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  CHAPTER TWENTY

  DECEMBER 2033

  Paul wanted a last session with Mark, Barry and the ASIO team. Paul regarded them not so much as advisors but as sounding boards. He did have a lot of faith in them however, and Mark was especially valuable to him.

  “This will be our last session before I send Mark and Barry home for Christmas. Firstly, a quick synopsis on the state of the nation most of which you will already know. The decision to not rebuild Adelaide and Perth was not well received. I intend to develop the north first as soon as radiation drops to a safe level. This should occur in less than two years. It gives us time to rebuild the economy and feed the nation before we expend capital and labour on building cities. For you Mark, and the boys from ASIO, it also means the Tuathan reservation will no longer be near any capital cities. Existing communities in southern Western Australia and in the Adelaide region will receive encouragement to build their facilities from their own initiatives. Limited help will be supplied from here to the local councils. The long term objective is to ensure that in the future the majority of the population will reside north of the Capricorn line. If I have my way, there will be no military alliances except with those countries we have trade agreements with. Or, to put it bluntly if you want to have the protection of the array and the co-operation of the consortium you will have to sign trade deals in our favour.” Paul paused here and allowed the strategy to sink in. Mark had suspected things would go this way and knew the Tuathans were also to be part of Paul’s standover tactics, but still shook his head at the way so many lessons from the conflict were to be ignored. It was business as usual. The politics of the biggest stick ruled.

  “The southern hemisphere is to receive our concentrated effort at development. My intention is to make it an alternative power bloc to whatever develops in the north, with us holding the reins. It is hoped in this way we will be able to provide security for our people and those living in the southern hemisphere. The north is already locked in power struggles over the global economy. We can at best only influence through interference; keeping them weak has to be in our best interests. That, gentlemen, is the general plan, which of course can easily fall by the wayside if I am removed from office.”

  “What is the likelihood of that happening?” asked Mark.

  “I should scrape in next year, but realistically that will be the last. The main thing is for us to concentrate on setting in stone any legislation, trade or military agreements so that the next administration will take years unravelling it,” replied Paul.

  “Do you see any resurgence of Islamic militarism in the near future?”

  “Certainly not in the next fifty years. Their populations are still steadily declining due to starvation and disease, we expect that to continue and not stabilise for the next ten years. The overall population predictions are that the planet may never see year-2000 levels again due to the wealthier countries restricting child rearing to near-zero growth. The poorer countries will see their infant mortality rates go through the roof in the short term. Towards the end of my next term I hope to encourage migration to Australia from South America.” Paul turned to face Mark directly, looking for visual clues in Mark’s facial expressions. “The Consortium has requested formally to be there when the Tuathans arrive, Mark. Please oversee that. All of us in this room will be there to welcome them when they arrive. Once they get close enough we will give them the co-ordinates for landing.”

  “ASIO has decided to not involve the military in security. Jack and I will be working with twenty other operatives and will be based close to the reservation. Mark and Barry, you two will be our guests,” said Daniel. “We want everything in place for the second of January. As we can’t be sure of an exact arrival date please be there on the second.” Mark and Barry nodded their compliance.

  “Gentlemen we still cannot be sure they will even turn up, but we will be watching for the portal to open and if they do come out of it, we will not publicize the fact until after they are safely settled in here. Mark has raised a concern he has that their motive for accepting our generous offer may be due to them desiring a base for the reclamation of Earth once we finish eradicating ourselves. My view on that is, does it really matter? I do not see such a motive as a threat to our plans. It’s a bit macabre but understandable. So I think we all know our roles in the coming few months and thank you and enjoy your Christmas with your respective friends and families.” Paul shook hands and hugged them all, displaying a warmth seldom seen. Barry remarked in the car later that Paul was more confident now. It was obvious he could see the light at the end of the tunnel and that if the next term was to be his last, he would be able to welcome it.

  “His autobiography will be a best seller, that’s for sure. I still don’t feel I really understand him fully at times, enigmatic is a word designed to be his personal adjective. I, like most people, respect him and am happy that I wasn’t in his shoes when the big decisions had to be made,” said Mark.

  “History will be the judge of all of us. I think the nation as a whole has come of age and will exert an influence in the world unimaginable thirty years ago. Paul has a contempt for the old power blocs and will actively attempt to dominate them. If he has his way international politics will never be the same. The voters will have to get rid of him before we will go back into the UN, for instance. The Pope and the Royal Family will never get a visa and immigration will be by selection, his personal selection. No more funding for charities or religious institutions. Increased federal control and abolition of the states, local councils will be given more autonomy and funding. Welfare will be directed at children and the sick. Nothing for the able-bodied. You can see the picture, Mark?”

  “Oh yes, centralisation will be back. The Reformation Party will be a hard master to expel. He will have the military and the new wave of academics on his side and there already is full employment. Unions have largely vanished from the landscape, with labour in short supply individual bargaining has taken their place. I heard his speech on male and female conscription for eighteen-year-olds and there wasn’t even a whimper from anyone,” said Mark.

  “I have heard Paul express his personal view on the ideal society. He believes there must be a trade-off when you claim benefits in the form of social welfare. He takes personal responsibility to its ultimate extreme. His favourite mantra is no one has the right to anything and if you want taxpayer’s money, be prepared to offer something for it in return. He is definitely right of centre.”

  They drove on to Mark’s place, which was now completed. Mark would be spending the next two nights as a guest at Barry’s place, but insisted on checking out the finished product before driving on.

  The house was a two-storey Georgian style built in sandstone. Barry was surprised initially when he saw the plans as he had presumed Mark would chose something more traditionally Australian, or perhaps modernistic. There was an old-fashioned quality to Mark that Barbara Bradshaw had said was an endearing quality; one that had made him very attractive to Toni. As they entered the double front doors, it was obvious the building was meant to last as a monument to his love for Jade. A Taj Mahal for a woman who was light years away. The small-paned windows and the lights with dimmers gave the interior a very soft light throughout. Much of the lighting was diffused and coloured, Mark had been careful to plan for Jade’s comfort as she had complained how she hated wearing light filters on her eyes to compensate for the glare. There were open fires including in the master bedroom, all the rooms were large although there were only three bedrooms.

  “I’ll let Jade choose the furnishings etc. It has to have her imprint on it. I would only make it look like a bachelor’s place otherwise.”

  “How big is the mortgage mate? Lovely place but these fixtures and fittings are damn expensive,” said Barry.

  “It’s big but manageable. I’m being handsomely paid nowdays. I have had next to nothing in personal expenses for the past four years due to me always being sent away on assi
gnments. Virtually my entire last four years’ salary was reinvested. I ended up after selling the town house with enough to keep the loan low. The ultimate aim is for me to be going back to teaching part-time, eventually.”

  “I still think you won’t escape the public service so easily. Here is a suggestion: if you intend keeping Jade pretty much isolated here, why not see if she is interested in a bit of hobby farming for money? The soil is good, there is ample water and the nation needs food.”

  “That’s a good idea, she loves plants and growing things. I will take it up with her.”

  They both were enjoying planning for the future. Barry and Barbara would be almost neighbours and were as excited as Mark was. They all avoided mention of the possibility that Jade may not ever come back and the Tuathans fade into a memory.

  Christmas was spent at Barry’s place and they did the traditional Christmas morning presents and the late afternoon barbeque. The smell of eucalyptus from the barbeque wood drifted around the veranda as they settled down to sunset drinks. Barbara was on her second gin and tonic and there was only her and Mark on the veranda; the others were at the tennis court. Barbara saw her opportunity:

  “Mark, your relationship with Jade, I mean is it OK? Considering you are literally worlds apart. Are you fulfilled by it? What do you have in common, I mean I hope you don’t mind but I know Barry would be too shy to ask you these things. For instance, can you have children together and her social customs are they... extreme?” Mark looked at her with a small mischievous smile on his face.

  “The sex is great Barb and there doesn’t seem to be any biological reason why we can’t have children, although I admit we both avoid the issue because there would be a lot to consider. She is amazingly intelligent and we talk a lot about everything imaginable except when it comes to Tuathan history. In the eyes of Tuathan society we are married and I am really happy and content. I am humbled by the fact that she chose me because to them I am a ‘native’ a term that smacks of barbarianism. The whole crew treated me with respect and they are really kind, delightfully charming people.”

  “I’m glad to hear that Mark. I don’t mean to pry, it’s just that, you are our closest friend and it would not have seemed right if I had not have made some attempt at finding out about how you were coping.”

  “I haven’t been coping that well, Barb. The missing someone you love part is bad enough but the uncertainty of knowing whether she is ever coming back to me is a real killer. It’s not as if I can jump on a plane and go and look for her. I really am powerless in this situation, a feeling I don’t like one little bit.”

  “Maybe you will feel better once you are at the reservation security site?”

  “I hope so. I must admit I am looking forward to getting there it may make me feel like we are getting closer somehow.”

  Mark visited and worked on his own property between Christmas and the New Year. He attempted to sleep there twice, but it felt empty and lonely. It was like the house was waiting for Jade to come and breathe life into it. Mark realised he felt the same way. New Year’s Eve turned into a huge celebration throughout the nation. A feeling of optimism was in the air and it was a feeling shared by the people at Barry and Barbara’s home. Austerity measures were easing, communications were working, life was returning to normal. The countless graveyards packed to capacity were a constant reminder of the mistakes of the past and people felt much resentment to the outside world and that would help keep Paul in power for a few more years to come. Mark slept well on the night of the first of January and woke feeling like a kid going on a summer vacation. It was January and he was ready to go. An armoured troop carrier arrived, it had weapons aboard and some communications electronics. At about nine a large helicopter arrived, loaded the contents of the armoured car and then Barry and Mark did their farewells and climbed in.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  JANUARY 2034

  Jack and Daniel were there to meet them and stuck a freezing cold beer in their hand by way of welcome. “We got here yesterday, it’s a nice set-up, all the comforts of home, come on I’ll show you to your quarters,” said Jack.

  “What about the Portal, has it appeared yet?” asked Mark anxiously.

  “No, not yet. Look, settle in then come to the observatory and communications room; see you in one hour OK?” said Daniel.

  Barry and Mark had the equivalent of a large motel room with en suite in each. It was light and airy, with a pleasant decor. They showered and put their clothes away. Mark put Jade’s holo on the small chest of drawers next to his bed.

  The observatory was a pretty basic telescope which, as it turned out, was only suitable for use when the disc ship got to a position within Mars’ orbital path. A screen linked to a telescope in a geostationary position was the main observation platform. When this was not able to focus on Saturn the Martian colony could take over. The consortium had built both visual light and radio telescopes on a grand scale in various positions around the Martian equator. Their plan was to turn the planet into one big telescope for deep space observation. Richard and Kana would be arriving on the fifth of January to help with the communications and be there to greet the Tuathans should the mission be successful. The commander of the small base was an army officer Major Chris Thompson. A tall, thin veteran of the War in his late forties Major Thompson turned out to be a man of impeccable discipline whose attention to detail was almost unbearable. Mark especially had difficulty relating to this man who seemed to lack any personality worth exploring. He was the product of the military system and as such had little in common with Mark who was, by contrast, the product of nothing except his own beliefs and a life that had been open to variety. Barry got along with him marginally better than Mark; Jack and Daniel had no problems at all.

  “No equipment is to be used without my knowledge. This register is to be filled out each day denoting what was used and why.” The Major indicated a large book with two pens attached on chains.

  “That may not be possible Major. I anticipate a need for flexibility and quick action if the disc ship appears,” said Mark.

  “Comply with this directive to the best of your ability Professor, it is a small enough request.”

  Barry saw it as time to play his diplomatic role. “Of course Major, we will not interfere with the protocols.” Jack and Daniel were giving each other sly smiles. The Major seemed satisfied he had established his authority and left the building. Barry glared at Mark. “Play along, this is a military operation.”

  “Well it shouldn’t be! This is a diplomatic mission, the last thing we need is men with guns in uniforms giving orders,”said Mark.

  “The reality is, Mark, Daniel and I are the ones in charge when push comes to shove. We have the direct authority from the PM to take whatever action we deem necessary. For now we play along but any shit looks like hitting any fans, we step in,” said Jack.

  “OK that makes me feel better. This whole thing is far to important to be in the hands of a by-the-book man.”

  No news came from Mars and on the sixth Richard and Kana arrived in a very large travelling home covered in dust. It was obviously packed with instrumentation. Mark was glad to see them and was quick to ask them to check with Mars if there were any developments, he was getting anxious. They checked with the Mars colony every four hours as it was obvious the waiting was a strain on Mark.

  Barry decided that he should involve Mark in setting up the procedure required for establishing the Tuathans on the reservation. They invited Richard and Kana to join them, who were very eager to do so. The site that had been chosen for their settlement had a man-made freshwater lake set twenty kilometres inland from the coast. Extensive fruit trees, mainly citrus, had been planted in uniform orchards. The trees were nearly four years old by this stage. A huge, circular and heavily reinforced concrete circle designed to be a landing pad for a disc ship had been built midway between the settlement and the sea. The settlement itself had ten separate buildings designed to be
individual one-bedroom living quarters. It had been decided that although it was unlikely the Tuathans would use these on a permanent basis, at least they would provide them with an immediate opportunity to live away from the ship with some personal privacy. An electricity generation plant comprised of wind, solar and wave power was near the small harbour area. It would be sufficient to give them a start but they would need to produce their own power sourced using their own technology as they expanded. The Tuathans were vegetarians but they ate eggs and dairy products. Chickens and cows had been supplied to this end, also bees for honey production. A huge barn with a variety of farm equipment and tools plus seed and feed were available. All this Mark inspected and felt assured they would get off to a good start.

  “This replicator technology, Mark, is it capable of food production suitable for humans?” asked Richard.

  “Yes I believe it is, because I have tried it. I know it cannot provide complex cuisine and the nutritional values are low unless supplements are added. It’s certainly not conducive to fine dining, it generally comes as a soup, pâté or biscuit. Jade told me its purpose was more valuable as an animal feed and would never be served to guests as it would be socially unacceptable.”

  “It could dispense with starvation on this planet though?” Richard was seeing the commercial opportunities.

  “Yes possibly. I do not know the cost of building a replicator or its energy requirements. The cost of manufacture and operation could be prohibitive. The main point here is that asking the Tuath to share such technology would most assuredly produce a refusal. A refusal would not be helpful in our relations with them. It could lead to us losing face as we beg for their technology and even worse the suspicion that we may attempt to take it by force.” Mark was suspicious of Richard’s opportunistic attitude.