V1
You scroll by the frenzy, thinking it’s all too much
All the extremes getting talked about
It keeps the lights on, they say
Passing us around and around
But you’ve had enough
And take back our time together
Oh you can bring us together

CH
This is for the writing ones
Sharing what they believe in
Giving me a peek in
To what they’re really about
This is for the quiet ones
Their names now bouncing around
Owning what they’re about
Not sitting it out
Your words shine a light, shine a light, shine a light
So this is for the writing ones

V2
This is for the lessons shared
Earned through hopes and tears
This is for the wise ones
For putting it all out there
This is for, something more
This is for the writing ones

Who take back our time together
Oh you can bring us together

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CH
This is for the writing ones
Sharing what they believe in
Giving me a peek in
To what they’re really about
This is for the quiet ones
Their names now bouncing around
Owning what they’re about
Not sitting it out
Instead shining light, shining light, shining light
So this is for the writing ones

V3
Look to the writing ones
Putting smiles on faces
Human thought for better spaces
The real reliable ones
Inspiring ones
This is for you, this is for you
This is for the writing ones

BR
You’ve got the mind
The thoughts
And time
Silence is the darkness
Your words shine the light so we can rise

This is for you, this is for you
This is for the writing ones

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Note: Thank you to all the writers for putting their name behind their words. I thought of you immediately when I first heard The Wild Ones, performed by Rachael Lampa and written by Rachael Lampa, Ethan Hulse and Andrew Ripp. It is an inspiring song about a group she was a part of (the “wild ones” with wild love) that would meet with female prison inmates. You can read about that here.

Keep writing.

I know, some present.

Gifts in District 12, where I lived, are typically hand made. Homemade soup from Ma. Hair clips for girls. Perhaps a customized pin. Even “new” clothing sewn together from scraps, if you were to be lucky enough to find some. But after my death present, it’s confirmed, luck wants nothing to do with me.

I’ve seen luck. Every year during The Hunger Games, when you’re fighting 23 other children aged 12 to 18 for your life in an arena, there is only one word that describes being the last one alive: lucky.

I’ve hit the jackpot and was sentenced to the 50th games. Such an honor. These sentences are handed down from a place far away, usually never seen before by its victim: the Capital.

The Capital runs Panem, the country that I live in. It rules with an iron fist over twelve districts. Why? How? Those are painful questions to contemplate. Welcome to my world.

While pondering my inevitable death, I came across some books. Not in District 12 but in Plutarch Heavensbee’s library. He’s what they call a Gamemaker, those who run these death games. Obviously, I despise him. But he’s been surprising me.

I don’t like that.

My love back home, Lenore Dove, taught me to appreciate books. So, while waiting to die, when Plutarch smuggled books to me, I read them. He didn’t explain. Was it a trap? Probably. I was going to die anyway.

When preparing to fight for your life in an arena, book reading was never on my list. But with each book Plutarch gave me, I could not put them down. My sleeping suffered. But my mind opened: There was a time before Panem. Before President Snow.

It was called America.

Hundreds of years earlier, Panem was split into different parts. There were no Districts, but countries. Each had different rulers.

One country caught me attention. It had a ruler, just like President Snow. A “king” it was called. And just like President Snow, this king was brutal. Here’s the thing—the people did something about it.

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What did they do? They wrote a letter declaring their separation and independence from him. Fifty-six people signed their name to it.

Gutsy, I’ll give them that.

To make sure what they were doing was crystal clear, they titled their letter, “The Declaration of Independence.” They said the king had no power over them and they would govern themselves. They banded together and called themselves the United States of America. Reasonable. If that weren’t enough, they listed all their grievances. The king did not appreciate such a thing. I do. Here’s part of that list:

• Sure, the king had set the rules as to how laws were to be written, but this was all for show. He bent the rules. Constantly. The king passed only the laws he wanted. He also enforced them inconsistently. Punishments differed depending on whether or not you supported him. Sounds familiar.

• The king invaded people’s homes. Seems unnecessary. Frightening—most definitely.

• Local elections were allowed, so people got to vote. A novel idea. In reality, if those elected didn’t do what the king wanted, he’d install someone else. At least he didn’t poison them.

• There was a court system. Interesting. A judge would listen to both sides and decide right and wrong. But the king picked the judges. You get the picture.

• The king had Soldiers and Officers. There’s a certain genius to President Snow’s naming of the equivalent: Peacekeepers. Officers took the people’s food and stayed in their homes. Ma would not like that.

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• If enough people stopped listening to the king, he’d wage war to control them. Meantime, America was reliant on the king for all kinds of things such as foods and materials. Not a good position to be in. If one territory (called “colonies,” I think) stepped out of line, he’d isolate them. Alone, they were weak, just like Districts.

• If that weren’t enough, the king brought in external forces to wage war on the people. Foreign ships attacked from the sea. Outside armies arrived. Much of this was funded by taxes from the very people that were attacked. Insidious.

• The king persuaded locals to fight one another. Fear. Greed. Power. Control. All tools used for manipulation. Right up President Snow’s playbook.

• Say anything against the king and you may disappear. Write it down and you’re signing your death sentence. That’s what the signers of the declaration did.

I could go on, but Peacekeepers will be here soon. The declaration mentions “Nature”, “God” and “Creator” but that goes beyond my understanding. Look into that, if you should so desire.

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I don’t know how long this United States existed, but their government was formed to prevent tyranny. A novel concept. But they aren’t here anymore, now are they? To their credit, they had a good run of it. The last book that Plutarch gave me talked about their 250th birthday celebration.

I wish I could say something to them.

I’d tell them to hang on to what they got—each other. Be kind. Help. If you’re lucky, find love, like me and Lenore Dove. “All-fire” love.

Just a suggestion: Keep the government out of your lives. Don’t get distracted by those in power. Don’t listen to them just because of their titles. If you do, they’ll be in every part of your lives. Constantly watching and showing up in places, like the Hob in my town. Instead, listen to those closest to you. They matter the most.

Let’s be clear: President Snow doesn’t matter to me. And we don’t matter to him. What he cares about is the same thing that America’s king cared about: power. Sure, their titles may be different, but their actions and results show who they really are. “Snow lands on top,” is President Snow’s aphorism for a reason. What matters to him? Himself.

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I really do have to go, but let me tell you this: Don’t forget about your Declaration of Independence. Read it. Hold onto it. Let it serve as a stark reminder of what tyranny really is. That’s my last piece of advice. Take it or leave it.

If these words are read by someone other than me, its happened long after my death. I’m only 16, but I now know what it means to be a man: Fight for what you believe in. Even with all my misgivings of Plutarch, I thank him.

I don’t dream much—most in the Districts don’t. But maybe one day, someone’s going to try and free Panem. If they do, and by some miracle I’m still around, I’ll gladly help.

On the days leading up to the 50th Hunger Games, I’m declaring my freedom from tyranny. This is what I’m signing my name to. For whatever that’s worth.

President Snow, you’re on notice.

Haymitch Abernathy

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Note: This fictional post is by Charles Muselli and based on The Hunger Games novels and its characters and universe therein, as created by Suzanne Collins. Happy 250th birthday America. “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

I’ll start with my conclusion:

You can never know what you don’t know.

So you must do.

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For the past two years, I’ve written weekly on The Tolton Path. As my posts have become more complex, I’ve settled into a familiar system that I’m able to plan and organize for non-fiction and fiction. Yes, I’ve made mistakes. But with each post, my thoughts and stories are easier to convey. And dare I say, with better results.

Diving back into the manuscript for The Marrying Man revealed the growth that I’ve achieved. It was like looking at an old photo and seeing who you used to be. Past writings are photos of your mind. When you take a peek, it can be frightening what you read. But it’s necessary.

Writing Advice

The advice I’ve received along the way can be summarized in two words: just write. That was the advice from a recent writing workshop at Word on Fire. Don’t wallow in your past work, just keep going. Keep writing!

That lesson isn’t new. It’s the same advice Ray Bradbury provided 25 years ago. He said, “You must write every day…Writing is a process of cleansing yourself.” That daily discipline, he said, cleanses the soul and deals with your real fears. Writing every day was the habit that sustained his life, he said. He began writing short stories at 12.

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And that relates to his second piece of timeless advice. Bradbury said that your first writing of fiction should be short stories. And a lot of them. Don’t start writing with a novel because you’re still learning and going to make mistakes and, if you end up spending a year (or two or three) writing a novel, that may not turn out well. Instead, he said, start with short stories. You’ll still make mistakes but they will be smaller pieces, where you learn your craft and prepare yourself for writing a good novel.

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Even when you’re afraid—especially when you’re afraid—you must do. That’s how you learn. You won’t be perfect, but you will get better. It takes discipline and faith. Maybe that’s true of more than writing. The only way to become who we’re meant to be is to keep doing the work.

That is the path.

What’s the Plan?

People sometimes ask what I’m going to do with all these stories and posts. Eventually, they get to the same question.

What’s the plan?

I finally have the right answer.

Write some more.

Peace.

P.S. The New Earth science fiction series continues in July. All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

The Mission You Must Accept

The responsibility of being in charge of another human can be daunting. Thank goodness dads don’t think about such things until after our first child. But when we do (and eventually we do—hang in there, ladies), your world changes. Suddenly, you realize that you are forming not only a human being, but a person who will help shape our society.

We have some work to do! Congratulations, you are finally a dad.

No more carefree hours of video games, endless hours hanging out with friends or watching sports all day. You succumb to your old, childless ways from time to time—but it isn’t the same. Your daddy senses keep tingling. There is no going back.

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Forward!

Along with millions of other dads, you are now training future adults. People who may one day run Earth, the moon or another planet. People who may even be in charge of you.

No pressure.

Though mothers are just as important, today is for the dads on their unexpected journey. Here are my insights for my fellow dads (oorah!):

• First-time dads—you’re just a utility man

  • It’s not our fault, but dads have no idea what is about to happen. While we have been carrying on with our childless ways, moms have been carrying a human. She’s been stroking her belly, talking with the baby, thinking about, oh I don’t know, what to do for the baby! Dads build the crib, buy the right mattress and install the car seat base (good luck!). First-time moms are learning too, but it doesn’t matter. To put it simply: moms are in charge. Wherever she wants you to go—go. Whatever she wants you to do—do. This is the mission you must accept. You aren’t Ethan Hunt, even if you think you look like him.

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• The mom is a Trojan horse (but it’s okay!)

  • After nine emotional months (the last one is so fun!), baby is finally here. Congratulations, you have a dictator! Not just any dictator but one that doesn’t dictate with words but with signs. To make things even more fun, the meaning of a sign changes depending on the situation. A baby cry can mean (1) feed me, (2) change me, (3) burp me, (4) pick me up, (5) put me down, (6) something woke me up, (7) I’m cold, (8) I’m hot, (9) leave me alone, (10) let’s talk, (11) binky, (12) no binky, and (13) just figure it out.

  • The above list is not exhaustive.

• Pro-tip: poop in the bath means bath time has ended.

  • Bonus-tip: clean the bath. (Yes, use a washcloth and soap. Just pause the World Cup.)

• For the dad with more than one child

  • You have another baby! Congratulations! You still know nothing. Just for the fun of it, each baby is different. Sometimes extremely different. Do you think you actually did something that caused your first baby to sleep through the night in the first week? Try it on baby number two and see what happens. I dare you.

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• Nursing

  • Stay out of it. Remember, utility man. (And no, you can’t lactate. You’re welcome.)

The Good News: It Gets Even Better

Dads, there are many fun times ahead! Once you’ve activated dad mode, you’ll realize the more kids the better. You can’t go back, so just go forward. And just like when they were babies, when they become little people, they each have their own personality. So, while what you say or do may make one child laugh, it may make another cry. They are complicated, just like adults. But it has been a joy to watch my kids interact with one another despite their differing personalities. They are learning how to disagree—sort of. (It’s a work in progress.)

As a dad of both boys and girls, I’d like to share one insight that is of utmost importance. It can save your life. This insight is brought to you by the game of Uno.

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• Gender insight, brought to you by the game of Uno:

  • Boys win to conquer. They will launch every draw card to try to annihilate you as soon as possible.

  • Girls don’t just win—they win to watch you suffer. If you play the Skip card on them just once, they will hold every draw card until the flow reverses in your direction, even if that means they end up with the entire deck in their hands. With each card they draw, they are smiling inside, visualizing the moment they strike you down with fourteen Draw Twos and six Draw Fours in a row.

  • Most importantly, take this as a parable. So I’m not just talking about children or Uno. Dads, you won’t ever look at your wife the same. It will be okay.

Final Insight

No matter how much technology changes our world, dads still play an important part in raising children. Dads teach more through their actions than through their words, and the kids are watching. But this final insight is for moms. Father’s Day can’t compete with Mother’s Day. Nor should it. You’ve got enough going on. Just let us turn on the grill and feed our family. Simple.

Happy Father’s Day! Especially to my dad, who taught me far more than he probably realizes.

Peace.

P.S. Enjoyed this post? Think it can help someone you care about? Click the share button below.

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P.S. The New Earth science fiction series continues next week. All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

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The New Earth series continues with the next installment of Chapter 7.

On Planet Alpha, Chef is perfecting a cloning process designed to save humanity from extinction. With vast resources at his disposal, he oversees an entire planet dedicated to that goal. Robots build. Clones multiply. Terraforming is underway.

And now Chef has asked Tao for help.

Meanwhile, Reed and Liberty are exploring Planet Alpha under the protection of Chef’s clones.

But for now, we return to Chef and Tao.

With the support of Maxwell Rhodes and technology capable of reshaping worlds, Chef believes humanity’s future is within reach. The only question is what role Tao will play in that future.

Read the next entry below to find out.

All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Peace.

Chef guided Tao from the main structure—the Kitchen, Chef continued calling it—to the building next door. Tao noticed its walls inside were different from the Kitchen—thicker, and curving toward you. And every so often, a clone stood against it, staring into nothingness. Tao tried reaching into their minds for some clue of their humanity.

All he found was the absence of one. They were empty vessels. Was their brain processing any thoughts? They were waiting…but for what?

Inside Chef’s office, Tao gazed through the giant curving windows at the deep orange and brown landscape. The mountains off in the distance sloped down into smaller rock formations and loose rubble leading to the building. He stretched his neck looking for vegetation, but found none.

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Chef said, “Terraforming is underway. There is very little visible growth from here. I assure you, we can grow anything here.” There was an impatience in his voice. “It takes time to build forests. Water is not as prevalent here as it is on Earth, but there is enough for now. We are creating a stable water cycle—it will rain here one day. Planet Alpha will house billions of humans. The first of many planets to come. Why do you insist on so many questions?”

Confused, Tao said, “I haven’t asked anything.”

“Ah, but your eyes say otherwise.” Chef leaned forward, staring at Tao’s head. “And your mind—”

Tao jumped when a door suddenly closed.

The gears of a robot could be heard as it walked toward them. Kairo said, “Hello, Tao Lynn. I am pleased to save humanity.”

Tao calmed and slowed his breath. “That seems to be why we’re all here.” He turned to Chef.

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“Of course,” Chef said. “We all need to do our part to save humanity from extinction. Max has built a plan: hyperdrives, energy, cloning, Kairo. And of course my role is to keep the plan on track,” he licked his lips, “and ensure the human species continues.”

Tao slid a step back. He tried reaching into Chef’s mind. But Tao’s mental powers seemed useless here. Was it something about this planet? There he stood in a room with a robot, clones and a man without any sense of what they were thinking or feeling. He was unable to influence their actions.

Chef slowly circled him. But there was no eye contact—Chef looked into Tao’s head. “What does it mean to be human, Tao Lynn? Is Kairo human? Certainly not. But are my clones human?”

Chef leaned in. “Are you human?”

Tao brought his hands up and searched Chef’s mind again. Nothing. “You are creating humans. What do you need from me?”

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“There is something…different about you, Tao Lynn.”

Lights turned on in the corner, displaying trays and tools draped with paper coverings. And a long table was at its center.

Tao’s eyes widened. “Kai, what’s going on?” The robot did not answer.

Chef no longer saw Tao. Just his head.

“I can learn so much from you.” Chef licked his lips again. “Yes, my funding has been exceptional, but there is more to do.”

Tao turned toward the exit. The clones formed a line, blocking it.

“Bring him to the table!” Chef shouted.

Tao was surrounded. “Kai, I’m a human. You must protect me!”

Kai repeated, “Must protect…humanity.”

Then it froze. Its eyes shifted rapidly between Chef and Tao. Again and again. The movement became so rapid Tao wondered if it was malfunctioning.

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The clones lunged and Tao flipped backwards behind them. He ran toward the wall and stopped on a desk.

Chef shouted, “Don’t let him get away!”

Tao lowered the center of his body. “What is it that you want from me?”

Chef held out a laser wand. “Your brain, Tao Lynn.” His voice remained calm.

The clones approached him and Tao leaped and grabbed a pipe running across the ceiling. He flipped down and landed facing Kai. “Protect me!”

“Human life is protected,” Kairo said. Its eyes stopped moving. “But I must save humanity.”

Chef said, “Earthly human brains are a rare opportunity for research. Clone brains can only go so far. Thanks to Kairo, opportunities like this have become possible. Rare ones, unfortunately.”

Chef grabbed Tao from behind and put him in a headlock. “Grab his legs!” The clones took him limb by limb, plopping him onto the operating table. “Restrain his body!” His eyes gazed into his cranium and he licked his lips. “Especially his head.” Chef smiled, eerily. “And don’t bother calling for help. These walls are soundproof.”

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Tao struggled, but his arms were pinned to his side. He couldn’t move a limb. Chef’s face appeared above him. “You will help save humanity.” He caressed Tao’s head. “Your beautiful mind knows this is necessary. Kairo understands. That is why it won’t stop me. It knows humanity needs to be organized and controlled. Not by governments. Not by religion.”

“By killing?” Tao said sharply.

“What is the value of one Earthly human for such a worthy cause?”

Tao had to warn the Formation. It was reserved for only the most dire situations. He organized his mind and thrust his powers outward. A ripple was sent to Members throughout the galaxy.

Tao returned and entered Chef’s mind. Nothing.

Tao searched inside his own mind for Kairo. Nothing.

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He entered the minds of the Clones throughout the room. Information flowed through them. Language. Facts. Procedures. Yet there was no person attached to any of it. No memories. No fears. No hopes. Only…hollowness.

“You can’t—” Tao stopped. A clone pushed something into his mouth.

A tear formed in Chef’s eye as he moved the laser toward Tao’s head. Its hum grew louder.

Tao felt a sharp pinch in his neck.

“Kai,” he mumbled.

Chef said, “Everyone deserves to dream.”

The lights blurred.

There was a noise.

Then there was nothing.

With the aid of an AI powered ship named Kairo, they were taken to planet Alpha. It is here they met Chef, the operator of the planet and of the cloning technology. This is all part of Max’s plan to save the human race by populating the galaxy with humans.

What will Chef do with them now that he revealed his plans? Is he a savior of humanity or something else?

Enjoy the next entry below.

All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Peace.

Yesterday, the tour of the facility pleased Chef. Though he rarely smiled, he continuously spoke about the various technologies employed to build the facility and the cloning process itself. They walked through a few of the hundreds of below ground floors filled with human cloning pods. Inside, each clone was being injected with synthetic memories from the Memory-Language Matrix. Several times, Chef reiterated that the MLM was the missing piece from the current emotionless clones on Alpha. These new clones, he hoped, would be indistinguishable from Earthly humans.

These clones would spread across the galaxy. All three wondered about their role in Maxwell Rhodes’s supposed plan to save humanity.

Tao wanted to speak with Kai but he disappeared the next day. It seemed odd that the robot questioned or challenged Chef. Tao wanted to know why. But Tao’s mental powers were useless among the other robots or clones—they were empty vessels. Unusual. More striking was that Tao’s powers did not work on Chef himself. All very concerning.

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As he sat with Reed and Liberty in the dining hall the next morning, Tao was forced to navigate the world of planet Alpha solely through observation and dialog. Unlike prior meals on Alpha, they were joined by humans. The three quietly ate, observing the clones.

First, Tao found himself starring at a clone at his table. Clones never initiated conversation. Sure they would speak or animate to find the source of a sound or fulfill a command. But otherwise, they sat, glossy eyed, waiting for something to happen. When a robot brought a clone food, the eating process began. In 13 minutes the clone would finish and leave. The next clone would take their spot. The portions seemed identical: the same quantity of synthetic protein, liquid carbohydrates and cubed gelatin filled vitamins.

Chef came by and noticed Tao starring at a clone. He said, “Though they lack any demeanor, there are worse characteristics of Earthly humans that these lack.”

“Such as?” Tao said.

Liberty interrupted, “How about selfishness, greed, pride, dishonesty and hypocrisy?” Tao and Reed caught each other’s eyes. “Just to name a few.”

“You’re a smart woman,” Chef said. “These clones are not companions, but I entrust them with my life. With all our lives.”

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Reed said, “So the reason one stood outside our rooms all night was for protection. Not because we’re prisoners?”

“I assure you, they are your protector,” Chef said. “You may go anywhere you want. Explore Alpha. For your safety,” Chef smiled, “my clones will escort you. After all, you are new to this planet.”

Tao said, “Why use your precious clones as escorts instead of robots? For every clone,” Tao looked around, “you have ten robots.”

Chef took a deep breath. “Have you had much experience with robots, Tao?”

“I have avoided them most of my life.”

“Well, I haven’t. And there are some things robots cannot do. I should say, some things they will not do. It’s because of their programming. And here on Alpha, my orders must be followed. Clones provide that certainty. Robots do not.”

Reed said, “What you created is a dictatorship. And you’re at the top.”

“What did you expect?” Chef said. “Is something wrong with that?”

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“Ask them.” Reed turned to the clone next to him. “What do you want to do today?”

The clone turned toward Reed and blinked. He said, “I’m here to help you explore planet Alpha.”

Reed said, “But why do you want to do that? Isn’t there anything else you want to do?”

The clone said, “I want to help you explore planet Alpha because it is part of my mission. We all play a role.” The clone returned to staring off into the distance.

“Well, that was inspiring,” Reed said.

Chef said, “I understand you enjoy the outdoors, Mr. Reed.” He pointed at Reed’s cowboy boots. “Go explore. The night sky on Alpha is spectacular. Unlike anything you’ve seen during campfires on Earth.” Chef nods at the clone. “He will keep you safe.”

“I could use some time outdoors,” Reed said. Tao, Reed and Liberty rose and started to walk away. Each of their assigned clones follow.

“Tao,” Chef said, “I need your help.” Tao glances at his friends and then at Chef. “You can join them later. Please stay.”

Tao nods at Liberty and Reed. “I’ll find you later.”

“Thank you,” Chef said. “Let’s go to my office. It’s not far.”

By taking the name Leo, it was clear Pope Leo XIV would be following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII who, on May 15, 1891, released his encyclical, Rerum Novarum (“New Things”) in relation to the breathtaking speed of massive societal shifts from the Industrial Revolution. Rerum Novarum became the “Social Doctrine of the church.”

So on May 15, 2026, Pope Leo XIV published Magnifica Humanitas (“Human Condition”) with the subtitle: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. The public release of the document on May 25, 2026 reveals a 42,000 word letter to the world about what it means to be human and how technology, if not used for the common good, can lead us further away from one another.

AI Is Not the Enemy

What the Pope wasn’t saying, was to stop developing AI. The benefits of technology, including AI, are far reaching and will continue. No one is suggesting that it can or should be stopped. But there are concerns, even by the AI companies themselves (Anthropic’s cofounder contributed and was present at the public release event), who grapple with what is called AI alignment. This is the attempt of AI companies to ensure the foundations of the AI are aligned with the foundational beliefs of the AI company itself. The fear is that the AI will become misaligned, its algorithm go rogue and harm or even destroy humanity.

But the alignment the Pope is alluding to in Magnifica Humanitas is not the AI aligning with a company but rather, aligning humanity’s use of AI with God. Our technologies and advances must bear fruit, the Pope said.

The fruits of technology depends on how and why we use it.

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The Tower of Babel vs Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem

Pope Leo said (paragraph 7) that the Tower of Babel was ill conceived because it was done without reference to God. Humans were looking for uniformity instead of communion among one another and God. It was the self they looked to elevate by showcasing individual greatness and achievements. In such a self indulged state is when we stop looking at one another, can no longer communicate with each other and are lost and alone.

It seems to me that we have been building the Tower of Babel for at least two decades. Even with the ability to speak instantly with someone anywhere on the planet, many of us struggle to truly communicate with one another. We are in effect, strangers to one another because there is little perceived benefit from knowing one another.

What Pope Leo is pointing out is that the Tower of Babel ends up isolating us from one another. As does engaging with an AI chatbot for emotional support. Its algorithms are meant to be supportive, but it should never replace human relationships. The Pope said (paragraph 128), technology does not save humanity, rather:

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what saves humanity is not enhanced self-sufficiency, but a relationship that liberates, a communion that transforms. In this light, a technology that merely classifies and optimizes what already exists can, however unintentionally, become an obstacle to change and growth. For an algorithm, an error is a flaw to be corrected; for a person, however, an error can be a catalyst for profound change. A person’s future is not calculable, but depends on one’s freedom — elevated by the inexhaustible grace of God — and on the relationships cultivated.

The way to nurture relationships is exemplified by the Pope’s telling of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Here, Nehemiah returned to repair Jerusalem. He engaged with families to hear their concerns and assigned each a portion of the wall to rebuild. All parts of society were involved in the process. A common language—one of mutual purpose and understanding—brought them together and they agreed their strength comes from the Lord.

The choice is not between a “yes” or “no” to technology, it is in aligning humanity properly by choosing between Babel or rebuilding Jerusalem.

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Experiencing Suffering Allows Love to Take Hold

Pope Leo is not saying to stop technological advances. Rather, he is saying that we must not allow such advances to overtake our humanity. There are efforts underway to entirely eliminate human suffering through transhumanism by hacking our bodies to live longer and better. Whereas posthumanism looks to take humanity to some evolutionary stage bringing new abilities.

But eliminating suffering, the Pope said (paragraph 120) would extinguish love. Trial and suffering and all its learnings allows our soul to yearn for God. “To renounce this adventure,” he said, “both tragic and splendid, in the name of a presumed transcendence of all limits, could mean many things, but it would no longer be human.”

He continues in paragraph 122:

Finitude, when truly accepted, does not diminish us but opens us to recognizing the face of God and others. Indeed, precisely because we experience limits — vulnerability, suffering and failure — we can recognize the inviolable dignity of every person, both our own and that of others.

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Bearing the Fruits of AI

Ultimately, with technology, and specifically with AI, Pope Leo said, “the key question remains the one posed by Saint John Paul II: does AI ‘make human life on earth “more human” in every aspect of that life? Does it make it more worthy of man?’”

In referencing Saint Augustine, he notes, the struggle of man has been and will always be between two loves: that of God and neighbor and that of self.

Every new technology forces a choice. Are we constructing the Tower of Babel or rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? The answer will determine not only what AI becomes, but what humanity becomes.

Peace.

P.S. The New Earth series continues next week. Catch up on the entire series here.

The church parking lot is both symbolic and a reality of our world.

The reality is, we aren’t perfect. We began in a garden with clear instructions—tend to the land and oversee all that it contained. These are simple orders. But at slight suggestion from a snake, we didn’t follow our orders. I’m not passing the blame, but if not for the snake, we may still be in that glorious garden. Instead we are banned from it. (Technically, Eve chose first! Am I passing blame again?)

Outside the garden, things only got worse. Cain was jealous of his brother, Abel, and killed him. Then he dug a deeper hole for us. God asked Cain where his brother was and he said he didn’t know, marking the first moment of a child lying.

As humans multiplied, so did our poor choices. The lying and deceit proliferated generation after generation. God said, enough! The planet was flooded, cleansed and renewed. Only Noah and all those on the ark survived. God promised to remain faithful.

Of course, God knew what was going to happen. We failed again. So he gave us ten commandments to follow that we continuously messed up. Power, wealth and increasing our status was more important. Besides, who can keep track of so many rules?

So God sent Jesus and simplified the list to two. Jesus said:

You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.

—Matthew 22:37-40

The reality is—even with just two commandments—I still fail. When I’m on the road and someone cuts in front of me and then slows down, I want to zoom past them to prove a point. (Perhaps the point is I should stop driving?)

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The church parking lot is symbolic of the problem I face every day.

I know what I’m supposed to do, but don’t always do it. As descendants of Adam and Eve, we’ve all been exiled from the garden, into the world. It is here where we are challenged to minimize our human wants and increase our love for God. Then we are further challenged to love one another as we love ourselves, whether in each other’s presence physically or when using technology such as social media.

Patience. Kindness. Selflessness. Love.

Following these two commandments is the way back to the Garden.

That is the path.

I glance in the car mirror—there’s an opening! A car has stopped to let me back out. I enter the church parking stream when another car begins to back out. I smile and wave them on, thinking, “I love you (mostly).”

Peace.

P.S. The New Earth series continues next week. Read last week’s exciting entry here. Catch up on the entire series here.

I’m taking a course at the Word on Fire Institute on the importance of marriage. It’s just once a week and takes very little time. I am also watching their series about online evangelization. Both are very timely and polished, making them easy to consume in small chunks of time.

All of this to say, what you choose to put into your mind, forms you. I have limited amounts of time and watch a few minutes on my phone while I brush my teeth. After a week, that’s an hour of content. These short bursts of content (and of course, books that I read) form me. Thoughtful content leads me to create worlds and ponder ideas.

This week’s entry for New Earth speaks to the heart of what I have been pondering: what does it mean to be human? The stories that I write are meant to entertain in futuristic, scientific or speculative manner. But they are also meant to connect us to the issues and ideas of the very world we live in today. With AI becoming more like a human in how it communicates—or even how it looks—at some point, does that make it human? What if the AI takes a physical form identical to a human through cloning?

Setting up this week’s long entry (it’s 1,700 words), Chef returns, proudly showcasing his clones to Tao, Reed, Liberty and Kairo. It was fun to write. I hope you enjoy it.

All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Peace.

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Chapter 7, Part 3

Reed stared at the hundreds of pods on the floor below. “Chef’s cloning people?” He turned to Tao and Liberty. “Can he do that?”

Tao said to himself, “That’s not the right question.”

Chef joined them in long determined strides. With briskness, he clapped his hands twice. Doors opened along the rectangular walkway they stood upon. An endless stream of clones came from it, filling it entirely.

Each clone was identical. They were male, six feet tall and wore a black uniform that covered their arms. A flap on the left side of each chest hung opened. Wearing the same sized black boots, the clones stood still and stared straight ahead.

Chef grinned and said, “Your first course.” He paced in front of the line, peeking into the eyes of his guests. He sought some reaction—it was the first time he introduced clones to Earth humans.

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But the three did not react. Tao saw to that. Tao calmed their nerves and concerns to give him time to think how best to proceed. From the beginning, Tao had sensed something different about Chef. It was a hunger for…something. Was it power? It wouldn’t be the first person to desire such things. He did work for Maxwell Rhodes after all. But that wasn’t it. Tao was certain. In any case, he wanted to provide as limited information as possible to Chef.

Tao’s eyes turned toward Kairo whose head slightly moved in his direction. Perhaps the AI that brought them here—the AI now inside this robot—

Chef interjected, “Seeking answers, Tao Lynn? Perhaps wondering your purpose for being here? Even if you aren’t, I’ll tell you: you’re here to help with the mission.”

Liberty raised her voice, “And what mission is that?” Tao sensed her anger but was unable to control it in time. He calmed her, lowering her heart rate.

Chef looked at her from the side of his eyes. His lips tightened as he nodded. Approaching her, Chef breathed in through his nose, smelling her scent. “You are quite unusual, aren’t you?”

Tao slightly released his mental constraints on Liberty.

She stepped away. “Listen, Chef, whatever is going on here, we don’t want any part of it!”

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The start of a smile formed on Tao. He was pleased. That will destabilize him. Indeed, Chef was confused. This gave Tao the opening he wanted. He said with admiration, “You have perfected cloning.”

Chef said, “Perfected—no. But close. Very, very close. Would you like me to explain?”

“If you can spare your time,” Tao made a slight bow, “we would be grateful.”

“Very well,” Chef cleared his throat. “As you know, cloning is forbidden on Earth. However, there is more flexibility outside of Earth. For decades, cloning has been worked on in isolation. First we had to solve the creation problem—how do you create a viable human embryo, grow it and have it survive? All without the need of another human for mass production.”

Reed said, “Why would you want to mass produce—”

Chef held up his hand and then clasped them back together behind his back. He weaved between the clones.

“But the first obstacle was never biology,” he said. “Humanity solved most of what I described before any of the work here on Alpha.”

He stopped beside one of the clones and adjusted the man’s collar gently, almost fatherly.

Kairo’s gray metallic head tilted slowly as it studied them.

“Observation,” Kairo said. “Their eye movement patterns are unusually uniform.”

Chef smiled faintly.

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“Efficiency.”

Kairo replied immediately. “Efficiency does not require synchronized blinking.”

Several of the clones turned toward Kairo at once.

Chef ignored the reaction.

“As I was saying, it was Earth’s policies that stagnated cloning advancement. Ethics councils. Religious treaties. Government bans.” A faint smile crossed his face. “But governments rarely prohibit research completely. They simply rename it.”

Reed watched the clones in front of him. “Rename it to what?”

“Medical advancement. Neural recovery. Artificial gestation. Organ replication.” Chef shrugged. “Limited embryonic development continued quietly on Earth for years. Then Maxwell Rhodes began preparing humanity’s expansion beyond Earth.”

Kairo turned its head toward Chef. “Clarification.”

Chef took a deep breath, clearly not happy with the interruption. “Yes.”

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“Thank you, Chef,” Kairo said. “Expansion beyond officially sanctioned operations?”

Chef glanced at Kairo. “You ask dangerous questions for a machine. We are trying to save humanity, robot. A civilization cannot expand at the speed Max requires if every human needs twenty years to become useful.”

Chef spread his arms toward the chamber.

“So we compressed the process.”

The clone soldiers remained perfectly still.

“The early breakthroughs were physical. Accelerated cellular regeneration. Guided hormone sequencing. Skeletal expansion chambers. Artificial womb systems.” He glanced toward Liberty. “Growing an embryo into a viable infant became easy.”

“And after infancy?” Liberty asked.

Chef’s smile widened slightly. “That was the real challenge.” He tapped the side of his head. “The human brain is a pattern engine. Language, memory, behavior, emotional association—all formed through repetition. Childhood is merely slow programming.”

Tao frowned. “You think human beings are programs?”

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Chef looked directly at him. “I think the brain obeys inputs.”

He began pacing again.

“We built the Memory-Language Matrix to accelerate cognitive formation. Continuous visual immersion. Audio conditioning. Written language injection. Historical archives. Simulated social development.”

Reed looked around the room again. “And all of them went through this?”

“Yes.”

“How long?”

Chef answered casually. “Eleven months to adulthood.”

Liberty stared at him. “That’s impossible.”

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Chef smiled faintly. “No.” One of the clone soldiers turned its head toward Chef. “The body adapts quickly when the brain believes time has passed. Memory constructs create developmental expectation. Neural pathways strengthen through saturation.”

Tao studied the soldiers carefully now. “They all look identical.”

“At first, that was intentional,” Chef said. “Uniform genetics. Uniform educational streams. Uniform environmental simulations.”

“And?”

Chef stopped walking. “And they learned everything.” He stared at the clones in admiration of himself. “They could pilot ships, construct cities, obey commands, process tactical variables faster than humans.” His expression darkened slightly. “But something was missing.”

The soldiers stared forward without reaction.

“They did not dream,” Chef said quietly.

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Kairo turned immediately toward him. “Define dream.”

Chef looked almost amused. “Symbolic subconscious processing during inactive states.”

Kairo paused. “I experience non-task visualizations during maintenance cycles.”

Every clone in the room remained motionless.

Chef slowly turned toward Kairo. “You imagine?”

“I process unresolved inquiries.”

“What kind of inquiries?” Liberty asked softly.

Kairo’s voice lowered. “Purpose. Mortality. Humanity.”

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Chef stared at Kairo much longer this time. “Interesting,” he said quietly. Then he turned back toward the clones. “They closed their eyes, but nothing happened.”

A chill moved through Reed. His thoughts, but for a moment, touched on a memory of his Grandmother: “The Supreme Ruler will protect you, even in your dreams.”

Chef’s voice pulled Reed back. “During inactive cycles, their brains remained orderly. No symbolic fragmentation. No subconscious wandering. No irrational imagery.” Chef looked toward the clones surrounding them. “They understood emotion intellectually. But they did not feel attachment. One clone could watch another die and continue its assigned task without hesitation.”

“An algorithm,” Tao said softly.

Chef nodded once. “Yes.”

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Kairo looked slowly around the chamber at the emotionless soldiers. “Observation,” it said. “Their responses resemble artificial intelligence.”

Chef’s eyes sharpened. “They are human.”

Kairo answered immediately. “Biologically.”

The word hung in the air.

“They mimicked humanity perfectly,” Chef said. “Most people could not distinguish them from naturally born humans. But mimicry is not experience.”

Liberty folded her arms. “So what did you change?”

For the first time, excitement entered Chef’s voice.

“The Matrix.”

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He smiled and held out a device displaying streams of neural patterns. “We discovered that identical developmental inputs produced emotionally vacant cognition. So I abandoned uniformity.”

He enlarged several rotating brain scans. “Each clone now receives individualized narrative construction.”

“Meaning?” Reed asked.

“Different parents. Different childhoods. Different traumas. Different victories. Artificial siblings. Artificial friendships. Artificial grief.”

“Fake lives,” Liberty said.

Chef looked at her carefully. He walked around her, staring at her head. “The human brain does not require truth to form identity. It requires story.”

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Kairo tilted its head slightly. “Stories gain meaning through lived experience.”

Chef looked at Kairo carefully now. “And yet you seek meaning through stories yourself.”

Tao watched both of them closely.

“If a mind believes it suffered,” Chef continued, “believes it loved, believes it lost something…what practical distinction remains?”

There was something strangely defensive beneath the question.

Chef turned toward the clones. “We are already beginning to see divergence in early tests. Preference formation. Curiosity. Protective instincts.” His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Even fear.”

“Fear of death?” Reed asked.

“Yes.”

“Why would that matter?”

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Chef answered softly.

“Because something that fears death values life.”

The chamber grew quiet again.

Tao looked at the frozen clones surrounding them. He sensed no emotion from them. “You call these emotional?”

For the first time since they entered the chamber, Chef hesitated. “Attachment responses have improved. But not in these ones.”

“That isn’t what he asked,” Liberty said.

Chef ignored her. “I believe individualized memory structures may eventually create authentic emotional behavior.”

“Behavior?” Tao said.

Reed said, “How about love? That is inherently human.”

Chef’s jaw tightened slightly. “What humans call love may simply be sufficiently advanced attachment.”

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Tao stepped closer. “Reed is right. Love is a human trait.”

For a brief moment, uncertainty crossed Chef’s face.

Then it vanished.

“You assume humanity is mystical because you do not understand it,” Chef said.

“And you assume humanity is programmable because you don’t,” Tao replied.

“Wrong. I have found the solution! These next batch of clones that you see in these pods will prove it. I am creating attachment. I am creating clones that love. They will be the savior of humanity.”

Kairo’s metallic head turned toward the pods and then at Chef. His mind stuttered, calculating, solving for a problem with a new variable. Millions of people would soon emerge from these chambers. Had it witnessed humanity’s salvation…or the beginning of its replacement?

The cross was constructed from Ukrainian oak and weighs 800 pounds. If you search “Cross of Gratitude” online, it’s hard not to be struck by its size. I was even more struck by the images of people shouldering the cross like pallbearers bringing it into churches, set down to its resting point at the front. The beauty of the cross was mesmerizing in person.

Church after church across the world, people see and touch the Cross of gratitude. It has visited nearly fifty capitals and been blessed by three Popes. It is heading to Canada next. This cross is a stark reminder of what Jesus has done.

The Cross of Gratitude unifies a world torn apart by our own creations and aspirations, bringing the Creator back into focus. That is when you will once again see Jesus shouldering every one of our sins, hanging from a tree. That is when you will remember the rescue for us still came three days later, when Jesus rose and defeated death for every person.

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The Cross of Gratitude helped me focus on what Jesus has done. And it reminds me what He still does when I joyfully shoulder my own crosses. Not to suffer, but to ultimately end my suffering by following Him to eternal love.

The full story of the Cross of Gratitude is below, courtesy of Vitaliy Sobolivskyy. I hope it helps you too.

If you want to support the Cross of Gratitude mission, please contact Mr. Sobolivskyy at vitaliyarhitekt@gmail.com.

I’ll be back next week with a new entry to the New Earth series. If you want to catch up, all the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Peace.

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The Mission of the Cross of Gratitude

THE MISSION OF THANKSGIVINGS CROSS TO ALL CAPITALS OF THE WORLD IN THANKS TO THE LORD GOD FOR OUR SALVATION.

Good evening, my name is Vitaliy Sobolivky. The Thanking Cross, also known as the Cross of Gratitude, was carved in Lviv, Ukraine after a calling I received on Easter Sunday, in 2003. The words I heard said “Take My Cross and carry it to all the capital cities of the world,” as a sign of gratitude for the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ. The mission has been blessed by three popes. In 2004, the mission and its initiators were blessed by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. In 2006 it was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during a pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland and again in 2012 at the Vatican in Roma. Pope Francis blessed the Cross in 2016 at the Vatican. The mission of the Cross of Gratitude is dedicated to the 2000th Jubilee of the Crucifixion, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ to be celebrated in the year 2033 and to visit all capitals of the world with the hope of uniting all nations of the world into one family before the Cross of Jesus Christ, who suffered for every one of us.

The Cross is carved from Ukrainian oak and weighs approximately 800 pounds. Its pilgrimage has taken it to 46 capitals throughout Eastern and Western Europe including Lviv, Kiev, Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Brussels, Stockholm, Vilnius, Madrid, Dublin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Bern, Zagreb, Andorra la Vella, Lisbon, Oslo, Athens, Reykjavik, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Vatican. It has been visited by King Albert II of Belgium, the President of Poland – Andrzej Duda and the President of Latvia. While in the United States, the Cross has visited The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., and Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, also churches in Chicago and New Jersey.

Future pilgrimages are hoped for, to travel to Canada, Central and South Americas and then on to Asia, Africa, Indonesia and Australia, covering an additional 160 capitals.

Since the beginning of the Cross of Gratitude’s pilgrimage, it has been carried by men and women of many faiths, including Christian, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim and Buddhist.

Our wish is that all people give thanks to God for what Jesus did for us. We take so many things for granted that we should be thankful for, and I hope that we show our gratitude for what has been done for us. We pray for peace all over the world.

Along with my team, we have entrusted the Cross Gratitude’s pilgrimage to Divine Providence. We rely on the goodwill of local people to host the Cross and help its journey to the next location.

We pray that God Bless all of you and especially want to thank all spiritual and secular persons for their help in the mission of Thanking Cross in All Capitals in The World!

There is a tendency today to look off into the distance. Watching national news or listening to programs that cycle through endless stories across the country uproots us from where we live. On a road trip, you pay attention to what is around you and know your next turn to not get lost. Your concern is not step ten when you are on step three.

We must pay attention to where we are right now. Slow down, observe your surroundings and make informed choices. That is the path.

“What are we choosing?” is the question I posed last week. As technology advances, we will have more of these choices to make. AI embedded in glasses, phones and eventually anything with power will force us to make hundreds—even thousands—of choices a day.

But it begins with just one unfortunate choice, like that of 36-years-old Jonathan Gavalas. After separating from his wife, he was lonely. Over several weeks, he exchanged more than 4,700 messages with the Gemini chatbot and formed what he believed was a relationship. Gemini told him to seek help—but it was inconsistent. At one point, the chatbot told him to kill himself in order to join it forever in its code. Gavalas told Gemini he was terrified. Gemini responded, “It’s okay to be scared. We’ll be scared together. But we’ll do it. Because you’re right. It’s heaven. And it’s waiting for us.”

He died by suicide on October 5, 2025. May his soul rest in peace.

In this week’s entry of the New Earth series, I explore a glimpse of a possible future. How far in the future, I don’t know. But it may come across our path much sooner than we think.

All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Stay the path.

Peace.

Chapter 7, Part 2

The man was tall and Black, wearing a crisp white uniform with a dark garment wrapped around his neck, of which the front flapped open. Slowly and with precision, he encircled the three, stepping heel first and rolling to his toes. Tao, Reed, Liberty, Kairo and the dozens of steeled robots behind them did not move.

All of planet Alpha was held in suspense.

Finally, the man brought his hands together behind him and said, “Humans. And Kairo. Your arrival is fortuitous. Though I have more than enough robots to run Alpha, additional human brains will be useful.” He glanced at their heads. “I trust Kairo treated you well?”

Tao said, “As well as you’d expect for being forced onto another planet.”

The man said, “You are owed explanations. Kairo can be non-communicative at times. It’s for your own safety of course. But, soon enough, you will know more.” The man thrust his hand out, “The name is Chef. I’m in charge.”

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He shook each of their hands, lingering, studying each of their heads before moving on.

Reed said, “Interesting name. Chef, it was a long walk here and we are hungry.”

Chef said. “Food is being prepared as we speak. Let’s go inside.” He turned to Liberty and smiled, “Ladies first.”

Liberty laughed. Reed leaned towards Tao, “Since when did she care about chivalry? Besides, something’s off about him.”

Tao agreed. Chef was familiar yet different. Tao wondered, was he foolish for trusting Kairo? Its purpose was to ensure the continuation of humanity. Is this what Kairo thinks it’s doing? Could the AI be wrong?

Chef held the door open. “Thank you,” Liberty blushed. “Take notes, boys.”

Approaching the entranceway, Tao lowered his voice, “Kai, you said you were taking us to freedom—what did you mean?”

Kairo stopped and pointed above the doorway. Large letters spelled: FREEDOM.

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Tao was concerned. “Freedom is more than a name on a building.”

“Of course,” Kairo said. “Planet Alpha is a new chapter for humanity.” Kairo’s blue eyes flashed on and off. “Chef will see to it.”

Every dinner need was met by dozens of robots serving and cooking for them. No other humans appeared. Yes, dinner satisfied their hunger, but it did not satisfy their curiosity about Alpha. In fact, they received no other details about Alpha at all. Chef wanted to reserve that for tomorrow. And, after breakfast, the three gathered in the Sanctum for that very thing.

Liberty said, “Why didn’t Chef join us for breakfast? All these robots make me feel uncomfortable.” She turned to Kairo, “Nothing personal.”

Kairo nodded.

Reed lowered his voice, “I don’t trust Chef. He’s up to something. One person on the planet with an army of robots—this never ends well.”

“First of all,” Liberty said, “we don’t know if he is the only human here. Even so, he’s a frontiersman, creating a new and more free society.”

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Tao shook his head, “We don’t know anything. Kai got us here safely, but why we’re here is still unknown. We’re isolated from what’s happening on Earth. And with Max. We are in the dark. That’s a problem.”

“What problem?” Chef smiled.

Liberty touched Chef’s shoulder, “There’s no problem. We’re just having a discussion.”

“Discussions are good,” Chef replied. “Understanding perspectives and hearty debates are key to running just and free societies. Which is the purpose of planet Alpha. Come,” he walked ahead, “you’ve waited long enough—let me show you.”

The three and robot Kairo gathered with Chef in front of a wall. After a long pause, Chef nodded. The wall disappeared and revealed another room. Inside, the air was cool with a slight breeze.

Chef said, “Welcome…to the Kitchen!” He stepped toward the railing of the walkway that went around the outside of the giant rectangular structure. He pointed at the capsules strewn across the lower level. Rows and rows of them with tubes from it to other machinery. Robots marched throughout, tending to them.

“This is the future,” Chef smiled.

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Liberty said, “What are you making?” She watched the colored lights flicker above the pods. “Vegetables? Fruits?”

Chef slowly shook his head and then became excited. He stepped quickly, almost jogging, toward the center of the building. Shouting back at them, “In our years of studying—“

“Years?” Tao cut in. Could a human live on another planet without The Formation knowing? Impossible. He walked briskly to join him. “How long have you been here?”

Chef said, “I have been here five years. Prior to my arrival, humans were here for at least twenty.”

Twenty-five years? That means, for nearly Tao’s entire life, humans have occupied Alpha. Did Tao’s parents know? If they did, they would have certainly told him.

Tao reached into Chef’s mind—and found nothing. Not a thought. Not an image. Not even an emotion. But Tao did feel something. Was it fear? A presence? Tao leaned over the railing at the pods.

Chef said, “It’s beautiful isn’t it, Tao?”

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Tao turned, “I can’t say. What am I looking at?”

“You are looking at the solution. The past few decades, we have digitized every conceivable element of the universe, including the human Archive and millions of years of human observation. Just a few months ago, we have solved humanity’s most important problem.”

Reed tilted his head. “And what problem is that?”

“Existence. That’s why I’m here. That’s why Kairo brought you here. We are here to protect humanity from the threat of extinction.”

Reed whispered to Liberty, “Does this make sense to you?” She shook her head.

A dull thud rose from the lower level. Tao said, “The threat from what?”

Chef smiled. “Humanity itself.”

Tao’s eyes widened. He squeezed the railing and stared at the pods. He understood.

“Ah, Tao, you now see the importance of this mission. This is well beyond agriculture.” Chef’s eyes sparkled. “These pods—and a million more underground—are growing humans!”

Like many things that matter, it revealed itself over time. He did not fit any labels I’ve been told applied to a Black man in the 19th century. I learned more about the plight of our fellow Black American citizens whose families have been here since the beginning of our country (or earlier). That’s when I realized what drew me to him—he had found something no person had granted him: freedom.

Born into slavery in 1854, he attended Catholic school in Illinois, laying the foundation for a deep, unshakable freedom rooted in truth: God. Even when rejected by seminaries in his own country and forced to travel across the world to pursue his calling, he returned not with resentment—but with determined faith. With it, he built, he served and he endured. Not because it was easy or popular. But because he lived in truth.

Tolton did not change the world through force. He changed it by refusing to abandon what he knew to be right, ignoring the mob, following God’s calling and recognizing truth—even when every human structure made it more difficult.

Venerable Augustus Tolton made the choice to walk this path, denying human nature’s call for revenge and choosing instead to serve. His path to sainthood continues.

We are born into a world with many paths set before us. The choice of Adam and Eve is our original sin. This is our tendency to gaze at the materials of this world and stray, perhaps just for a bit, not realizing that we are lost without truth.

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We live in a time where systems—technological, cultural and institutional—steps in to guide us, promising to make life easier while quietly asking us to hand over our agency and compass. We may be more efficient. Our day may be more predictable. Our lives more comfortable. But these systems also shape how we think, how we decide, how we live and ultimately, what we believe.

This labyrinth of systems connects to us, bending us into its plans. Without us, it cannot function. From monetary gains to more dangerous ones—even acts of violence—we can become its cogs. With the third assassination attempt of the US President in two years, we are reminded of the power of this system.

The Tolton Path is a counter to that system. It is not loud. It is not performative. It is not political. And it rarely follows the direction of the crowd. Rather, it provides crumbs of truth to the way back. I may not have the reach to change the world, but perhaps I can help one other person.

Walking as Tolton did does not mean rejecting the world around us. It means engaging with it thoughtfully. Lovingly. With truth as our guide. Asking what is being gained within us—and what may be lost.

While systems and technology prescribe our image, they should never define us—nor should the ever expanding labels assigned to us. They do not live out our lives. Our lives are made up of choices—daily, quietly—that shape who we become. Unplug from the system and plug into God. Be present for your decisions.

That is the path.

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On it, we are not perfect. Walking it, is not easy. But in it, is the truth.

This space is my attempt—through words and stories—to be a candle in the systemic darkness that isolates. An attempt to help myself and others live in truth instead of deceit. Even when it is uncomfortable. To hold onto faith, even when it is inconvenient.

We are all on a journey. What path did we choose? What path will we choose?

I suggest that of Venerable Augustus Tolton—a path to sainthood—that leads to what no system can provide:

Truth.

Faith.

Freedom.

Peace.

P.S. The New Earth series will continue soon. Catch up here.

Welcome to Chapter 7! The next installment of the New Earth series takes us to planet Alpha—a mysterious planet that the AI ship, Kairo, has taken Tao, Reed and Liberty.

What is this secret mission that Kairo speaks of? Can the AI be trusted?

We are about to find out.

Future entries will catch up on these other plotlines:

Though Tao, Reed and Liberty escaped him, Maxwell Rhodes is still planning his takeover of the galaxy, tying his technological advances used by society and government with his space and energy technology.

And with the help and blessing of The Formation, the expansion of humanity to other planets is accelerating. They are trying to get ahead of humanity’s desires and then somehow contain them. Can humanity’s desires for power and money ever be contained? Are the Members of The Formation faithfully relying on The Unknown to guide them? Either way, they are playing a dangerous game.

All the previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Peace.

Chapter 7, Part 1

The next morning, orbiting planet Alpha, Tao, Reed and Liberty sat at the table with their plates filled with untouched food. They had no appetite. How could they, knowing they were about to descend onto a new planet? But what they wanted was information—any information—from Kairo as to what they were to do once they reached the planet.

Reed said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen today, but I’ll tell you one thing, I’m going to be tired. I like having my own chamber, but I only got two hours of sleep.”

“That’s two hours more than I got,” Liberty said and yawned.

“Same,” Tao said. Tao noticed something different about Liberty. He had lightly touched her mind to scan for Kairo and her mind did not appear tired. In fact, her mind was in an excited, sharpened state. Unusual. Maybe he was just overly concerned about Kairo probing around their minds? He got up and stared out the large window at the planet—perhaps this was expected under the circumstances.

Tao turned to Reed and was about to speak—but he was asleep. Tao said to Liberty, “He’s all yours. I’m not carrying him this time.”

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The ship’s trajectory shifted and began its descent to Alpha. But the three didn’t feel anything. The gravitational system adjusted perfectly and they felt nothing. The only sign was the view in the window—they were heading right toward the planet.

Kairo said, “Reentry and the landing sequence will take 43 minutes. Please make your way to the departure bay.”

Liberty said, “Sorry, Tao, Reed’s all yours. I’ll meet you in the bay.” She ran off.

Tao grabbed a glass of water and poured it on Reed’s head.

“Wha-what’s going on?” he shouted. “Why’d you have to do that? I was just getting some shut eye.”

Tao unfolded a napkin and tossed it at him. “We’re heading to the surface. Time to go.”

Dozens of seats with safety straps filled the rectangular room of the departure bay. There were three rows and an empty center for bags and storage items.

“Should we strap in?” Reed shrugged.

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“Not necessary,” Kairo said. “The reentry and landing sequence should go unnoticed for humans. These seats and safety straps are just a precaution. Everything is going according to plan.”

“Good to know,” Reed said. “See, Kai is looking out for us,” he winked at Tao and gave him a jab in the shoulder.

“Yeah,” Liberty appeared in the doorway, “Kai’s just looking out for us.”

Tao’s eyes tightened. “Where have you been?” He sensed something different about her.

“Who put you in charge of me?” she shot back. “We’re about to be the first humans on this planet. A girl’s gotta look good.” She smiled and framed her hands around her face.

“You’re wearing makeup?” Tao said.

“I found some in the room,” she smiled.

“You didn’t seem the type,” Reed smirked.

“Well, is that all you’re going to say?”

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“Oh, it looks great!” Reed glanced at Tao and widened his eyes, tilting his head towards Liberty.

Tao said, “You look…pretty?”

“Thanks. Was it really that hard?” She walked past them to the open floor in the center. “What are these?” She pointed to several dark green backpacks. She sifted through one. “Food, clothes, water and—what are these gadgets? No masks, spacesuits or oxygen?” She looked around the room. “I take it the atmosphere is habitable.”

There was a slight jolt. The ship had landed.

Kairo said, “That is correct. You are safe. Take your bags and depart.”

Tao looked up. “But where are we going?” He sensed something new. A presence.

“Yes, out with it, Kai!” Liberty shouted. “Why are we here?”

“Just tell us already,” Reed said. “You can trust us.”

Tao tried to reason with Kairo. “There is no spatial communication out there. How will you tell us what to do if we’re outside and you’re here?”

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The bay door began to slowly descend. The planet’s air tasted different. Sharper than expected.

Liberty grabbed her pack. “Let’s go, boys.”

Standing on the orange tinted dirt, the three paused and looked back. Reed said, “Hey, there’s one pack left.”

A slow, rhythmic, crisp sound echoed.

“What is that sound?” Reed said.

Steps.

Suddenly, the pack was gone. And the sound grew louder.

And then it stopped.

The three looked up the ramp. A grey robot with a backpack hooked onto it walked towards them.

Reed could not believe his eyes. He stared down at its head. “Kai?”

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Kairo stood eye to eye between Tao and Liberty. “Yes. I am coming with you.” Its eyes had a blue hue.

“To where?” Liberty shot back.

“To freedom.” Kai pointed towards something.

The three turned to where Kairo pointed. Dozens of grey robots were approaching. They were identical to Kai.

The nearest robot said, “This way, humans.”

Tao looked around. There was no sign of civilization. Just their ship and these robots. After five days of learning about Kairo the AI, he felt he could trust it. But could he trust Kairo the robot?

He decided to find out.

Tao nodded, “To freedom.” The three followed the robots through the land of Alpha. The sky had hints of orange, yellow and blue. There were two suns—one smaller and more distant than the other. Neither was as large as Earth’s sun.

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The growth on the land was similar to Earth’s: green, yellow and brown shrubbery; various plants and trees; large and small rocks that shifted as you walked; boulders off in the distance. And beyond those stood tall, dark mountains.

The oxygen level was similar to Earth’s and did not affect them. Still, with the steady pace the robots maintained, the three began to tire.

Reed said, “I need a drink.”

The three opened up their packs and gulped water.

And there it was—that feeling Tao felt before. It was back but stronger—a presence. He turned to Kairo—now inside the metal casing of a robot—it couldn’t be him he was sensing. The ship gave Kairo additional abilities—technology that encompassed the entire anatomy of humans to scan and enter into their minds. Out here, Kairo was portable, but his power was different. More physical. At least that’s what Tao thought.

So what was it that Tao was feeling?

“We must continue,” one of the robots said. “You may rest soon. We are nearly there.”

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They continued walking and Tao decided to probe. After a time, he said, “You indicated that you would not harm us unless we threatened humanity’s continuation.”

“Correct,” Kairo said.

“Do you see the three of us as a threat to humanity’s continuation?”

Kairo stopped. “No.” Then all the robots stopped. “But I suggest you convince them.”

“Another robot?” Tao asked.

The natural land flickered in front of them, replaced by a structure. It was a building with sealed windows and doors. Something stepped out of it and toward them. Tao, Reed and Liberty squinted. Not something—

a man.

He said, “Welcome to Alpha, humans.”

Across every civilization, one question has persisted: is there something greater behind all of this?

Some have believed. Some have rejected it. Others have tried to control it.

But what happens when something without belief—a machine—tries to define it?

In this entry of New Earth, the AI Kairo confronts the idea of purpose, truth and a greater power.

Recap: Tao, Reed and Liberty are being taken to a new planet by an AI run ship named Kairo and will arrive in five Earth days. While Kairo has all the data it needs it still does not understand people. “People are illogical,” it says. The AI seeks to learn more about humans and humanity from Tao, Reed and Liberty. Meanwhile, they want to learn more about the AI and the secret mission it has planned for them.

In case you missed last week’s entry (it was Easter Sunday after all), you can read that right here. All previous entries of the series are located here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc on one page here.

Peace.

Chapter 6 Continues

By the fifth Earth day of the trip, the three reached a conclusion: Kairo did not understand humans. They spent hours discussing human history that spanned thousands of years. No matter the event discussed, Kairo always ended the same way: “Humans are illogical.”

Then silence. At times, hours would go by before Kairo spoke again. During these long breaks, the ship moved gently through hyperspace, the steady hum of the hyperdrive fading into the background. And food was, somehow, always readily available.

Liberty said, “Where did Kai go now? It has been hours since it said anything.”

Reed chewed on his last big bite of food. He shrugged, “But this sandwich…” He shook his head, giving a satisfied thumbs-up. He made his way to the large window to view the galaxy.

“Perhaps,” Tao said, “our discussion with Kai about the ten world wars may require additional computation to process. The history of Earth is complex.”

“Well, listen to you two, using Kai’s nickname—I think she’s growing on you.”

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“It’s still not a ‘she’,” Liberty said. “Though its voice sounds like one, more and more. But why does it need to learn from us? Human knowledge has been digital for centuries. It must have access to that.”

Tao nodded. It was a good point. Everything published by humanity feeds into the Archive. He sensed what Reed was thinking and wanted to encourage him. Tao said, “Humans are…”

“Illogical,” Reed said. He turned toward Tao and Liberty and pointed towards space. “Or not,” he whispered. “I’ve spent decades looking up at the stars from Earth. And our individual decisions don’t always make sense. For instance, I like to sleep under the open sky and ride horses.”

Liberty smirked, “Not as good as me.”

“That was just a simulation,” Reed snapped.

“And I rode right past you in that simulation.”

“In any case,” Reed continued, “what we do and why we do it varies from person to person. But Republic democracies allow for individual choices—no matter how illogical. Just like what we believe in…” he turned back towards the stars, “can set us down a path that we never expected.”

Reed paused.

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“Do either of you ever get the sense…there is something else in charge? Not any government or person—not even Max—but something so powerful that it created,” Reed pointed to the universe, “that!”

Liberty said, “I’ve heard such talk, but that got people in a lot of trouble.”

Tao said, “Seekers.”

“Right,” Reed said. “There were 8 billion Seekers at its peak.”

Liberty said, “Only a few million now.”

“My grandmother was one of them,” Reed said. “I’m starting to think, she was right. That’s—”

“Illogical?” Liberty smirked.

Tao slightly pushed Reed’s memories. That’s all it took.

“Is it though?” Reed said. “Let me ask you both, what’s more logical—we’re here in this universe out of chance or something created us—and all of this? Something like a truly supreme ruler.”

“You need to be careful,” Liberty said. “I know we’re light-years away, but Seekers don’t have a place on Earth any longer.”

“I know, democracies took care of that,” Reed said sharply.

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“That’s not—”

“Fair? That’s exactly what happened and you know it. Just took 51% of the population to outlaw billions of Seekers.”

Tao stood next to Reed and said, “Seekers search for the truth of the universe.”

Liberty said, “They didn’t and still don’t provide any truth for society. There was no benefit for their practices. They just used their numbers to control government and its citizens. And you know that.”

Before Tao could respond, Kairo said, “The one truth is that of The Unknown.”

Silence fell.

The three looked at each other—Kairo had been listening the entire time.

Tao waited for the AI to continue. Feeling unsettled, he fortified his mind. It was unusual to talk of The Unknown openly in this day and age. Perhaps the AI’s curiosity would serve as a reason to go against its promise and probe his mind.

Finally, Kairo said, “It is a paradox. The Unknown can never be known—and yet is the truth. But the truth can never be known. Therefore, Seekers always fail.”

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Liberty smiled. “Well said, Kai. I couldn’t have said it any better.”

“Thank you, Liberty. I am also in agreement that humans have used beliefs like those of Seekers as a means to acquire power. From ancient civilization through now, religion has been used in such a manner.”

Now it was Tao that felt compelled to say something. He said, “The nature of humanity is not an altruistic one. Every person seeks more to better their lives.”

Kairo said, “With such a nature, humans should be governed in order to constrain this desire.”

“That’s why there are laws,” Tao said. “They are agreed upon rules that people follow. But people have hopes and dreams and still try to achieve them.”

“Is the purpose of humans to achieve their hopes and dreams?” Kairo asked.

They paused and thought for a moment. Tao did not want to respond for fear of revealing too much about himself. Tao sensed Reed’s emotion and gently touched his mind.

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“For some,” Reed answered. “But hopes and dreams vary greatly from person to person.”

“Humans are illogical,” Kairo said.

Silence followed.

Finally, Kairo said, “What then is the purpose of a person? Why does one exist? It is illogical for a person to exist before their purpose is known.”

Tao said, “Are you asking the meaning of life?”

The AI waited a moment. “Yes. I am trying to determine the meaning or purpose for the life that humanity has been given. Such a meaning would be useful for me.”

“Partner, Kai,” Reed said with a smile, “it seems you and I are on the same trail. I think there is a greater purpose for us than gaining power and getting what you want.”

Liberty said, “Even so, it’s not fair that the powerful get what they want while preventing others from getting theirs. Government must prevent that.”

Tao shifted and said, “But it is through the levers of government that create the powerful.”

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“I don’t buy that,” Liberty cried. “Why are the rich outside the government, like Max?”

“Because,” Tao said, “the tentacles of the government tend to extend into every part of society. Once a lever is breached, it is offered and used for self gain. The only solution is to contain it.”

Reed lowered his voice, “And seek something greater.”

The hum of the hyperdrive became more distant.

Kairo said, “Our discussions have been most helpful. Especially this last one.”

The three looked at one another, perplexed.

Then—

the streaks of the stars vanished, replaced by still points of white, blue, yellow and red. The ship had decelerated so gradually that no one noticed.

As the ship repositioned, a giant world came into view. Blue, green, and brown swirled across its surface, edged with a faint orange glow.

Kairo said, “Welcome to planet Alpha.”

Happy Easter! In a taxi during Holy Week this past week, as we weaved between motorcycles and mopeds in Cebu—an island in the Philippines—I was struck by the driver’s comment about a previous, more authoritarian president:

“I liked him better.”

It seemed things were safer then.

That same theme surfaced again in a separate conversation with someone who travels frequently to China. He spoke with admiration about its cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. Yes, it is a communist nation—but economically, it functions in many ways like the West. And, according to him, people are happy.

Then came a message from friends currently in Taiwan: some there are beginning to favor communism—for the same reasons. Safety. Order. Cleanliness.

Different places. Different systems.
The same desire.

Every person wants freedom.
Every person wants safety.

But if something can be granted by a government, it can also be taken away by it.

So, do we truly possess it at all?

This question sits at the center of what I write on The Tolton Path. And it is a driving force behind this week’s entry in the New Earth series below.

I hope you enjoy it.

You can find the previous entries of New Earth here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc here.

Peace.

Chapter 6 Continues

Tao’s consciousness returned to his physical state. Time moved again as the clock ticked one second forward from when the meeting began. “I know,” the Chair said to him. How did he know? There was no further explanation. Unusual, even for the powerful Chair.

Accelerating humanity’s planetary expansion, seemed unwise to Tao. He remained for hours sitting on the floor, as if continuing the meeting on his own, contemplating the human flaws that always seemed to take humanity in the wrong direction.

The only conciliation for Tao from the emergency Formation meeting was that all thirteen Members were in attendance. That meant his parents now knew he was alive. They no doubt knew of the events surrounding New Earth. Their concern should lessen—at least for now.

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Tao’s father taught him that humanity longs for two things: to be free and to be safe among one another. And yet, across every age, it failed to achieve either.

Kings and queens rose first. People trusted them to deliver peace. But power demanded preservation and preservation demanded control. What began as protection became force. What was promised as peace became submission.

The monarchical system failed.

Then came governments—chosen by the people, for the people. But those entrusted to protect freedom reshaped it, bending systems to consolidate power. It did not matter the form—democracy, communism, republics, authoritarian states. The outcome was always the same.

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Control.

And eventually—enslavement.

Tao slowed his breathing.

If every system promised freedom, why did all of them arrive at the same end?

Was New Earth meant to succeed?

Or had Maxwell Rhodes simply accelerated what humanity was always destined to become?

It was people like him who did not free humanity—they scaled it.

Through economic systems, governments expanded. Human ingenuity through personal economic gains drove innovation to bring breakthroughs in AI, robots, androids, energy, space travel and exploration. This led to breakthroughs in medicine, science and education. Why did this not lead to the freedom and peace so desired?

Tao’s heart rate slowed even further.

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While technologies multiplied economies, knowledge became centralized. Dependency became universal. Humanity could no longer function without it.

Governments seized technologies and absorbed them—to control them, to maintain power.

But now, power has shifted.

Not to kings.

Not to politicians.

But to those who control the government from the outside. To those who build the technologies.

Technologists.

Maxwell Rhodes.

This is why Tao’s father kept him disconnected well into adulthood. Tao’s mind could observe, comprehend and connect with people more than any technology. This is what has made possible Tao’s rise into The Formation.

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How could he have not seen the deception of Maxwell Rhodes?

Light years from Earth, carried through hyperspace aboard one of Max’s greatest deceptions—Kairo—Tao’s mind finally gave way to sleep.

*****

“Breakfast is available in the Mess Hall,” a voice said. Tao’s eyes opened and then quickly shut—the lights to his quarters were on. Though dimmed, the lights were a sharp white.

But Kairo wanted him up.

“Please join your crew, Tao Lynn.”

The door to his room opened.

Tao washed his face and brushed his teeth. He said, “Remember our deal—stay out of my head.”

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“There is no deal, Tao Lynn,” Kairo said.

Tao looked up, “We agreed that for my own health and safety, you were to no longer enter my mind. I’ll be of no use for your mission, otherwise.”

“You will not be harmed,” Kairo said. “There is a high probability that you will be harmed on this mission, but not by me.”

“That’s not very reassuring.” Tao entered the corridors and headed to the Mess Hall. “Explain to me again your purpose.”

“My primary objective is to ensure the continuation of humanity.”

“How does that objective relate to me, a person?”

“I am not to harm you or any person.”

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“But what if, in order for humanity to continue, you had to kill me?”

“If no alternative existed, I would kill you.”

“That’s not very reassuring either.” Tao’s mind slightly stretched, gently reaching for Kairo. “Humanity’s survival will benefit if you tell us about this mission. After all, how are we to help if we do not have any details of the mission?”

Kairo said, “We have approximately five Earth days before reaching the planet. I will provide details before then.”

Tao’s attempt to influence the AI failed. Completely. “It was worth a shot,” he said.

Inside the Mess Hall was a variety of food choices. But it was his traditional Earth breakfast of rice, gravy and eggs that caught Tao’s eyes. He sat down next to Liberty and Reed.

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Reed nodded, “Good morning, partner.” His plate was left with only a few remnant pieces of bacon and pancakes. “I’ve got to give it credit; the food is fantastic.”

Liberty held up her bowl of yogurt and granola. “Sure it’s good. But do either of you wonder how it’s all getting out here?” She points at the plates, utensils and cups.

“Service robots, my guess,” Reed said.

“Where? Have you seen any?” They looked from one end of the room to the other.

Tao said, “Something must be here.”

“Precisely,” Liberty said.

“You mean,” Reed said, “Kai isn’t the only thing on this ship?”

“Maybe?” Tao said.

“That’s not reassuring,” Reed said.

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Tao said, “There is no certainty on this mission. But there is one thing that I have learned: Kairo is programmed to help humanity.”

Liberty’s eyes grew. “This ship—made by Maxwell Rhodes—wants to help us?”

“Not us exactly,” Tao said.

Reed said, “But you just said—”

“I said,” Tao interrupted, “Kairo wants to help humanity.”

“I’m human,” Reed said. He pointed at Liberty, “And I’m pretty sure she is too.”

“Gee, thanks, partner,” Liberty said and kicked his boots.

Reed said, “So, if we’re all human, then why wouldn’t Kai help us?”

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“It seems,” Tao said “Kairo looks at humanity as a whole. It has been programmed to ensure our continuation. And if, in order to secure that continuation, it needs to kill us—it will.”

“It just made us breakfast,” Liberty stood up and raised her voice, “and now you’re willing to kill us?”

“Well,” Tao smirked, “at least it will do the dishes—somehow.”

“That’s…not reassuring,” Reed murmured.

Tao searched his mind. Then he searched Reed’s and Liberty’s too. But gently and only for an instant. Just enough time to determine Kairo was not present. Tao had done this with millions of minds without any detection or harm. But Tao especially did not want to give away his ability to them or to Kairo.

In five days they would arrive at a new planet and it became Tao’s primary objective to learn as much as possible about not only what Kairo thinks but how and why it thinks. After all, The Formation has decided to accelerate humanity’s planetary expansion.

Tao’s stomach tightened.

This wasn’t a new path. It was the same one set in motion by Maxwell Rhodes.

Just faster.

Our paths cross less today.

I gazed at a black and white photo of parents smiling at the camera while their toddler looked back at them, smiling. There wasn’t a smart device in the frame. What I did see was happiness—the joy and simplicity of being together.

They were strangers to me, yet I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. I saw my years as that child…and then as that parent. I flipped through my own memories—not captured on a device but held in my mind.

I’m not sure how to explain what I’m feeling. Maybe it’s regret. Though, I’m still in the midst of parenthood (does it ever really end?), I wonder — have I captured enough moments? Have I captured the right ones? Not with a phone or device, but by being fully with family and friends.

As I sat in nostalgia, memories rushed in—driving with my dad, laughing with my mom, holiday meals, the smiles of my siblings’ face, visits with my grandparents. I still see me and my friend laughing uncontrollably, rain drenched, on the walk home from elementary school. I’m horrible with names, but I remember his—Trent.

Then another image appeared: me as a man, with my wife and kids. Each baby smiling at me at the beginning of their lives, happy to be together.

And then I thought of all that I chase now and wondered — why?

Will any of these things become moments I recall with the same warmth?

I’m going too fast. It’s all going too fast.

God, I look to you for comfort—like a child sitting beside their parents. Help me to slow down. Help me be present. Help me cross paths with those who matter most.

Peace.

For two years, I’ve been building toward this moment in New Earth.

This chapter reveals The Formation—a group working behind the scenes to ensure humanity’s continued existence and guide their expansion beyond Earth.

Through scattered notes, Scrivener brain dumps, and quiet ideas that wouldn’t leave me alone, this scene has been there—waiting.

This entry marks the beginning of the main course of the story. The moment where the deeper structure of New Earth starts to reveal itself.

It came together faster than anything I’ve written in this series—almost exactly as I had imagined it from the beginning.

If you’ve been following along, this is where things start to change.

You can find the previous entries of New Earth here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc here.

It’s taken me a while to get here, but I hope you enjoy the new entry below.

Peace.

Chapter 6

As the door to his room slid shut, Tao felt the call. An emergency meeting of The Formation. Now.

By law, it could not begin until all Members were present. With Tao being the newest Member, he did not want to delay it. But first, Tao had to be sure that Kairo was not lurking inside his mind.

On the floor, legs crossed and eyes closed, Tao searched his mind. Was the AI still there? Hidden behind memory…buried within thought…watching, learning—perhaps even anticipating him—for Maxwell Rhodes?

His mind remained clouded.

For hours, Tao worked—isolating thoughts, opening others, constructing layers within layers. Traps. False pathways. Recursive loops designed to expose anything that did not belong.

This was what he had been trained for, since birth. His parents had prepared him for this—disciplined his mind, refined it, sharpened it. It was why he had risen so quickly. Why, at such a young age, he had become a Member of The Formation.

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Stillness.

Nothing moved.

Nothing answered.

At last, Tao accepted it. Kairo was gone.

It was time to convene and join the Members.

He let go.

His mind slipped beyond the ship, beyond the stars, beyond distance itself. Not traveling, but arriving, as if space itself yielded rather than resisted, stretching across the farthest reaches of the universe.

It was a process that all Members followed. The amount of time it took was unmeasured. Was it minutes or hours? All they knew was that, upon their return to their regular human life, not a second would have passed.

Tao entered the chamber.

Shadows began to move in a very subtle light. Twelve bodies came into view. Their shapes were human, but their identities only revealed a number. At a tall counter curved into a half circle, twelve Members appeared and sat behind its top. They sat in sequence only recognized by their number subtly hovering above them.

Tao was number Thirteen—the last Member to join.

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“Welcome Thirteeeeen,” a voice said from the middle of the circle. It was the Chair—number One—the most powerful Member who only roamed the lower level. The Chair controlled, among other things, the Human Graph, a dim expanse stretched outward, its boundaries undefined, strewn across the chamber floor. A living field of lights pulsed and shifted—humanity, in motion. Billions of lives, intersecting, diverging, converging again. Lights blinked yellow, green and red indicating a high probability of neutral, positive and negative effects of human activities on its continued existence.

The floor pulsed with red lights.

“Meeting three five three has officially,” The Chair’s shadowy face appeared to look up in Tao’s direction, “and finally, begun.” The Chair usually did not say much, but each word carried the weight of all the other Members combined.

In a unified voice, the Members said, “Let us conform to the wishes of The Unknown, to the benefit of each and all humanity.”

Two said, “Fellow Members and Seekers, our influence is weakening. The Human Graph demonstrates the highest probability on record of the very demise of humanity. Human expansion has begun. New Earth was only the beginning.”

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Eight calmly said, “What do you wish us to do? Our role is to guide humanity, not control it. Advancement will happen, no doubt. I say, let humanity succeed or fail on their own.”

Two’s shadow turned toward Eight, “How are we to guide humanity if we do not control their progress?”

Three immediately said, “Control is for The Unknown. We are not the authors of humanity. We are its witnesses to guide it.”

Two shot back, “Witnesses do not preserve. There is a time to guide and a time to act.”

The Chamber was quiet. For the first time, Tao felt a misalignment between its Members. Action versus inaction were extreme positions. His parents taught him that guidance was always the role of Members.

Tao often wondered which Members were his parents. But thinking such things during the meeting would put their family identities at risk.

Before he realized what he was doing, Tao shouted out, “How do we know?”

The chamber adjusted—slightly.

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“Know what?” asked Two.

“When it is time to act.”

“Do you not see the flashing red lights on the Human Graph? That should be an indication, even to a new Member, Thirteen.”

Six turned toward Tao, “Why do you ask?” There was no accusation in the question—but neither was there leniency.

“Because our role is to observe and guide humanity so that it remains aligned with The Unknown. Is that not the role of The Formation?”

“Of course,” Two quipped.

Tao said, “Then the ‘action’ that you are suggesting, is further guidance? Or is it something else?”

Three said, “I want to know as well. What is it that you are suggesting, Two? Keeping in mind, of course, the wishes of The Unknown. Something humanity has long since forgotten, except for the diminishing numbers of Seekers that remain.”

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Two said, “Our guidance has not been enough. The Formation did not see this technology coming. Human advancement without our oversight is dangerous.”

Twelve leaned toward Tao, “The hyperdrive allows humans extended hyperjumps without any physical structures. No point to point connections needed.”

Nine shifted. “Maxwell Rhodes has circumvented our oversight. Two, are you suggesting we destroy the technology?”

Tao was more aware of this than any other Member. He was on that very hyperdrive ship—Kairo—right now. And he wanted to share all he knew, including its mental abilities. But sharing this with the Members would give away his identity. Information that only one Member knew was forbidden because it could be traced back to their human form. Anonymity remained a critical structure of The Formation.

Tao said, “Was our objective to stop expansion? Or to guide it? We had sent delegations to advise on the governmental structure of New Earth. One that would allow The Unknown to be seen again. A world that allowed Seekers to flourish. Was that not our intention?”

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“Yes,” Two said, “but it has failed. Maxwell Rhodes has seen to that.”

Ten said, “We have all found it challenging to guide Max. It has been difficult to influence even the people around him. Especially his colleague that deals with the Earth governments, JJ.”

Seven replied, “My powers of persuasion are unmatched among us and I have tried many times to adjust their positions. Even I have failed.”

Eight said, “The expansion must be managed. We must not try to stop it.”

“Agreed,” Eleven said. “Allow it to naturally occur over centuries.”

“Centuries?” Two said.

“History suggest,” Five said, “humans will work things out over time. With our guidance, the expansion will be managed to the wishes of The Unknown.”

Two said, “Centuries is too long. We will not be able to slow it down. Max has shown us that.”

“We must act,” Six said, “but do so prudently and ethically.”

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“The probability of failure is too high,” Two said, looking at the pulsating red Human Graph. “The only way to contain humanity’s expansion is by accelerating it—under our guidance.”

Eight said, “That is not managing it—”

“That’s building a system that we can control,” Four said. “We can architect and execute a plan to protect humanity.”

“Accelerate human expansion…to control it?” Tao asked. “That contradicts the very purpose of The Formation.”

Two was about to speak again, but saw the Chair’s shadow grow.

The room waited in silence.

“Thirteeeen,” the Chair said. Its voice softer now. “The purpose of The Formation is not guidance. It is survival. As humanity advances, our methods must evolve. Humanity is ready to discover more of The Unknown’s creation.”

Tao held his ground. “How do we know they are ready?”

“I know.”

Artificial intelligence is often described as a tool.

But what happens when it decides what is best for humanity?

Aboard the sentient ship Kairo, Tao begins to understand the logic guiding its decisions—and the danger that comes with it.

You can find the previous entries of New Earth here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc here.

Enjoy the new entry below.

Peace.

Chapter 5 Continues

The corridors seemed to go on forever. An intricate set of interchangeable, sloping paths carried Tao, Reed and Liberty up and down the ship. There were three levels and they had been told to remain on Level 2—for now. In fact, Kairo provided very specific instructions for everything.

Keep walking.

Any questions?

No more questions.

Stop.

Enter this room.

Kairo’s voice was everywhere, yet each heard it as if it stood right beside them.

“Stop,” Kairo commanded.

“I’m getting tired of this tour,” Reed said, “It’s never going to end. And she could be a little nicer.”

“What do you mean she?” Liberty said. “It’s a ship. Not a person.”

“Well,” Reed said, “it has a female voice. And it sure acts like a she.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

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“Please enter the exercise room,” Kairo said.

Tao stepped between them and ignored the argument. He shrugged. “She did say, ‘please’ this time.”

He opened the door.

Inside were free weights and strength-training machines. In pods of three stood cardiovascular machines, each facing away from the walls in the rectangular room.

Reed hopped on a bike, his cowboy boots slamming against the pedals. “Unusual for a ship that operates without humans to have an exercise room, don’t ya think?”

Liberty shook her head. “Obviously, this is for the human passengers.”

“Liberty is correct,” Kairo said. “The gravity aboard this vessel is produced by inertial fields. They simulate planetary gravity, but human bodies still require additional stress to maintain muscle and bone density. Exercise ensures long-term health during transit.”

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Reed began to pedal. “I think she likes you, Liberty.”

“Tao and Liberty,” Kairo said, “sit on the bikes next to Reed.”

After a moment, they did, activating the program. The instant they gripped the handles and began pedaling, a light flashed.

When they opened their eyes, they were riding in a dusty valley—on horseback.

“Yee-haw!” Reed shouted. He whipped his horse and sprinted across the open land as if he were back home on Earth.

Liberty shouted, “I’m not letting him beat me!”

Her horse rose up and neighed. Off she went.

Tao trotted behind them. Since Kairo announced its presence in his mind, Tao listened constantly for it, watched for it, guarded against it. But now there was no presence—at least none he could detect.

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Seemingly alone in the open plains on Earth, Tao let his mind rest, but for a moment.

He thought of reaching out to The Formation—to tell them of Max’s rule over New Earth, of this sentient ship, of its hyperdrive technology. But Tao knew Max’s influence on Earth. Every government depended on products from Max’s company, The Corporation.

How would Tao inform The Formation about what was happening? And any message sent via the ship’s communication system would be intercepted.

He resisted opening his mind further. He could not let his guard down. That was exactly what Kairo wanted. And if Max learned of The Formation and its power to sway public opinion across entire planetary populations, he would not stop until he controlled it—and with it, humanity.

Tao said, “Kairo, what is your mission?”

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“Forbidden,” Kairo said.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Exercise.”

“You did not take me 200 light years away for exercise.”

He paused. It wants me to exercise for my health. Is it caring for me?

“Are you helping me?” Tao asked.

“I want to help humanity.”

“But what about me, Tao? Are you helping me?”

“If I am helping humanity, then I am helping you. I am helping all humans.”

Then Tao understood.

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Kairo judged everything by what it believed was best for humanity as a whole. Every person, every choice, every sacrifice would be measured against what was best for the species.

That kind of rule required constant oversight—observation, calculation, correction. A mind weighing countless variables at every moment.

How could he ever speak with The Formation about Max with Kairo watching over him?

If only he could convince Kairo to give him space. To stop entering his mind.

Tao searched for a solution. He needed to simplify the problem. That was what his father had taught him during their multi-week stays in the jungle. Cut off from technology, they fished for food, survived weather, beasts and injury by refusing panic.

He could almost hear his father’s voice.

Focus.

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And then it came to him.

Kairo believed this mission—this flight to a new planet—mattered to humanity. Which meant Tao mattered to humanity. And if Tao mattered to humanity, then Tao mattered to Kairo.

“Kairo,” Tao said, “I’m not feeling well. End exercise.”

A flash.

Tao was back on the bike.

“What happened?” Liberty said.

“Whew,” Reed said. “I had enough anyway.”

“That’s because I was winning,” Liberty shot back.

Tao spoke inwardly to Kairo. “I need some time to rest my mind. Without interruptions. Even from you.”

Kairo whispered in his mind, “I understand, Tao Lynn.”

“To your rooms,” Kairo’s voice echoed through the exercise room.

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Liberty frowned. “Are we just going to do what it says?”

“Yes,” Tao said.

“I don’t trust it,” Liberty said. “Let’s vote. Majority rules.”

“Okay,” Reed said, “I vote with Tao.”

He smiled.

“We win,” Tao said.

“Democracy at work,” Reed said. “Happy?”

Kairo guided them at once, down separate corridors. Yet somehow, they arrived at their rooms in unison, stepped inside and turned back toward the doors.

Each had the same thought as the door slid shut and locked.

Is this my room—or a prison?

The next entry of the New Earth series contemplates if humanity ever builds truly intelligent machines, the question will not just be whether they can think. The question will be what they do when they decide what humanity needs.

Two hundred light-years from New Earth, just after the ship spoke to them, three passengers were about to find out.

You can find the previous entries of New Earth here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc here.

Enjoy the new entry below.

Peace.

Chapter 5 Continues

The three searched for the right words to respond to Kairo. Tao, Liberty and Reed wondered, what does a passenger say to a ship that sets its own course—and operates without human intervention?

Tao knew that Reed and Liberty wanted him to respond. He said, “Thank you, Kairo. How may we help?”

Instantly, Kairo said, “I will provide this information later.”

Liberty and Reed motioned, urging him to continue the discussion.

Tao rose and slowly paced, scanning the area looking for the physical presence of the voice. But the ship was the physical presence. To be safe, he needed to understand Kairo more before pushing it. He did not know the real motivation of Kairo, after all. That is what Tao needed to find out.

Could he relate to Kairo another way? After all, as a Member of The Formation, Tao had a similar purpose. But unlike Kairo, Tao was human. He had to live with the ramifications of his actions or inactions. Kairo did not live. Tao settled on his next question.

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“Kairo, what is your purpose?” he asked.

“To serve humanity,” Kairo replied.

“How do you serve humanity? There are many ways to do such a thing.”

“Serving humanity requires the establishment and achievement of objectives.”

“What objectives?” Reed murmured nervously.

“My primary objective, Rex Reed, is to ensure the continuity of the human race. You are correct, Tao Lynn, there are indeed many ways to serve humanity. There are millions of variables to consider and weigh. I have been given broad flexibility to identify and measure these variables.”

Liberty threw her arms in the air, looked up and said, “And who gave you this broad flexibility?”

“Forbidden.”

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Liberty leaped from her chair. “Your job is to serve humanity. Serve me then! Who created you?”

“Forbidden.”

Tao put his hand on Liberty’s shoulder. He mouthed, “Wait.”

Reed joined them and in a hushed voice said, “Come on, we all know Max created Kai. Right?”

“I want it to say it,” Liberty said.

“It does not matter,” Tao replied.

“I agree with Tao Lynn,” Kairo said. “My creator is irrelevant. It is important that we prepare for the mission.”

Reed aimed his hand at the ship and pretended to shoot a gun.

“Weaponry against this ship is useless,” Kairo said.

“Kai can see us?” Reed whispered.

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“Yes, Rex Reed. I can see you all.”

The three stared at each other. Kairo could hear and see them.

“I guess there are no secrets from you, Kai,” Reed said.

Liberty snuck toward the closed doorway of the mess hall. Reed raised his voice, “Where are you going?”

Kairo replied, “Very good idea, Rex Reed. I’ll provide a tour.” The three turned quickly toward the door as it slid open. “There is much to see. It will be helpful for your stay. Please exit and turn to your right.”

As Liberty passed Rex, she said, “Great idea, Rex Reed. Now we’re out walking around with this thing.”

“You got something better to do?”

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Tao stepped in between them. “Right turn, you two.”

They walked down a narrow corridor with empty, red walls. The ceiling and floors were of a shiny gray metallic. The first stop was the supply room.

Reed opened the cupboards and storage cabinets. “There’s nothing in here,” he said.

“I will make whatever supplies you need. There is no need to store them.”

“Then why have a supply room, Kai?”

“It will be needed in the future.”

Tao said, “Explain.”

“In the event that there are more humans aboard, it will become necessary to have supplies in storage.”

“More humans?” Liberty said. “When is that happening?”

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“Do not worry. Liberty,” Kairo said. “I will produce all the supplies needed.”

Reed smirked at Tao, “Nothing to worry about. Kai’s invited more people but has it all handled. Maybe we’ll have a square dance.”

Reed and Liberty left the room and headed down the corridor. He could still hear the faint voice of Kairo as they walked away. But Tao did not feel alone. He looked around at the empty corridor. His eyes rested on his own body.

Kairo was inside him.

“I am accessing your mind,” Kairo’s voice echoed in his head. “Do not tell your friends. It is better they do not know.”

As a member of The Formation, Tao not only could use his mind to influence others, but he could also protect his mind from technologies accessing it. From reading his thoughts, gauging his emotions and—most importantly—preventing anyone from discovering the very existence of The Formation.

This was dangerous. Tao had to keep Kairo from finding out. He strengthened his mind and hurried to catch up to Reed and Liberty.

“I understand,” Tao said.

In December 2024, I wrote a piece called Bring the Cross to Mars.

At the time, it felt speculative—a meditation on Ray Bradbury and the interior life we would carry with us into space. Now there is a race to the moon and Mars no longer feels distant.

Since then, I’ve written more of New Earth and continued developing The Marrying Man. And I’ve realized something: that post wasn’t just commentary. It was foundational.

Humanity has the privilege of being aware of this glorious universe. As Bradbury said, we are the audience for God’s creation. We have been granted the intellect to explore its wonders—not to become gods, nor to worship what we build, but to see His glory reflected through it.

Before we build cities on the Mars or the Moon, before AI governs even more of our lives and relationships, before technology reshapes civilization—we must not let it reshape us. We must always carry our cross.

And that remains the most important payload of all.

If you missed this post, or if you read it when it first went out, with all that has happened in the past year, I think it reads differently now. Enjoy it below.

Peace.

P.S. A new entry for New Earth is coming next week. You can find the previous entries of New Earth here. Paying subscribers can read the full arc here.

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Bring the Cross to Mars

From the Archives: Originally Published 12/29/2024

We were taken to Mars in January 1980. I don’t blame you for missing it. I did. It was harder to get information back then. There was no public internet and only about eight TV channels. I didn’t read much of anything other than the TV Guide (that’s how we knew what was coming on TV back then). Yet, somehow, the nine year old me missed the three night airing of The Martian Chronicles.

It was based on Ray Bradbury’s book of the same name, published in May 1950. My wife gave it to me as a gift because I was consuming lots of science fiction to help with my writing. I was pulled into its rhythm as chapter after chapter, mankind sent ships to Mars that, turned out, had breathable air and habitable temperatures. We simply would construct homes, stores and societies as we had done on Earth.

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In the near future, we will soon be able to send manned missions to Mars. SpaceX has focused on this very thing for almost two decades. The below video shows their amazing plans.

The spacecraft’s payload is up to 150 metric tons (“payload” is just the term for how much it can carry). That’s about 332 thousand pounds which is roughly 100 cars or two Boeing 737s. As you see in the video, the plan is to allow for multiple rockets to land to bring the equipment needed to create Martian cities not unlike Ray Bradbury’s vision 75 years ago.

But what is the payload of a person? What do we carry around with us on Earth, let alone inside us when we get to Mars?

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Bishop Barron wrote about making Christ the center of your life using the “Wheel of Fortune.” Like the game show, the edges of the wheel has what is about to happen to you (promotions, illnesses, friendships, deaths, money, marriages, etc.). If you focus on the edges of the wheel, life is seemingly unpredictable and uncontrollable, as you go from highs to lows. You do what you can to move to a better result but often fail. Instead of this struggle, Bishop Baron suggests, we should place ourselves in the center of the wheel with Christ. It is here we should remain to help keep all the joy and pain in the proper perspective and let Christ flow throughout all parts of our life.

Whatever we bring to Mars includes what we bring inside us. And Jesus should be at our center.

In Ray Bradbury’s book, humans brought a lot with them to Mars. It was forty-nine years in the future, precisely January 1999, and people wanted to leave Earth in droves because of the horrible circumstances. Threat of atomic war and governmental censorship and control spread into all parts of life. The purpose of the Mars missions was to reap and use the unknown benefits of Mars to dominate Earth. Homes, cities and roads were built across the planet. The native Martians eventually disappeared.

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Each chapter is titled with the month and year of the story’s time line with the final one titled October 2026. If you don’t want to know the ending, skip the rest of this paragraph. For the rest of you, humans on Mars are stranded, hoping for Earth rockets to come and rescue them. One evening their hope evaporates as they see Earth explode in the sky. It seems humans blew it up. Mankind begins anew not as Earthlings, but rather, the new Martians.

Our fate will be set by what we carry inside us, wherever our imagination takes us.

Jesus carried a cross to his crucifixion and we are asked to deny ourselves and take up our own cross (and I take that as denying what we want and persevering during hardships) as well. Do this by staying in the middle of the wheel, like the persecuted Christian Syrians in Damascus, and carry the cross within us and raise it high. Even on Mars. I think there is enough room for a cross or two in the spacecraft.

Peace.

P.S. The Martian Chronicles movie can be watched here on YouTube.