The Moonians: Conquering Earth by Enslaving Humans AUDIOBOOK

Chapter 1: The World in 2050

It was a pleasant morning, a delightful shining day.

General Edward was planning to arrange a party for his team to create an opportunity for relaxation after so many hectic days. It was long ago when they had retreated before the armed forces’ exercises. Everyone was so tired of the long exercises; all of them were getting bored with the routine life at the field area, where they were never able to take a break. The soldiers were used to it with the pattern of their lives – every day the same routine in the U.S. bunker, no change in life at all. But the news about the party was a great delight for everyone, who wanted some change.

General Edward cheered up all his boys and told them that it was a free moment, and they had all the liberty to enjoy it without strict protocols, as they usually had to maintain in the routine days.

‘May I ask a question, Sir?’ asked Lieutenant John, a newly recruited lieutenant.

‘Sure, son. I have already told you that you can ask any questions you want. Today is a free day.’ General Edward allowed him, in a pleasant mood.

‘Sir. I do want to ask about something. Why do we conduct so many exercises while we have no wars in the current times?’ Lieutenant John asked General Edward.

Everyone became silent in the hall. All of them were in fear that now he would be punished for such a blunt question. As a new soldier, how could he question the decisions and planning of the army high command?

General Edward kept looking at him without answering and then replied, ‘What do you want? Do you want to have war, so you can have justification for these exercises? Or you want us to quit the exercises for not having a war?’

‘Pardon me, Sir, if you did not like my question.’ Lieutenant John got nervous because of General Edward’s response to the question.

‘No, it is not about liking or disliking. I want to answer your question first. Only then, you will be able to understand my point,’ General Edward replied to him.

‘Sir, I am ready to serve my country in either way. Whatever our high command decides for us, I have no objection, but I need the understanding to justify it to myself that I am serving my country well, not getting paid to pass time in useless exercises.’ Lieutenant John stated his point of view.

Everyone in the hall was quite sure that this was Lieutenant John’s last day in the U.S. Army; he might have a court martial for interfering with sensitive policy matters.

General Edward observed the reaction of everyone and then responded. ‘Whatever we do at the armed forces is what has been expected from us. This is all that we ever need to justify to anyone or even to ourselves. We leave our families for the country, live in the bunkers and do what is required to prepare ourselves for any form of wars. This is to make sure that whenever there is a need, we are always ready for the it. This is all for what we are being paid for, so we should not look for justifications about what we do at our job.’

Lieutenant John asked another question. ‘Sir, do you think that this need will ever emerge, and we will be needing to fight another war for our country?’

‘Well, I am not able to predict anything, but one must always be ready to perform his job at the time of an emergency. So I am,’ General Edward replied.

Lieutenant John wanted to talk more, but his friends stopped, him and asked not to ask anything else because everyone was expecting a bad end to this discussion. So they all decided to enjoy the party and went back to their bunkers.

Although they had fears in their mind, General Edward was a different kind of person. He had noted some spark in Lieutenant John. He was happy to see his courage and his arguments to find logic because it was a sign of his wisdom, and he liked wise people.

The world had forgotten the meaning of war. The entire world had signed several accords not to attack one another, so the concept of war had become part of history. There was a peaceful environment in the entire world. The armed forces in all the countries performed exercises just to keep themselves prepared, but everyone knew that there will be no war because they knew that if any of the countries got into war, it would have to face serious penalties in the form of sanctions.

The students, walking out from the high school, were having a chat with one another. Everyone was so enthusiastic about their future endeavors. Emily wanted to become a spaceship designer. Victor wanted to join pilot training academy to fly airplanes. Elisa wanted to become an aeronautical engineer. Eric wanted to become a software designer.

‘What do you want to be?’ Victor asked Andrew, who had not shared a word yet.

He smiled. ‘I am still thinking. My father runs a factory for home accessories. I assume I will take that over and introduce new products to extend its range.’

All of them burst into laughter as if he had said something funny. They laughed so much that they made him really embarrassed in front of everyone.

‘What is so funny about it? Why are you laughing so much?’ Andrew got really annoyed at his friends.

‘My dear Andrew! This is 2050, not 2015. In this space age, you are planning to run a factory, without any innovative ambition of your own. Poor you. What have you studied for?’ Jonathon replied to him.

‘So what? Everyone cannot get into space sciences. Some people must manage the needs of the world and run businesses. What is wrong if I run a business?’ Andrew responded to the comment.

‘No harm, but you should have a bigger vision. The scientists are discovering new planets in the universe, and you will limit yourself to the conventional field of business? Why don’t you want to explore new fields?’ Elisa said.

‘No, I will evolve accordingly. I will also expand the reach of my factory to a global level. I can even enhance my business level of trade via use of internet. Then who knows I may even supply to the people settles on moon as one I am big enough corporation that will no longer be a problem for me. You will see in a few years. I will own private jets and will become the richest man on Earth.’

His eyes were bright with ambition, so no one was interested to continue any arguments with him.

New fuels had been invented at the cheapest cost compared to the past. These fuels were also cost effective and most were able to afford their private planes. The rest of those who could not afford them were bound to use conventional cars.

New advanced weapons had been invented and were being manufactured in huge numbers. Micro-sized tracking devices were commonly being used, which could even be deployed through small bees. Weapons were highly advanced, but there were of no use, apart from testing purposes because war was an alien concept now. No country was willing to get into a war; the only thing they would be interested to focus on was the development of their country’s’ economy.

The world leadership became so friendly with one another that several countries have signed mutual cooperation agreements. They still use spy devices just to satisfy the traditional skepticism against one another; however, they would find nothing because no one was interested in war. The positive tendency was all over; none of them wanted a waste of financial, material and human resources in the process of wars. No one expected another instability in the world because emergence of peace had totally changed the landscape of the world.

Scientists had invented space jet technology for army jets, which helped them in developing capabilities to have a journey to the moon with ease that was why they never paid attention to making the moon their permanent base. They had discovered some habitable planets which were discovered through the James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021. The Earth scientists had developed a small base with fifty people on Mars. They were also focused on making it bigger to enable interstellar missions of future.

After the discoveries of these planets and rumors around them, people started to feel insecure due to fear of potential aliens. Most of the rich people, especially in developed countries, had built private bunkers in their homes just to secure themselves in case of alien or other biological attacks. Aliens were an unseen threat; therefore no one could predict what could happen in the future.

The world leaders were having a meeting at the global level. All the small and large countries of the world were participating in it. The agenda was global development in all areas of life in all countries.

The U.S. president opened the session. ‘I welcome all the heads of the states from all over the world. We have gathered here to discuss the pace of overall development of the globe. So we will discuss how we can help the small countries in developing an equal status of developed ones.’

It was discussed that the developed countries would share their technology with the smaller countries so that there was no difference or deprivation. The weapons made by the stronger countries were also discussed. It was debated whether the smaller countries should also have similar weapons like the developed countries, but this resolution could not be agreed upon. The smaller countries shared their view that they did not need the weapons because of the peaceful environment all over the world, so the transfer of weapons and related technology was useless.

It was finally agreed that the developed countries would facilitate the educational facilities in the smaller states to bring them to the parallel position in terms level of education and knowledge. The resolution was passed unanimously, and the heads of the states started their meetings with one another to sign different agreements on developmental cooperation as agreed during the global leaders’ meeting. It was another great step for the leadership to enhance prosperity in the world.

The doctors’ consultation meeting was presenting the achievements of the physicians over the last few decades. There were several concerns which were being discussed.

Dr Thomas said, ‘There is no doubt that we have overcome diseases, which is the greatest success in over the past few decades, but this has raised another big concern. Doctors all over the world have nothing to do since their services are no longer required. All the human beings in all the countries are really in a good state of health. There are no diseases for doctors to find cure for. No human beings have been diagnosed with diseases for over a decade, not even the traces of the smallest medical issues, such as the flu or allergies. Doctors are hopelessly sitting at their practice places as there was no one needed consultation. Hospitals are inactive for months due to no hospital admissions. The equipment was getting dysfunctional due to non-usage. Above all, the profession itself was under threat since the doctors have nothing to work on now.’

Dr Stevenson also showed the same concern. ‘All the viruses have been cured, and the chances for infections and diseases have been eliminated. The young people have less motivation to become doctors now because they knew there is no future for them. If the situation persists, there will be no doctors for the upcoming generations.’

‘Now what should we do with the existing doctors and the medical colleges?’ asked Dr Gloria, who was facilitating the consultation.

Dr Marry presented a solution. ‘Since medical colleges are unsuccessful in getting new admissions, faculty and staff are not paid. That is why they are all quitting their jobs. In this scenario, it would be better to close all the educational institutes except paramedical training colleges which assist in dealing with wounds, as this was the only possibility for medical practice i.e. in case of accidents. Medical colleges and hospitals are not required anymore, so they should be turned into any alternative business facility. However, the remaining doctors will have to look after smaller countries where their services might be required.’

The president asked for votes regarding the resolution. The resolution was passed unanimously; medical colleges and hospitals all over the world were closed and turned into alternative business facilities.

This was the beginning of a new medical development era, but there was something that could lead to some serious problems as entire medical workforce was useless now, and they were looking for new type of occupations.

It was good news indeed – but for whom?

Who knows? Nobody could predict what kind of disaster was on its way.

General Edward had just returned to his cabin after the exercises. Upon seeing Colonel Michael passing by, he asked

‘How are you, Colonel?’ asked General Edward.

‘Absolutely fine, Sir. What about you, Sir?’ Colonel Michael replied.

‘Fine. Why don’t you join me over a cup of tea? I want to discuss something with you.’ General Edward made a generous offer to the colonel.

‘Why not? It will be my pride, Sir,’ said the Colonel.

They entered the cabin. While having tea, the general asked Colonel Michael, ‘Do you remember that boy in the party who had asked me the question about war?’

‘Yes, Sir. He is Lieutenant John. He is youngest in this battalion,’ Colonel Michael replied.

‘Can you tell me a little more about him?’ General Edward asked him.

Colonel Michael looked a little hesitant.

‘Sir. Lieutenant John is new in this battalion. He was not very much aware of the protocol. Please pardon him for his overconfidence. I assure you that he has a lot of potential to become a great soldier in this battalion, please don’t punish him’ Colonel Michael stated respectfully.

General Edward laughed pleasantly. ‘Who told you that I wanted to punish him? No I won’t, to me, bravery is the synonym of a word soldier. And a soldier must be brave enough to face his leader and talk to him without fear.’

Colonel Michael was also happy to hear that. ‘Thank you so much, Sir. I am really impressed by your thoughts,’ he said.

‘Now tell me all about him,’ the general said.

‘Sir, he is the grandson of Colonel Martin, who was martyred during the war in 2014. His father did not join the army being afraid of this incident as he lost his father in the war. But John was really inspired by his grandfather. He is very ambitious to serve his country as a soldier. That is why he shared his thoughts so openly,’ Colonel Michael said.

‘I had realised that day his potential and the fact that this boy must have a strong background story behind his questions,’ said General Edward.

‘Yes, Sir. He is really obsessed with patriotism. All of us are aware of his thoughts and feelings because he shares everything with the companions. His loyalty cannot be doubted. That’s why everyone in the battalion likes him,’ Colonel Michael explained.

‘Has he come back from the field now?’ General Edward asked about him.

‘Yes, Sir. He has returned from today’s exercises,’ Colonel Michael said.

‘OK. Ask him to meet me. Now,’ General Edward ordered Colonel Michael.

‘Sure, Sir,’ Colonel Michael responded respectfully. The meeting was dismissed.

General Edward received a message. ‘Lieutenant John is here to meet you, Sir.’

‘Send him in,’ General Edward responded.

John entered respectfully and saluted the general. ‘I have been told you wanted to see me, Sir.’

‘Yes, I wanted to discuss the questions you asked that day at the party. What made you ask that question? Do you think that you are ready for a war?’ General Edward asked him.

‘A soldier’s life is meant for war, Sir,’ Lieutenant John replied respectfully.

‘But I have heard that your grandfather lost his life in the war. Are you not afraid of death?’ General Edward asked him.

‘No, Sir. How can I be afraid? He is my real inspiration who led me into the army. He is our pride. He sacrificed his life for the country,’ Lieutenant John said.

‘But that does not mean that you should wish for war without any reason,’ General Edward said.

‘Sir, I felt that if I can do nothing in the army and just get paid for nothing, there is no point for me to have any pride, and just be a soldier for the names sake,’ Lieutenant John said.

‘Don’t worry, son. There will be lots of opportunities for you to prove your worth for the country. Just keep yourself prepared and keep working hard till that time,’ General Edward advised him politely.

‘Sure, Sir, but can I ask another question?’ Lieutenant John requested of him.

‘Yes, you may. I want you to openly share your thoughts with me.’ General Edward generously allowed him.

Lieutenant John asked another complicated question. ‘Sir, the world environment is full of peace now. There are no border clashes, no wars among the countries, and no conflicts which might lead to war. Several accords have been signed, and we know that the army will no longer be required to fight. Then what are the armies for?’

General Edward put out another question in response to his query. ‘That’s not the way you should think during these peaceful times on earth. A soldier must be ready for war anytime. The threats could emerge without notice. How will we save our motherland if we are not ready when she needs us?’

‘I agree with you, Sir. I will remember your words. I will work hard, as much as I can. I assure you if the motherland needs me anytime, she will not find me reckless,’ Lieutenant John said.

‘Just remember one thing. To us, the threats are not limited to our planet itself. There are so many other planets which we know can sustain and could harbor alien life. Who knows if they are friendly or non-friendly? So our spectrum has widened a lot. For a soldier, skepticism is the key sentiment. We cannot stay relaxed by thinking that all is well around the earth as anything can happen without notice and we must be in war mode all the time. That is our responsibility to our motherland,’ General Edward said.

Lieutenant John was really inspired by his words. He saluted and was dismissed. He was relaxed now; knowing that he was not working uselessly in the army and was feeling good about himself. Now he knew that someday he would have the opportunity to serve his country to the best of his capability.

The overall environment in 2050 was so ideal that it could never have been imagined by the elder citizens who had seen the wars and anarchy in the world a few decades ago. There were no diseases, no wars, no need of weapons, no conflicts, and no poverty; it was just a perfect world. Things were so good that no one could ever think of tension in the world again. Wars were only mentioned in bedtime stories by grandparents; no one could recall of what the wars were like. Earthlings thought of themselves as the most advance planet in the universe, while there were few small planets which had been explored over the last few decades. Earth was still true leader in the universe for having an ideal location in its neighborhood.

Jet planes had become so fast and advanced that they had become a common mode of travel between planets. Because of this development, there was another consideration to develop permanent bases on each of other planets. However, there was no consensus on the idea yet because these planes were costly to operate, so only limited trips were made each year per planet on an absolute need basis. However, inter-planet movement was opening further avenues for ideas regarding development. The scope for everything was broadening to a wider spectrum, which was quite encouraging for development professionals who were ambitious in bringing forward several innovative ideas.

Things were never better than the current scenario, but John was a little confused because of various thoughts. Though he was really inspired by the conversation with General Edward, one thing was bothering him, from the last discussion he had with him. Everyone was fully convinced about the peaceful status of the world and that there were no chances of war. Then what was it that was alarming General Edward in such an ideal scenario? That was a question for which even General Edward himself did not have an answer. What was going to happen? He simply understood that he had to wait as only time will tell what was it.