The Independent Worlds (The Sixteen Galaxies Book 2) Read Online Free Page A
Author: William Drayman
our form of government is not communism. Nobody in our society is supported by others, outside of those with genuine need. True, some are more privileged than others, but they have earned it, by proving their value.”
“Well, what about the families of those privileged ones?” Maitland countered. “What do they inherit when that person dies?”
Kestil arched an eyebrow at the befuddled statesman. “Our people aren’t in the habit of dying, Michael. However, if they do, any siblings under adult age are cared for by a willing couple. I believe your people call it fostering, do they not?”
Maitland nodded, and Kestil continued. “The idea of inheritance is something of an anathema to our culture. Everyone is rewarded according to their own effort, not their parents. The only thing parents pass to their children in our society is the quality of their upbringing; something closely monitored by our administration. Parents must provide a well-focused and suitable education for their children. Your habit of allowing people to instruct their children any way they choose is a direct cause of your populations overall decline in intellect. That and your deplorable mass-production approach to education.”
“Now hang on a minute there…”
Kestil spread his hands out to Maitland. “You wish to argue with your own government’s research, Michael?”
Maitland remained silent. A good point, he thought, but a sore one, especially with him. Education reform was one of his platforms for re-election, and his favorite hobby-horse.
Kestil waved a hand. “At any rate, I believe I have a suitable avenue I can utilize this Carter Granfield in. It is something I was going to pass to Vincent, of course, but it is just as easy to distribute the necessary technology through two companies. It may throw the conspiracy theorists what you call a curve ball, while removing the Granfield problem without more…extreme measures.”
Both men savored their drinks in quiet meditation for a few minutes.
Maitland decided to change the subject. “Tell me, Kestil. Why are you so unconcerned that Nuthros and his ship AI are still here? I mean no disrespect, but you have said yourself that they have the advantage technologically, and by a long way. Surely that will give us some headaches.”
Kestil smiled. “I will spare you the details, of course, but suffice it to say that their influence is soon to be curtailed to such a degree that they will become no more than an occasional nuisance. They have an edge in technology, but their pacifist nature makes them naïve, and open to counterattacks of a nature they do not expect.”
Maitland nodded. “I thought you would have that covered. Pardon my asking, I just wanted to be sure, that’s all.”
Kestil waved a deprecating hand. “No matter at all.” He leaned forward. “Now, I wanted to let you know I have decided to put myself out into the public eye; as a representative of the Independent Worlds, naturally.”
“Naturally.”
“I am to meet tomorrow with the same television people who interviewed that Somers woman; her old employers, in fact. They will interview me, and I will start to outline the differences between the Sixteen Galaxies and the Independent Worlds. My connection to your good self shall remain covert, of course. Your people are not ready to accept such intimate guidance from me, yet. The other thing I wish to address is the role of the UN.”
Maitland nodded. “The UN needs to be readied to become the Earth’s only government. Yes, it’s a logical progression.”
“Indeed, that is the plan. To that end, it will soon be time to enhance the UN’s role further. To achieve that, we must get the world’s governments to bend the knee. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, you humans are an obstinate race, and even though your ridiculous layers of government and disunity make no sense to anyone with any sense, dismantling that mess is going to take a lot of
“Well, what about the families of those privileged ones?” Maitland countered. “What do they inherit when that person dies?”
Kestil arched an eyebrow at the befuddled statesman. “Our people aren’t in the habit of dying, Michael. However, if they do, any siblings under adult age are cared for by a willing couple. I believe your people call it fostering, do they not?”
Maitland nodded, and Kestil continued. “The idea of inheritance is something of an anathema to our culture. Everyone is rewarded according to their own effort, not their parents. The only thing parents pass to their children in our society is the quality of their upbringing; something closely monitored by our administration. Parents must provide a well-focused and suitable education for their children. Your habit of allowing people to instruct their children any way they choose is a direct cause of your populations overall decline in intellect. That and your deplorable mass-production approach to education.”
“Now hang on a minute there…”
Kestil spread his hands out to Maitland. “You wish to argue with your own government’s research, Michael?”
Maitland remained silent. A good point, he thought, but a sore one, especially with him. Education reform was one of his platforms for re-election, and his favorite hobby-horse.
Kestil waved a hand. “At any rate, I believe I have a suitable avenue I can utilize this Carter Granfield in. It is something I was going to pass to Vincent, of course, but it is just as easy to distribute the necessary technology through two companies. It may throw the conspiracy theorists what you call a curve ball, while removing the Granfield problem without more…extreme measures.”
Both men savored their drinks in quiet meditation for a few minutes.
Maitland decided to change the subject. “Tell me, Kestil. Why are you so unconcerned that Nuthros and his ship AI are still here? I mean no disrespect, but you have said yourself that they have the advantage technologically, and by a long way. Surely that will give us some headaches.”
Kestil smiled. “I will spare you the details, of course, but suffice it to say that their influence is soon to be curtailed to such a degree that they will become no more than an occasional nuisance. They have an edge in technology, but their pacifist nature makes them naïve, and open to counterattacks of a nature they do not expect.”
Maitland nodded. “I thought you would have that covered. Pardon my asking, I just wanted to be sure, that’s all.”
Kestil waved a deprecating hand. “No matter at all.” He leaned forward. “Now, I wanted to let you know I have decided to put myself out into the public eye; as a representative of the Independent Worlds, naturally.”
“Naturally.”
“I am to meet tomorrow with the same television people who interviewed that Somers woman; her old employers, in fact. They will interview me, and I will start to outline the differences between the Sixteen Galaxies and the Independent Worlds. My connection to your good self shall remain covert, of course. Your people are not ready to accept such intimate guidance from me, yet. The other thing I wish to address is the role of the UN.”
Maitland nodded. “The UN needs to be readied to become the Earth’s only government. Yes, it’s a logical progression.”
“Indeed, that is the plan. To that end, it will soon be time to enhance the UN’s role further. To achieve that, we must get the world’s governments to bend the knee. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, you humans are an obstinate race, and even though your ridiculous layers of government and disunity make no sense to anyone with any sense, dismantling that mess is going to take a lot of
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