Across the Cosmos

By J. T. Ryan

Across the Cosmos, third in a series by author J.T. Ryan, is similar to his two previous publications: Beyond the Benign and Aside from Infinity. This book is also a collection of twelve science fiction short stories. Themes include: global warming, extraterrestrial visitation, age reversal, near death experience, reincarnation, and alternative universes. The stories are primarily for entertainment, with a mix of science, history, music, fiction and fact. For each story, a music title is also provided to relate to its theme. The reader may also find allusions to more serious topics for thoughtful consideration.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728360683

J. T. Ryan

Author, J. T. Ryan now lives in Hawaii, previously in San Diego. A graduate from UCLA and San Diego State, Mr. Ryan served in the U. S. Air Force and later worked for the Navy, and at Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico. This edition is a trilogy from three previous publications, focused on science or speculative fiction. Mr. Ryan’s academic work and background are represented to some degree by the various stories. The tales are intended to be entertaining samples from topics of current scientific interest. The reader will also notice references to history, humor, and music favorites.

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Copyright © 2020 J. T. Ryan. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/29/2020

ISBN: 978-1-7283-6069-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-6068-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020907836

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

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Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

PREFACE

As in my two previous publications, Beyond the Benign and Aside from Infinity, this third one: Across the Cosmos, is of a similar format. Twelve separate, nonrelated, sci-fi short stories include: fiction, fact, science, a bit of history, and a dash of humor.

In the old Twilight Zone TV series, endings usually did not include a complete explanation. The viewer was left to contemplate alternative ways the story might have finished. These stories follow a like model.

Twilight Zone viewers first became acquainted with a main character, then something out of the ordinary would occur. A bizarre twist would result, either from impairment of the main character or some other mysterious phenomenon. Rod Serling, the show’s talented creator and writer, included a brief but enigmatic wrap-up at the end of each episode.

These stories are also named after songs that I like, and that relate in some way to the theme. Contents include a brief summary of each story plot along with the song title and preferred recording artist. Author’s Notes elaborate further on musical selections and how they connect to the story.

It soon became evident to me, that for any given scientific topic, a detailed and complete understanding of the matter was often lacking, even from the world’s leading scientists.

One might liken our comprehension of scientific phenomena to a person viewing the immense star-filled sky in the cosmos. Endless points of light are visible, but how they relate to us remains much a mystery.

There are several theories, for example, about our own human origins. Did we evolve from slimy creatures in murky swamps? Could we be later-day descendants of extraterrestrial visitors to this planet in the distant past? Or, are we merely semi-intelligent creatures representing a special gift to the universe from a benevolent, father-like creator?

Who to ask … Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad? And how to interpret an answer against the context of our mottled history? We humans have been known to worship natural phenomena, such as the sun, rain, moon, and stars. We’re also on record for sacrificing fellow humans to selected deities in order to gain special favor, such as a bountiful harvest or success in battle. We then celebrate bloody victories with parties, feasts, and parades!

On the surface it would appear that we’re a rather wretched species. Nonetheless, there have also been some noteworthy achievements, especially in recent centuries. Perhaps we’ll do better to look forward to a more enlightened future and consider our questionable past as merely a stepping stone. Aim for the stars!

The universe is full of possibilities. We already have space stations, robotics, and plans for colonizing planets. Is it possible that the potential for humanity is ultimately for good after all? One can hope.

These stories are meant to be entertaining, but may also be viewed as being a bit provocative. Themes and ideas are drawn primarily from science, but with trends and applications that reflect both real life and imagination.

Contents

Preface

Music Credit

1   Starry, Starry Night (Don McLean)

Citizens of planet tau Ceti e interview American abductees to decide whether to visit planet Earth.

2   Baby It’s Cold Outside (Zooey Deschanel)

Global warming becomes a critical issue when climate change points to a new ice age.

3   Swinging on a Star (Lennon Sisters)

Skyman and Carbuncle, a musical duo, are suspected of dealing with extraterrestrials.

4   Cielito Lindo (Anacani)

Pancho Villa rides again, thanks to reincarnation through a grandson.

5   When You Wish Upon a Star (Cliff Edwards/Jiminy Cricket)

(Cliff Edwards/Jiminy Cricket) - Scientists reveal their clandestine research with DNA and age reversal.

6   Stardust (Willie Nelson)

Astronaut Scott Gordon becomes stranded on planet Epsilon Eridani b with his Hawaiian girlfriend.

7   Crazy (Patsy Cline)

Romanian brain surgeon tells of his research on laser ablation and acquired savant syndrome.

8   Happy Trails to You (Roy Rogers & Dale Evans)

A private pilot crashes into a mountain has a near death experience (NDE).

9   That’s Amore (Dean Martin)

Astronomers Tony and Gina discover a huge asteroid on collision course with the Earth.

10   Tumbling Tumbleweeds (Sons of the Pioneers)

A family vacation in the southwest leads to a strange encounter with an ancient Indian.

11   Don’t Know Why (Norah Jones)

California beach hippy confronts a self-ordained guru who claims to represent an alternate universe.

12   Desert Pete (Kingston Trio)

Arizona desert couple discuss their bucket lists, based on different priorities.

MUSIC CREDITS

1. Starry, Starry Night. singer: Don McLean; writer: Don McLean; 1971.

2. Swinging on a Star. singers: Lennon Sisters; writers: Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke; 1944, for Bing Crosby movie: Going my Way.

3. Cielito Lindo. singer: Anacani; writer: Quirino Mendoza Cortés; 1882.

4. Baby It’s Cold Outside. singer: Zooey Deschanel; writer: Frank Loesser; 1944.

5. When You Wish Upon a Star. singer: Cliff Edwards as ‘Jiminy Cricket’ in the Walt Disney movie: Pinocchio; writers: Leigh Harline and Ned Washington; 1940.

6. Stardust. singer: Willie Nelson; writer: Hoagy Carmichael; 1927.

7. Crazy. singer: Patsy Cline; writer: Willie Nelson; 1961.

8. Happy Trails to You. singers: Roy Rogers & Dale Evans; writer: Dale Evans; 1952.

9. That’s Amore. singer: Dean Martin; writers: Harry Warren and Jack Brooks; 1953.

10. Tumbling Tumbleweeds. singers: Sons of the Pioneers; writer: Bob Nolan; 1934.

11. Don’t know Why. singer: Norah Jones; writer: Jesse Harris; 2002.

12. Desert Pete. singers: Kingston Trio; writer Billy Edd Wheeler; 1963.

STARRY,

STARRY NIGHT

A sci-fi short story by: J. T. Ryan

Author’s note – The song Starry, Starry Night, was written and performed by Don McLean in 1971, as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch painter. Vincent often painted peasants in rural landscapes, with swirling star patterns in the sky. McLean considered van Gogh to be a misunderstood genius and viewed the artist’s works as portrayals of melancholy and ecstasy. Artist van Gogh did suffer from mental health problems and eventually took his own life. He struggled for many years from some form of insanity, but his condition was little understood in the late nineteenth century.

Vincent was nearly penniless when he died, but some of his original paintings have more recently been valued in the range of 100 million dollars!

The Starry, Starry Night song has a captivating melody with expressive lyrics.

In