Part I, Article 1

A Brief History of the UWG: Part 1

by Maverick Marader

For much of the 21st century, the economy of Earth was stalled. There were still many technological advancements, especially from newly industrialized nations. However, these nations were mostly lifted out of the third world through expensive foreign initiatives, which were funded at the expense of post-industrial nations by globally ambitious, yet fiscally irresponsible, members of the power elite. The governments which used their power the most effectively, rose to the top of the heap, while once-free nations found themselves becoming indentured servants. In an effort to further the interests of the ruling class, the remaining superpower used its political pull to form a central regulatory body, giving birth to the United World Government. Expert social planners with various bureaus made earnest requests through media outlets for the people's support of "necessary actions," and the UWG continued to expand its powers through the end of the 21st century.

Not far into the 22nd century, however, problems began to arise. The UWG's progress in "green" regulation came up hard against the demand from the people's consumerist appetite. A persistent stream of independent thinkers spoke out against the UWG's "have your cake, and eat it too" political policies. A great deal of independent media pointed out the critical mass of consumer-targeted technology innovation, while calling for more freedom to pursue innovation in the way new technologies are produced. Unfortunately, much of what they said never reached a broader audience, and was ignored by those in power. A person whose writing indicated him as a philosopher became the butt of much criticism, and purist economists were not treated much better. The mass media's interest in developing large blocks of consumers fell in line with the UWG's interest in large blocks of voters, and freedom was a threat to those interests.

It might have appeared to an outsider that production was running high, but under the surface, the increase in consumer goods was not generated by the increase in productive means, but by the coercion of UWG initiatives. Under such a system waste is large and inevitable. Not the waste of the earthman's spirit, when he knows his greatest efforts are in vain, or of the waste of his mind when such knowledge causes him to recoil from the threat of failure, but waste of the physical nature. In order to appeal to the mind of the masses, and not risk turning the world over to the independents, the powerful members of the UWG knew that the fate of their reign rested upon what they did with the garbage.

The Earth was covered with vast natural parks and ecologically sound farming. Many of the 21st century's post-industrial and industrial centers were under global mandates to decrease emissions and increase green spaces, while continuing to produce enough product to meet demand. This demand was driven by large media marketing firms who employ psychological techniques, auto-suggestion, and total-media experiences to overwhelm people, answer all their questions, and otherwise prevent them from thinking for themselves. The goal of the system was to control both supply and demand, with the result of increasing both.

But still there was the physical garbage. Technology was what the masses demand, and what the media needed to re-enforce that demand. Government created initiatives to increase production in technology and issued subsidies for poorer citizens who could not afford to keep up with the changes. Older technology was recycled according to strict regulations, but certain components could not be melted down because of emissions regulations. Some of the more independent recyclers ignored emissions laws at the risk of becoming government controlled, and government controlled companies were given a blind-eye clearance to ignore the laws.

But still there was the physical garbage. No recycling or refining process, known to earthmen, could reduce the physical waste created by excessive consumption of non-biodegradable materials—the very permanence of which is essential to create stable technology. As the refuse piled up, and the green spaces of Earth expanded to meet those piles, everyone looked to the UWG for a solution to the problem. The UWG found itself in the difficult position of choosing one of three choices: scale back green regulation, scale back consumerism, or launch the garbage into space.

If they scaled back green regulations in order to make more space for the garbage, they risked an uprising by masses who were invested in the green future. If they scaled back consumerism, they risked offending the big-money elite who generously funded their campaigns. If they created a plan to launch the garbage into space, they needed to scramble for raw energy.

The rapid expanse of green regulations had brought about the ban of research into "dirty" energy, most importantly, nuclear fusion. Media of the day heralded energy-conscious citizens as the new heroes. Citizens of a united, environmentally enlightened culture were encouraged to conserve energy (even while the goods they consume waste energy in production), and utilize their own solar and wind sources (which were provided through global subsidies). Energy resources were spread thin by design, with much social demonization of those who propose opening research into nuclear fusion.

And yet the problem remained, but problems mean opportunity. Those in power knew that if even one free-thinking person recognized a way in which he can solve the problem privately, it may well mean the end of the ruling class.

As top minds—experts in their fields—convened in comfortable bureaucracy to present the easiest, cheapest (most career boosting) solutions to the problem, somewhere among the scrap heaps, a genius was turning over a thought in his mind. As men in white coats pretended to be less than entirely uncertain about the world, a fleet of certain purpose was searching. As the tectonic plates of Earth's political landscape were colliding, a connection was about to be made that would change the course of Earth.

A Brief History of the UWG is Mr. Marader's thesis from the Algrenn Fissel Academy in Larsio Zuto, Felimica (Mars). Born Gearden Marader III, onboard the H.V. Numeria, his extraordinary career led him back to the Academy's circles numerous times, first as a returning drop-out, then as an alumnus, and finally as a guest speaker and benefactor. His story is an inspiration to trillions of students across the Universe.