La Charlière

La Charlière was originally published in 2019 and revised in this 2025 version. The story takes place in 2084, twenty years after the discoveries by Cédric Rothschild, based on his theory of variable light speed, which had led to the invention of microfusion reactors and timecharging, enabling a host of new transportation technologies. La Charlière is a prototype dirigible designed to operate with lighter-than-air spheres based on timecharging technology. The technology is commandeered by the Syndicate for the purpose of taking over the world. A subsequent invention by Cédric based on his theory of gravitrons leads to the discovery of an antigravity engine with the potential for sweeping impact on humanity, both for good and for bad. The book is an adventure into the future of technology development in a genre called 'science future', modelled after the works of Jules Verne. The complex issue of how advanced technology gets exploited for evil purposes to gain control of humanity is explored. The story is told through the eyes of a scientist named Dr. Vincent Gilbert, who gets caught up in the struggle between good and evil when societal change is brought on by disruptive technological innovation.