The Syndicate

Issac smacks a projector and it springs to life. Its projection displays one of his wildest creations, a city in the skies. Even he wondered about its viability, but the terrain issues of the planet now make such a creation necessary.

The other geniuses gather around the projection.

After leaving Veronica’s settlement, they made way west. Most of the surviving humans left for the eastern continents, leaving much of the usable western continent alone. Many coastal areas experience turbulent weather, but if one is able to adapt to it then the area is livable and free.

The geniuses have such capabilities, within days they build homes capable of resisting the strong winds and storms. They’re small, but strong and easy to build with the help of robots and drones with the material found the area which was once a small walkable town.

The town buildings are falling apart and have been looted, but material such as brick and metal are still usable. Pipelines are still functional and the one building standing upright has now become the genius’s base. The entrance room is large and open, a great space for them to make makeshift lab.

“But of course, we can’t do this alone. We’ll need to gather supporters, the first to be led into the world we once dreamt of. We have goods, walls, energy, and technology. I’m sure it will be easy to draw some in.” Bell said.

“We can make promises of health as well. My technology alongside Elizabeth can cure many ailments of the body.” Lars said.

“Most will come just for the energy. But I agree, we need people.” Akihiko said.

“You know, I’m using a lot of your technology in this, Akihiko.” Issac said.

The floating city stems from a large tower in the middle, the surrounding floor floating using Akihiko’s floating technology. Issac has taken liberties with the buildings throughout the city, some for their work, others for the development of the city and their people.

“And it will be wonderful.” Bell said. “Before that, we should establish our goals. Technology is well and all, but what is our purpose? I will start, prosperity.”

“Health.” Lars said.

“Evolution.” Elizabeth said.

The basis of their goals, health, prosperity, and evolution. The group agrees, scribbling it on a chalk board inside the room and circling it.

Weeks pass, larger homes are built and supplies gathered from abandoned towns on the coast. After enough preparation, the group moves to gathering people.

They divide into three groups.

Bell, Akihiko, and Amélie are the first and leave for inner regions of the continent not affected by radiation.

Elizabeth and Zara head north.

Lars and Artem head south.

Elena, Liang, and Issac remain at their base, most of their time dedicated to the same research on helping their children.

Each group carries simple weapons and is accompanied by three drones Liang scrounged up in the time since their arrival at their new base. With some AI development from Artem, the drones are able to sense life and also deploy defensive measures as needed.

Of course, each group hopes to recruit as many people as possible but they must also protect themselves. Still, the group is ignorant to much that Veronica has learned over time.

Bell and his group arrive at a larger settlement. They’ve recruited travelers that walk with them as well, but their aim is a big gain in one move.

They are met by gunpoint at the gates, the guards there recognizing the three geniuses of the group and each holding a drudge. The settlement is impressive, almost comparable to Veronica’s. Old robots that have run out of energy line the walls and act as support, large floating carriages with spiked sides sit just inside the gates.

What catches Bell’s eye is the use of makeshift exoskeletons. Many of those inside the settlement have small pieces to support movement, some on their arms or legs, others across their back for stability. The build is amateurish and riddled with issues that cause them to break and need repair with whatever spare parts they can find or make, but it is proof of their potential in Bell’s eye.

“Why are you here?” A guard asked.

“I’m here with a proposition to bring you all to our settlement.”

The guards laugh. “You think we’d trust you?”

Bell points at the wrist of the guard on the right. “It helps with stabilizing your wrist, correct? But there is a problem with it, no failsafe to prevent it from twisting or positioning your wrist in a dangerous angle. And you.” Bell points to the other guard. “You have one on your foot, but it only provides movement, not support. You must still be in pain. We can create better versions. Of that and much more. I’m sure you struggle to prepare for winter, but we will provide all you need and more.”

“You all disappeared for over 8 years and now want our trust?”

“Yes, but we have returned now that we are sure we can make a difference.” More of the settlers gather to see what the commotion at the gates is. “I see many of you with injuries we can help with. Homes and food will be a start of course, but would you not like to return that child’s vision?” Bell points a child with injured eyes standing with their mother. “One of my colleagues is capable of that, we will give you all tools to gather resources with much less danger to yourselves.”

“And what do you want from us in return?” An older man steps forward, leader of the settlement.

“Nothing more than your help. I may have the capability to create, but together we will bring our creations to another level. We will spread them to those in need and create a world in which all can prosper from them.”

“We need more than just your words, what proof do you have?” The leader asked.

“Nothing more than ourselves. But if you are willing, you may come see our base. Just a beginning, but it is the basis for our future.”

Many settlers reject the idea, believing it a plot to take over the settlement’s resources and land. The leader understands the necessity of opportunity however, they can only survive for so long with what they have now, many more will fall injured and starved soon.

“Very well. I alone will come with you. If I do not return within two days, then it is best you never show your face here again.”

Bell returns with the leader of the settlement. The others have gathered people as well, many working on creating walls or bringing supplies form their former settlements. Such a sight is not rare, many attempt to live together for as long as they can but often fall to the greed of one another.

It is possible for such a downfall to occur at this settlement, but the leader cannot deny what they have to offer. Energy. The houses and roads are lighted, robots and drones rush around the settlement carrying supplies and surveying the area,

“Is that the exoskeleton you spoke of?” The leader asked.

Near the entrance, a man walks with a complete prosthetic leg. Created by Elizabeth, his new leg retuned his ability to walk.

“Well, it is a prosthetic leg. We’ve taken the part from a robot and applied it to them, connections to the mind are still simple but enough to be functional. Worry not, we will have exoskeleton and medicine aplenty.”

“What is your goal for all of this?”

“We want to bring this to everyone; we only hope you will give your people the opportunity.”

The leader continues to stare into the settlement before being invited inside. The technology inside only brings more awe to him. Children on hoverboards, holograms displaying the architecture plans for each plot of land, and Casa running around the settlement distributing and gathering information are just some of what he can see.

“You have a fusion reactor.” He mutters.

“We do. It will light our future city for eons; your people are deserving of such a blessing.”

“Very well. I will bring them here.”

“Great!”

Bell and the geniuses are successful in gathering people. Once they are satisfied, they delegate tasks to others and focus on their projects. Many have ideas to bring forth prosperity and evolution at a quicker rate, the only limiting resource their own energy and time.

Today, they all gather for a small celebration of their success months after arriving.

“Say, Bell, what shall we call the settlement?” Elizabeth asked.

“The settlement? No, we will be much more. Not just a settlement or city, but a people. An organization of minds gathered for a common goal. How about, the Syndicate?”

“I like it.” Lars said.

“Then there it is. To the Syndicate.”

The geniuses toast, their minds focused, but their vision clouded by early success.