A SHORT STORY BY MIC THEORY
Was H.G. Wells' classic "The Time Machine" a warning about climate change?
FOREWORD (Michael Russell Thierry)
"The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells is a classic science fiction novel that delves into the concept of time travel and its consequences. The story is divided into two main narratives that intertwine seamlessly to create a thought-provoking tale. The first narrative follows the protagonist as he travels to the distant future, encountering the Eloi and Morlocks in the year 802,701 AD. This future world is a stark contrast to the present, depicting a society divided between the innocent and comparatively fragile Eloi and the monstrous cannibalistic and subterranean Morlocks.
As the protagonist navigates this future world, he uncovers the dark truths behind the societal collapse, structure and the fate of humanity. The Eloi seemingly represents the privileged class, able to survive on the surface of a ravaged planet living an almost carefree existence on the surface, while the Morlocks live underground only able to go to the surface at night when the sun goes down, led by mutated humans who retained the knowledge of maintaining the constantly polluting machinery that sustains the Eloi's seemingly carefree lifestyle.
This stark juxtaposition on the surface serves as a commentary on class division and the consequences of societal complacency. But the truth is far more nuanced and the mystery of who controls who and how this power dynamic came to be is the essential question of the tale. Although the second narrative delves into the scientific principles behind the Time Machine itself, exploring the concept of time as a dimension that can be manipulated it is a backdrop to the essential question of what makes a human more than an animal with intellect.
Through the protagonist's journey, Wells raises questions about the nature of time, the limits of human knowledge, human morality and the implications of tampering with the fabric of reality. A deeper analysis of "The Time Machine" reveals a poignant warning about the potential consequences of human actions on the environment. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of climate change, global warming, and the overreliance on fossil fuels. By portraying a future world devastated by ecological collapse, Wells highlights the urgent need for environmental stewardship and responsible resource management.
In conclusion, "The Time Machine" is a multifaceted work that combines adventure, social commentary, and scientific exploration to create a compelling narrative. Through its dual narratives, the novel offers a glimpse into a possible future while also serving as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving our planet for future generations."
Chapter 1: 2100 AD PROJECT E.L.O.I
Even in the scorching heat of the afternoon sun, the fragrance of crape myrtle trees lingered in the air. Captain Nathan Allen walked quickly through the checkpoint and gripped the handle of his burnished leather briefcase as if his life depended on safeguarding its contents, which it did.
The top brass was seated when he entered the situation room. Captain Allen had just returned from the coast of Australia, as he sat down all eyes turned toward him. Rising he opened the brief and passed out a dozen reports to the solemn men sitting around the table. He began his verbal report as solemn eyes watched from the White House. President Gideon Jones rubbed his sweating brow. Great Barrier Reef he thought was once known for being large enough to be seen from space. It was the size of Germany — a biodiversity hotspot that was once thought to be too big to fail but according to Allen's report it like all the other coral reefs was now gone. the planet was dying faster than anyone had ever believed possible and over the last few decades, marine biologists like Nathan Allen stationed on the campus of the University of Queensland watched and reported its rapid decline.
The Extended Livestock Optimization Initiative was the sole solution proposed by the most brilliant minds worldwide. With the seas deteriorating and hydroponics only able to sustain a third of the global population, the past 50 years witnessed more than a dozen wars fought over grain and water rights. This led to major corporate entities gaining control over the global water supply. Nickel reserves transformed into strongholds to safeguard battery storage energy cartels, while artificial cloud seeding obscured the sun. Climate negligence had disrupted the Earth's core, causing it to rotate in reverse and triggering tectonic instability and longer days under the scorching heat of the once nurturing sun.
The initiative represented a final attempt to realign humanity's course and rescue the planet from irreversible deterioration. Nathan, no longer youthful, was a Gen Z'er from an era when the planet's destiny could have been altered. At 75, he had witnessed much; stem cell advancements had extended human lifespan to 150 years, leading the younger individuals in the room to consider him middle-aged, though he felt well beyond his prime.
The room darkened automatically as Captain Allen activated the projector drone, which emerged from the center of the table. A lifelike 3-dimensional scene materialized, so vivid that one could almost feel the presence of the people depicted. Captain Allen explained how global warming had led to widespread species extinction and the emergence of ancient diseases from organisms released due to melting permafrost. This resulted in a significant decline in mammalian life and exacerbated ocean acidification as new microorganisms damaged coral reefs. The Arctic sea ice vanished, along with 80% of plant and animal species, not to mention the rise in severe weather events that claimed millions of lives over the past five decades.
Many of the men seated here were the children of the optimistic wealthy class of the early 21st century. They believed they could use fossil fuels forever and that the direst consequences would be felt by the so-called third world countries. By 2070 it was clear the so-called third world was the planets lifeboat. The migration that kept European and Western civilization as a whole economically sound had reversed. People clamored to be admitted to the USA, United States of Africa. The USA had the most aquifers and had long ago built a sustainable infrastructure based on wind, solar, and non-nuclear sustainable energy.
Following the second American Civil War, discussions arose about constructing a secure residence for "Christian Patriots" within the Northwest American Redoubt. However, with the reconstruction of Washington DC in 2076, the decision was made to re-establish the capital in the historic city. The subsequent images depicted numerous black, yellow, and brown prisoners, along with the deteriorating prisons spread throughout the former United States of America, now known as the Western Confederacy.
The US Moral Bloc Party's population had dwindled to less than 70 million, while the Global Western population had decreased to a total of 250 million. Captain Allen then presented the E.L.O.I. initiative. Its name, meaning "God's Chosen," struck Nathan as bitterly ironic. The strategy involved compelling the 30 million incarcerated individuals, who performed most of the manual labor for the Western Confederacy, to bequeath their bodies after death. These remains would undergo treatment and be combined with immortal cancer cells. Once irradiated, these cells could serve as a catalytic supplement for laboratory-grown meat, potentially fulfilling the nutritional needs of half the globe—the Western half, naturally.
As the lights came back on the drone returned to its dock and lowered itself into the table with a soft whirring sound. Suddenly the smell of roasted beef wafted into the room as a plate of gravy smothered meat and potatoes was placed by catering drones before each of the notables present. baskets of warm potato bread rolls with the finest cottonseed butter were placed at the end of the tables and tall glasses of lemon-flavored sparkling water of the finest vintage was served.
"This," Nathan began, "is the culmination of our research. We can create approximately 45 different types of meat and cuts, but that's just the beginning. Our new processing method with E.L.O.I technology could generate substantial revenue for any nation that approves lab-grown fare. We're anticipating an 800 percent return on investment in the first year alone!" The only sound in the room was the eager smacking of lips and slurping as the men feasted, seemingly starved for days. Despite their wealth and influence, none had ever savored a meal as exquisite as this, and it was merely the first course. After retrieving his phone from his briefcase, Nathan texted the President: it was a go. The symphony of chewing and the sight of the men mopping up the gravy were music to his ears—the song of the E.L.O.I. As he left the room, the phrase inspired him, and he smiled at the thought: it might just make a fine national anthem.
Comments