Mazzaroth

By Kevin Jones

Have you ever gazed into the sky on a clear night and wondered, "Are we alone in the universe or are there beings similar to humans living on other planets?" There is now scientific evidence that many stars in the universe have planets orbiting them. The question then becomes, did God create only one planet in the entire universe that can support life? To fully explore the question, we must suspend disbelief and let our minds consider options that we may never have thought of previously. Perhaps the question to be asked is not, "Did God create other planets similar to earth?" but rather, "Why should we believe that an all-powerful God would only create one planet in the entire universe that is populated with intelligent life-forms?" It must be emphasized that despite all of the latest scientific discoveries, no person will ever truly know how the universe was created until God Himself reveals the truth to us. This fictional story is intended to serve as a reminder that God has dominion over the entire universe, not just those things with which we are familiar on earth. Although it is possible that it was God's plan to make the humans on earth the only living beings in the entire universe, we must accept the possibility that God may have created other worlds, similar to earth, somewhere in the vastness of space. You are encouraged to read this book with an open mind. The story may be considered controversial by some. It may be inspirational to others. Ultimately it is not written to provide an explanation of God's plan for the universe, but, hopefully, it can serve as a thought-provoking platform for a discussion of how modern science can provide insight into God's master plans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098040420

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Best Laid Plans

Joe Walker heard a loud roar from down the hall. He was sitting at his desk, studying the data from a recent test of a new experimental rocket. He looked up from the report. He knew exactly what the sound meant. All of Joe’s coworkers were in the department conference room, huddled around the teleconference video screen. There had been a high level of excitement in the office all morning as everyone anticipated the official announcement from Washington. Joe was too nervous to join his team. He preferred to be alone with his thoughts at times like these. However, the screams he heard from the conference room were the signal for which he had been waiting. Joe lowered his head, closed his eyes, and said a quiet prayer of thanks.

As Joe finished his prayer, one of his colleagues, Phil Liggins, came running down the hall. He stopped at Joe’s office door. Phil looked at Joe with excited eyes. He could not hold in his enthusiasm. He said, Did you hear! The president signed it. It’s a done deal!

Joe stood and gave Phil a high five. I heard the screaming from the conference room, and I figured that it was signed, said Joe.

Come join us. We’re going to have an impromptu party, said Phil with a huge grin on his face.

I’ll be there in a few minutes. I have just a few things to finish up, said Joe.

Phil smiled at Joe and shook his head. Joe had quite a reputation in the department as a workaholic. He never missed any work and rarely took vacations. In fact, Joe had been recognized by his department manager for perfect attendance the last three years. Although Joe was well-liked by all of his coworkers, he was often the object of their ridicule regarding his dedication to work.

Phil started walking down the hall toward the conference room, and he said, Okay. See you in a few minutes.

Since his time as a student at MIT, Joe dreamed of this day. Although he had never lost faith completely, a few years ago, he was starting to wonder if this day would ever come. Now it was finally here. Given all that had occurred over the past few years, it was a little difficult to believe.

For as long as he could remember, Joe wanted to be an astronaut. When he was three years old, Joe got a space helmet for his birthday. His father built a rocket out of a refrigerator cardboard box. Joe played in the makeshift spaceship every day for two months until it finally collapsed. Joe had two beginner books about the moon and the stars. He asked his parents to read the books to him every night. As he grew older, he would check out books about the early days of the space program and read them himself. He also asked for models of the different NASA spacecraft for birthdays and Christmas. He even memorized the names of every astronaut in the Gemini and Apollo programs. And, of course, John Glenn was his ultimate hero.

When Joe was nine years old, he asked Santa for a telescope. He still remembers the excitement he felt when he woke up that Christmas morning and found the telescope under the tree. He spent hours each night, at his home in Colorado, looking at the moon and dreaming of what the surface looked like up close.

In the sixth grade, Joe’s parents, Bob and Sally, took him to Washington, DC, for spring break. They spent an entire day at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Joe looked at every display in the museum. He and his dad studied the Wright brothers’ exhibit, and Joe was mesmerized by the video on the history of flight. However, the highlight of the visit was seeing the Apollo command module on display in the museum. He must have spent two hours looking at the capsule and dreaming of, one day, going into space himself. Finally his parents had to drag him away from the display because the museum was closing.

As they walked to the metro station to catch a train back to their hotel, Joe asked, Mom, what would it take for me to become an astronaut?

Sally and Bob exchanged glances and smiled. Then Sally replied, Well, Joe, you would have to study very hard in school and make good grades, especially in math and science.

Bob added, Most astronauts were pilots in one of the branches of the military before becoming an astronaut. It is very competitive to become a military pilot. Only the best of the best make it.

"I know. I saw Top Gun," said Joe as he went into deep thought about his future.

From that point forward, Joe started developing a plan to become an astronaut for NASA. As he entered high school, it was apparent that he was a special kid. Not only was he a straight—A student but he was also a very good athlete. He played football, basketball, and ran track for Green Mountain High School. At the beginning of his junior year in high school, he had a 4.0 GPA, and he was already taking AP classes in math and science. Joe had completed the preliminary application process for admission to the Air Force Academy, and the early feedback from the admissions department was positive. Joe was planning to study aeronautical engineering, become an air force officer, and then enter the pilot training program after graduation. He was even hoping to walk on to the Falcons football team while at AFA. As sometimes happens, all of Joe’s plans changed in an instant on the evening of Friday, October 23, 1998.

That evening, Joe and his fellow Rams had the most important football game of the season. They were playing Wheat Ridge High School to clinch a spot in the state 4A playoffs. Joe was the starting wide receiver on the team. He was having a pretty good season up to that point. He had twenty-eight receptions. Seven were for touchdowns, including one seventy-five-yarder in the Golden game. However, the Rams had suffered a few disappointing loses, and the season would be over if they lost the game against Wheat Ridge.

The team had practiced hard during the week leading up to the game. They were as prepared for a game as Joe could remember. Once the game started, everything seemed to go the way of the Rams. Joe actually caught a fifteen-yard pass to the sidelines on the very first play from scrimmage. In the third quarter, he caught a touchdown pass that turned out to be the game winner. The Rams ended up winning 17–24. After the game, Joe was given the game ball by the head coach.

In the locker room, Joe and his teammates exchanged high fives. Joe’s best friend, Brady Thomas, who played linebacker, came over to Joe and gave him a big hug. He was very excited. Brady said, Nice game, Joe. We’re going to the playoffs, baby!

Brady was not only the emotional leader of the football team, he was also the informal social coordinator for the entire eleventh grade.

Brady asked with a skeptical smirk on his face, Joe, are you going to the party tonight? It’s gonna be awesome.

From the tone in Brady’s voice, Joe could tell that he never expected to see Joe at the party later that night. Joe was known by his classmates as a pretty straight-laced kid. He did not party like many of his friends, and he had never once gone to the weekly post-game party. It just wasn’t his type of scene. Joe had never liked the taste of beer, and he did not smoke pot. From what he had heard from others, those were the primary activities at these parties. However, tonight seemed like a special night. Maybe he would check it out. He was in eleventh grade now. He was no longer a little kid. He would be going to college in a couple of years. It was probably time for him to grow up a little bit. Furthermore, just because he went to the party, he did not have to get drunk.

Joe said, Where is it this week?

We are starting at Jodie’s house, said Brady. Her parents are out of town. Then we may go to John’s parents’ cabin. Are you really coming? Brady looked intently at Joe with wide eyes. He was almost begging him to say yes without actually saying the words.

Thinkin’ about it, said Joe calmly as he took off his shoulder pads.

Here’s the address for Jodie’s place, said Brady excitedly as he handed Joe a note with the address on it. I expect to see you there, dude. I promise that you will have a good time. I know how you feel about these parties, but no one will make you do anything that you do not want to.

Thanks, man. I will see you later, Joe said as he and Brady slapped hands.

Brady walked over to another group of guys as Joe sat on the bench in front of his locker and took off his cleats. He could hear Brady telling his teammates about the party planned for later that evening. During the description of the party, Joe heard Brady say, It is going to be the party of the year. Even Joe is going to be there!

The entire group of boys looked over at Joe. He overheard one of the boys say, You’re kidding!

Joe never looked up. He just removed his gear, walked into the shower room, and took a long shower. The warm water felt great. He thought about the game and some of the plays during the season that had allowed him and the Rams to make it to the playoffs. Joe felt a real sense of pride and accomplishment. It had been a difficult season. No one had expected the Rams to make the playoffs after a losing record the previous year. The team had worked very hard during the off-season. They had one goal—to make the playoffs. They had done it. And who knows, maybe they could make a run at the state championship.

Eventually Joe exited the shower and went back to his locker. While he got dressed, he looked around and noticed that he was the last player in the locker room. Everyone else seemed to be in a hurry to leave tonight. Joe grabbed his gym bag and headed for the door. As usual, his parents were patiently waiting just outside the locker room door.

As he exited, his dad extended his hand and said, There he is. Great game, son. Bob Walker shook his son’s hand firmly.

Thanks, Dad. It was a good win for us.

Sally Walker walked over to her son, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and wrapped her arms around him. We are so proud of you, Joe.

Thanks, Mom. I guess I won’t be starting basketball practice next week after all, Joe said with a smile.

That’s right. Playoffs next week, said Bob.

Well, are you ready to head home? asked Sally.

Actually I think I am going over to a friend’s house with Brady, said Joe.

Sally and Bob looked at each other. Bob raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders. Sally gave a small wink to Bob, and they looked back at Joe.

Okay, buddy. We’ll see you later, said Bob.

Sally hugged Joe one more time and whispered in his ear, Please be careful.

I will, Mom, said Joe as they began walking to the parking lot.

After getting in his car, Joe did what he had done after every game since he was a freshman. He lowered his head and said a prayer to thank God for keeping him and his teammates safe during the game and for allowing him to do his best, regardless of the final score. Joe cranked his car and turned on the radio. One of his favorite songs was playing. He looked at the note that Brady had given him and realized he knew exactly where Jodie’s house was located. It was not too far from the stadium. He pulled out of the parking lot and stopped momentarily at the stoplight. When the light turned green, Joe pulled into the intersection.

The next thing Joe remembered was waking up in the back of an ambulance on his way to St. Anthony’s Hospital. His leg was throbbing, and his head seemed to be spinning. He was lying on a stretcher, and he could not move his head because he had been placed in an immobilizer. The paramedic tried to reduce Joe’s anxiety. He said, Relax, big guy, you’re going to be fine. Just lie still until we get to the hospital. They will take care of you there.

After arriving at the hospital, Joe was rushed immediately to the operating room for emergency surgery. Joe’s parents were called and asked to come to the hospital immediately. When they arrived at the hospital, Bob and Sally were told that Joe had multiple fractures of his left leg and pelvis. He also had a small fracture of the transverse process of the C4 cervical vertebrae. The good news was that Joe had feeling and movement in all his extremities. After eight hours in surgery, the surgeon, Dr. James, came to the waiting area. He could tell by the look on Joe’s mother’s face that she was a nervous wreck.

Dr. James walked directly up to Sally, put his hand on her shoulder, and said, Your son was quite fortunate tonight. He’s going to be okay.

Bob and Sally hugged each other, and Sally began to weep.

Dr. James explained, Joe’s leg was badly broken in several places. I had to attach two rods to his femur. I also attached a metal plate to his pelvis to stabilize it.

Dr. James told Bob and Sally that Joe would have to undergo at least one more surgery on his leg but that he would be able to walk again after several months of physical therapy.

Bob asked, What about the fractured vertebrae?

Dr. James said, The neurosurgeon, Dr. Garcia, evaluated Joe. He confirmed that Joe does have a hairline fracture of the C4 vertebrae. However, he did not feel that any spinal surgery was required. Dr. Garcia recommended that Joe wear an orthopedic cervical collar for a couple of months to allow the fracture to heal.

Dr. James said, Joe will be in the recovery room for several hours. Then he will be moved to intensive care. You will be able to visit him once he is in the ICU.

Bob shook Dr. James’ hand.

Sally said, Thank you so much, Dr. James.

At about five o’clock the next morning, Bob and Sally walked into Joe’s room. Joe was heavily sedated and asleep. He had a brace on his neck. His leg was in traction and suspended in a harness. Joe’s face was covered in scrapes, cuts, and scratches. Sally squeezed Bob’s hand as she felt the tears starting to well up in her eyes. At that moment, Joe opened his eyes. He tried to smile and said, Hi, Mom.

Sally came to the bedside and caressed Joe’s hand.

Bob said, How are you doing, buddy?

I’ve been better, said Joe. What the heck happened? I can’t remember a thing.

According to the police officer we spoke to, a drunk driver ran the red light by the stadium and hit you directly on the driver’s side of your car, said Bob.

How’s my car? asked Joe.

It’s not good, said Bob.

Totaled? asked Joe.

Bob just nodded his head and said, Don’t worry about the car. We’ll take care of it. We’re just glad that you’re okay.

Joe then asked about his injuries. Bob told him what Dr. James had reported to them a few hours earlier.

All things considered, you are very lucky, buddy. Most people that have this type of accident do not survive. If they do survive, they are frequently paralyzed for life, said Bob.

Joe said, I am not lucky, Dad. I am blessed.

Sally could no longer hold back the tears.

Joe said, It’s okay, Mom. I’m going to be fine.

Joe was right. He would be fine. As with school and athletics, Joe approached his physical therapy with gritty determination. However, he did become a little depressed when he realized that his injuries would prevent him from going to the Air Force Academy and becoming a pilot in the air force. Over the next few months, he redirected his energy into researching other career options associated with space exploration. Eventually he applied and was accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he enrolled in the aeronautics and astronautics program. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he went to the University of California at Berkley and received his PhD in astrophysics.

In 2008, he accepted a job with NASA working on the Constellation Program. It was like a dream come true. One of the goals of the Constellation Program was to not only re-establish manned space travel to the moon but to actually establish a working space station on the moon. When Joe was offered the job at NASA, he immediately called his parents. Sally Walker cried the same tears that she had cried at Joe’s hospital bedside ten years earlier. She knew how many challenges her son had overcome and how hard he had worked to achieve one of his lifelong dreams.

Joe was working on several different aspects of the Constellation Program, including the Orion rocket and spacecraft design, that would allow astronauts to reach the moon, land on its surface, and then return to Earth safely. Joe was in heaven for his first few months at NASA. Then the US economy started to crash. There was talk at NASA of deep budget cuts. Joe’s excitement for the job turned to extreme disappointment in October 2010 when President Barack Obama signed the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 which indefinitely put the Constellation Program on hold.

Despite the change in focus of the Constellation Program, a few NASA scientists, including Joe, continued their work on various aspects of the program to assure that the science continued to progress and the previous work was not lost. Joe had considered leaving NASA several times, but he decided to stick it out. Then in 2016, the US economy turned around, and a new congress was elected. With the US economy on the rise, many government programs were being revived. Finally in 2018, the congress approved a new budget expansion for NASA that included a $1 billion allocation to the Constellation Program with a charge to re-establish manned travel to and from the moon by 2028.

The roar that Joe had heard down the hall was the official announcement that the president had signed the budget that included the funding of the Constellation Program. It was now official. Joe and his team would once again be working on the plans to design a spacecraft that would take Americans to the moon. Joe remembered his visit to the Smithsonian years ago and felt that same sense of excitement. He also knew that he was going to be very busy for the next ten years. He picked up the phone and hit the number 1 speed-dial button. The screen on the phone displayed Annie Walker.

Joe and Annie had met while Joe was completing his undergraduate degree at MIT. During his rehabilitation in the months following his car accident, Joe’s physical therapist, Scott, had recommended that he use a rowing machine to strengthen his legs and back without straining his neck. When he arrived at MIT as a freshman, Joe decided to try out for the crew team, and he made the team. For the first couple of years at MIT, most of his closest friends were on the crew team, including Adam Gillespie. Joe and Adam worked out together and hung out together on weekends.

It was a tradition for the crew team to go out to a local bar after each competition. In the fall of his junior year, Joe and his crewmates went out to celebrate their amazing victory over Harvard in the Charles River Regatta. Adam brought along his sister, Annie, who was a freshman at Northeastern University where she was studying early childhood education. Joe had never believed in love at first sight until the moment he met Annie. Joe fell hopelessly in love with Annie. He proposed to her six months later. They were married the summer before he began graduate school at Cal-Berkeley. Annie had been concerned about leaving her family who all lived on the East Coast. However, she knew that the program at Cal was a great opportunity for Joe. She agreed to make the move to California and enrolled at Berkeley Community College to complete her degree in education.

Joe considered Annie his best friend. He told her everything about his work. Annie was a great listener, and she seemed to be genuinely interested in all aspects of Joe’s research. Annie was always the first person that Joe talked to if there was any big news in the astrophysics department. That did not change after he took the job at NASA. Joe could not wait to tell Annie the news about the funding approval for the Constellation Program.

Annie answered the phone, Hello.

Joe said, Hi, honey. It’s me. Guess what? We’re going to the moon!

Chapter 2

Go, Golden Bears

It was a beautiful spring day in Houston. It was the kind of day that did not come around too often in Southern Texas. In a few weeks, it would be scorching hot with 90-plus percent humidity. Just a few weeks earlier, it had been overcast and cool. But today was perfect. Sixty-eight degrees with clear blue skies and just a light breeze. Joe and one of his colleagues from the Constellation Program, Bob Stanley, had decided to take advantage of the nice day and eat their lunches outside. They had walked from their office building over to the lake near the main building of the Johnson Space Center (JSC). As they approached the picnic area next to the lake, Bob commented that they were not the only ones with the idea. There were many people out and about over the lunch hour. Some were jogging, and others were just sitting in the sun. Joe even ran into two of the administrative assistants for his department, walking briskly in their nice skirts and running shoes.

Once they arrived at the picnic area, they managed to locate one of the last unoccupied tables. The men sat across from each other and began opening their sandwiches and chips. They sat quietly for several minutes, just enjoying the nice conditions. Finally Bob broke the silence. Did you hear that the Kepler team has hired a new astrophysicist?

No. What’s his name? asked Joe.

Bob chuckled.

Why are you laughing? asked Joe.

Bob said, "His name is Elizabeth," as he laughed harder.

What? said Joe.

It’s a woman named Elizabeth Suzuki, said Bob.

Joe quickly realized that he had made the ultimate faux pas. It was an understandable mistake. Although things continued to change over the past few years, the vast majority of the scientists at NASA