New Terra and Beyond: The Expanding Human Universe

By Richard Michael

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 14, 2009
• ISBN: 9781462821419

Richard Michael

I grew up in Connecticut and was inspired by such heroic fiction heroes as Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, Commander Buzz Corry of the Space Patrol and Dantro the Planet Man, and years later, Capt. James T. Kirk of Star Trek. Having retired after 33 years as a civil service employee with the State of Connecticut Dept. of Social Services, these ancient inspirations have reasserted themselves, along with dreams of what the future could potentially become: A field of endless opportunity for the progress of Mankind. In my tale, New Terra and Beyond, I attempt to portray people who, if they were real, would be folks from whom we could learn much about religious and moral principles, patriotism, loyalty, and in every way possible, helping one another to be the best that one can be. It is my hope that the reader will gain as much pleasure reading about my people as I had in dreaming them.

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Copyright © 2009 by Richard Michael.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Odysseus, Inc.

PRELUDE

PROLOGUE

Excerpts from My Childhood

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

EPILOGUE

To Paint a Picture

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Homesteading

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ashlee

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Among the Missing

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Court Martial of Captain Jenkins

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rambam’s Student

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

Pop Ellsworth

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Sapphire Republic

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

Odysseus, Inc.

PRELUDE

The pioneers, predominantly young couples with children, were comfortably seated upon a simple wooden platform in a flowery meadow inundated by sunshine under a nearly cloudless blue sky. Everyone was contemplatively silent, waiting. Birds flew lazily overhead and chirped noisily in the surrounding woods. There were sounds of splashing as fish jumped in a nearby pond. An invisible force field had enclosed us for the briefest of moments, unnoticed.

When are we leaving? someone asked.

We have just arrived, I answered. Welcome to New Terra. That said, everyone was initially confused. To understand what had just occurred, one needed training, experience and some good instruments. This was a different meadow, a different forest—a different world. Everything had been expertly matched, even to the time of day—mid-afternoon.

I just smiled, having been through this many times in my career. I expected to lead many more pioneer groups through similar scenes before I finally retired. People generally needed a few minutes to reorient themselves. I would stay until they had.

Here is your servant and guide, I explained, as the AIB access module rolled up to me on command.

Ah, yes, a young man named Arthur Thomas commented, The god in whom we are to trust. There were murmurs and some laughter.

I tried unsuccessfully to suppress feeling of misgivings. Logic told me I was overreacting, but the gut feeling would not subside.

I stood there silently for several moments, carefully choosing my words.

The artificial intelligent being we call ‘AIB’ is a state-of-the-art piece of technology that can do many wondrous things, but never make the mistake of expecting it to do miracles. Pioneers in other instances did entertain such expectations with the result that their communities degenerated into idol-worshipping cults. Sometimes we’ve even had to evacuate a whole community for deprogramming—at great expense, by the way, to the taxpayers—they fund these outreach projects, remember.

I was also worried about possible policy changes contemplated by new management personnel entering the Agency. These could result in a more laissez faire attitude—an unwillingness to intervene in order to save people from themselves. It would be less expensive, if passed, but first there would be the usual prolonged debate between those who held that care and compassion for human beings should outweigh monetary concerns and others who insisted that adults who had passed psychological screening should assume responsibility for their own destiny.

"Go and build your brave new world. A commissioner will visit every five years to evaluate your progress. You have the full use of a continent the size of North and South America. The other major continent, of similar size, has been reserved for another group. They are religious fundamentalists, and they have some customs you may consider quaint. In any dealings you may have with them, you are requested to respect their spiritual and social sensibilities. They, likewise, have been requested to respect yours. Since 12,000 miles of ocean separate your continents on either side of the planet, there should be plenty of room for everyone.

If you should run into any untoward problems, feel free to contact the Agency. AIB is equipped and programmed for heavy work. It can plan and build cities for you. It can cultivate gardens and fields, producing bumper crops. It can raise livestock. It can even help in raising and teaching your children, but don’t worry—parents and teachers will always be necessary. I looked around at the smiling faces, and then continued.

If you need medical treatment, AIB is a trained physician, surgeon, and pharmacist, but if necessary, it can get an instant message through and the Agency would either dispatch a physician immediately, or evacuate the patient—although we don’t anticipate such a contingency.

Our deus ex machina! exclaimed Arthur Thomas, as he patted the console with mock affection. There were smiles and some giggles.

I gazed directly at Arthur Thomas, who returned my gaze without flinching.

This was one of those instances when I wasn’t sure how to react. That young man seemed to have a following, and he would lead them—where? What effect would this have on the others? I spoke a few minutes longer. Then it was time for me to leave.

In conclusion, I wish you all blessings and success for a brilliant and prosperous future.

(From the journal of Capt. Don Dexter, Interstellar Migration Agency.)

PROLOGUE

Classes had ended for the first day of the fall semester at the University of New Eden’s College of Astrophysical and Cosmological Studies, or Space Academy, as it is popularly known. Dr. Alan Jarvis headed the English department. (The Space Academy had its own English department. This was based on the premise that scientists, engineers, and astronauts should know how to communicate.) Passing an open classroom door, Dr. Jarvis observed a student conversing with the instructor, Miss Elizabeth Darby.

So, you are Kenneth Ellsworth. Indeed, lots of water has gone over the falls since we last met. This is your senior year, is it not? What are your plans?

I’m going into exobiology. I was chosen for the astronaut team for next year, and I’m looking forward to exploring the Gas Giant. I think there’s enough material there for a Master’s and even a Ph.D.

Oh, my! That sounds scary.

There is risk in anything you do in this life. As I see it, you make your choice, then you plan, then you hope for Providence to see you through.

That’s a good attitude—especially since Providence has seen us all through some frightening experiences in recent years.

That’s for sure.

Didn’t I read in The New Eden Times that you won a scholarship?

That’s correct.

Good for you! I always knew you would do well.

I have my sister Myrna to thank for that. She took good care of me when I was a kid—she raised me, even home-schooled me, especially after that… uh… problem.

Miss Darby blushed for just a moment. Point scored, Ellsworth thought.

"Yes, it was a very unfortunate time—for us all.

How is your sister, and how big is her family, now?

Myrna is as cheerful as ever. She and Alex are blessed with four daughters, thank G-d. He smiled and added, They’re all copies of their mother, especially Mirav, the eldest.

I understand that Alex was offered the position of President of the College of Astrophysical and Cosmological Studies. Why did he reject such a generous offer?

Ellsworth noted that Miss Darby shunned slangy nicknames like Space Academy.

He said that he prefers science to politics.

I wonder what Myrna had to say about that.

She stands by him, a hundred percent.

It would have more than doubled his salary.

That’s true, but for Myrna and Alex, there’s more to life than money and prestige.

Well, as long as they’re happy, she lamely responded.

Anyway, Alex says that Ben Arnold is the man for that job. It’s right up his alley.

Wasn’t he that former commissioner that the Interstellar Migration Agency sent on an inspection tour, many years ago?

The same.

Good heavens! That man has a tarnished reputation! First he dumped his sick wife for a young girl, and then he went to jail for Non-Support. Whatever is your brother-in-law thinking?

Ellsworth winced and reddened. He had dated Ben’s daughter Tessa a few times and concluded that a relationship between them would not work—but that was another issue. Miss Darby’s comments were outrageous, and he felt the need to respond in no uncertain terms. He was about to, and he could sense Miss Darby bracing herself for the expected onslaught. Just then, Dr. Jarvis entered the room. Oh, good afternoon, Dr. Jarvis, Miss Darby greeted him a bit too enthusiastically.

Good afternoon, Betty, and good afternoon, young man. I gather that you and Betty are acquainted.

We go back a long way, Elizabeth Darby said with a rueful smile. This is Kenneth Ellsworth, and he’s from Valhalla Falls, New Anglia. She sighed, then seized the opportunity to change the subject. "How I miss that beautiful waterfall!

I really should have left with all of you after they signed that ridiculous peace treaty as a price for releasing your sister and the other prisoners. As a teacher, I felt that there was a mission to fulfill. I foolishly let that opportunity slip by and stayed behind.

Foolish is right, Ellsworth thought. You really kidded yourself if you actually thought you had anything important to impart as a teacher. Aloud, he said, You never should have put yourself in such danger.

Indeed! she agreed. When the time came that I had to leave quickly or face arrest, a merchant trader helped me. He also got the widow Maria Evers and her children out. We were all nearly caught. We barely escaped with our lives. It was such a dreadful time. But now that things are peaceful again, I’d like to go back for a visit—perhaps during intercession.

Ellsworth shrugged. If I didn’t have to go back there, I never would. Not after what happened to Myrna, and the Bunkers, Amy and her father, the Williams family, and so many others. At the mention of the Bunkers, Jarvis turned pale and started to tremble.

Since my parents are still there, I check on them at least twice a week. When Graduate School starts next year, I won’t be able to do so any longer. Myrna said she would take over. In any case, my nieces always enjoy visiting their grandparents and touring Ellsworth Acres. He shrugged again.

They say they like the rustic, country atmosphere. He resisted the temptation to add, Of course, they never had to live there full time.

Miss Darby was alarmed. Alan, are you all right? He nodded weakly. Maybe you’d better go lie down.

Jarvis excused himself, went to his office, locked the door, poured himself a stiff drink, swallowed a pill, then lay down on his cot and tried to forget. I’m sorry, Susan—I’m sorry, Susan, he kept repeating that mantra, until finally, he slept. That was how he always fell asleep.

I don’t know what gets into him, but sometimes he has these fits, said Miss Darby, apologetically. "I’ve suggested counseling, but he doesn’t want any part of it. There’s something in his past that he can’t talk about. I suspect it may involve a mutual acquaintance from our own college days, a woman who disappeared mysteriously. To this day, we never found out what happened to her. He liked her a lot, and her disappearance must have rattled him.

But that was nearly forty years ago, well before your time, wasn’t it? How old are you, Kenneth?

I’m twenty-one.

My, how time flies! said Elizabeth Darby.

I wonder if old Jarvis was even half as rattled as the judge must have been when his wife abandoned their baby and disappeared, Ellsworth thought. As for Amy Bunker Hughes, Myrna’s best friend, what was it like, growing up, knowing nothing of her mother, except for a gold-framed photograph hanging in the dining room and her father’s memories? As for Ben Arnold, like Alex says, No good deed goes unpunished.

Excerpts from My Childhood

(By George Kenneth Ellsworth, III)

CHAPTER ONE

My Early Days

I was born and raised in the city-state of Valhalla Falls on the continent of New Anglia. I was the youngest of five children born to George Kenneth and Edith Mary Ellsworth. Only two of us survived infancy, my sister, Myrna Jean, and myself.

Father and Mother had to work endlessly to maintain the farm, Ellsworth Acres, which was our livelihood, so my care was largely entrusted to my sister, who is twelve years my senior (that is the official reason). She seemed unusually delighted to have a baby sibling to care for. The only thing she couldn’t do for me was breast-feed, a fact overlooked by those who enjoyed gossiping and spreading dark rumors concerning my origin. These, in turn, developed from an unfortunate incident involving my sister when she was in a girls’ summer camp the year before I was born.

Among my earliest memories are those of my sister holding me and calling me her Little Cupcake. My parents, on the other hand, seemed cold and remote. I would some day realize otherwise in the wake of catastrophe.

Hard work never killed anybody, Father used to say. I didn’t dare to argue the point, but I thought of our neighbor, Bernie P. Evers, who had owned land next to Ellsworth Acres. One day, when he was plowing his field, he suddenly felt unwell. He went into his house, asked his wife for a glass of water, sat down on a chair, and died. He was only thirty-six years old.

Although I was only at the stroller/high-chair level, I clearly remember Myrna and her best friend, Amy Bunker, the judge’s daughter discussing the tragedy and the action they took regarding it.

Maria Evers is a sensible woman, my sister said. Why didn’t she summon the virtual doctor?

Because people would find out, and her name would be recorded for future reference.

You mean her husband had to die because she was afraid to seek help? Valhalla Falls is a free country!

So far. But we all know how popular resolve is weakening, and if Valhalla Falls caves to the Terran Circle, it will be absorbed into the theocracy of that dictator, Jason Thomas, who has swallowed up the rest of New Anglia—then the witchcraft trials will begin here, also.

Reverend McCloud would never allow that to happen.

Reverend McCloud has somehow managed to strike a balance between the Terran Circle doctrines, which he upholds, and his belief in the democratic republican nature of our government, which he also upholds. But once the juggernaut starts, he will be powerless to stop it—and it may run him over, as well.

Regardless, Maria Evers should have done the right thing!

Myrna, please listen to me! Maria Evers doesn’t need to be judged. She needs help, she needs friends, she needs a shoulder to cry on, and there are three children!

Myrna looked as though a brick had struck her right between the eyes. Let’s go help the lady, she said.

Now, you’re talking!

Let’s go, Cupcake, Myrna said as she pushed my stroller in the direction of the Evers house.

What Maria Evers was afraid to do, Myrna and Amy did. They shamelessly accessed AIB, and computer-generated personae did all the necessary chores around the house and the farm. The livestock was cared for, the cows were milked, the chickens fed and the eggs gathered, and the crops were cultivated. Maria and her children had hot meals, the children were bathed and dressed in clean clothes, the house was cleaned, the laundry done, and Amy and Myrna provided the needed shoulders to comfort the bereaved.

You and Amy are corrupting the Evers widow and her children! That’s what the neighbors are saying! Mother scolded when Myrna and I arrived home. Why must you always make our family the subject of community gossip?

Oh, Mother! She grabbed her in a hug. That was her way of winning her over in an argument—ordinarily. I understand how busy you and Father are, I really do. But I wish you could have seen the pitiful condition of the Evers family. Amy and I just had to help!

I understand that you want to help, and that’s fine. But the neighbors are discussing the way you went about it. Do I have to say it? We’ve been through this before. You were appealing to the Dark Power. You know what Reverend McCloud says about that—it’s witchcraft!

"At least we were applying some power, while the neighbors didn’t apply anything, except their tongues!

Did any members of the neighborhood ‘jury’ bother to visit the Evers family and at the very least extend condolences? Noooo! But they’re quick to criticize us when we extend a helping hand. All right, so we did access artificial intelligence, and we used what it had to offer. That’s not a sin, the good Pastor McCloud and the Terran Circle notwithstanding.

Let’s not get into that, Myrna. Unlike you, apparently, I don’t presume to be a bigger scholar than Pastor McCloud is. As for you, your father and I think that you’re old enough to take responsibility for your own soul. But the neighbors…

Let our chatty neighbors take responsibility for their souls, also, Mother. What does the Bible say about spreading gossip and slander? Mother shrugged, indicating that she no longer wished to pursue the matter.

It’s getting late, Myrna.

I’ll get Kenny ready.

After the routine of supper and bathing, Myrna tucked me into my bed. Then she read me a story about a hero who saves a princess by slaying a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon. As she was reading, the characters in the story left the pages of the book and appeared all around the room as moving, holographic images. A little green dragon flew about, snorting fire from its nostrils! The hero cut off the dragon’s head, and after belching forth more fire and some steam, the dead beast lay still. The hero and the princess got married, and lived happily ever after!

When Myrna closed the book, all the images disappeared. She kissed me good night and pleasant dreams. When she turned down the lamp and got up to leave, I started to whimper.

Oh, my goodness! she exclaimed. She bent down and looked under the bed. Aha, there he is! I’ll get rid of him! Out, you evil monster, before I toast you like a marshmallow! Kenny is my special prince, and when I come, you better wince!

Under her breath she murmured, I guess I got carried away there. I forgot—you have such an active imagination. She stayed with me until I fell asleep.

CHAPTER TWO

Firewood

(By George Kenneth Ellsworth, III)

I had to sell half my herd to pay for the coming year’s supply of firewood, Father complained to Mother.

I don’t think that’s so unreasonable, George. Firewood is a very expensive commodity, and we use it for everything—washing, cooking, baking, laundry, winter heating, and so on.

While this conversation was in progress, I glanced over at Myrna who was clearing the breakfast dishes from the table. I helped her, happily anticipating the show—her method of dishwashing. Like many of her methods, it was unconventional. At my age, having just turned six, it was also entertaining.

There was an expression on her face that only I could read. It conveyed to me exactly what she thought of the use of firewood when there were more reasonable methods, far less expensive and superior in this day and age. But these were all illicit according to the doctrines of the Terran Circle. It also conveyed to me her outrage at the artificially created economic reality that resulted in Father’s having to sell half his herd.

Some neighbors often spoke openly of Myrna as rebellious, subversive, and morally lax. They even spoke in my presence, assuming that I was too young to understand or care. After one such occasion, when I was only four years old, I had finally felt compelled to ask a question that had been bothering me for some time. I realized that in doing so, I was taking a risk that it might deeply offend her. She might be very angry with me.

Myrna?

Yes, little friend, what is it? Her voice was so musical and sweet that I couldn’t go on.

Oh, nothing.

She stopped whatever she had been doing at the time, put her arms around me, and gazed into my eyes with her unique soft but serious expression. You know better than that, Cupcake, she said. When something is on your mind, you know I won’t be put off until I can help you.

I… I… can’t say it! I don’t know how! I’m sorry, Myrna!

Now, Cupcake, she sat on a chair and lifted me onto her lap. Your sister is a big girl, and she has heard just about everything. Go ahead and ask me—I can deal with it.

Myrna! Between sobs, I finally managed the rest. Can a girl twelve years old have a baby?

Yes, it happens. As she reached for a napkin to wipe my face, I continued, Myrna—Are you my real mother? Her expression was a mixture of compassion and sadness. She responded in very soft tones.

No, sweetie, I really am your sister, but I love you like a mommy. Tears formed at the edges of her eyes. Then I started to cry again.

It’s all right, Cupcake. You had to ask me, sooner or later. Her arms tightened around me, as she continued, with both of us sniffling and reaching for napkins.

I realize that you’ve heard a lot of things that I wish you hadn’t—but that’s life. I can’t always stop people from saying things that they shouldn’t—even when it’s all lies! she added with emphasis. "But if you take to heart everything that you hear, your life will become only chaos and confusion. You’ll never know whether you’re coming or going.

On the other hand, if you repeat the evil talk that you heard to your friends, it will only bring misery and sorrow into other people’s lives. Do you understand? I nodded my head, and she concluded, So, next time you hear something that bothers you, come to me, then we can both put our brilliant heads together and deal with it—okay? That ended with a hug and a kiss.

Heedless that our parents might notice, or perhaps she just didn’t care if they did, Myrna went into her act. First she closed her eyes tightly and concentrated. Then she waved her hands over the dishes in the sink. A thick, gray-glowing cloud formed. It looked as smooth as velvet. Don’t touch it, Cupcake. It’s very hot.

She poured some detergent—one of her own mysterious productions—into the cloud, gave another wave, and the cloud vibrated. There were tiny lightning flashes and thunder crackles. We watched this for several minutes, or should I say, I watched this, fascinated. She was watching me with a big smile. There was a wash cycle and a rinse cycle; then the cloud vanished, leaving the dishes and silverware dry and gleaming.

I started picking items up and putting them away. Such a good boy! Myrna exclaimed, They don’t make them like you anymore! This was followed by a hug. You know, in the olden days, people had automatic dishwashers. This system is much more efficient, don’t you think? Music was in her voice and her eyes. I just smiled and nodded, drinking it in.

Come over here, Delicious! She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me again.

I understand that the Chief Prelate is building a huge fleet, Mother ventured, referring to His Excellency, the Very Reverend Jason Thomas, the Executive Officer of the Terran Circle. Myrna and her friend Amy referred to him as Mr. Goldy-Pants. He wore gold-embroidered robes, and his two lieutenants wore black robes. They were called the undertakers. The Rev. Mr. Axel McCloud, who was our community minister, was on the lowest rung. He wore a suit that was becoming threadbare with age, bought at a bargain price in the business district. He’s a good man who means well, Myrna insisted, although she frequently argued with him.

That would increase the demand for wood, and also the labor to produce it, thereby driving up the price.

What does he need a fleet for? Father asked.

They say it’s a fishing fleet.

The merchants of Valhalla Falls already have a fishing fleet. What’s Thomas trying to do? Undermine them? How are they supposed to pay taxes and support the meeting circle if they become poor?

I’m certain that Jason Thomas would not do anything to harm their economic welfare, Mother replied.

The business district is not a unanimous supporter of the local Meeting House. Most of the merchants are not even Terran Circle believers. Why should Thomas care if they are ruined? We had better start saving for next year, Father concluded.

There is a Providence that watches out for us, George, Mother reminded Father. Who knows? If we have faith, perhaps all our cows will calve.

From your lips to the ears of the Almighty, Edith.

My sister’s expression silently but forcefully conveyed her opinion on the subject. If Providence would have been allowed to follow its original course, we might have had two brothers and another sister. Mrs. Evers’s husband might have lived. The republics of New Anglia would have continued to be free and democratic. Religion and science would have fulfilled their proper functions, there would be no witchcraft trials, citizens would not be threatened with economic slavery—and Jason Thomas would never have been permitted to seize dictatorial power in the name of religion.

Again, only I could read the message. To me it was as clear as if she had actually shouted it: If you didn’t do what you could have done—and should have done when there was a crisis, then don’t blame G-D because you didn’t get a miracle! (Ironically, this is also providential!)

CHAPTER THREE

New Clothes for School

(By George Kenneth Ellsworth, III)

That fall, I was to begin school. I needed new clothes. My parents couldn’t help because their income was severely limited. There had also been vast expenses, in particular, in the purchase of the firewood. One day, Myrna took me aside, We are now going to get you new clothes and shoes.

But how? I asked. Mother says that we can’t even afford the bargains in the business district.

"That’s right. We can’t. But the materials for your new clothes are all around us—in the soil, the air, and the water—in the mineral and vegetal worlds.

Come with me, Cupcake, and I’ll show you how it’s done. You’ll be the best-dressed kid in school when we’re through, or my name isn’t Myrna Jean!

I followed her down to the basement. In a corner, behind our wood-burning furnace was a small rug that she removed, revealing a trap door. She opened it, and there was a ladder, leading down to a large, underground brightly lit suite filled with dials and buttons. The place resembled ancient photos of starship engine control rooms, dating back to when people began migrating to the stars. These were generally shown during meetings of the Secret Cosmic Society, a dissident organization. (My sister allowed me to attend. They trusted me to keep their secrets. Actually, the Secret part of the title was a misnomer, because their activities and their philosophies were widely known and contributed greatly to the enhancement of Myrna’s reputation among the neighbors.)

I started to climb down the ladder.

Wait a moment, Cupcake. I’ll tell you when. She waved her hands, and the rungs on the ladder expanded and became a moving stairwell. Go ahead, now. I’ll follow you down.

Wow! was all I could say. I never knew about any of this! Was it here all the time?

It was built along with this house, over 600 years ago. I discovered it when Amy hinted where it might be and suggested that I look for it. Father and Mother still don’t know about it.

Why didn’t you tell them?

I tried, Cupcake, I tried. I could never get them down to the basement where I could show them. Lots of folks, Mother and Father included, don’t realize that every house that was built back then has a similar underground suite. Over the generations, it was forgotten that houses—stout farmhouses like ours—were constructed in only twenty minutes! AIB manipulated the atoms and molecules of the surrounding physical environment, and a house just grew from the ground. Nowadays, people no longer recognize the materials these ancient buildings were constructed from and how quickly it was done. Now it takes many men, working very hard, several weeks or months to build a house or a barn, and that is only after much labor to cut trees and prepare lumber and quarry stone.

Is that because of the Terran Circle?

Exactly! They have everyone—well, not exactly everyone—convinced that AIB is an anti-G-D Dark Power. What they don’t recognize is that AIB is just a robot—a tool, subject to human programming. Like any tool, it can be used for either good or evil purposes. We are G-D’s servants, like Pastor McCloud has taught us, but AIB is our servant. Somehow, for some reason, Pastor McCloud just doesn’t get it, and I feel so frustrated! For a basically kind and intelligent man, he can be stubborn and stupid at times! Oops! I wasn’t supposed to say that. Myrna had been warned by our parents never to speak disparagingly in my presence about any of our elders.

Don’t worry about it, Myrna, I won’t tell.

It just sort of slipped out. I didn’t mean to say that.

Actually you did, Myrna—and you meant every word.

Uh-oh. If Father and Mother find out, they’ll say that I am contributing to your delinquency—I might even get the strap!

The thought of that was overwhelming. Myrna had always stood up for me, and now it was my turn to defend her. I felt like a protecting hero as I said, Myrna, whatever we discuss stays between us.

I know I can always count on my Cupcake! We exchanged hugs, and then continued on our way.

We walked through corridors filled with lights, dials, and glowing instruments. Ah! Here we are. Okay, see this cubicle? You stand inside, and I’ll close the door. It’ll just take a minute or so.

I was frightened. Do I have to?

You’ll have light, fresh air, and plenty of room to turn around, although it would be helpful if you would stand still. When I push this button, AIB is going to measure your frame from head to toe. That’s how it will ‘know’ what size your shirt, pants, jacket, shoes and even socks and underclothes have to be.

But I’m scared! Ever since Mother locked me in the closet once, when I was a bad boy—I’m afraid to be in there alone!

I thought I had extirpated that memory. It had been a frightening experience. For Myrna, it had been the one time she had lost her diplomatic cool and had a screaming fight with Mother. Father had come on the run to see what the fracas was all about and was ready to take the strap to Myrna, but when he understood, he also agreed that no kid should be locked in a closet.

Myrna stooped down to my level, and put her hands on my shoulders. Cupcake, she said softly, You were never a bad boy. You were just having a bad day. Now, if I go in there with you, it might confuse AIB. But… all right, then—we’ll try it. The virtual tailor understood who was being measured.

Now, what? I asked, as we left the cubicle.

AIB has all the measurements. Now the virtual tailor will gather molecules of water, minerals and fibers of plants that grow all over, and process these into microscopically thin strands. These, in turn will be woven into thicker fibers, and the final stage will be the production of each item of your new wardrobe. Of course, it’s a lot more complicated than my simple explanation, but you get my drift.

A persona appeared with the finished products.

Here they are, Cupcake. Let’s see how you look. Oh, my! You couldn’t get an outfit as nice as that if you paid top money in the business district!

Will Father and Mother be angry and say you used witchcraft?

I suppose they will think it’s witchcraft, but they won’t say anything. And they’ll be glad that you won’t look like a ragamuffin on your first day in school!

Thank you, Myrna.

Hey! That’s what big sisters are for! As we were walking back through the suite toward the moving stairwell, an anxious thought suddenly crossed my mind.

Myrna!

What is it, Cupcake?

Are you going to marry that guy, Alex? I was referring to a professor from the Space Academy who was a frequent visitor at the Secret Cosmic Society meetings. He always had something interesting to say, and he gave good advice. He and Myrna reserved special smiles just for each other, and after the meetings they usually spoke quietly together for a long time.

I could tell from his accent that he was not from New Anglia, certainly not Valhalla Falls. Myrna said that the academy is in New Eden, a large continental republic on the other side of New Terra, 12,000 miles across the Eastern Ocean. Alex and his mother owned a house near the academy.

I don’t know, Cupcake. We like each other, but we haven’t reached the point where one discusses marriage. What’s on your mind, little guy?

Someday you’re getting married, right? I mean, that’s what people generally do when they grow up.

She caught my drift: I didn’t want to be left alone with just Father and Mother when she left home to pursue her own life. She embraced me in another Myrna hug then she picked me up. What she said was a complete surprise. When I get married, would you like to live with us?

Sure! But suppose your husband won’t want me around?

I’ll tell you what. Any man who wants to marry me will have to agree that you can live with us—or else I won’t marry him. How about that—hmmm?

Do you really mean it?

Have I ever told you something that I didn’t mean?

No.

It’s my special promise, just for you.

Thank you, Myrna. You’re absolutely the best.

Hey! What did I just say? Isn’t that what big sisters are for?

CHAPTER FOUR

The Odysseus and My Abbreviated

Academic Career

(By George Kenneth Ellsworth, III)

My first two-and-a-half weeks of school were largely uneventful. On the first day, we had all been assembled in our assigned places, waiting for the teacher. As I became acquainted with some of my classmates, I bragged that I had a sister who taught me many things, including how to read, write, and figure. They said that they also knew how to read, write, and figure.

In that case, I joked, The teacher better stay on her toes, because we’re coming! That broke the ice, and I found it easy to make friends. Miss Darby, who was just entering the room, must have overheard. She smiled, but didn’t comment. She began by writing her name on the blackboard and introducing herself; then she encouraged us to introduce ourselves. School life settled into an established routine. It was during the third week that an irrevocable change occurred. It was my Show and Tell project, a politically incorrect essay I had written that got me into trouble:

The Odysseus—The Origin of Settlement

(By George Kenneth Ellsworth, III)

A long time ago, an adventurous band of brave pioneers migrated across 10,000 light years from planet Earth. The journey took 12,000 years, and many generations cycled through life in the starship’s artificial environment before they eventually settled here. They named this planet New Terra, because it resembled Old Terra, or Earth. The starship on which they journeyed was called the Odysseus and was named after a famous Greek warrior who had wandered the ancient Mediterranean world for twenty years with a band of sailors. That was millennia before space travel and well before the age during which Earth’s civilization became peaceful, prosperous, and benevolent.

Ironically, nothing is known about the Odysseus or its passengers and crew during the long ages of their journey. Even their names are not known. The eventual fate of the Odysseus is also not known, and to this day, not a trace of it has been found. Scientists working in laboratories at the Space Academy in New Eden have been attempting to get more information from AIB (which is assumed to have recorded everything), but so far, their efforts have not been successful. AIB has shown us the first generation born on New Terra, but the mystery of their origin remains.

It is to be hoped that the scientists at New Eden University will succeed in coaxing more information from AIB so that the details of our origins will become better known.

Some have suggested or even required as a religious doctrine that the people of New Terra did not come from Earth at all but were created separately by G-D. Others say that this is a mistake. They insist that pioneers left Earth to settle in many Earth-like planets in solar systems that have been discovered in the remotest areas of the Milky Way Galaxy, in the Andromeda Galaxy, the Magellanic Clouds, and beyond. When I grow up, I also want to explore exotic worlds and raise a family on one of them.

Miss Darby sat at her desk, reading my essay. I was getting nervous. Every now and then she looked up at me, then went back to my essay and frowned. Finally, she arose from her desk and left the room, taking the essay with her. A few minutes later, she returned without it.

She read the other students’ reports, and there were class discussions, but I had the gut feeling that I wasn’t supposed to participate. I was treated as if I wasn’t even there. Finally, school was dismissed, and I learned later in the afternoon that I was never going back.

Mother looked at the note that had been delivered, and demanded: What have you done, Kenneth? This is a note from the school board that says you were expelled! What is this all about?

I don’t know, Mother. I suspected that it might have something to do with that essay, but I wasn’t about to try to explain to my mother. I wasn’t sure that I completely understood this myself.

You don’t know? When your father comes home tonight, perhaps his strap will help you remember.

But I didn’t do anything!

The school expels you, and you come home and tell your mother that you don’t know anything about it? Do you expect me to believe that?

But it’s the truth!

When your father hears of this, he won’t accept an I don’t know from you. Now go to your room!

I trudged up the stairs, wishing that Myrna was here. She was on a date with that science teacher, Alexander Davis (Call me ‘Alex’). He sure was friendly, and I could understand why Myrna liked him a lot, but I needed her now, more than ever. I lay on my bed and cried myself to sleep. She came to me in a dream! I’ll be home in a little while, Cupcake. I’ll find out what’s going on, then we’ll deal with it.

Father’s shouting and banging on my bedroom door woke me up. You get out here! I want to talk to you! I was so scared, I couldn’t move. "If you don’t get yourself out here right now, I’m coming in to get you—and if I have to do that, I’ll spank first, and ask questions later!

On the count of three! ONE! TWO! . . .

Reprieve! I heard my sister’s voice and her footfall on the stairs.

Father! What is this all about? You’re scaring him to death!

He should be scared! Father shouted. And it’s all your fault! Your mother and I warned you that you were letting him become a spoiled brat—I should really take the strap to you before I get to him!

What happened? What did he do?

What did he do! Got kicked out of school—in the first grade! He refuses to confess what he did!

That doesn’t make any sense! They have to give the reason.

Read this!

Father, it says that they have found it necessary to remove Kenneth from the school system of Valhalla Falls, and then it says a parent teacher conference is suggested. That’s all it says. No reason is given. Don’t you think it would be a better idea to invite Betty Darby here and ask her for an explanation, rather than just flying off the handle at Kenneth?

Edith, pour me a brandy, would you please? And pour one for yourself, also.

The next day, after school had been dismissed for the afternoon, Miss Darby came. We sat around the kitchen table sipping tea, as Miss Darby explained.

Your son was not a behavior problem. In fact, he was probably the best-behaved child in the whole school—a real gentleman. Got on well with the others, and his scholarship was impeccable.

Why was he kicked out, then? Father demanded. Last night, I was ready to kill him.

Oh, my, no. She looked at the note. Between you and me, the school administration handled this awkwardly. Bureaucrats, you know. I’ll have to discuss ‘Community Relations’ with my higher ups. I cannot dispute their conclusion, however. Kenneth cannot be in our public school system.

But why? Myrna pressed, as our parents sat there, puzzled.

Well, the problem is basically this. Miss Darby handed my essay to my sister, who scanned it rapidly.

Oh, my goodness! Myrna exclaimed. Cupcake, where did you get all this?

I was afraid to answer. Fearing that I had already gone over the top, anything I might say would bring down everyone’s wrath on my head. Then I noticed that Myrna was smiling. Mother, as I expected, was clueless.

You were asked a question, Kenneth! Answer it!

Never mind, that’s okay. Myrna gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

I’m dating a man who teaches at the Space Academy. When he visits, he often speaks at our meetings, and he has apparently excited Kenneth’s very active imagination.

"Oh, I understand. I also studied at New Eden University, including science courses at the College of Astrophysical and Cosmological Studies. I took Teacher Training there, and when I was outposted to Valhalla Falls, I felt that I had found my mission. I can well understand the impressionable imagination of a six-year-old. As such, it must be gently but firmly guided.

Miss Ellsworth, how old are you, may I ask?

I am eighteen. Why is that significant?

My dear girl! Do you understand about heresy?

"What heresy? Some of his information is muddled—that much is true. There was no starship Odysseus, and it didn’t take anyone 12,000 years to get here. It