41 years ago...

Mars was a triumph of terraforming. Nowhere in the galaxy were the conditions of Old Earth recreated with such precision and attention to detail. Tall trees and thick grasses, blue skies filled with earth-origin birds, shimmering ponds of crystal clear waters, Mars was the pride of the Huxley Foundation.

The Gale Crater Campus of Mars Academy was abuzz with the excited energy of spring. Students gathered to discuss ideas, play games, form new relationships or just enjoy the beautiful weather.

In order to avoid being inconvenienced by such asinine distractions 16-year-old graduate student Heliodore Kang, already a doctor seven times over, had retreated to the sterile sanctuary of the basement laboratories. The thick ceilings and walls kept the infectious cheery mood at bay. The nice weather meant that those with an insufficient dedication to science were otherwise distracted.

Kang was hunched over a computer terminal designing an experiment and, as usual, completely absorbed into his own mind. He didn't realize someone had walked up behind him until they spoke.

"Good evening, Mr. Kang," said Professor Dresden, a tall man with old eyes but a young body.

"Doctor, I think you'll find," replied Kang, not looking up from his work.

"My apologies," said Dresden, raising his hands.

"I assume I'm being interrupted for reasons other than the clarification of my proper honorific?" asked Kang, eyes still on the computer screen.

"I see your reputation for amicability is thoroughly earned," Dresden joked "Indeed I have business I would like to discuss with you."

"Not interested," said Kang, with a wave of his hand.

"You don't even know what I'm going to say," said Dresden, unperturbed by the rudeness of his companion.

Kang turned to face Dresden for the first time.

"You represent a shadowy cabal of conspirators who made up the secret ruling class of the Huxley Foundation. I worked that out years ago. You're here because you want to recruit me into this colossal waste of time and brainpower. While I'm sure you all derive great sense of importance from herding all those sheep I have important work to do. As I said before: not interested."

He turned back to the screen.

"The problem with going through life always being the smartest person in the room," said Dresden "Is you never get a sense of your own limitations. You are partially correct, but you've missed the forest for the trees."

"And what, pray tell, is the forest all these trees add up to then?" asked Kang.

"The governing of humanity is merely means to an end," Dresden explained "It is the funding for a vast project that will shape the future of humanity, and all life in the galaxy. Imagine it: the totality of the surplus and endeavor of the human race focused with laser precision towards a single goal."

Kang pressed a button to save his work, turned around, and started truly paying attention.

"And what goal would that be?" he asked.

"Apotheosis," said Desden, smiling "The final transcendence of the human condition."

"That sounds overly dramatic," said Kang.

"Let me show you then," replied Dresden.

* * *

"If you're a member of this conspiracy, this 'Council'," asked Littlecrow "Then why do they want you arrested? And why are they coming after McAfree as well?"

"The answer to your second question is simple," explained Dr. Kang "She is my protege. As far as the Council is concerned McAfree is an extension of myself."

"Gross," said McAfree.

"And the first question?" asked Littlecrow.

"That answer is far, far more complicated," said Dr. Kang.