Goldilocks

by L.R. Lam

“The maths and the physics check out,” Valerie continued. “We’ve done all the testing, but time keeps relentlessly ticking along—we haven’t cracked time travel yet.” A grin, a pause for a few chuckles. “With your assistance, your shared vision of this future, we can finish the construction on the Atalanta. We can go to Cavendish within three to five years. Imagine—within a decade, all of humanity could have a fresh start. No more refugees. Just a world where we all thrive.” More murmurings. Valerie held her palms up, placating. “Naturally, I’m not suggesting we abandon Earth or Mars entirely. We can continue our efforts to undo the damage already done here and make our nearest neighbour habitable. But it’ll be a damn sight easier if not as many of us are around, pumping more carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere. Why have one or two or—God forbid—zero worlds, when you can have three?” She beamed out at the audience. “We won’t waste Cavendish. We will cherish it, and not repeat our past mistakes. I haven’t been shy about my desire to spearhead the mission there. I want to bring you Cavendish. So let me help you. Let’s save ourselves.”

manifest destiny