Liam hopped into the vehicle with Jonah, his brother-in-law and Selena's brother. As they drove into the newly reclaimed area, Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The workers were already busy, unloading compost, soil, and large equipment to begin the process of transforming the barren land into fertile farmland and orchards.
Jonah whistled as he gazed out at the massive mobile homes, which were actually large, self-sustaining houses. "These things are huge," he said, shaking his head in amazement. "I mean, I've seen some mobile homes before, especially in the highlands where the Gregory camp and these, but these...these are something else entirely."
Liam chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, they're not your average mobile homes, that's for sure. And as for how far the domes go on...well, let's just say we've got a lot of space to work with. Right now, the town is at about 12,000 people, and we're growing at a rate of about 25% per year. That means we need to add more acres of farmland and orchards just to keep up with the demand for food and other resources."
Jonah's eyes widened as he did the math in his head. "That's a lot of growth," he said, whistling softly. "I can see why you're pushing to get this new land developed so quickly."
"Selena designed them with Hermit Crabs in mind. They are easy to upgrade and renovate. The weather is going to be great here when it happens." Liam said.
Jonah looked at the grave look on his friend's face and said,"I cannot imagine how stressed you guys are. I guess it is time to accelerate the projects?"
Liam nodded, his expression serious. " Yeah, we need to stay ahead of the curve, Jonah. We can't afford to fall behind. When there are so many people counting on us to provide for them."
Jonah's expression turned grave as he processed the weight of Liam's words. "I know, Liam. I've started seeing it. Rose has not handled it well. The Cascade Volcanic Arc eruption is going to be a catastrophic event, and the 9.9 earthquake that precedes. It is an extinction-level event. It must have been quite the vision for her to have seen that."
Liam nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for a solution to the impending disaster. "We have to be ready, Jonah. We have to make sure that our settlements are equipped to handle the influx of refugees. We're talking about millions of people who will be displaced, injured, and traumatized. We need to be prepared to provide for them, to give them a safe haven and a chance to rebuild their lives."
Jonah took a deep breath, his mind racing with the enormity of the task ahead. "I know, Liam. We'll do everything we can. But it's not just about providing for the refugees. We also have to make sure that our own people are safe, that our settlements can withstand the disaster and its aftermath."
Liam nodded, his expression resolute. "I know, Jonah. We'll do everything we can to prepare for this. We'll work tirelessly to make sure that our settlements are ready, that we have enough food, water, and medical supplies to go around. We'll do everything we can to save as many lives as possible."
The two men sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their responsibility hanging heavy in the air. Then Jonah spoke up, his voice firm. "We'll do it, Liam. We'll make sure that our people are safe and that we're ready to help those in need. We'll get through this."
Liam's gaze drifted off, his mind lost in thought as he pondered the weight of the impending disaster. He glanced over at Jonah, his best friend and brother-in-law, and knew that they shared a deep understanding of the gravity of the situation.
At least, Liam thought, the governments had finally come around to recognizing the importance of space exploration, defense of the planet, and protection of the ecology. It was a small comfort, but it was something.
Selena's words echoed in his mind, "The goddess gets more upset when animals and humans die needlessly." Liam had always been skeptical of Selena's claims about the goddess, but he had seen things that couldn't be explained, and he had felt a presence that was beyond human comprehension.
He had only caught a glimpse of the being, but it was enough to leave a lasting impression. The goddess, if that's what it was, didn't seem to like him very much. Liam couldn't blame it, really. He had always been a bit of a skeptic, and he had never been one to blindly follow faith or tradition. Until then.
But as he looked out at the vast expanse of the desert, Liam couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more at play here. Something that went beyond human understanding, and spoke to a deeper, more primal connection with the natural world.
He felt that they had hopefully mitigated some of the disaster. The mass methane eruption had not happened in this life. "We have some hope of surviving and coping with the new version of the planet the goddess gives us. It could be seen as a reset or a balancing. There is so much pollution in North America, it is like a scab healing over a wound. Or at least the way Selena says the goddess says."
Perhaps, Liam thought, the earthquakes and volcanoes that were ravaging the planet were more than just natural disasters. Perhaps they were a sign of the goddess's pain or displeasure, a warning that humanity needed to change its ways before it was too late.
Liam gazed out at the red sky, his expression somber. "It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" he said to Jonah, who was sitting beside him.
Jonah nodded, his eyes fixed on the eerie landscape. "I can see why Selena is so passionate about this project. She's always been driven, but this...this is on a whole different level."
Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "She's always been a force to be reckoned with. And she's got a vision for this place...to turn the deserts back into one of the cradles of humanity."
Just then, Molly, the 1-year-old infant in the carrier on Liam's chest, began to babble and squirm, awakening from her nap. "Dada! Dada!" she exclaimed, reaching out to grab Liam's chin.
Liam chuckled and kissed Molly's forehead. "Hey, little one! Yeah, Daddy's here. And Uncle Jonah is here too."
Jonah smiled and reached out to tickle Molly's side. "Hey, Molly! You're going to grow up in a whole new world, aren't you?" Molly giggled and cooed, clearly enjoying the attention.
Liam's expression turned serious again. "We're doing everything we can to prepare for the worst-case scenario. The hubs underground are designed to be self-sustaining, in case we're unable to save ourselves from other disasters."
Jonah nodded, his eyes narrowing. "And what about the nuclear plants in the eruption zone? What's being done about those?"
Liam's jaw clenched. "They're being decommissioned and moved far north. It's a precautionary measure, in case the earthquake triggers a meltdown. We can't afford to take any risks."
Jonah's expression was grim. "I can see why Selena is so driven. This is a matter of life and death."
Liam nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We're running out of time, Jonah. But with Selena's vision and our combined efforts, I think we might just have a chance to create a new future for humanity."
Liam turned to Jonah, his brother-in-law and Selena's brother, with a serious expression. "So, what about convincing your family to move here?" he asked, referring to Jonah's wife, son, and daughter.
Jonah chuckled, shaking his head. "She's a ginger; the sun is her enemy. I think Rose will be the real decider." He thought to himself, a small smile playing on his lips as he considered his shy daughter.
Liam chuckled, nodding in understanding. "Well, we'll just have to make sure to provide her with enough sunscreen and shade to last a lifetime."
Jonah laughed, shaking his head. "You have no idea. She's like a vampire, but instead of garlic, it's sunlight that repels her."
Liam grinned. "Well, we'll just have to make sure to provide her with a cape and a pair of fangs to go with her sunscreen."
Liam grinned. "Well, we can definitely provide some shade for your wife. And I'm sure Rose will love it here. We've got a great community, and the area kids are always excited to meet new friends. There is no division of rich or poor here. Humans are just Humans. Prejudice gets you kicked out."
Jonah's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes gazing out at the desert landscape. "Yeah, I think Rose would really like it here. She's a curious kid, always asking questions and exploring. And she's got a real green thumb, just like Selena. Grandma says her affinity for the goddess is about as high as her own."
Liam nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Do you think you can convince the others?" he asked, referring to their friends.
Jonah shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I can try, but no promises. I am sure the US will seem like a very bad option soon."
Jonah laughed, feeling a sense of relief. "You know, I think we're going to love it here." He watched the vast young orchards as they drove from the fields to the town.
As they drove, Liam's eyes drifted to his brother-in-law's face, and he asked again, "Seriously though, do you think you can convince them to move here? Jakob?" Liam thought about his own family, Jakob. It should be a couple of years before he gets the diagnosis. In his last life, he pushed on. In this life, he seemed depressed.
Jonah's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "I'll try my best. For my family, for humanity. We have been doing a lot of work at home to get the South American side of the operations up and running."
"They are not moving as fast because of the mess Truskin made. Michael is having a hell of a time purging the gang and white nationalists stirred up by that idiot." Jonah said.
The government was a mess, the dumbass who had fallen in line after to take over Truskin's war on society was a Libertarian woman, named Marlena Smith. She made a mess and slashed government spending, and let some billionaire personally raid the governments coffers.
Liam looked to Jonah, "I keep advising him to work on drug legalization and regulation and the gangs should become less of a problem. The amount of money that could go into social services by the profit stream of actually tolerating human behavior."
Jonah sighed, he looked at Liam "I know that you are worried, but we cannot save the people when the governments will not cooperate. Selena already visits world leaders and tells them exactly what will happen to them for a solid month to prove to them she is legitimate and to trust us. You cannot save everyone."
Liam sighed, they would be home soon," I know, it is just going to be awful. You have seen it, Rose has. I am worried about when the girls receive their gifts. I do not want them to know what is coming; they are just kids. Mostly, I just want Selena to be okay."
Jonah asked, curiosity getting the better of him, "Selena has always seemed to be haunted by the visions; the goddess only shows her the worst." Jonah paused. "That is why I am glad you force her to be happy and you support her. She has been such a gardener. I remember the garden and greenhouse she made at the house back home. Oh, and that science project on hydroponics. Was it then that you started liking her?"
Liam's face turned bright red as he began to answer, "No, it was the first week of grade 8, she was sick but she came into 3rd period math and just sat down and did the work without a complaint. When she stood I saw that she had the most..."
Liam paused, and Jonah, anticipating something embarrassing, punched him in the shoulder. "Gross."
Liam chuckled and continued, "Anyways, she had the most beautiful penmanship."
Jonah hung his head, laughing. "Sorry," he apologized, still grinning.
Liam couldn't resist adding, "Oh, and your sister is hot, ridiculously hot."
Jonah whacked him again, laughing. Molly, who was sitting in her carrier on Liam's chest, laughed with glee.
Jonah, Liam, and one-year-old Molly finally made it to The Reinhold home base. The self-driving vehicle had long stopped,the two were chatting and laughing together. Molly was sitting in her carrier on Liam's chest, giggling and playing with her toes.
Claire opened the door and leaned in, a big smile on her face. "Hey, asshole, when you whack Liam watch out for the baby," she teased Liam, as she reached in and scooped Molly out of her carrier.
Molly squealed with delight, reaching out to Claire with her chubby little arms. Claire laughed and hugged her niece tightly, spinning around to face Jonah and Liam.
Jonah smirked, "I missed you too, love of my life." Jonah rolled his eyes at his wife.
"Hiya, Molly!" Claire exclaimed, planting a kiss on the baby's forehead. "I'm so glad to see you, sweetie!"
Liam chuckled and shook his head, grinning at Jonah. "I guess I've been replaced as the favorite adult in Molly's life."
Jonah laughed and clapped Liam on the back. "Claire becomes everyone's favorite adult, that's why I put a ring on it."
As they stepped out of the vehicle, Claire turned to them with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Hey, let's get Molly inside and get her settled down. Then we can catch up and talk about the latest developments."
Liam gazed out at the four dusty Sol Bikes, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on his face. He had a feeling his twin daughters, Ava and Aya, were out raising hell again in the desert. Those two were always getting into mischief, and he wouldn't be surprised if they'd managed to drag their older cousin Rose and younger cousin Max into their adventures.
He chuckled to himself, wondering if the twins had already started working on their plan to convince their Aunt and Uncle to stay in the settlement. They were clever girls, and he had no doubt they'd come up with a scheme to persuade their family to join the community.
As he looked out at the settlement, Liam's thoughts turned to the rapid expansion that was underway. New domes were being added to the residential and entertainment sectors, and the construction of various attractions was in full swing.
In just two years, they'd be officially upgrading from a settlement to a city, and in four years, they'd be connecting with the sister settlement, Eden, and the third site in Namibia, Terra-uno.
The thought of it all was exhilarating, but also a little overwhelming. Liam knew they needed to expand quickly, but they also needed the right people to help lead the way.
He was praying that his friends, Jakob and Michael, would soon leave America to settle in the community and take on more leadership roles.
Especially with the influx of Americans that would be arriving in the years to come, Liam knew they'd need people with the skills and experience to help police and manage the growing population. Jakob and Michael were exactly the kind of guys he needed on his team.
Liam gazed out at the unique Conch shell-style homes, marveling at their innovative design. The fact that they were made to be moved, with no foundations, was a testament to the ingenuity of the AI that had created this eco-paradise. They would move these further inland once the soil was optimal and restart on sand.
The town and the eventual city would be made to be nomadic and move as the earth was revitalized. Its only purpose was to provide for the earth. Humans used to be nomads. They would go back to living with the planet, no against it under their care.
The AI's knowledge of the future had allowed it to design a system that was not only sustainable but also efficient. The internet, water, and sewage systems were all carefully managed and integrated into the fields, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity.
Liam's mind turned to the potential for multi-year harvests, and the possibility of creating a self-sustaining loop. It was a tantalizing prospect, one that could ensure the long-term survival of the community.
But, as he thought about it, Liam was also aware of the risks. The time loop, if it were to be used, would consume a massive amount of energy. It was a last resort, a safety net that would only be deployed if absolutely necessary.
Liam hoped that it would never come to that. He hoped that the community would be able to thrive and grow without needing to rely on the time loop. But, as he looked out at the homes and the fields, he knew that it was a possibility that had to be considered.