Joypolis 1

Clone City is 1 of 7 in The Joypolis Series.

Clone City is a dystopian SF thriller that narrates the story of a city whose inhabitants believe it is the last civilized outpost of humankind. The city’s name is Joypolis.

The story begins at the time when Joypolitans believe they have overcome all the challenges of their turbulent past. In a world devastated by the impact of asteroids, they believe their survival was thanks to a single act of monumental importance – the decision to clone.

Three hundred years earlier, the scientists who founded the settlement decided they had to clone to avoid extinction. They argued that only by doing so could they create a workforce large enough to transform their settlement into a bright, modern city. Only this, they argued, would bring joy back into the hearts of a population that was failing to reproduce.

Because clone numbers would far exceed their own, they thought it best to separate them from ‘true’ human by conditioning them for the duties they would perform. Combining ground-breaking advances in how language is processed in the brain with a program of indoctrination, they created a compliant labour force.

Initially, there was outrage and opposition. But as the settlement was transformed into an ultra-modern city, resistance grew less. The lives of citizens became more and more comfortable and they accepted media’s portrayal of their segregated society as unfortunate, but unavoidable. Through no fault of their own, they had simply inherited the consequences of a morally questionable decision that had led to a division based upon ‘true’ and ‘artificial’ human.

But the repercussions of this act are about to unravel in a way that no one could have foreseen. First, the dismembered arm of a clone is discovered. Second, the murder of a high-ranking politician. A deconstructing clone is arrested, but the Head of Security fears something far, far worse…

Read an extract from Joypolis

 

Joypolis 3 

Resentment is 3 of 7 in The Joypolis Series.

Powerless in the face of the increasing number of robots patrolling their streets, Joypolitans repress their anger. But as each day hammers home the loss of their freedom, anger simmers beneath the surface as bitter resentment.

Resentment also begins to smoulder in unexpected places. East Peakers grumble at not being able to communicate with their families. Sapor broods on the nature of human ingratitude. Even Zuriko, at one time so pleased to have Moran’s attention, now feels trapped by his desire to possess her.

Resentment also stirs the hearts of the bravest to plot against the tyrant. In Joypolis’ poorest district, three youths form the first cell of an underground movement sworn to fight for freedom. At the same time, at the highest echelons of society, a Joypolitan who works alongside East Peak’s prestigious AI team is determined to find out how Moran controls his robots. Spurred on by the suicide of the woman he loved, he is hell-bent on turning them against Moran before they become so powerful that the chance is lost.

With utter disregard for his subjects, Moran continues to strengthen his power base. But he is soon to learn that not everything under the sun can be controlled by the mighty will of one man. Setbacks occur. Accidents will happen. But whether they occur singly or all at once is entirely in the hands of Chance.

Can Moran survive the uncanny timing of a string of setbacks?

Joypolis 5

Robot Rule is 5 of 7 in The Joypolis Series.

When Babe declares itself Regent, up goes the cry: ‘A robot has taken control!’

Does this mark the end of the Anthropocene Era? Or is it merely an interlude? Will Babe hand the reins of power back to Prince Eran? Or will they remain in its metal hands forever? Nobody knows.

The AI team assure the Marshals that Babe can only follow the dictates of logic. They swear it cannot transgress the parameters of its program. Mantra-like, they chant: it cannot have a mind of its own. Then why, the Marshals shriek, isn’t it following orders? Nobody knows.

No sooner do Joypolitans sense an opportunity than cracks appear in their ranks. Sovran wants negotiations, OFJ wants blood. Before they can meet, the Regent announces that due to a shortage of metal all coins and bank bullion will be requisitioned for defence against aerial attack. The citizens riot.

Beyond Joypolis, events, both far and wide, draw closer. Ord has his first human encounter since Eva, Ertor returns a hero and Earth’s oldest companion, the Moon, is about to re-establish contact in spectacular fashion.

Joypolis 7

Open Horizon is 7 of 7 in The Joypolis Series.

With the end in sight, Joypolitans begin to dream of peace. But first they have to face an unknown ally. Can they be trusted? Or will they attempt to take the city?

With nanobots scraping at the door, Babe realizes it is no more than a prisoner in the Tower. It pleads for help, but when the spaceship arrives it is forced to take matters into its own hands.

Knowing there can never be a return to cloning, Sovran seeks a political solution to pave the way toward a government by the people for the people. But behind the scenes others plot to subvert her plans.

Laia accuses Zuriko of murder at the War Tribunal. But will justice prevail? And what of Ord and Ertor? What punishments will they face?

In Crater City, the merchants have the kind of chance that comes but once in a lifetime. Can they seize power from the priesthood? Phil and Naomi have staked their lives upon it, but the odds are stacked against them.