Waco Lummox 10
WACO’S LUMMOX By Waddie Greywolf
Chapter 10
As the ship orbited Mars a couple of times there was mostly silence from the men. The ship didn’t just orbit the planet, it sailed over its surface so they could see some of the more spectacular aspects of the surface features. The men were overwhelmed. There was an occasional comment, but not much was said. As they were leaving the orbit of Mars and headed for Venus, Angus spoke.
“Captain Long, where is this planet you plan to relocate people to and how do you plan to chose those who will be saved? I thought all that sort of thing was to be decided by God at the end of time.”
“A planet in another solar system in your galaxy will become your new home. It has been given the name ‘Haven.’ It is a class ‘M’ planet a bit larger than Earth but has similar geophysical characteristics of your planet. It will take several months to get there. You will live there and colonize the planet and in several hundred years, depending on the amount of destruction, the Earth will be re-terra formed and those wishing to return may. Some may chose to remain on Haven.
To answer the second part of your question, Mr. Goodnight, if you want to consider an advanced race of people who do altruistic things in the universe as Gods, then yes, it has been decided by them. I have computer lists of people to save who have no idea they will be saved at the last. In your area alone, my ship will be responsible for a hundred and forty-four thousand folks and their livestock. Livestock includes your slaves. They will all be saved along with your families; however, adjustments will have to be made for their increased longevity if they choose to accept the genetic enhancement. A life sentence as a slave will take on new meaning when you’re looking at a couple of thousand years. Since new slaves are a possibility, it seems only fair limits be set for those who would serve faithfully for a period of time; otherwise, why would they consider living a longer life span if all they had to took forward to was a life of slavery. Remember, not all slave owners treat their slaves as well as you and Master Charlie, Mr. Goodnight.”
“How will you convince them to go with you?” Angus continued.
“I won’t have to. All I need is a genetic marker, some article they’ve touched. Their information will be loaded into our computers, and they’ll be lifted into the sky into our ship automatically. Besides, things will git so bad in the last days, folks will gather to discuss their options and fears. Some will consider leaving the country, but the final disaster will be worldwide. Once it begins, it won’t end until there is great devastation. There will be small pockets of people who were not chosen who will survive; however, ultimately,— there will be no one left alive on the planet. Those of great wealth and power who have sought refuge in caves or bunkers underground will have nothing to return to. After a hundred years or so, for all their obscene wealth, they will have nowhere to go nor anything to spend it on. Even a bar of pure gold bullion won’t buy them so much as a crust of bread.
Many slaves of bad slave owners will be taken without their masters. In that case, each slave will be judged according to their time served as a slave and their sentence. If they opt for the longevity enhancement, a new sentence will be set accordingly and they will be either reassigned a master or sold again. Before you fear there will be more slaves than freemen consider, Australia was founded by social rejects and prisoners from the jails of England. A man can’t be judged by his innate goodness from a couple of bad choices in life. Many, like Travis and Rabbit are slaves through no fault of their own. You both have examples of slaves who you know to be good, trustworthy men in spite of the reason they were enslaved.” Lazarus looked at Shane. Shane looked down and blushed. “These are all minor problems that can be taken care of without much concern.” Lazarus added.
In a few minutes the ship was approaching Venus. The planet grew larger and larger in the viewing area. The men were beginning to move about. They got more to eat from the buffet and Cable fixed them another drink. Lazarus told them he had something very special to show them below the clouds of Venus. They took their seats again as the huge ship stopped, and slowly lowered itself into the swirling gas clouds of the planet. After sailing in some pretty violent winds the ship came upon a patch of calmer gasses. The men could see out the viewing port what looked like large bags or balloons of gas floating and moving in the Venusian atmosphere.
“What is that, Captain Long?” asked Shane.
“Wow, they’re beautiful. Are they alive, Captain Long?” asked Travis.
“They’re very much alive, young man. You’re looking at Venusian Atmospheric Bladder Whales. They’re highly intelligent and can communicate telepathically with humans. They swim the gas currents of the calmer areas of the Venusian atmosphere harvesting silicon particles swept up from the surface, strained through large baleens which they digest. They’re one of the few natural silicon life forms in the universe. We have one other example on board our ship who reside temporarily in my boy’s cabin.” Everyone looked at Ox and he smiled.
“What is that sound? Is that them singing?”
“Why, yes, Shane. Few people can hear their song in a ship like ours; however, I can amplify their songs and thoughts. We can even talk with them if you like. Sometime there’s a problem with translation, but you’ll get the idea.” Lazarus walked over to the wall and ran his hand over a control panel which came alive and looked like a computer terminal.