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The Vicious Cycle

by Jon Flaskamp
 

The Basics

        My world occurs in an "alternate America."  The only reason it
needs to be alternate is so that I can change a few of the existing
conditions. The major differences between this society and ours are that
it is a little more advanced technologically and has a slightly different
organization in government and world politics. Half of the story occurs
in the jungles of Mexico, while the other half occurs in modern
"American" cities.  The fact that the weather is similar to the way it is
today is very important to the development of my world. This will be
discussed later.  Our concept of time and theirs is the same.  The people
of my world are approaching the millennium as well.
        The story begins in the jungle in 1990 , where some
anthropologists are excavating an ancient Mayan temple.  They are
investigating how an entire society could vanish with only a few traces
left behind.  They find their answer, and in the process, stumble across
a secret that will change the world, the ability to manipulate weather.
The story deals with the consequences of their discovery and its effect
on society over the next decade.
 

The Government

        This alternate America is also democratic.  The government is
actually unselfish and serves its function as an aid to the people, not a
hindrance.  It uses its massive budget mostly to fund scientific
exploration and other quests for knowledge.  The scientists' excavation
is funded by the government.  All discoveries must be reported to the
government.  The weather discovery causes sweeping changes in the running
of the country and in relations with other nations.  The initially
uncorrupted government becomes corrupt and uses the discovery as a means
for power.
 

The Economy

        The people of the alternate America are employed in jobs, much
like those of our America.  The economy is stable.  There are class
distinctions.
 

International Situation

        The world is at peace.  Discoveries and inventions are shared
with other countries, USUALLY.  The discovery will disrupt the peace and
sharing and lead to a much different global situation.
 

Religion

        Religion as we know it is slightly altered.  The people believe
in evolution.  The world is very scientifically minded.  Since the
millennium is approaching, there is a small sect of doomsday watchers.
They add an element of chaos to the world, and their popularity and
number of followers grows greatly in the events following the discovery.
 

Technology

        The alternative Americans (I still haven't thought of a name for
them) are more technologically advanced than we are.  Space travel is an
everyday occurrence.  Many other little neat gadgets will make their
appearance in the story as well.  Nature is still much more powerful than
any of man's creations.