it on thick. Manuel smiles nervously at her, looks up at the soldier and shrugs. “Your rifle. Leave it with me. Any other unsanctioned gear?” The man smiles back down at Udo.

  “Uh, no, just the rifle.” Manuel pulls it off his shoulder and relinquishes it to the soldier. “Thank you for your service,” he tells the man.

  “Spiritus Omnia Vincet,” the soldier says. Manuel repeats the military call back and takes Udo’s hand, boarding the shuttle.

  LEAVING IT ALL BEHIND

  Tobias and Ginny walk the long hallway of the carrier starship, Samantha clinging to her father’s neck, and locate their room number. Ginny waves a hand at the door and it opens, greeting the family by name. On first look it holds ample space for their family. Two bedrooms, a kitchenette, generous bathroom and living space complete with holo entertainment and a smartwall. Comfortable furnishings line the walls. They have several window ports to the empty space beyond. Each room is decorated to the style of the day. Nothing has been left out. The gravity knitting systems are working but feel a bit heavier than they should by Tobias’ account. I’ll ask about it.

  “Oh, it’s just beautiful, Tobias,” Ginny says rummaging through the cupboards and pulling down mugs. Their personal fridge is filled with baby formula and the essentials. “There is a dining hall, right?”

  “Yes, and don’t go telling everyone we meet we have a kitchenette,” Tobias explains, “there are very few rooms which do.”

  “Oh? I guess we’re royalty then,” she says, an impish smile on her pretty face.

  ____________________________________________________________

  Raymond sweeps Darla up in his arms, she waves a hand at the door and he walks her over the threshold, joking about the act’s affect in preventing the ancient superstition that the bride brings family demons into the new home.

  The room is fit for a king and queen. Three times the size of the others, this is a duplicate of the Captain’s quarters. A luxury afforded the former Chancellor of United Earth and Commander of Luna Base. Raymond makes plans in his head to have Tobias, Ginny, and his grandniece visit often. He’s thrilled they’ve decided to join him on this historic journey. Excited for the years ahead of him watching his grandniece grow up enroute to a new world.

  “This is too much,” Darla breathes in the large space. An A-class AI Host welcomes them home.

  “Hello, Chancellor Bellows, Commander, Tesla. I am CADDY, your room Host. It is a female, as so many are in this function. CADDY is not an enlightened Host, but a similar version of what Raymond and the rest of United Earth had known before the wars. “If you have any needs or questions I am at your disposal. Are you thirsty? Hungry? I imagine it’s taken quite a bit of effort to arrive.”

  “I’d love a drink,” Darla looks to Raymond excitedly, “do you want a drink?”

  “I’ll take a red wine if you have it, CADDY.” Raymond says, accepting that some things are unchanging.

  “There are 500 bottles of red and white wines in your personal pantry, Chancellor, and a facility producing wine and spirits in the lower levels from twenty tonnes of powdered mix as needed.” CADDY explains in detail.

  Darla looks up at Raymond and they grin like children on holiday. “In that case, CADDY, I’d love a glass as well.”

  CADDY excuses herself and heads to the wet bar. There she extracts a bottle from the overhead pantry, uncorks it and pours two nine-ounce glasses.

  ____________________________________________________________

  Udo leads Manuel by his hand down the painted steel hallway, dodging and weaving through other passengers looking for their rooms. Udo stops suddenly and turns to meet a narrow door. She waves her hand and the door retracts into the wall. She is welcomed by an audio recording. Manuel follows as she steps into the room. Lights flicker to life revealing a substantial room. It is a single, with all the comforts of home. A double bed lays under a beautiful rendering of a Starry Night. No windows. That’s just as well. A computer console located next to the bed offers a map of the entire ship and they review its contents. Gymnasiums, theatres, dining halls, and myriad other activity rooms. Science departments, physics departments and educational rooms with smartwalls to enable every colonist a chance to learn whatever trade or course they might like before arriving at Tyson 4. Farming facilities, grow labs, and MakerTech equipment rooms line the belly of the carrier next to the shuttle bay.

  “This is nice…” Manuel says eyeing the three walls in front of him.

  “It’s enough,” Udo replies. “You can have the bed; I’ll take the couch; I’m smaller.”