A World Without Roads

By Brian Robert Smith

Transport Technology is coming soon. Visions Corporation.

 

After revealing a new technology that is capable of replacing current methods of transportation and eliminating the world's dependencies on oil, David Sampson struggles with the decision to make his breakthrough public.

 

There's no turning back when Visions, a megacorporation, releases a device the size of a cellphone which is embedded with the technology. Many embrace the new method of transportation; others protest, and a terrorist group condemn David and his family.

 

When David realizes that society is not ready for this great discovery, he's forced to use the technology to reverse its effects on the world.

 

Imagine A World Without Roads. Are you ready for that?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian Robert Smith
• Release date: Oct 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781988063058

Book preview

Dedication

To those no longer with us due to COVID-19.

Rest in Peace.

Prologue

Imagine a world without roads. If you were looking at earth from high in the clouds, what would the world look like if there were no roads?

A closer look would reveal houses built without driveways and no garages. Sidewalks and paths would exist for short commuting and recreation only. Roads would not exist.

There would be no street signs, traffic lights, or traffic barriers; no bridges, tunnels… Less noise.

Imagine a world without roads.

If our current transportation infrastructure was no longer necessary, what would people do? What about your brother who works in an automobile manufacturing plant? Imagine your sister who dispatches for a courier company? What would happen to your friend, a truck driver?

If technology replaced the need for roads, we wouldn't need trains, boats, or planes. There would be no railroad tracks or subways; no trucking companies; no freight companies; no airports or airlines.

Without cars, boats, trains, and planes we wouldn't need fuel; or the companies and countries that produce it.

Imagine a world without roads.

How would the world react? How would you react?

Imagine a world without roads.

Are we ready for that?

PART I - Transport Technology

Chapter 1

After stumbling and lunging forward to keep from falling, David Sampson stopped. He turned sharply as if he'd simply had enough. For as far as he could see — which wasn't any more than thirty feet because of the lightly traveled, tight path he was on — there was nothing but trees and bush all around him. He looked up to a canopy of leaf filled branches that covered all but specks of the clear blue sky.

Being in this place wasn’t what David had in mind for this day or any other for that matter. He could never find his element here. This was not one of those places, where he always wanted to be but could never seem to find time for. For many people, that was the case. To him it was secluded, unorganized, dirty; and above all else, primitive.

With all that was going on in his life, he couldn't figure out how, or why, he ended up here. Why couldn’t he simply say, No. Not today. He gave himself shit for not being more in control then sighed and looked down at the path. He turned back to the direction he'd been moving and saw the reason for his indecisiveness a short distance away.

Laura was pressing forward like the determined trail blazer she was. Her destination appeared to be a clearing within this heavily wooded area. She knew exactly where they were going. David would be completely lost if it hadn’t been for her leading the way. She had convinced David that he needed a break before his big event — the video intro, the demonstration, and hopefully, above all else, the acceptance.

This wasn't the first time David had been here; although, he was lost now and had been every time before. It was Laura who had always pulled him away from what he was doing to make these stress relieving adventures happen. For some reason, being here just added to the anxiety for David. It probably had nothing to do with the environment. Likely, the stress would be there regardless of where he was at this particular time.

Laura turned back after getting to the path's end. David thought there should be a dead-end sign or at least something marking any danger that lay ahead, but there was nothing like that. Just Laura was there, standing at the end of the path and beaming a smile at David that he couldn't possibly say no to.

It was that smile that got him here, and he knew she had the power to keep him where he was. He also knew she was right to bring him, just to get away from it all. There was nothing more for him to prepare and dwelling on everything wouldn’t do him any good. She was the girl he had worked diligently with for years to come up with what he would be presenting tomorrow. He had theorized and developed it; she programmed and commercialized the concept. Now their goal was to execute, but the plans they'd carefully carved out to shape their future would simply have to wait. Laura was deep in the moment — this moment. When that happened, David knew to just sit back and enjoy the show.

David started moving again. He could tell Laura wanted him to catch up. She waited but eagerly pulled him along with her over-anxious, childlike eyes. Her eyes; her smile; her ferocious zest for life… There was simply nothing else that could take him away from his laboratory. Even knowing that, he couldn't help but feel like he shouldn't be here — they shouldn't. He shook his head to clear that thought. She’s right. I need to be more like her. She was able to separate events. It would be much better for both of them if he could learn to do the same.

At a clearing, David stood on top of a cliff that overlooked a pool of natural spring water with a small waterfall feeding it.

My God, this place is amazing. I'm shocked every time we come here, Laura said.

He certainly couldn’t disagree with her. It was a breathtaking sight, but for some reason, David had always felt like he could take it or leave it. That wasn’t the case for Laura, though. She needed places like this in her life, and David knew he needed to be there for her. There was no harm, so he should take her example — chill, take it all in. If it made him any bit more like her, he would be way better off in the end.

David looked into the distance and tried to relax. He just needed to let it do its thing, like Laura had intended. When he really thought about it, this was probably the only place he would be able to find that peace. He saw Laura beside him looking down at the water. He nodded slowly, comfortable with the thought that she knew what this place would do for him.

Come-on. Let's get down there. She ran off along the side of the cliff following a path that led below.

David watched her go and followed slowly. Her youthful beauty complemented her stride both physically and emotionally. He walked with calmness — confidence and obvious admiration. He was so lucky to have her. Normally, a guy like him wouldn’t be able to see the woods through the trees, and he would have passed her by like he probably had with so many others. There had been something very different about Laura that made him stop and take notice, though. He had never been able to figure out what exactly that was. That was the tricky thing about love — it hits you when you least expect it, and the rock leaves a dent you don’t ever want to repair. They had fallen in love during the development days, and today he couldn't possibly be in a better place — body and soul.

Laura ran from the woods to the edge of the water pool. She held her T-shirt that she had pulled off already. She hurried to take her shoes off then undid her shorts and removed them. She was wearing a small bikini which exposed her thin, young body — another bonus that David had often overlooked.

David stopped after stepping out from the woods. He watched her. He shook his head, amazed at the scene in front of him that had grasped his full attention. It wasn't just Laura — it was also the water pool and the small waterfall; the rock walls and the trees that stood tall on top of them. But really, he couldn't fool himself. If he had been here alone, he wouldn’t be able to see any of this. The beauty that surrounded him was mostly because of Laura.

Standing on a rock at the water's edge, Laura looked across and dove in. He watched her disappear but didn't take his eyes off her. David could see her under the surface but not very well, so he began moving again. As she swam deeper, he lost sight of her, but that didn't distract him from following the current she left. Just the fact that she was gone made the anxiety rush back. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling. There was no need for it, though. She was fine; he knew that, but not having her there right with him made this whole event seem pointless again.

Her head popped up, and she turned to look for him. What's taking you so long? Coming in?

I was just watching the action, David said.

Oh, you like what you see.

I sure do.

It was just her head bobbing in the water now, but water running off her slicked back hair and droplets trickling from her cheeks still mesmerized him.

Well then, like I said, what's the hold up?

David smiled and sat down on a rock at the water's edge. Just observing her was messing around with his emotions, so he had to do something. He continued watching her while he took off his shoes. He stood up and emptied his pockets. After a quick check of what was in his hands, he put it all down on a rock and dove in.

Under water, he could see her blurred body. Her legs were still and relaxed. Only a slight wave of her hands kept her afloat. This was another vision of beauty, completely different than moments ago, but breathtaking just the same. He swam toward her. Her body didn't back away, or dash out of sight, like anything else would down here. Instead she was inviting him. He knew she anticipated his touch even though he couldn't see that from the expression on her face.

David came up from under the water, directly in front of her. He held her, and they both floated admiring each other.

Laura asked, Are you ready for tomorrow?

I'd better be. You had to mention that, just when you had completely removed it from my mind. How about you?

Are you kidding? I can't wait. It's going to be epic.

She showed him nothing but complete admiration. That respect was likewise for her due to the confidence she showed in him and his creation.

I love you, she said.

Really, why?

Because you're a crazed scientist that's about to change the world with a fantastic invention.

That turns you on, eh? He smiled at her. I love you too.

Really, why?

Because you're hot, David replied.

That's it? Not because of my wild sense of adventure? My light sense of humor?

Yes… No, not really.

Not my positive outlook, my organized nature, my keen eye for detail. Not my ability to stay up late and get up early, still in a good mood?

Yes, all of that. No, it's because you're hot. He smiled leaving the lie spread wide across his face.

She pushed back from him and water flooded his face, as if to wash off the sarcasm. He rushed to wipe the water away. He watched her swim for the rocks at the edge of the water pool.

Where are you going?

She got out and didn't look back. She fumbled with her shorts and pulled something from her pocket. David was confused a little. It was as if she was suddenly pissed off, but David knew her far better than that. He stayed where he was and watched her bend over with her back to him. She worked with a small device in her hand.

Hey, Laura, I was only kidding, he said genuinely, but really, he was just playing along. He knew she had something planned to defend her integrity, but he had no idea what. He took in a mouthful of water, just in case he needed it to protect himself.

This was just the type of girl Laura was. She didn’t need a bunch of words to get her meaning across. She communicated with action and rarely held back when she was about to make a point. Of course, this lesson would be directed straight at David. He was definitely concerned about what he would soon learn.

David started to swim toward her as she straightened up. She turned back to him with a small device in her hand. He stopped moving. Stress instantly engulfed his face. He let the water run out from his mouth.

I'm going diving. Laura pushed a button on the device and disappeared.

David winced at the sight of her being gone, but he smiled slightly. This time she wasn’t just under the water. She was gone; physically gone, and he knew exactly how. He just didn’t expect her to be playing around with it. He looked to the water fall and saw Laura standing on a cliff overlooking the water.

She smiled at him and waved with the device in her hand.

Where'd you get that? he asked.

You never said I couldn't have one. After all, I helped create it, so I should get one. What are you gonna do about it anyway?

Do I have to come up there and get it? David started to swim again, toward the rocks where he had entered the water.

He actually didn’t have a clue what he would do. With that device, she was in the driver’s seat. That made him a bit nervous, but there was no reason for that. Laura knew everything about the device, and operating it was her specialty. But she shouldn’t have one, and it definitely shouldn’t be here.

No, that's okay. I'll bring it to you. Laura prepared to dive into the water with the device in her hand.

David looked up as he got out of the water. He held his hand up. No! Don't get it wet! Laura, quit screwing around.

It's not even waterproof? she asked sarcastically.

No, it's not. He shook his head. She knows that…

Then come and get it.

He looked around frantically but knew he had no chance of getting to her. She could outmaneuver him in a heartbeat, but the game was on. He had no intention of going down without a fight. He looked back to the stuff he'd left on the rocks.

Here, I'll make it easier for you, she said.

He watched Laura look at the device and press some buttons. She looked back at him and waved. She disappeared and reappeared on another rock at the other side of the water pool.

There, is that better?

Be careful with that thing.

Why? I programmed it. I'm the best driver you've got.

Can't argue with that, David replied.

Standing on the rocks, David bent down and fumbled through the stuff he had left there. Sure, she shouldn’t have one, and neither should I. But…

Okay, David, I'll be good, he heard her say.

***

Laura appeared at the rocks where David was, but he was gone. She looked around. David?

She continued looking then started to panic. David, David! She looked down at the device in her hand. Shit, the accelerator. Shit! Laura looked everywhere frantically. David, David! Oh my God!

***

Almost as if he'd blinked, he was standing on the rocks with Laura directly in front of him. He saw the fear in her face. Her relaxed radiance was gone. She saw him and jumped into his arms. He shared her apprehension but was a little unsure why she was so concerned.

Hey, calm down. It's okay. It's okay, Laura. Calm down.

Laura continued to hold him, crying. He saw the device he was holding and the other one in Laura's hand. He knew this was his fault. She would never admit that, but his invention was the hardest thing to get used to, even for the inventor. Laura would dismiss all of that because of the limitless possibilities it presented, but David was struggling to figure out the effects — the smallest of which had just ruined this fantastic afternoon for them. She looked at him with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Yeah, yeah. She stepped away from him and sat down on a rock while she shook her head slightly. We really have to get that accelerator going both ways. Only being able to go back is gonna kill me.

Accelerator? That's only a theory, Laura. You know that. He took another look at the device. These things can't accelerate. He looked back to her. He smiled cunningly. At least not yet.

David sat down beside her. They both looked out at the water. That rush of anxiety was quickly settling, and the lesson had been learnt. Laura was not just another pretty face but playing hide-n-seek with these things will never be a good idea.

I know, but the whole idea's freaking me out.

Accelerator? Well, yeah, it should be. However, David knew there was no turning back now, and really, they shouldn't be thinking that far ahead anyway.

Let's worry about tomorrow first. We'll have our hands full with that for a while.

He watched her shake her head in agreement. He knew it would only be seconds before she was back on track with that thinking. In fact, it was usually her saying that exact thing to him. The stepping-stone approach they had taken to get to this point was about to reach its first milestone, but it seemed the rock Laura was sitting on had just cracked a bit. David continued to watch her. Just then he realized something about Laura — she was actually a lot like him. She definitely lived in the moment, but she couldn’t possibly get it all right without at least some concern that it would all come crashing down.

Why do you have a transport device anyway? I stole mine from the lab, but why do you have one? She looked at David, curiously.

Because I made it. A leaf on a branch belongs to the tree, despite anything the axe has to say. He smiled and continued to look out at the water and the woods beyond.

Laura gave him a skeptical look. Oh, now you're a philosophical scientist. I'm not sure I'm ready for that.

Chapter 2

Laura sat uncomfortably with members of the science community and members of the press in a large conference room. She looked around to see if the place was full yet. Tension among the audience was obvious while everyone anxiously anticipated the presentation.

All those present were invited. There was not a huge security presence, but there was also no reason for unintended guests being there. The subject matter for the presentation had not been communicated; however, there was the chance it had been leaked. Some last-minute chatter had some people scrambling to verify if there was any legitimacy to the rumor. Laura