Sinking into the chair, I marvel at its immediate responsiveness, wrapping me in a sensation akin to weightlessness. The ergonomic design seems almost sentient, molding itself to the contours of my body with a precision that blurs the line between comfort and an embrace.
Each curve and contour of the chair cradles me, creating an illusion of floating on a cloud. The chair seems to think, adjusting to my movements like a perfect reflection.
"Hey Tex, whose bust was that we passed back there?"
"That was the ancient Green, Paolo Soleri, father of the arcology."
"Oh. Never heard of him."
"Few have, Nathan."
Gazing across the expanse of the Sylvan Grove, I find solace in the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before me. The contrast between this lush, multi-leveled forest and the memory of my former cramped living space without windows evokes a profound appreciation.
The exclusive Arcadia of Eros shows a clear contrast between the wealthy and the working class. Arcology uses confined density to protect the environment and provide dynamic urban activities. Instead of growing outwards, the idea is to grow upwards and inwards.
After passing checkpoints, a world of opulence opens up inside the arcology. The air within is purified and scented, a stark contrast to the gritty, hazy, metal-scented atmosphere of the rest of the colony. Wide boulevards adorned with holographic displays lead to expansive parks, lush with greenery that seems like an anomaly in this hollowed asteroid habitat.
Each arcology is a self-contained ecosystem, sealed off from the harsh realities of the outer colony. Fusion power plants ensure a continuous, independent energy supply, while advanced life support systems maintain a comfortable environment. This encapsulated paradise provides a refuge for the elite, shielded from the struggles of the less fortunate on Eros.
Arcadia is a several-kilometer-tall circular inverted tower that appears twisted and hangs from the "roof" of the excavated asteroid. Pools and small lakes shimmer in the artificial sunlight, reflecting the wealth and extravagance of the elite.
The sound of running water, a luxury in the slums, is a constant melody, creating an ambiance of tranquility. Elliptical gondola lifts have many beehives tucked and protected under the outer edges of their shafts. Small animals, an extreme rarity on Eros, roam free.
"The small animals you see Nathan are clones of water deer, muntjac, rabbits, squirrels, and various species of tropical birds designed to contribute to the illusion of a terrestrial paradise," Tex said.
"Oh, I was wondering. It's been a long time since I saw live animals or so much water."
"Jade perch, tilapia and freshwater dragonfish, a delicacy for the rich, are handpicked from the deeper lakes and ponds."
"No surprise. I've only eaten real fish a few times as it is so damned expensive. Lots of damn trees down there. Been a while since I've seen those as well."
"The towering trees you see, include cedar, several varieties of oak, pine, and some cloned exotic species such as manilkara chicle. Several types of fruit trees are scattered throughout."
"Perhaps after we eat, Nathan you would care to walk through the Grove," Dr. Rhys said.
"The landscape feels unreal, contrasting with the industrial area and my shithole flat outside."
Eros arcology agriculture produces soft fruits and veggies, usually on the highest levels closer to the roof, which are dedicated to food production for the residents only. Other levels provide sports, swimming, and lounging areas under artificial sunlight. Nudity is common and unremarkable, as is public sex.
Back in my old flat, devoid of any glimpse of the outside world, the absence of windows meant missing out on the slum's dreariness.
"Those are some bright-ass birds," I mutter.
"The Sylvan Grove avian spectacle is a meticulously crafted clone of Earth's once-abundant rainforest and tropical birds, predominantly parrots and their kin. In times past, the experience allowed patrons to partake in the joy of feeding these colorful inhabitants."
Tex pauses, looking out over the artificial forest. "However, practical concerns emerged, fears of avian excrement and the potential for aerial attacks via drones. A robust static shield now serves as a protective barrier, preventing birds from approaching too closely and acting as a deterrent against any drone intrusion."
"Yeah, Tex, I don't want bird shit in my food."
"Thank the Holy Loon, this ingenious solution ensures the tranquility safeguarding the China Grove restaurant and the Sylvan Grove experience while safeguarding against unforeseen challenges from the skies," Dr. Rhys said.
"Doc, you mentioned the Holy Loon a few times. Are you a Loonie?"
Doctor Rhys smiled at me. "No, Nathan, although I admire several tenets of that faith. My family are Second Reformation Catholics."
Her smile suggests a positive sentiment toward the Catholic faith, showing a personal connection or appreciation for certain principles within the Second Reformation Catholicism.
"So which pope does your family follow?"
Doctor Rhys leans forward; she jabs a finger down on the table. Her dark eyes get flinty.
"There is only one pope, Pope Ioannes Anglicus II. Her Holiness resides on the papal space station. That male heretic also claiming the title of a pope is not worth mentioning."
Doctor Rhys emphatically asserts her allegiance to Pope Ioannes Anglicus II as the legitimate pope, dismissing other claimants. Her stern expression and forceful gesture convey a firm conviction in her beliefs, emphasizing the importance of Pope Ioannes Anglicus II in her religious worldview.
"You know they fought two wars trying to be the only pope," I casually mentioned.
"The Wars of the Two Popes transpired long before our current existence," Tex stated. "Despite the enduring lifespans of both popes involved in those conflicts, neither pontiff is eager to acknowledge blame for initiating the wars. Her Holiness is approaching advanced old age for a human."
"It was good money for the mercenary companies they hired to fight for them. Thousands of mercenaries died on both sides. Although whoever the dumb fuck was that convinced mercenaries to attack the papal space station certainly learned the error of their ways as the Pontifical Swiss Guard does not fuck around."
"The mention of substantial financial incentives for the mercenary companies highlights these hired fighters' significant role in the Wars of the Two Popes," Tex stated. "The losses suffered underscore the brutal nature of the conflicts. Humanity's ability to kill is only surpassed by their ability to be stupid."
"Mercenaries are paid to die," Dr. Rhys said.
"No Doc. Mercenaries are paid to fight. Dying is supposed to be a remote possibility, not a guarantee."
"Nathan, you stated earlier that you did not have the skills to work in the mines." Doctor Rhys said as she leans towards me again. Her breath smells of bourbon. "You seem familiar with mercenaries; even dated one for a while if I remember correctly. Have you ever considered joining a mercenary company? Perhaps as a ship's captain or a mercenary ship crewmember?"
"There are no mercenary navy companies based on Eros. I would have to get to one of the recruiting centers, most of which are on Mars and the older colonies. I don't have the credits to get my ass back to Mars. With my ship in hock, I couldn't even get there alone. I am, or was, a space squid, not a soldier. I have minimum Research and Exploratory Corps combat training from nearly 30 years ago and would not make a great merc."
"Eros is too young of a colony to have enough population to provide a steady recruiting base for any mercenary company," Tex suggested. "The Cichociemni mercenary company handling the security has a large contingent permanently posted here."
"Tex, the mercs on Eros are all former soldiers or marines. They hire experienced power armor ground pounders, not washed-up REC captains," I pointed out.
"I am sorry, Nathan, I did not realize your job opportunities were so limited," Tex stated.
"We have drifted off topic." Doctor Rhys interjected. "We were discussing religion."
I wisely remain silent.
"Does your family practice a religion, Nathan?"
"We're loosely Church of Multi-Planed Exemplary Science, but we're not very observant. I pretty much-dumped religion when I joined the REC."
"One thing about humans that I doubt machines will ever understand is a distinctly human phenomenon–the inclination to persecute those with differing religious beliefs," Tex said.
With a contemplative shake of their head, Tex continued. "After the wars, the surviving fragments of human history show a recurrent pattern. I question whether the zeal to lead religious movements stems more from a hunger for power and status than genuine spiritual conviction." Tex paused as Doc switched shot glasses.
"This contemplation raises the intriguing notion that the inherent avarice observed in humans might be an ingrained aspect of their nature. The complex interplay between religious motivations and the perennial pursuit of power sparks a thought-provoking exploration into the intricacies of human behavior."
"Tex, there are still religious nut jobs running around," I pointed out. "Mars is loaded with ultra-conservative religious zealots. Depending on who is counting and their criteria, Mars has fought three to five civil wars, at least two of which were over what the official state religion would be."
