Near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January, 2078, Wednesday…

The production engineer put the report down on his superior's desk.

"We're dry in three weeks. We'll have to increase our pumping from the reserves."

Hasan looked blankly at the report.

"Allah has not forsaken us, Ahmad. We have good international credit. Our nanotechnology industry is the envy of the world."

"And the world hates us."

"Less and less. I believe that most people now see that we're not the culprits. Worldwide there are too many mouths to feed. And there are not enough jobs. So we all are spiraling down into poverty. The great western democracies cannot save themselves. We cannot save ourselves. We are all equally screwed."

"Fine, but how do we feed our families then, Hasan?"

Hasan tossed Ahmad a pamphlet.

"'Colonize space. Open new frontiers. Water for Life needs engineers, scientists, and other workers for its colonies on Mars.'" Ahmad stopped reading. "Mars? Are you crazy?"

"My cousin did it. He is very happy there. He met a woman from Ontario and they now have two children. They work hard at their jobs but they make a decent living. Let's face it, Ahmad. We have no future here."

"We're in the oil business, Hasan."

"Soon there will be no oil business, not like we know it. Read on."

"The company will offer on-the-job retraining for qualified personnel. Expenses incurred by travel and retraining imply a five year commitment." Ahmad again stopped reading. "So I sell my soul to the Chinese for five years."

"Actually, it's probably the rest of your life. You'd have to pay the return trip, and it's expensive." Hasan spread his hands as if to make peace. "A thought, no more. I have already applied. The Chinese are not so bad. They're not Americans."

Ahmad made a face. "Yes, I've heard they're all business. Maybe I prefer the Americans."

"It's a new world out there. This is the old. I prefer the new."