In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of resilient individuals have established the Nursery, a botanical splicing center located in a desert valley surrounded by giant wind turbines, canyons, and mountains. As they prepare for impending environmental catastrophes, they work tirelessly to adapt wild plants to the harsh desert conditions, employing cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques to create drought-resistant, nutrient-dense crops. Their efforts have drawn attention from around the globe, attracting visitors and scientists alike to witness the wonders of their innovative approach to sustainable agriculture.

However, as the looming threat of a catastrophic storm approaches, tensions arise within the Nursery community. Daisuke, the visionary founder, leads a breakaway group to establish a more secure shelter in the nearby canyons, where they discover a unique microclimate that promises a better chance of survival. As they race against time, they face challenges in setting up a self-sustaining ecosystem, from harnessing renewable energy sources to implementing water conservation strategies and ensuring a reliable food supply.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the group must navigate interpersonal conflicts, confront past traumas, and embrace unconventional solutions. With the arrival of the great storm, they find themselves facing a battle for survival, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of their new world and question the true nature of their existence. Will their ingenuity and determination be enough to endure the looming catastrophe? The fate of the Nursery hangs in the balance, as they strive to create a sustainable future in the face of adversity.

1. Genetic engineering/splicing of plants (ex: desert-adapted plants, shade cacti, corn that grows in saltwater, stomach plants, ivory agaves)

2. Carb-mesh and my-creet (materials for storm-proofing buildings)

3. Lutin Bots and Mover Bots (construction robots)

4. Quadcopter drones for mapping and data collection

5. Hologram table and quantum computer for simulations

6. Weather sensors and monitoring systems

7. Food brewing systems (for producing meat, dairy products)

8. Algae beds

9. Saltwater tanks

10. Synthetic collagen crates

11. Neuplus (a cognitive enhancement drug)

12. Mind's Encore (a brain scanning/emulation service)

13. Bio-heritage Guardians (collect DNA samples)

14. Medusa (a local internet/communication system)

15. Protein computers

16. Autonomous vehicles (jeeps, autono-cabs)

17. Solar panels, wind turbines, hydrogen grills (renewable energy sources)

18. Synthetic lignin (biodegradable material replacing paper/cloth)

19. Link anklets (wearable communication devices)

20. Life Evolver AI (for designing lifeforms)

Many of the characters in this project appear in future episodes.

Using storytelling to place you in a time period, this series takes you, year by year, into the future. From 2040 to 2195. If you like emerging tech, eco-tech, futurism, perma-culture, apocalyptic survival scenarios, and disruptive science, sit back and enjoy short stories that showcase my research into how the future may play out.

This is Episode 53 of the podcast "In 20xx Sci fi and Futurism." The companion site is https://in20xx.com where you can find a timeline of the future, descriptions of future development, and printed fiction.

These are works of fiction. Characters and groups are made-up and influenced by current events but not reporting facts about people or groups in the real world.

Copyright © Leon Horn 2021. All rights reserved.