Nicholas Gautier

"So, how about it, Cynthia? Will you come to the celebration tonight? I might even convince you to join!"

"Well, I suppose there is no harm in checking things out. I'll have to think about joining, though. It seems like such a big step."

"Great! I promise you won't be disappointed. I'll meet you right after the tour."

"Alright. See you then!"

"Looks like we have about forty people here today! Quite a turnout for this week's tour. You're the biggest group of visitors we've had in months!"

Jeff looked about him in the reception area at the curious faces; a Senior Citizens' group, several families with their children, several young men and women, and a young man who wore a sweatshirt boasting his membership in Mensa.

"Dear friends, on behalf of all of us at Space Environment Ecovillage, and on behalf of the First Millennial Foundation, I would first like to welcome you all to Space Environment Ecovillage, and thank you for finding the time to go on our free tour. I am sure you all have heard something about what we are doing here, but you have not yet had the whole story. What you are about to witness on this tour is the beginning of a turning point in the great Cosmic Contest, the struggle of Life against the ominous forces of Entropy. For at Space Environment Ecovillage, our goal is clear: we are developing the technical and social skills necessary to begin the colonization of the Universe."

A white-haired woman took a cautious half-step forward.

"First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Madeline."

"Very good to have you here today, Madeline."

"Young man, I appreciate the idea of going into space, but I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that there are a great many problems facing humanity today. Are you addressing these problems, or are we just going to go into space and leaving behind a lot of suffering people?"

"Madam, I'm very glad you asked that question, for it gives me a chance to clear up some misconceptions. The First Millennial Foundation was founded in order to address exactly that point. There are many ways of approaching this task of space colonization, not all of them good. There is much wisdom to be earned before we meet our destiny as a species head-on, and a part of that wisdom is learning how to coexist peacefully and productively. This fundamental idea is at the core of our plan."

"You spoke of our destiny as a species. What exactly do you mean by that?" It was the Mensa member speaking.

"Ah. That is the crux of the matter. We, as Nature's intelligent tool users, are the only ones who can make the miracle of Life proliferate throughout the Cosmos. In order to fulfill this sacred role, we must first prepare ourselves properly. That is what Space Environment Ecovillage is all about."

"But what I don't understand," the young man continued, "is why is that our destiny? Why bother?"

"That is perhaps the most asked question. Why, indeed? As far as we know, there is only one planet that currently harbors life. Now, there may be many others with life, but not Earth life. As we now know, the biosphere is far more fragile than we feared it is. Most species have gone extinct over the course of natural history; many more since we started altering the environment on a global scale. And that is just the short term. In the long run, asteroid impacts that occur with regularity, natural climatic changes, and ultimately, the death of the sun, will put an end to Earth life, unless it exists in more than one place. We cannot have all of our eggs in one cosmic basket."

"This may be true," said one of the young ladies, "but is all this really necessary? Why not just concentrate on conservation here on Earth, and on cleaning up the problems we have right now? Leave the long term problems for future generations when they have inherited a better Earth and can more easily begin space colonization?"

"That too is a very good question, and I have a ready answer. The colonization of space is a great motivating factor, for it opens up a new frontier. It is the existence of this frontier that allows us to flex our creative and imaginative muscles. It also allows those of us with a different view to have something grand to work toward, and this in turn provides a ready context for such progressive concepts as freedom and equality, plus respect for all living things. The natural wonders of the living world, the great wildernesses, and the vast cultural diversity of the human species, all become much more important when there is such a common vision. Humanity will then be able to leave its infancy, and as a socially and technologically mature species, will be able to blaze a green trail of life through the Cosmos."

"So you see it as a unifying factor." The young man from Mensa seemed satisfied with the answer.

"I appreciate all that you say," voiced the young lady, "but it is a lot to think about. I have to wonder exactly to what ends our efforts should be going."

"It is a personal choice," said Jeff. "Some will undoubtedly remain aloof from the whole project, and continue serving the world in other ways, be it as a member of an environmental organization, or a "save-the-children" fund. But those who desire it, and there are many, will be at the fore of this new frontier, or among the first wave of settlers, close behind the initial pioneers."

"That is a very impressive speech, young man," said Madeline, "but I have heard talk like this before. And it always seems to be just talk. Tell me, if am to believe you over all of the others, what have you done so far to make all this come about?"

"Good point! Come with me everyone, and we shall see the answer to that very question!"

Jeff lead the group from the reception area in the common house to the grounds outside. The day was warm, with the summer sun rising leisurely from the east. The maple trees swayed in a cool breeze that blew off the pond, and Jeff gestured to them.

"As you can see, folks, we have built this prototype community with more than just high technology in mind. These features; the trees, the water, the grass and clean air, are all as important to life in space or on other worlds as the technological wonders we will require. For we truly want to live in these colonies, not simply exist there. This example of a pastoral setting will be our guide among the stars. But come, and let me show you some of what we have accomplished from a technologist's perspective."

Jeff lead them along the garden path that led to the hydroponics lab.

"In this greenhouse, we are exploring and perfecting techniques for growing food efficiently. Our staff conducts experiments in hydroponics and aeroponics, as well as soil development techniques. These are proving very rewarding. We are now confident that space, Lunar and Martian colonies can support themselves with a combination of agricultural techniques and nutrient recycling. The problem of creating a fully viable ecosphere on a large scale, say, in a 90 kilometer crater on Luna, still requires a bit of work, but we are making good progress!"

The guests smiled appreciatively. One man, seemingly in his thirties, spoke.

"I like the way you have integrated the fish ponds with the nutrient cycling. It is ingenious to use black water as a fertilizer for pondweed, and then to turn it into fish feed pellets so you can harvest the fish. By the way, I have worked with Tilapia farming, and I would like to speak with your aquaculture supervisor, who might wish to try using fathead minnows and crawdads to keep down the algae production in the trout ponds, and to serve as an alternate food source for the larger fish."

"That would be excellent, sir. And your name is?"

"Thomas."

"Very good, Thomas. I will arrange to have the supervisor meet with us during our refreshment break. I am sure she will be happy to speak with you."

"I'll be looking forward to it!"

"Great! In the meantime, let's continue the tour."

Jeff muttered something to one of the technicians in the lab, then led the party out into the warm sunshine.

"Notice how the pond teems with wildlife. We have encouraged waterfowl and marshbirds to inhabit this area and raise their young. We also take full advantage of the natural stream that runs into the pond, by allowing whatever aquatic organisms find their way into the pond to take up residence."

"I see a baby ducky!" A young girl with one of the families shouted with glee.

"If we have our way," answered Jeff, "you will also be seeing them on Luna."

The group paused for a moment to watch the birds, then followed Jeff to another structure.

"This is our computer lab. We are currently involved in a number of net-based businesses, which provide employment for most of the colonists. This is the best way for us to support ourselves while still staying in our community. The key to making this colony work is having most, if not all, of the colonists remain here to carry out the social experiment."

An elderly man stepped forward.

"You keep speaking of this social aspect. What exactly do you mean?"

"You see, it is not enough to know how to maintain a viable ecosystem, or how to operate a hydroponics lab, or how to harvest energy from the sun. We must also know how to live with one another, also in close quarters. By moving into this colony, we get the chance to see first hand what sort of people combinations will work, and what sort of social conventions we should follow. It would do no good for us to solve the technical difficulties of getting into space, if we were to quarrel amongst ourselves over food or living space."

"I see. So that is what the second part of this tour is all about, after the refreshments, eh?"

The old man's comment elicited laughter from the group.

"Yes, after refreshments." Jeff was laughing himself. "As for our lab here, many of the jobs that we have are consulting firms, where we give advice over the phone or over the net to people interested in our research. Our consultants have experience with aquaculture, or hydroponics, or aerospace engineering. Individuals across the globe like to know what results we have come up with, for as a space research center, we are universally respected."

"So then you have attracted some pretty good minds to this place." The Mensa man was becoming enthusiastic, and it was beginning to infect the group as well.

"Yes, indeed we have! In fact, some of the professors from the nearby state university live here, just so they can try out their pet research ideas! And it is paying off for all parties. We have been a catalyst for people with a dual interest in the future welfare of the world, and with the progress of science. This combination has yielded amazing results so far. We trust that it will continue to do so."

"Is Space Environment Ecovillage the only group that is doing anything concrete so far?" The sixty-year-old woman was losing some of her pessimism.

"No, ma'am! Many aerospace companies are working on spaceplanes that can leave and re-enter the atmosphere. These single-stage-to-orbit, or SSTO, designs, will be superior to anything we have now, and will make the great leap into space for the masses much more feasible. In addition, many governments are still working on space stations, biospheric technology, and planetary exploration. Come to think of it, that is a good cue for our next stop: the Ecosphere."

"If you will just follow me along this shaded path, I will take you to my personal favorite project."

"There. That big dome ahead of us. Be prepared for something magnificent!"

"What on Earth is that?", asked a young lady from the local college, who introduced herself as Samantha.

"Here, step inside. There, you see? We are working on this enclosed acre, trying to maintain a healthy ecosystem. See the groves of trees over there, and that field of grass? Look at the stream, jumping with trout! And the songbird fluttering overhead. And there, the butterflies hovering around those flowers! All this is what we will take with us to the moon. And everywhere else that we go."

"Boy, you guys have really got something here! But how much work is it to maintain it? I have heard that these projects don't always work out so well." It was Thomas.

"At first, we had to fudge things quite a bit, especially when populations died off, and we had to replace them. But the ecosystem has settled into something a bit more stable, and only occasionally do we need to let in a little air, or remove diseased plants so that they don't infect others."

Samantha stepped forward again. "Will it be totally self-sufficient some day? Or will you always have to make `adjustments'?"

"Well, Samantha, the goal is to have a full colony, including people, being entirely self-sufficient. We expect that adjustments might have to be made from time to time, even in an ecosphere on another world, to compensate for the vagaries of nature. But it will be something that can be handled by the people living there, with only the resources available locally. As long as we can harness the energy of the sun, then we can make this feasible. Energy in space is not filtered by any atmosphere, and at present, Mars' atmosphere is very thin."

"How, then, will you keep all of these organisms from frying in the ultraviolet radiation under these unprotected domes?"

"We will have a water shield which will absorb the radiation, but let in light. This is something that our engineers are confident will work. Our solar energy collectors, of course, can be located outside of this protected zone, so that they may absorb the sun's full energy."

"I see some peripheral domes around the main dome like buds," Samantha continued. "What are those little domes for?"

"Come and see for yourself!"

"Here, this is our Lunar landscape. We have sterilized some rock, to represent the Lunar regolith. We have added an atmosphere that will exist under a dome, and have introduced a microbiota, using as few seed organisms as possible. As you can see, we were able to grow grasses, shrubs, and even a few trees, importing only a very few germ organisms. This is how we will colonize Luna, by using a minimum of biotic resources to maximum effect.

And over here, in the Mars Jar. These lichens are thriving in conditions that duplicate those currently found on Mars. We plan on one day using such organisms to terraform the planet."

"Well, folks, I guess that about wraps up the first half of our tour. Now, let us all convene in the reception area, where we first met, for some lunch!"

The hungry group gathered in the reception area. Jeff quickly made introductions between Thomas and Lisa, the aquaculture supervisor.

"Really, Thomas? I didn't know that. I'd like to try it, though. You say you've had success with it?"

"I certainly have. It ought to make cleaning your ponds of algae a snap!"

Other members of the group were busy enjoying the fare.

"You mean you grew all the ingredients in your hydroponics lab?", a woman asked one of the technicians who had delivered the food to the reception area.

"We sure did."

She called over her shoulder, "Honey, try this vegetable lasagna!". Then, turning back to the technician, "You just have to give me this recipe!"

And so it went until all the guests were sated.

"Well, everyone, I can see that we are all satisfied! You'll be happy to know that the next part of the tour will be right in this room, so you can all sit a while and digest." He paused while several dozen people filed into the room. It became quite crowded.

"Make yourselves comfortable, everyone, and make your introductions. These are some of the colonists of Space Environment Ecovillage."

There was a great murmur and a blizzard of shaking hands and flashing smiles as the guests and the colonists got to know each other.

When the commotion died down, Jeff addressed the group once more.

"Friends, these people are the heart and soul of Space Environment Ecosystems. They are the first true space colonists, for they have chosen to leave their conventional lives behind, and work together towards their common goals."

Someone in the group asked, "Do you still see your families?"

"Of course we do", Lisa, the aquaculturist, answered. "We spend most of our time here, but we also lead our lives as we always have. It is the focus of our everyday existence that has changed. We always wanted to see the human race colonize space. Now we have the opportunity to make it happen."

"So how did you get this all started? It must have taken a lot of work!"

"It sure did!," replied Sam, one of the founding members. "We realized that our shore-based colony, Aquarius Rising, was not going to happen right away, let alone the island city of Aquarius. So we decided to do what we could in the meantime. Even though Aquarius Rising and OTEC are critical to developing the financial underpinnings for the Millennial Project, we knew we could still work on some important aspects of the Project in a land-based colony. We also knew that not everyone in the FMF would get a chance to live at AR. There are too few people needed at such a facility, and their skills have to be specific and higly developed. Also, AR is too inaccesible to many people who would want to join. By contrast, at Space Environment Ecovillage, anyone can join. This gives people a chance to be a part of the Project. It is the perfect complement to Aquarius Rising."

"It must have been incredibly difficult to go through the necessary steps, getting this all worked out to the point where you could begin."

"We all worked hard, especially in the beginning," added Dmitri, another founding member. "It wasn't easy, but, once we had the basic framework together, it was much easier to attract people. I'm glad we made the move when we did. It has been the best experience of my life."

"Right now," said Jeff, "I would like to explain how we are organized. We are an intentional community. This means that we got together for the very specific purpose of learning to live and work together in a pre-space environment. All of our efforts here are directed toward space colonization. We recognize that in order to meet this challenge head-on, we had to abandon certain aspects of our lives, and to take on new ones.

We currently have two dozen households in the colony. In each household, anywhere from three to seven people live. This allows for a great deal of privacy, even though we are learning to live and work close to one another. We share several communal buildings, like this one. And of course we share the structures where research is done.

But each person has their own income for the independent work they do. Some of us still hold regular jobs outside the colony, in addition to the work we do here. However, we all contribute some money and work into keeping the colony running. What we have are a dedicated bunch who are willing to spend their time to bring about the greatest achievement of all time: the colonization of space."

"Our main goal at this point," said Gale, "is to grow. We are planning on splitting the colony into two, in just a few weeks. This is possible due to the enormous interest we have generated among the many young people, who have visited us and decided to join the FMF. Things have worked out as we hoped they would. And now, whoever joins in the near future will be able to be there at the beginning of the new colony."

"Now is an excellent time to join, especially if you really want to make an important contribution." Nick, another founding colonist, was speaking. "If you would like to take a leading role in the new colony, such as head of biospheric research, or any other area, now is the time to take the bull by the horns. At the inception of each new colony, there are many voids waiting to be filled by fresh faces. This splitting of colonies, then has two main functions: it makes room for all the new people that are joining us, and it allows more people the chance to take a significant part in the Millennial Project."

"Well, there you have it folks. You have a decent idea of what we are about, and what awaits you if you join. Now, I have to run along, but several of the members here have agreed to take any further questions, and to let you see the actual dwellings if you like. Take care, everyone. A certain ladyfriend awaits me..."

"It sounds like such a good time!"

Cynthia indicated the ridge over which the sounds of merriment and cheering were coming from unseen revelers.

"And it's such a beautiful twilight. Why, the sky is red and gold, just like the Phoenix Dome!"

"The sky here is always spectacular! I'm really glad I can give you this personal tour, Cyn."

Cynthia smiled at Jeffrey, and with a twinkle in her eye, said, "Let's go down and see the show before it ends."

They followed the winding path down the hill, and came in view of the Phoenix Dome. Just then the people were gathering outside near the pavilion where the band had assembled. The base of the hill was already in shadow, and several large bonfires were set to ward off the darkness.

"The band's name is Phoenix. They took their name from the Dome. That song they're starting is called the Song of Making."

"The way you say it, almost with reverence..."

"Listen."

The chord progression was simple but captivating. Moments after the band had begun, the audience was transfixed.

"So beautiful. And somehow, familiar."

"Like all good music. I told you you'd love it here!"

She returned his warm smile, and let him put his arm around her and draw her close.

"Jeff, it's all so amazing! I mean, this community of yours, the work you do, the music, the architecture, it's incredible! I'm really impressed by what you guys have accomplished."

"Then you'll join us?"

She held his gaze through the flickering light of the bonfires, and the look in her eyes told him that she would.

By the time Aquarius is built, there will be an FMF colony system, not just SEE.

One idea behind Aquarius is that it is part of settling wherever our technology can take us. Our long-range goal is the colonization of the galaxy, but there are nearer places to be colonized first, especially the vast ocean "deserts." The nearer places also include the land deserts, and the system of FMF colonies is likely to include colonies there.

The land-desert colonies would be analogous to Aquarius in several ways. Primarily they would also be a means of developing productive settlements from currently unusable space. As an analogue of mariculture as the economic base of Aquarius, desert agriculture as developed in Israel would be used. For energy, the deserts offer a good chance for the development of direct solar energy. The desert colonies appear to have a sound technological basis currently available. Other areas that are little used now are mountainous and polar. These two areas do not have a current technology for settling them, but we may well work on developing such technology. There would also likely be shore-based colonies, off-shore colonies, and colonies on seamounts (areas of the sea where the depth is less than 100 meters but where there is not any actual land).

The various colonies, wherever based, would have several functions. Research and planning on how to settle new regions would be one such function. This includes regions on Earth that currently have little value or limited space as well as in space where the frontier is nearly endless. Another function would be to accommodate a range of personal commitments. While SEE involves a large commitment now, when it is well established and other higher commitment locations are settled, it is likely to be viewed as a low-commitment place. SEE would provide a place where someone could try living in an FMF colony to see if they wish to move on to greater commitments.

The colony system will be the focus of recruiting in the future. Public relations will highlight the accomplishments and aims of the various colonies. Books will detail how they were built and encourage others to follow.

The colony system, as a whole, will provide the economic basis for paying for transport to space and for settling there. This system will have widely diversified assets in many countries and in many lines of business and held by many people with a common goal. No downturn of fortunes in one business, one country, or of one person will affect the overall goal of settling life wherever we can develop the technology to do so.

The following chart shows some of the relations of SEE to other FMF activities. The Millennial Project outlines the first two major milestones on our way to settling the galaxy as the formation of the First Millennial Foundation and the formation of Aquarius. These two major milestones are shown at the bottom and top of the figure (with time thus progressing upwards).

There will be many other accomplishments between these two major milestones. The ones on which work is currently under way are shown as the next layer up. These are the Polypond, Aquarius Rising (AR), SEE, and the venture-capital corporation included in the plans for SEE. These are all supported directly by the FMF (as shown by the arrows). Furthermore, SEE and AR, as foci for publicity, would support recruiting for the FMF.

Experience from both SEE and AR would lead to the next level of projects. These would be land-based and ocean-based colonies of about 1,000 people each. These colonies would also begin to get the advantage of experience we expect to gain from the operation of businesses. The businesses are supported in part by the venture-capital corporation. The venture-capital corporation in turn is supported by all members of the FMF, especially those in colonies.

The figure shows an additional level of growth to colonies of 10,000 people, both land-based and ocean-based, before reaching the goal of Aquarius at 100,000 people. The ocean-based colony at this time might be built on a seamount, while the land based colony would involve developing land currently of low productivity such as land with little rainfall.