Earth, 3023. Planetary population: 2 billion eco-load limit.

Over half a million souls toil for its welfare in the rest of the habitable solar system.

The healing Earth depends on Sol 3.14, a man-made web-world circling the Sun on the opposite side of Earth's solar orbit.

"Soulpie," the granary of the solar system, desperately needs a new orbital booster. Without it, her rotation will slow, rivers won't flow, and harvest won't grow.

Spare parts are hard to get. In a world run by corporation rife with corruption, anything's for sale. A world where the promise of a breeding permit for one's adult child can secure treasures untold.

A world whose survival depends on Daviron's grad school team and their intrepid mission.

And they'll do anything.

Anything to prevent another Malthusian Event.

This short story was recognized with a Honorable Mention by the Writers of the Future Contest and represents the first glimpse into one of our possible futures. Stay tuned for more at www.mugenpress.com.