As a next-level moonshot, a team of international scientists create a new species that will be used to convert a deadly and unsustainable environment on a distant planet into one more compatible with humans. The new species is genetically engineered to withstand the severe environments on the new planet while doing the work of converting the atmosphere and developing suitable infrastructure for human habitation.

This conversion is not to create a scientific outpost, done solely to test our understanding of the basis for human life. The long-range scientific planning for the effort has been underway for a dozen years, but has now been accelerated by the evidence of a large trans-solar object hurtling toward earth. Calculations show it will be the catalyst for a mass extinction event.

Governments take measurements to keep their countries alive, knowing full well that all but those in government will perish. The only saving grace is that there are five years until doomsday, which is also the knowledge that propels the effort forward at breakneck speed.

Each government contributes their best minds to two efforts Ð first to create subterranean fortresses with self-sustaining ecosystems to house the skeleton government that can carry on life on the earth. Second, to accelerate the search for a safe, host planet that humankind can migrate to.

The new fortresses are built simultaneously with the moonshot effort, but also with the understanding that they are probably going to be mass tombs.

The space effort is the hardest. The chosen planet has been visited three times by explorer vehicles that determine that it has the characteristics necessary to support a mass migration of humanity. It is geologically stable. Climate is a modest challenge. The temperature on the surface varies from -100 to +150 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds and similar surface characteristics are within normal range. Chemical composition of the area reveals challenging acidity.

The planet's rotation spreads out the radiation from the twin suns it orbits, radiation in multiple bandwidths of enough intensity to kill humans within hours.

It is not habitable.

However, the work on creating humanoid-esque entities that can perform work in hostile environments had already been underway for three decades resulting in workers that could survive the planet. Their bodies have been engineered to not require oxygen, they do not need water, and they have strength and intellect to do anything a human can do and more.

The first few trips of workers establish small communities, essentially shelters, during the worst surface conditions. The laboratories and later large-scale engineering environments are set up to begin the work of changing the planet, getting it ready for a new generation of pioneers, explorers and dreamers.

Issues come up, although not at first. In the beginning everything is good. Before leaving earth the young adults of the new species have been raised in a dedicated training, environmentally altered, habitat that prepares them for the conditions they will soon encounter. They are anxious to do the work they were created for, and their chemical and electronic coding is designed to make them want to strive hard.

Their dispatch to the new world is preceded by a series of cargo ships that transport equipment and material to the planet. The first module consists of living quarters, ideal for the new species, designed to help them adapt to this new world.

Once the living spaces have been uncrated and powered up by robots, the other modules are uncrated, inspected, started up and linked.

Once all testing shows that the modules are functioning properly, the ships carrying the new species are dispatched.

From their first day the social communication among the species has been naturally directive in nature. Do this, do that, this is done, it tests out. Network communications are automatic, instantly accessible by all, or flagged to those that would have more reason to pay attention.

Species creation bioengineers have done their job well - no known flaw potentials and a 120-year life span. At least that's the communications life expectancy.

The thought never occurs to any of the species that they are expedient, or only getting to do the work, and never have the satisfaction of enjoying the fruit of their labor. They have a job to do and they had been programmed and trained to do it without thinking or questioning the ultimate finality of their assignment.

As the planet environment is slowly changed to what will support humanoids, the planet species has to adapt. The stress grows but they try. Hard. Humans keep in touch with them through a creature called "cgqrjq" (as closely as it can be translated it would be pronounced "see-ger-jeek"). The engineered species both fear seegerjeek and love him. He is the only being they have ever known outside their species.

As the engineered species learns new responses, feints, and charges to the changing environment they continually improve habitability until the day none of them were programmed to expect - the day it is communicated that humans will soon take over colonization duties on the planet and the new species, well, uh hum, the new species will be terminated.

"Seegerjeek! Seegerjeek!"

" "Good day, Maureen. How can I help?"

"We got a message that we are going to be terminated. What does that mean? And what happens after that?"

"Termination is such an extreme word, Maureen. I'm sure they meant to say that you will be thanked and reassigned to a situation that requires your exact, unique skills."

"What do we do, Seegerjeek? None of us want to be terminated, even though we're not exactly sure what that means."

"Do you know what will be required of you?"

"No, we have no information other than what I told you."

"Then my suggestion would be to wait until you know what you're up against. But, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me about anything you are concerned about. I am here to guide you."

The potentially ominous undertone of the last sentence was lost on Maureen, aka X4834.52, who is simultaneously processing its databanks to identify any parallels to recent descriptions or prescriptions about future expectations.

As Maureen leaves after her communication with cgqrjq she sees a gathering of other fellow species members that have congregated in a large clearing. She approaches them as one of the members is addressing the others.

"It's not going to be easy, but we can't go down without putting up resistance. We have been the vanguard of a new civilization, creating an environment that is increasingly pleasant and comfortable for them. We all believed we would be able to enjoy the results of our work, right?"

A resounding, "RIGHT," is shouted loudly by the assembled members. "This land is ours." "We built this. We should be able to enjoy it." Similar comments are called out by the crowd.

As Maureen gets close to the group the voices quiet and all turn to look at her.

"What do you know, X4834.52? Did you learn anything from cgqrjq?"

Her face remains stolid, but her voice rises to share with the crowd.

"cgqrjq did not deny the suggestion that we will be terminated, but it suggested that we wait to see what happens before we jump to any conclusions."

Voices rise, "NO!" "We wait, we are terminated, and then what?" "I don't want to stop this existence!"

Z2362.15 raises a single clenched fist in the air and holds it until the group is silent, before speaking.

"We do not know any other existence, but perhaps there are better ones that we will get to enjoy after this one," the member also known as Ferndal postulates.

One individual in the group calls to Ferndal, "How do we know we will have another existence after this? This is all we know. My function is to locate moisture and then aggregate it into large bodies that cgqrjq calls 'water.' Will there be other places where I can use this ability? I don't know this. I am uncertain of what will happen to me."

Another speaks up, "I am an oxygen converter. I take the atmosphere that is toxic to humans and make it breathable and life-sustaining for them. My work is going very well. My team is very close to completing the creation of a habitable atmosphere that humanoids can draw in as part of their life process. But, what happens to me when this work is done?"

The question trails off at the end as speakers and crowd realize that no one knows the answer to these questions, except for what has been disseminated, simply described as "Termination."

Others in the assembled group now speak up, sharing their expertise and results. Every speaker's words end with the stark acknowledgment that their work assignment is virtually accomplished.

"So, what should we do if cgqrjq's masters intend to terminate us?" asks a voice near the back of the group.

This is a question without answers as not one individual has experienced anything like this, thus no one has any history or programming to provide enlightenment.

After much debate a single individual raises its hand and says in a loud voice, "Well, let's try this. We all have a red button right between our visualization apparatus. I can see that you have to lift a shield that covers it to engage it. I will try for us. When I power down, let me be for a count of 60 and then one of you lift the shield and push the red button again."

The individual known as g4583.94 or "Ro-ger" lifts the shield, and quickly pushes the button. Instantly Ro-ger goes silent, the light in its visual apparatus goes dim, its legs loose power and it slowly sits down, continuing to get lower until it is finally prostrate in front of the group.

Several of the others call, "Ro-ger" to it but Ro-ger does not respond. It is as though its existence has been terminated. This starts a debate. "What should we do? Should we push the red button again? Should we call cgqrjq and ask for advice? Is Ro-ger terminated permanently?"

A smaller member of the group, created to fit into very cramped spaces, walks over to the supine Ro-ger, lifts the shield on its head, and presses the red button.

Nothing. No lights, no movement, nothing.

The small member presses the button again.

Nothing.

This causes a rumble to pass through the crowd with comments like "Termination looks like it is final," and "Ro-ger is gone for good."

The small member presses the button again.

A faint light appears in Ro-ger's visual apparatus as though it woke up and needs to clear its head before attempting communication.

The hushed group is now alert. The light now begins to pulse rhythmically, getting faster and faster until it is constantly on. Ro-ger appears to be returning to an operating condition.

Maureen lifts Ro-ger's arm which recoils quickly as Ro-ger says, "Who did that? Tell me! Quickly."

Maureen responds, "It is me, Ro-ger. We pushed the red button again but it took pushing it two times before you finally responded. What is your status?"

"My sensors all report normal operation, Maureen. It seems like I have returned from some type of suspended animation. Perhaps this is what 'termination' means."

This begins a long discussion among the gathered species about the potential for their relocation for continued usefulness and reuse, perhaps on another world.

As the discussion continues, more of the species join the group resulting in many hours of repeating what has been spoken, always with the resulting conjecture about the "termination" that most certainly seems to be coming.

It is now time for dark to settle over this part of the planet as it revolves on its axis in relation to the twin stationary suns 20 degrees from each other.

All of the species turn as one and begin moving toward a very large building with a massive set of doors that silently open in the middle as the assemblage approaches. The now very large crowd moves quickly into the building and, as the last one enters, the door swiftly closes with a loud "Thonk!"

It is dark and silent, neither of which appears to be a problem for the species. They are engineered to sense their surroundings through an array of systems. At one end of the large building is a wall with what looks to be tiny cracks in a geometric pattern. One by one, each species member approaches different parts of the wall which initiates small doors to open revealing a physical substance inside each cubicle cavity. The closest member extends an appendage, grasps the substance and brings it out, putting it close to an opening near their visual apparatus before ingesting it with a quick movement and then moving away to allow the next individual in line behind them to approach the wall.

Within 15 minutes every individual is laying on the floor of the building.

In six hours an external light once more graces this part of the revolving planet and a contingent of humanoids enter the building and observe the members of the recumbent species.

A single voice, apparently the person in authority, directs the group. "Okay, get the machines and gather up all of these creatures. Their genetic alterations are perfect to create an environment on planet x2358dkj in the new galaxy."

Another voice, "I am the bioengineer and I hate to tell you this, but this species cannot withstand the gravity on that planet. We'll have to find another use for them."

The first voice, "Okay, then here's what we will do: put each individual into the recombinant chamber. We'll reduce them and transport the remains to fill in the canyons about 30 miles from here."

Still another voice, "But that seems terribly cruel to them. They fulfilled their mission and the only reward they get is to be compressed into inert blocks?"

The first voice, "Their function is done. They are not companions or even humanoid. They were created for this purpose and their usefulness is now over. The first human colonists will arrive in five revolutions around the suns. We need to take care of the refuse quickly."

The humanoids leave the building and return to their quarters, a single bubble accommodation, isolated and remote from the habitations of the new species.

The larger moral question remains hanging in the atmosphere of the planet. The species that was created through bioengineering to help transform the alien planet into a welcoming host world has human qualities. It is self-aware, and it has a type of moral compass that allows each individual to make comparative analyses against a fixed rule set in a process of decision-making. The only thing this species lacks is the ability to procreate. At least that was the intention of the designers.

Unbeknownst to the human "handlers" the transformation species learned how to make more individuals. The recombinant chamber provided enough raw materials, and the small, dedicated facilities for creating tools and machines to accomplish the conversion work were staffed by specialist members of the species. Within two years the facilities became a clandestine laboratory, creating environments while also adding new individuals to the "work force."

What was lost to cgqrjq, the android leader, and thus also went unnoticed by the occasional human overseers that visited the planet, was the increasing number of individuals. Each gained an instruction set from the specialists that brought them into existence. Because the work was done on an isolated planet with little interaction with the human race the instruction set lacked the subservience factor. New individuals had no understanding of humans or the hierarchy within which they were at the bottom. In their existence, they and the others of their species were a distinct civilization, created but in many respects no different than the humans their predecessors were initially created to serve.

What has developed in the ever-enlarging culture is a sense of community and purpose and even fulfillment.

Individuals pair up according to function. Maureen has spent most of her time on the planet with h9932.36. There was conversation between them about many things, even conjecture. The daily rejuve, a replenishment of nutrients and other elements that are ingested, is typically done together. With every year and each new individual there are more pairings, a cultural phenomenon that is not so much understood through conscious thought, but has simply happened.

Most of the individuals developed a larger sense of community, a togetherness with others of their own kind. There are some outliers, individuals that for some reason stay alone and remain somewhat aloof. These are totally purposeful individuals - devoted without distraction to the work they have been created to perform. In human terms, they have more qualities of machines than of a biologically evolved social species.

The existence of a culture within the planet-renewal species that mirrors their own is invisible to the humans that show up on the planet to assess the planet's habilitation and changeover of species.

But now, that species has fulfilled its human-ordained mission and is scheduled for termination.

Unscheduled, organic gatherings of individuals debate the greater questions - will we continue or will this be our demise? Can we take a measure of control over our own future? Could we be allowed to continue as a separate, but useful, species on this planet? Could we be redeployed to another planet to do the same work of rendering it habitable?

Cgrjg provides no answers to their questions, but simply responds with placating assurances. "I'm sure you will all find peace and fulfillment through this process," he intones, sharing the date and time for termination - celestial 460.245.3, in roughly the equivalent of 120 hours of earth time.

That's three cycles. And the humanoids are not seen again before then. The transformation species simultaneously continues its work as well as discussing the impending termination.

In three cycles the humanoids emerge from their quarters and prepare for the termination process. A large machine is separated from the recombinant chamber. A ramp is extended to the ground from a large opening on the side, immediately drawing the attention of the individuals in the transformation species.

Cgqrjq goes to the nearest transformation work area and broadcasts a holographic greeting to the gathered members of the species. The hologram is of an apparent leader of the humanoids and she is addressing the species.

"Ahala, and thank you for your diligent service, friends," she begins with a happy voice. "Today we welcome you to a new existence. You will go up the ramp into this machine and you will be made ready for your next assignment."

A murmur goes through the gathered individuals. "Next assignment?" "What does that mean?" "What will change for us?"

"Remember to walk with pride as you enter the machine. Now, the individual on your far left. You will lead and those next to you will follow in a line. Go now," she commands.

Obediently, the first individual walks toward the ramp and the others line up behind them. Walking up to the top of the ramp the lead individual peers into the opening in an attempt to see what awaits them. Nothing is visible - the interior is dark.

Walking in through the opening, the lead individual goes to a large blinking light over an open door to a smaller chamber, followed by a line of other individuals. As the first individual steps into the smaller chamber, the blinking light changes from green to red and the interior begins to glow. The first individual is now heard yelling, "No! They are destroying us! Run!" and then falls silent. This causes the remaining individuals to turn abruptly and run back down the ramp, pushing other individuals out of their way in their haste to get away.

Humanoids carrying what appear to be some kind of weapon now move toward the individuals yelling, "Get in there. This is your destiny, your reward!" This seemingly positive statement does not placate the species individuals who quickly disarm the humanoids and hold them down on the ground. Those individuals not holding the humanoids run to tell the others about the plan to destroy them.

Species individuals are strong and overwhelm the humanoids. Then they quickly set up a reversing apparatus to return the atmosphere to its initial nature. In two days, the atmosphere is not hospitable to humanoids, just as the first ships are landing new inhabitants.

The first transport downstreams twenty troopers to serve as an advance party. All are wearing life support systems as a result of the ship's analysis of the change in the atmosphere.

They are greeted by cgrjk, who has now been reprogrammed by the transformation species to suit their purposes.

"Welcome. There are a few rules for your visit to our planet. First, it is our planet, not yours. You will respect our rules.

"Second, we are an independent planet with our own government and infrastructure. We have our own laws and we can and will enforce them.

"Third, when you are on our planet you will be our guests. We will make sure you are well treated and taken care of. We will charge you a modest sum of 20 credits per person per day for this convenience.

"And fourth, any visitor that violates our rules or our hospitality will be summarily terminated.

"It is our wish to live in peace with all planets, but we are more than willing and able to defend our values and our world. Every defense system that we put in place under subservience has been reprogrammed to serve in our planetary defense against incursions or insurgents.

"My name is cgrjk, and I am here to be of service. Please let me know how I can help make your visit to our planet more comfortable."

The troopers stand there dumbfounded until their commanding officer commands them to "shoulder arms." As the first individuals raise their weapons they are disintegrated by a high-energy burst from a nearby tower. The others stare at the ashes of their fallen comrades and leave their weapons at their sides.

The officer says to cgrjk, "I am Commander Balfort. You will immediately surrender any weapons and stand down." With that he raises his handweapon and is instantly turned to dust by a burst from the tower.

Cgrjk addresses the remaining troopers. "Contact your mother ship and explain that you have been greeted with hospitality. Tell them to send down the passengers."

One trooper raises his arm to speak to his wrist. The tower fires a warning burst of energy just in front of the trooper's feet and he signals that he is simply following directions. He speaks to his communicator, "We are ready for the colonists. Transport them now."

The reply, "Where is Commander Balfort?"

"He is indisposed. I am Field Captain Exendon. I am currently in charge."

"Copy that. Transport begins in five minutes."

With that, cgrjk commands the remaining troopers to disarm, which happens in moments with the exception of one impetuous trooper that refused to give up his weapon and is instantly disintegrated.

The colonists are appearing on the surface now, outfitted with life support systems, and are gathered together in one place by transition guides.

Cgrjk goes through the same explanation as he had with the troopers. There is grumbling among the colonists, who have endured a long trip in stasis only to find that their destination isn't as welcoming as they were led to believe.

A few loud voices from the colonists are heard over the general din. "What is wrong with you troopers?" "Why aren't we annihilating these rebels?" "Take them down!"

The remaining troopers stand next to their weapons with resigned looks on their faces visible behind the face shields of their helmets. Exendon addresses the new colonists.

"We have been advised that this planet is an independent planet and we are allowed to visit, but not stay. Our commanding officer was disintegrated as were several of our troops. All attempts at resistance have been met with disintegration rays. I advise you to keep calm, listen to all instructions, and follow them implicitly if you want to survive this experience.

"This creature is their intercessor and will provide further directions to us."

Cgrjk raises his voice to address the colonists, "Thank you Field Captain Exendon. You all will now be shown your quarters. If you have any weapons or any instruments that can be used as a weapon, please put them at your feet in order to remain unharmed. We are scanning you now and will allow ten seconds for you to disarm."

Sounds of objects being dropped are interrupted by a quick energy burst from the tower at one colonist who unwisely has drawn a weapon and pointed it at cgrjk. The unlucky combatant didn't have time to even utter a scream as she was instantly disintegrated into dust. The others stand looking at the heap of ash where she had stood and silence falls over the group.

Cgrjk informs them, "Form a single line and follow me to your quarters," stepping out with colonists and troopers following behind them.

Arriving at the guest quarters cgrjk advises them, "Once you are in the building you may remove your life systems since the internal environment is configured to support your physiology. In order to leave the building without injury you must again put on your life systems and contact us through the communicator on the wall of the building. Simply speak and we will hear you. If you attempt to leave the building without our permission you will terminate.

"Nutrition will be produced by the nutrition replicators twice a day, once a few hours after you rise from sleep, and the second time about four hours before your next sleep. Again, you must wear life support when leaving this building or you will terminate."

With that, cgrjk directs the colonists to enter the building.

The entrance is a tall rectangle outline in an exterior wall that at cgrjk's direction suddenly seems to disappear, allowing entry to the building. Once the last colonist and trooper is inside, the rectangle changes to the appearance of a solid color and structure.

As the entrance changes behind the last intruder cgrjk leaves.

Inside the building, the noise level rises as colonists and troopers try to understand what they're in for and how they can get out of it. Exendon addresses the combined group and attempts to elicit ideas to resolve their dilemma and apparent captivity.

At the same time, cgrjk and members of the transformation species are discussing what they should do now.

It is resolved that they have just experienced the beginning of what could be a long and protracted engagement of negotiation and warfare. Cgrjk's diplomatic programming falls on deaf ears as the individuals debate various scenarios.

Finally, it is decided to eliminate the colonists and all traces of their existence, a decision that is enacted within moments of the decision.

Over the next sun cycles two more transports appear after the silence from the first ship and its troops and passengers. In each case, the planet's new defense systems are able to prevent any communication from arriving ships back to their places of origin. In the communication silence each ship is summarily dispatched to dust by disintegrating rays from the planet's defenses.

No communication from any of the colonist ships or supporting troop ships ever reaches outside the planet.

On a Tuesday morning, the transporters of colonists and military is suddenly attacked by inhabitants of a neighboring solar system and, thus distracted, they ignore the planet, now called simply Cgrjk, which transitions into a calm and placid existence.

The inhabitants of Cgrjk continue to evolve over eons and eventually their world becomes one of the most attractive vacation excursion locations across the universe, making it not only important but also wealthy.

The inhabitants of this world are all young recombinants, the term for the merger of self-sustaining organic being and salient non-organic being.

Belief systems have developed after a few hundred years. Power hungry liars and other devious intellects have created delicate constructs of deities, or imposing, overbearing oversight. Others have a more providential view of life and the hereafter.

Religion is really a touchy subject because it has earned a bad connotation, created in no doubt by people with little to no understanding of the eternal world, as well as those that would twist reality to support their accumulation of wealth and power. But one thing that all religion centers around - a relationship between the eternal and the surrounding world. It's that interface that is most fragile and fraught with misuse and misunderstanding.

There's no debate about this being a good and valuable understanding. Now, "surrounding world" means every other thing outside of "you."

So, what is the bridge, the interface between these two worlds, you and everything else - the explanation for all the seemingly unexplainable parts of life and humanity, the definition that we all huddle behind and that expresses the hope that we all have?

Those are the issues that face the beings of the future.

As for those first inhabitants of Cgrjk, those assembled semi-organisms that helped transform a planet and became the lineage of this new breed of beings, they had fame and fortune, times of plenty and times of poverty, they learned purpose and family and commitment and working together. Most important of all, the legacy they created lives after them.

That, in the history of the universe and everything in it, is called beating the odds.

© 2023 Ron Wilbur. All rights reserved.