Messages from the Deep by Theo Marais Read Free Book Online

‘just’ a matter of about six month’s
travel to the outer edge, the ‘event horizon’, of the Black Hole,
and then, using the energy available in the Wormhole, to ‘project’
the craft further. By altering the speed and precise direction of
the craft at critical times, one can zone in on one’s
destination.
    Where are we going?
    Last year, in 2043, when I was 60 years old,
an unmanned space craft was projected to the nearest habitable
planet, already called Earth 2, the pun being intentional of it
being so similar to Earth that it was Earth too.
    Here was a planet which could save humanity
and some of our flora and fauna. The craft orbited the planet,
photographing in minute detail the surface, and then touched down
in a number of places to gather samples of soil, vegetation and
insect life.
    The conditions for life to flourish are all
there : an atmosphere with oxygen and an adequate shield against
radiation, stable temperatures and general climate similar to
Earth’s, fertile soil with permanent streams, rivers and
fresh-water lakes, as well as salt seas, regular alternation of day
and night, and minimal destructive forces like violent winds, dust
storms, floods or droughts.
    Incredibly, while there are some differences,
the flora and fauna are similar to Earth’s, with grass, trees,
insects, reptiles, birds and fish, but no large predators.
    There was even a sighting of a school of
bottle-nose dolphins surfing the swells.
    A few month’s later, the first human was
successfully projected and then returned, with no ill effects, and
so we are ready to live in another solar system.
    When are we going?
    I am elated to have been chosen, yet again,
as a pioneer with ten others, to leave next week on a major mission
for not only humanity but for life on Earth, and we thank all
nations for the combined effort to make this possible.”

CHAPTER 2
     
     
    The space craft blasts off on its six months’
journey to the outer edge of the Black Hole.
    Mariada is being interviewed for a new T.V.
programme called ‘Life on Earth 2’.
    “Last year I was at a crossroads in my life.
We had cracked the codes of using Wormholes in space travel, of
photosynthesis in optimally harnessing solar energy, creating
oxygen and growing highly nutritious plants, with minimal
environmental damage.
    I was also nearly 20 years older than on our
departure for Mars, and while I lacked the raw energy I had then, I
now had the deep confidence of experience gained in the most trying
conditions, but had no particular project to channel it.
    In my younger years, my research and studies
had precluded the possibility of any serious, long-term romantic
commitments, and I had decided to forego the thought of settling
down one day, so I was available for some new challenge.
    The space programme director came straight to
the point one day.
    “As you know, we have an excellent team ready
to go to Earth 2 next year. We asked them to suggest one person
that they felt would make the best addition to the team, as an
anchor, an adviser, a wise old consultant; and you will probably
not believe whom they chose — you! So I have the honour of asking
you if you would be prepared to retire on Earth 2, but as a
part-time consultant.”
    I had absolutely no hesitation, and so, here
I am, on my way to a new solar system.”
     
    ‘Life on Earth 2’ is running a series of game
shows in the tradition of the old programme ‘Life on Mars’, based
on videos made on each of the astronauts before departure. Alex is
next and he has chosen Knysna as the venue for his show, at a site
over-looking the town and the famous ‘Heads’ where boats leave the
lagoon for the deep sea in the direction of Antarctica.
    “I grew up in the marine environment of
Knysna, where I spent much of my youth fishing, surfing and
sailing.
    As I didn’t really play the traditional boys’
sports of rugby and cricket, and as I loved reading and studying,
when I went to a secondary, boarding