The Circle of the Distant Tomorrow

By Jorge Martins

In this science fiction story, the reader is taken on a time travel journey that explores three different eras: the present, the near future, and a distant future. In each of them, the protagonist faces challenges caused by human action on the planet. But, is there hope for change? Could an extraterrestrial civilization, more advanced and wise, help save Earth and the human race? Or, do the aliens have other plans for our world? This is a story full of mysteries, suspense, and adventure, inviting the reader to reflect on the impact of our choices on the environment and the future of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jorge Martins
• Release date: Nov 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223581031

Book preview

Part 1 – Present day

 On a quiet night, next to a forest, a wheat field spread out like a golden sea under the moonlight, the sky was clear, the stars sparkled like jewels in the night’s blanket. Suddenly, a blue light beam fell from the sky, lighting up the field with a ghostly glow that seemed to come from a different world. The wheat, which had been still under the soft night breeze, began to move in a mysterious dance. The wheat spikes swayed and rippled as if they were alive, creating mesmerising patterns formed by the beam of light that continued to move with precision. It drew geometric shapes in the wheat field, transforming it into a massive canvas that glowed under the moonlight. The beam of light vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving behind a changed wheat field. What was once a simple farming field, is now a celestial work of art, a silent witness to the visit of an unknown force.

 Young Paul was perched at his timeworn wooden desk, totally absorbed in his academic pursuits. Surrounding him, a mountain of books and notebooks brimming with annotations formed a fortress of knowledge, his eyes glued to the computer screen before him, where a sequence of intricate formulas and diagrams were exhibited. He was studying hard for a significant physics test at his university, hoping to outperform his classmates. The comforting hum of the TV in the background played a familiar tune, adding a soothing rhythm to the room. Outside, the wind was gently rustling the leaves, creating a soft whispering sound that seemed to echo the rhythm of nature. These sounds combined to break the heavy silence in the room, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere. 

Paul’s focus on his studies was suddenly broken when the monotonous hum of the TV in the background changed, a news story had begun, and the reporter’s serious tone immediately piqued Paul’s interest.

A mystery has unfolded in a local wheat field, the reporter announced, her face reflecting the gravity of the situation. The camera panned to show a vast wheat field, with golden stalks swaying gently in the wind. In the middle of the field was a perfect circle, its edges sharp and precise. Within the circle were intricate designs, their complexity a stark contrast to the simplicity of the surrounding wheat.

These designs appeared overnight, the reporter continued, her voice filled with awe and surprise. No one witnessed their creation. It’s a true puzzle. The camera zoomed in on the designs, revealing their intricate details with mesmerising patterns. Their precision and complexity suggest the work of a skilled artist.

Paul's routine night of study was interrupted by the intriguing story. The mystery drew him in like a magnet, his studies momentarily forgotten. Ever since he was a kid, he had a knack for solving mysteries and puzzles, and this one seemed to be one of the most intriguing yet and the cherry on top was that it was happening right in his backyard, in a wheat field just a few kilometres from his home. This made the situation even more thrilling for him. Without a second thought, Paul decided he needed to investigate this mystery, even if it meant investing a lot of time and effort. His mind was buzzing with questions and theories, and he was resolved to uncover the truth. Swiftly, Paul shut his books and powered down his computer. Studying could wait; there was a mystery that needed solving. He grabbed the keys to his scooter, which was parked at the front door, and set off towards the wheat field he’d seen on the news. The journey was short, but his anticipation made it feel like forever.

 Upon arriving at the site, he was met with a sight that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. The area was a flurry of activity, clearly marked off by the stark yellow of police tapes forming an unmistakable boundary. Uniformed police officers were bustling about, their faces stern and focused; men clad in black suits, who had the air of government agents, were surveying the area with an intense gaze; and even helicopters were hovering in the sky, their blades cutting through the air with a rhythmic thud. However, Paul was not deterred by this intimidating scene. He realised that to truly understand what was happening, he needed a superior vantage point. His eyes landed on a nearby hill, home to an old observation point that had been forgotten by time. It was the perfect spot to oversee the entire scene without drawing attention to himself. With determination, he began his ascent towards the hill, the road to the hilltop was not an easy one; it was a dirt track, uneven and riddled with potholes, loose gravel and small rocks that crunched under the scooter’s tires. The journey was bumpy, the scooter jostling with every dip and rise in the terrain. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of navigating the treacherous path, Paul reached the top of the hill. 

From his position at the top, Paul had an unobstructed bird’s-eye view of the commotion unfolding below. He scrutinised every movement, every subtle gesture, his keen observation skills trying to decipher the mysterious events that were taking place. His mind was akin to a whirlwind, swirling with thoughts and theories, each piece of observed detail adding another piece to the complex puzzle of this enigma. Paul remained perched atop the hill for what seemed like an eternity, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on the peculiar circle with its intricate designs and precise edges. It was a silent testament to an event that had turned an ordinary night into an extraordinary mystery.

 His curiosity was at an all-time high, a burning desire to unravel the mystery that lay before him. But Paul knew that there was nothing more he could do at that moment, so he decided to document the scene with his cell phone, capturing as many details as possible of the intriguing spectacle below. He took several photos, adjusting the angle and focus to ensure he captured every intricate detail of the designs etched in the wheat field. With the images safely stored in his phone’s memory, a digital testament to the night’s adventure, Paul hopped back onto his trusty scooter. The journey home began, a solitary ride under the starlit sky. The quiet of the night was punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of his scooter’s engine, a comforting sound amidst the sea of unanswered questions.

 As soon as Paul reached home, he headed straight for his computer, his mind still buzzing with the night’s events. He quickly transferred the photos from his phone to his computer, the images appearing on the large screen in high resolution. The circle in the wheat field, previously viewed on a small phone screen, was now spread out before him in vivid detail. He leaned in closer, his eyes scanning every pixel of the images as he tried to make sense of the intricate patterns etched in the wheat field. His mind was working in overdrive, theories and hypotheses forming and dissolving as he examined each photo. 

Paul