The Anti Higgs Drive

By Lex Benjamin

Earth, having ejected billions of its poor and powerless into space for employment in the asteroid mining industry has become a pseudo utopia as a result. Revolution and revolt are tempered by humanity's reliance upon the earth controlled partial Dyson Sphere for its energy.
Aboard a small rickety retrofitted cargo ship, a mining crew attempts to extend the liberty afforded to them by their independent yet treacherous existence. One member of the crew, a genius by any measurement, is desperately seeking to unshackle the solar system from earth's control unbeknownst to his shipmates. Driven by a horrific past and a consuming desire to right his own wrongs, the genius places the totality of his hope in a radically inventive and law of nature bending propulsion system. Now he must navigate the incalculable risks of space travel, human greed and his own vendettas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lex Benjamin
• Release date: Apr 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997450200

Lex Benjamin

I, Lex Benjamin, am a lifelong student of the sciences, philosophy, and meditation. Combining the three has afforded me perspective beyond what I once thought possible. As a result, my imagination is sparked continually by new experiences. Those experiences always make me wonder "what if?", or "why not?". I believe my unique vantage point is my gift to the world. My short stories and books are meant to expand the readers mind, hopefully generating a universe of new possibilities. I hope you enjoy looking through my eyes. "This Universe is Hilarious"

Book preview

The Anti Higgs Drive

By Alexander Benjamin

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 1

Suffering can shape a man like wind and water shape rock. In response to great suffering the mind seeks answers. The mind seeks solutions and a way out. If the suffering is endured long enough, that man will be changed forever. He will be iron hard in his will and determination to prevent such suffering for himself in the future. If that man is a great man he will seek to prevent similar suffering for others.

Somewhere between the inner edge of the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt, a small mining crew on a rickety retrofitted cargo ship named Lady Liberty goes about their day searching for asteroids to mine. The mining of asteroids is one of the last ways a person has to stave off the seemingly inevitable submission to the forces of the solar systems. These forces rank from the highest and arguably most nefarious on earth, to the lowest being owners and lords of tiny asteroids and large mining crews. Sandwiched in the middle of the pecking order are the owners of the rogue planets and large gravitational asteroid colonies. Rogue planets are lifeless planetoids without a strong gravitational tie to the sun or any orbit to speak of in some cases. They house tens to hundreds of millions of people and produce the largest and most consistent streams of goods and resources for the people of earth. Rogue planets and gravitational asteroids are each totally self-governed with the exception of the arbitrary and capricious rules that earth chooses to impose.

Earth is able to impose its will and maintain a stranglehold on the solar system thanks to its control of the sole source of nearly all of the energy used by humankind, the Sun. With the Sun being a boundless energy giver, humanity has logically erected a partial Dyson Sphere near the star. The solar energy collecting Dyson Sphere supplies a fueling station that densely packs light into containers. One container could effectively power all of New York City for a week and has an equivalent mass of the Empire State Building when full of photonic energy. Tens of thousands of containers, commonly called fuel cells, are filled in a week’s time for distribution throughout the solar system.

More than half of the human population resides in the outer solar system since the inner asteroid belt has been thoroughly exhausted. The remainder inhabit the earth aside from a military installation on the moon and the nomadic people perpetually traveling the black of space near the heliopause. No sane soul would dare colonize the moons of Jupiter or Saturn as they are bombarded daily by asteroid impacts resulting from orbital perturbation caused by mining activities in the outer solar system. Earth being protected as always by its two massive gas giant cousins pays the issue little mind.

It is unthinkable that Mars would be uninhabited until one gazes upon the once red planet. Scarred black by an all-out war for its possession, Mars is now so irradiated that it will remain uninhabitable for the next millennia. The moon escaped such a fate due to the relatively low resource reserves on the satellite and its gravitational importance to the earth. The portion of humanity not fortunate enough to live on the pseudo utopia of earth, toil under the oppressive thumbs of the rogue planet and asteroid owners.

The mining of raw materials in exchange for precious fuel cells from earth is the main lifeblood of many of the outer rocks. A few industrious planet owners have diversified their income streams into ship building and other areas of commerce that put them in a position of power above the other off worlders. Off worlders or non-earth dwellers have no rights, are protected by no laws, and have no hope other than what the men and women that own or manage the asteroids and rogue planets grant.

Far from the now invaluable safe haven of earth, humanity clings to asteroids and rogue planets like ants on a log in a stream. These gargantuan life rafts drift in from the furthest reaches of the solar system and beyond. The rogue planets were undetectable by humans in the early twenty first century due to their relatively small size and minimal reflectivity. These rocks that were once seen only as capitalist ventures were meant to be nothing more than temporary mining outposts. They now serve a more vital purpose. They have since been converted and retrofitted into permanent homes for the bulk of humanity out of greed and in an ironic turn, necessity.

The separation of earth from the rest of mankind was catalyzed by a shift in science, economics and a crushing burden on the planet’s resources due to humanity’s swelling numbers. The exploration of space on a large scale and for capitalistic interests was made possible in part and initially by the invention of hexagonal carbon nanotube supported space elevators. With the ability to easily move vast resources into space, mankind began searching for fortune in the planets and rocks of our stellar neighborhood. What resulted was the greatest division in the history of any known species.

Aboard the Lady Liberty, a young attractive and intense man is seated at a white worktable in the center of a makeshift laboratory in the engine room of the ship. The man is working on calculations and theorems using an interface foreign to those not of the day, a translucent interface without any physical components that appears to float in mid-air. The experience of the interface as perceived by the user is misleading with respect to its composition. The reality of much of the tools in this era, approximately one hundred and fifteen years from the reading of this text, are foreign to our intuition. Very few interfaces, displays or controls have a physical presence and would be imperceptible to anyone not outfitted with the ubiquitous neural implant. The implant, typically fused with the spinal column in the womb or shortly after birth, affords the user seemingly super sense abilities. This along with safe and inexpensive augmentations to the optical organs provides an individual with fantastical abilities. A non-physical interface is made possible via the implant by supplying the brain with sensory data that tells it that the eyes are receiving photons from an eternal source. The implant can also supplant the sense organs with touch, taste, smell and auditory input. The result renders a lifelike and tactile display showing information of all sorts, the lifelike voice of a companion that has not spoken an audible word or the feel of physical object where none exists.

Are they all dead Elaine? asks the man to a woman not present in the room.

Yes Kane. The photon mine worked better than ever. We’re becoming increasingly efficient at dispensing death. answers Elaine in what is perceived as an audible communication via Kane’s neural implant.

Kane seems to struggle with the directness of Elaine’s observation.

They keep getting closer and closer. I hate doing it but I need just a little more time. I can’t have these guys throwing a wrench in my plans. I can’t afford to risk the crew learning that I have the ability to defend our ship either. Keep this data from the ship’s general logs please. Make sure that they know only what we want them to know. says Kane.

I will. she says.

This is becoming cumbersome. The charade. says Kane.

I’m sure. says Elaine. You can always abandon it.

Not now. Not yet says Kane.

Do you worry about anyone in the crew learning of your manipulation of this ship and the course that we’ve taken as of late? asks Elaine.

No. No I don’t. I don’t think they have a clue as to how close these assholes have gotten to intercepting us. he says.

They are getting more inventive and resourceful. These assholes as you call them. Word seems to be spreading about our propulsion capabilities. says Elaine.

Of course it is. Hopefully we don’t have to eliminate anyone else to keep our secrets and this ship safe. Once I’ve executed my plan I pray the killing is over. I pray that they understand what I’ve done and why. says Kane.

Pray? asks Elaine.

Figure of speech. For now. he says.

What if they do not understand or forgive you despite a successful execution of your plan? asks Elaine.

Then fuck them. says Kane as his emotions flip instantly from regretful to indignant. What I’m doing is beyond them. Beyond any one person. Why? Do you think they are suspicious?

No. I have no reason to believe that they think anything is awry. Humans have a great way of not questioning their good fortune. says Elaine.

You’re right. Good point. he says. I’ve kept them safe for years now. I’ve protected this ship from pirates, mechanical and structural failures and more.

I understand that you are protecting this ship from would be assailants but it strikes me as contrarian that you have killed thousands to keep this ship safe as we flaunt our propulsion tech to the solar system. Not to mention the many before we arrived on this ship. lectures Elaine.

Necessities. All of them. I see that now. And we aren’t flaunting anything to the solar system by the way. We are surviving while I quietly work on humanity’s salvation. We have to mine to survive and our ship just so happens to be fast. That’s not flaunting. says Kane.

Fair enough. I don’t understand how the justification for killing is different now from past circumstances. says Elaine.

Before it was about survival and now it’s about time. Time to figure things out. I needed time to work. Now I’m ready. The plan is ready. I’m nearly there. says Kane.

It is? You’re ready? asks Elaine.

Absolutely. says Kane. Did we successfully reach the Earth Alliance Council with the message?

Yes. Intercept vessels have been deployed. They are currently in pursuit of this ship according to sources near earth. They are no more than a few days away from the location where we last unloaded freight. says Elaine.

The Earth Alliance Council. The most recent governing body of the planet and the controller of the Dyson Sphere along with much of human life. Just the thought of the three letter acronym E.A.C. sends shudders through the average off-worlder.

Good. Allow that information to make it to the general log. I need these people scared. Their fear will allow them to be more easily manipulated. I need them to see that their options are dwindling otherwise they will insist on staying the current course. That’s another thing about people that you should understand. says Kane.

What’s that? asks Elaine.

That people insist upon continuing on as they have before. People don’t like to change even if it is for their benefit. Change implies uncertainty. Uncertainty implies risk. says Kane.

I see. Are you sure that involving the Earth Alliance Council is wise? Is it worth the risk? asks Elaine.

Wise? No. Worth the risk? Yes. Having them in this region of the solar system will make it hard for us to secure buyers. Everyone will be spooked. This will limit our options until my plan is the only viable one. says Kane. Oh. Make sure that everyone in this solar sector knows who’s after us too. Also make sure the propaganda package is delivered to Planet Raspberry. Anonymous of course. I need Alexander Raspberry to know who we are and to think that we need him when the time is right. He’s planning something big I’m certain of it. He’ll be interested but I need him to drop his guard. Got it?

You know that I never fail to complete a requested task. Your follow ups are simply a waste of your energy. says Elaine.

I know. It makes me feel better. says Kane.

I understand. Do you ever feel bad about all of this? Remorse that is. Using the crew of this ship to fulfill your desires? asks Elaine.

Feel bad? Do you know what I am about to do? Of course you don’t. I will change the state of humanity for the entire solar system. Not only for the people out here in the Kuiper belt or beyond but for earth as well. says Kane with a short pause to catch his breath.

I’m listening. says Elaine.

So do I feel guilty? Hmm. I feel guilty that it has taken me this long to work out a solid plan. As for the people on this ship, their survival rate has increased near exponentially with me on board. People don’t make it more than a decade out here without dying or being captured and forced into labor. says Kane.

So, you do or do not feel guilty? asks Elaine.

No. No dammit. I don’t feel guilty about using this crew. says Kane with a frowning brow. End communication. I’m going to do some thinking.

I will. Just a second. I don’t think that_. says Elaine.

I thought I said terminate communication. says Kane.

Yes. You did. answers Elaine.

You are getting a little too independent huh Elaine? asks Kane. Go ahead.

Thank you. I just want to say that I don’t think that we should keep them completely in the dark about all of this. I would suggest letting them in on your plan slowly. This will make the variables of the crew’s actions more calculable. says Elaine.

You always do this don’t you? Hit me with logic. I must concede. That is a valid point. I’ll take it into consideration. Now terminate the communication. I’m going to work a bit and no I don’t need assistance right now. says Kane.

Well then. Keep up the charade. You are doing an impressive job. says Elaine. I’ll leave you to it.

Communication terminated.

Slightly bothered by his conversation with Elaine, Kane wipes his calculations clean from the translucent display that his neural implant is telling his brain exists outside of his mind. The neural implant has the ability to completely supplant biological sensory input and provide visual information in any form desired. Kane prefers a translucent experience that minimally augments his reality instead of complete reality usurping.

He stands, takes a step back and stares at the display perceived as being a few feet in front of him and approximately eighty inches in diameter. Turning, searching the room for inspiration he glances quickly at a device on the wall behind him. The device looks like a smooth white refrigerator with one large clear cutout in the center. Kane leans back, resting on the work table while watching the device as music begins to play in the laboratory at his mental behest. The device comes to life with activity and sounds as Kane connects with it remotely via the implant. He closes his eyes and begins to let the music move him.

After a few minutes of closed eye rhythmic head movements, Kane approaches the device as the clear door rises revealing a small white, glass smooth cube. Kane carefully grabs the cube carrying it to the work table whilst studying the newly crafted geometric shape. No bigger than a gaming console of the 21st Century, the device has no apparent exterior function or detail. Kane appears to be pleased and quickly resumes his formulating and calculation activities. He works for a few minutes when a communication interrupts his progress.

Kane. How long are you going to be in there? All day? asks a woman’s voice.

Why? What’s up Shri? asks Kane.

Well no one has seen you in days. I hope you aren’t trying to give Andrews a run for the title of the least sociable crew member. says Shri.

No. I saw you just a few days ago. No one has seen Andrews for weeks. Don’t compare me to that hustler. says Kane.

Sorry. Sheesh. Anyway Brandt and the guys need to get in there. Those fuel cells are about empty. We need to swap them out for our last set while we aren’t accelerating or decelerating. While we are cruising. Inertial mass being a big deal and all. says Shri.

I know. They’ll last a little longer. says Kane.

A little longer? Look. When I agreed to let you make the engine room your personal workshop I didn’t mean that you could bar everyone access at your discretion. says Shri.

I have a modification that will allow us to go another few days on the remaining fuel in those cells. Let me implement that and finish up my current work and they can have the room. says Kane in an attempt to keep prying eyes away from his sensitive activities.

Alright. Do what you can. I will need you up here on the bridge sometime in the next twelve hours. We’ve located a rock. I hope it’s our big payday. says Shri.

You found one? asks Kane with wide eyes.

Yes. Right in the sector you said to search. answers Shri.

Alright. I’ll be up as soon as I can. says Kane. Later.

Kane gets upset with himself for showing excitement at what should be a routine chore by now. Finding an asteroid should bring minimal joy. He recommits himself to keeping his ongoing and impending deception a secret. Staring at nothing in particular Kane silently vows to not let such a slip happen again.

Chapter 2

Irritated by the need to vacate his work of saving the human race and having completed his tasks promised to Shri, Kane reluctantly departs the engine room serving as his work shop. Temporary rage fills the man as he must humble himself to what he believes to be lesser intellects for a while longer. Ever inquisitive, his mind and emotions begin to calm as he ponders his present location in the cosmos. Pausing just outside of the engine room doors he listens to the ship that serves as an artificial habitat for the crew’s incredibly frail human bodies. The mechanics and hydraulics of the ship drone. His eyes survey the grime stained grey walls that form rooms and more vitally the security blanket protecting the interior. Even for the most seasoned space traveler, a moment to contemplate the sheer magnitude of uncertainty that is ever present in human existence sends chills through the body. Kane shakes off the shiver and begins toward his quarters in the hope to avoid unnecessary interpersonal contact. The stale yet clean air of the ship’s corridors fills Kane’s lungs as deep breaths soothe him. Reflection on his own mortality is extrapolated to that of the human race as a whole, serving to reinvigorate his genius mind.

Inspired and nearly at a run, Kane reaches his room in hurry. Clean by any standards, his quarters are tidy and sparse. An earth toned monochromatic color scheme abounds. The smell of antiseptic permeates the room. Kane looks around the generous space as a bed unfolds from the wall seemingly under its own volition. He lies down to contemplate the course that he has set the unwitting crew upon and to organize his creative thoughts.

Your neural implant is surprisingly stable after your recent modifications. Are you hearing me clearly Kane? asks Elaine.

Yes. I hear you. he says.

Good. Would you like to run any more diagnostics? Work on a project perhaps? she asks standing by the door to his room.

No. I’m going to take a break. Reflect. he says.

I see. she says.

Hey, what are you doing? I’m trying to access my memory files. says Kane. Don’t make me regret giving you full access to my neural implant. he says with only the slightest glance at her image.

No. I am learning a great deal via your neural implant. I don’t want to jeopardize that. I am simply looking after your mental health. If you would accept the chemical smoothing that nearly all implants provide I would have no concern for your fragile state. says Elaine.

You’ve got be kidding me. I’m crazy now? asks Kane.

I didn’t say that. You have suffered an incredible amount of psychological and emotional trauma however. All eight humans aboard this ship are experiencing varying levels of stress resulting from trauma. You more than the others. says Elaine.

I am not going through this again. Let me have access to my damn memory files Elaine. he says.

Kane deflects his attention from his companion and begins to vigorously rearrange formulas on a smaller virtual blackboard hovering above his bed as he tries to calm himself. The visuals follow Kane’s gaze, minimizing and enlarging when he focuses his attention on and away from the screen. Kane makes no effort to give Elaine visual attention via eye contact.

I am only trying to mitigate your emotional stress. says Elaine as she continues to watch Kane from near the entrance to the room.

I know but I don’t need you to be my mother. I know what I’m doing. says Kane, now visibly upset. I can’t believe that I’m having this argument with you. You?

This is side tracking you from your work. Work which you claim to be of the utmost importance to you and as you put it, humanity. says Elaine. Might I add that this focus on your work has paid dividends in keeping your depression and psychosis at bay?

Look, I don’t expect you to understand but I want to view them. They help me. I’m not asking. says Kane.

Alright. I cannot deny you access although I strongly recommend against such frivolous uses of your time. says Elaine.

Good. Thanks. See you later. says Kane.

Kane lies back on his bed as his mind is separated from his biological senses. The neural implant disconnects the senses more effectively than a Ketamine overdose. Sensory data is recorded every waking moment and stored in the neural implant. Memories, recallable at will. With nothing left but the direct non-biological inputs into the brain, the experiences possible are