Author's Notes

by

MacDonald Reid

About

Lake Aral

Unlike JIHAD: World War in 2036, OIL COMMISSION ends with a crescendo of hope and optimism. Lake Aral carries this optimism to its logical conclusions. The OIL COMMISSION leads the world through the energy crisis and into a new era of prosperity. Russia and the People of the Steppes unite their continent as never before. Together, they reverse the course of rivers, build sea level canals and create Lake Aral in what had been Kazachstan. Then, together they build a new prosperity for their people. The world basks in the bright light of peace.

Shadows arise in the East. China is suffering. Famine stalks its two billion of citizens. The last great Communist nation on Earth looks northward to see peace, prosperity and food. All it needs to do is seize the regions north of the Heilong River within thr great arch of the Stanovoy Mountains. Secure behind that great natural barrier, China will have room for its teaming billions.

A second shadow arises in Japan. In spite of, or perhaps because of its affluence and influence Nippon seeks redress of ancient wrongs. In World War II the Russians had seized Karafuto Island and much of the Kuriles from Japan and had not returned them. Furthermore, since the end of that war, Japan had lived under the economic and political thumb of the United States. Japanese dissatisfaction grew along with its political and economic standing in the world. Politicians recalled the halcyon days when Bushido had defended the Chrysanthemum Throne. According to them, the time had come for Japan to return to its former status, even if that meant military force.

Thus, Russia is attacked simultaneously by Japan and China. But, Russia is at peace for the first time in its history. Unprepared for war, Russia pleads for help from its allies.

However, neither the United States nor the Oil Commission is prepared for war. Both have downsized their military both in quality and in quantity. Neither is prepared to fight one hundred million Chinese. Neither is prepared to fight the highly advanced, robotic weapons loosed by Japan.

The Japanese seize air superiority with their Silver Crane pilotless aircraft. America’s only hope in the air is a new aircraft using a direct cortical interface between the pilot’s brain and the aircraft’s computers. Better machines battle smarter machines. Vast numbers engage high-tech.

Man defeats Machine. However, all is not as it seemed to be. A new and democratic Chinese Republic is born. Japan returns to the path of honor. The world rejoices, and in its ecstasy unites under a single world government.

The lessons from this book are all too obvious. History must be understood by all, lest we repeat our failures endlessly. The Machine is Mankind’s servant, and even when put to evil uses, Mankind will always defeat it. Friendship and trust are paramount amongst people and nations.

I hope you enjoy Lake Aral and the entire World Union series. They’ve been fun for me to write, in spite of the pain in my hands. I hope they were as pleasant for you to read.

Thanks,

Mac