Radiance

In the forty-millionth century, humanity lives in perfect harmony with the Earth. Knowledge and emotions are shared by all through the Common Consciousness, a radiance born of human minds that links every city on the planet. Births are planned, death is a chosen final run, and nothing is wasted. Then, on the day of the winter solstice festival, the sun begins its transformation into a red giant two thousand years ahead of schedule. Life on Earth has a year left.

Ingos and Vegas, a young couple waiting for permission to have a child, watch their serene world turn to doubt. Two ancient pacts offer hope: the world of Loudko, three planets bound by atmospheric conduits where every species depends on another, and Dsom72, a planet of crystal mountains and white sand inhabited by the Oarxces, beings more spirit than flesh. Two ships leave Earth. But each world has its own laws, and welcoming humans may come at a price no one foresaw.

As the deadline approaches, humanity must confront a question its wisdom had long set aside: what are we, and what are we willing to risk so that life goes on?

Radiance is a speculative fiction short story about consciousness, spirits, and the choice to live.

Written in 2012.