The Transhumanist Wager by Istvan Zoltan

Author:Istvan, Zoltan [Istvan, Zoltan]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Futurity Imagine Media LLC
Published: 2013-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

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Two days later, over dinner in Palo Alto, Preston Langmore explained to Jethro Knights and Zoe Bach what Senator Michaelson had told him. The trio sat in Jethro’s office on the tile floor, their half-eaten tapas dishes in front of them. Langmore’s message was sobering. Zoe reached over and squeezed her husband's hand.

“He really means it,” said Langmore. “I confirmed with my people that money is actually being diverted from U.S. Defense accounts into the NFSA. Huge amounts. Billions. Discussions at the top levels took place weeks ago. New directors and secret police are being hired by the hundreds, many of whom are registered members of Redeem Church and other powerful religious groups around the country. Senator Michaelson has met with the U.S. President three times in the past week, which is unprecedented for him, my sources say. Apparently, the potential social dangers of transhumanism—especially those from genetic engineering, neurotech, cryonics, and artificial intelligence—are getting ready to be trumpeted publicly as totally destructive to any future democratic society. It sounds crazy. What do you think?”

“I think Gregory Michaelson is an ass,” said Zoe, storming. “He’s filling the shoes of the other WASP politicians who founded this country and have led it for centuries. Those idiots are always the same—inexcusably late to the party. Abolition of slavery, civil rights, women’s liberation, the LGBT movement, transhumanism. See a pattern yet with these guys?”

Jethro grinned at his wife, grateful to be in love with her. He stood up, stretched, and walked briskly to the coffee machine. He poured himself a cup, then turned around and said, “Gregory is just a tool. He's in Reverend Belinas' back pocket. And we’re being used as scapegoats for religious conservatives to consolidate power.”

“Probably all true,” muttered Langmore.

Jethro walked back and sat down, crossing his legs. His brows appeared heavy, but his eyes were intent. He looked like a sea captain staring at a distant storm, carefully plotting a new course. Outside, a powerful gust of wind caused nearby trees to rustle, and many leaves dropped to the ground. Zoe watched him carefully and felt the energy in the room change.

“You two are the most important people in my life,” said Jethro. “So I want to tell you this first. It’s something I realized over a year ago, and have privately mentioned a few times to you both. I believe I’m now ready to declare it to all transhumanists after hearing that news.”

Zoe and Preston didn't have to search Jethro's face for answers. They already knew what he was going to say. They also knew it would change their lives forever. It was about Transhumania—his chosen name for an autonomous transhuman nation. Every time Jethro was dogged and stifled by America and the world’s short-sighted conservatism, he dreamt more vigorously of creating and founding such a utopia—a lasting panacea for transhumanists. It would be a mature evolution of the movement, he believed. A place far away from the reticent world, where radical scientific progress and the search for immortality could go unheeded.

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