Terra Nova

by David C. Garland

  He paused, pointing to a massive, threatening, cloud blanketing the south-eastern Caribbean islands; the menacing hole in its centre surrounded by a maelstrom of nature’s tumultuous forces.

  ‘With each successive year ve see hurricanes of increasing strength overwhelm countries and their unfortunate inhabitants. The southern States of America are battered year by year, vith terrible loss of life. During my time on the space station over many years, I have seen horrifying earthquakes destroy parts of China, India, Turkey, Greece, Iran; those countries that lie on the Earth’s seismic fault lines. Tsunamis in Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, bring death and destruction in the earthquake’s wake as the ocean floor is thrust upwards by the immense forces created by the quakes. We can visualise it from our seats here in space; the ticking time bomb that is threatening to destroy Earth, and yet our masters, zose with the power to stop it happening, do nothink.’

  James Thompson, until now a silent spectator, pointed to an area covering the north of Africa where the so-called “Arab Spring” was taking place, with uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya replacing despotic rule with an Arabic version of democracy.

  ‘Those countries will never change, despite intervention by America and its allies. One mindless despot will be replaced by yet another. The result will be another country in shackles, subordinated to the demands of Sharia Law, with its leaders promising to achieve their goal of installing Islam throughout the entire world. Iran and Israel are at each other’s throats and the chance of a nuclear exchange is growing with each passing day. And while all this is going on, the western world is sleepwalking to disaster.’

  The words spoken by Thompson silenced his two fellow astronauts as they continued to witness the passage of the ISS from continent to continent, from ocean to ocean, from one nation to the next. The sixteen sunrises and sixteen sunsets which they encounter in every 24 hours of the ISS’s never ending circumterrestrial, only serves to remind them that their planet is a unique and wonderful testament to the incredible majesty of nature.

  ***

  A huge asteroid, about the size of the world’s largest super tanker, is fast approaching our solar system from the depths of space, but is not yet visible to the occupants of the ISS as it continues its endless journeys around Earth. Within a matter of weeks it would become a visible presence in the vastness surrounding the International Space Station. But, for the moment, the three astronauts will continue to carry out their allotted tasks while becoming increasingly concerned about the future of Earth and its unwillingness to confront and rectify its mounting problems.

  Chapter Seventy Four

  Julia Brownstone and her son are enjoying a well earned rest. Alexander’s grand parents left half an hour ago after attending the ninth birthday party of their only grand child. The birthday cake brought by Julia’s friend Emily Moss was the highlight of the afternoon but, sadly, it wasn’t the happiest of birthdays. Julia did her best but Alexander, now displaying a level of intelligence way beyond his years, spoke only of his father’s absence and the sadness this was causing everyone. Emily, as usual, was a staunch friend prepared to do whatever she could to raise Julia’s spirits but it was Alexander who led the conversation.

  ‘I know Daddy has to do what he is doing but that doesn’t make it any better, especially on my birthday! Do you know,’ he said through puckered lips, ‘do you know what I think?’

  He didn’t wait for a reply.

  ‘I think Daddy knows there is nothing more he can do to help. People all over the world are only worried about themselves, not about their neighbours or all those poor people in other countries. Little children in Africa, younger than me, are dying because they have nothing to eat, and from the effect of really horrible diseases. And all in we do in our country is say “what a shame”, shrug our shoulders and lay out the table for the next meal. I’ve just had a birthday party, with presents and lots of sandwiches and a beautiful birthday cake. But it isn’t fair is it mummy? Why is it we can do nice things ourselves but those poor children suffer all the time? Maybe the best thing to happen is for the world to stop spinning and all the problems will go away! Unless something is done quickly I think that’s what will happen, and then there will be no more unhappiness.’

  Julia’s eyes flooded with tears, Emily handed her a tissue, and took one for herself.

  ‘Alexander, I know what you are saying. But we do try to help those children. Unfortunately, what we can’t do is stop the droughts that sometimes last for years in Africa. They are mainly responsible for those poor children having nothing to eat. If we could concentrate on helping them instead of fighting each other, we could bring all of those problems to an end. Everybody would be grateful, well fed and the world would be a happier place. Your daddy is trying to help but I’m afraid he is fighting a losing battle.’

  Alexander’s eyebrows lifted in a show of surprise. ‘But it keeps saying on television that he’s making progress. So why do think it’s a losing battle?’

  Julia and Emily exchanged knowing glances.

  ‘That’s a very good question with a very simple answer. Important people in governments around the world who can organise and implement the necessary changes, constantly argue among themselves instead of confronting the problems and solving them. Even our Prime Minister... .do you know his name Alexander?’

  ‘It’s David Buckland,’ came the answer, as confidently as if Julia had asked for the name of her son’s favourite Playstation game. ‘He’s a Conservative who didn’t get a working majority at the last election so he had to have the Lib-Dems join him in a coalition. Trouble is he made lots of promises in his election manifesto which he hasn’t kept. If there was an election now he would probably be kicked out!’

  Astonishment at Alexander’s words caused Emily’s mouth to gape open. ‘Where did you learn all of that stuff?’ she asked incredulously. ‘You know more about politics than me!’

  ‘And me,’ added Julia smiling. ‘Has your daddy been talking to you?’

  ‘No, yes...er, no, not quite. You see, it’s these dreams I’ve been having. They tell me daddy is having a little success but he needs help and he has met a man who has a lot of influence in the world.’

  He paused at seeing Julia and Emily bearing looks of astonishment. His eyebrows became crunched together.

  ‘For your information,’ Alexander said presciently, ‘his name is William Ransome and he and my daddy are going to be helped by some special people on Terra Nova. So, don’t look so surprised! Oh, one other thing, we have to be very patient and pray very hard for their success!’

  ***

  William Ransome’s media outlets are continuing to broadcast compelling facts about the perils facing Earth and its teeming populace. Religious leaders representing the world’s major faiths have appeared on television and radio. Articles espousing their views have been splashed in the every newspaper in every country where freedom of expression is allowed. Jews, Christians, Roman Catholics, Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Hindu’s, Sikhs, representatives from every religion on Earth have expressed conflicting views as to what their particular God has ordained will happen at the End of Days. The problem with these vastly differing views was as Ransome and Moss had anticipated; deeply divisive disagreements between the various religions, widened the already existing gap between those willing to face up to the facts and those who took obdurate refuge behind inflexible doctrines.

  However, there are signs that people throughout the world have acknowledged and reacted to the irrefutable facts being transmitted by Ransome’s media outlets. Demonstrations taking place in some of the major cities of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia and are a testament to the effectiveness of the relentless campaign. In extreme cases government buildings have been ransacked and their occupants assaulted as a direct result of the media campaign.

  Ransome and Moss are seated at a d
esk in Pristine’s headquarters in Brussels viewing coverage of the events shown on a clutch of television screens. The initial reaction to the success of the media campaign is now tempered by the scenes of savage violence; an unintended consequence that was unanticipated when the campaign was launched. Huge crowds have taken over city centres. Crudely designed banners are everywhere, held aloft, bearing clear messages, “Save The Earth” - “Ignore the signs at your peril” - “Disaster is nigh” - “Too Little, too late” - “Action Now”.

  ‘This is very good but also very bad,’ muttered Ransome. ‘Demonstrations are to be applauded but violence only exacerbates matters. We need to review and refresh the campaign, highlighting the positives and reproving the negatives. Richard...’

  He sighed and placed a hand on Richard’s forearm.

  ‘... we, you and I that is, must become a visible part of the campaign. We have to utilise our powers of persuasion to their utmost, otherwise I foresee strife spreading worldwide and becoming irrevocably out of control.’

  He pushed his chair back roughly, and stood up.

  ‘Come Richard, let’s get down to the studio and discuss with editorial what more we can do. There’s very little time left to turn this disastrous situation around!’

  Chapter Seventy Five

  ‘Hmmm this is interesting!’

  Richard Moss has been idly perusing a respected science journal, while seated in the reception area of Pristine’s London office, when his eyes were drawn to an article about global warming. The thrust of the article was groundbreaking.

  Highly authoritative, it was the work of a trio of world-renowned scientists, stating their reasons for believing that global warming was a insidious myth, perpetrated by governments to promote and implant a state of fear among the world’s populace. The major thrust of the article was that there exists no single scientist who can, autonomously and expansively, test global warming theory in its totality. It made the point that every scientist relies on observed data and established laws, accumulated over the years, through the studies of other scientists. Because of this, scientific theories are being constantly amended and developed as a consequence of this mutual endeavor.

  The article went on to hypothesize that there doesn’t appear to be any biblical basis for rejecting the theory of human-based climate change. In fact the Bible describes the eventual demise of Earth and that, ultimately, God will destroy “those who seek to destroy the Earth.” Therefore the idea of harmful, human-based, climate change may be entirely consistent with both science and the Bible. But then, perhaps it’s not! It argued that climate change experts have, for years, been twisting the evidence, abusing the scientific process and silencing dissent by scaremongering tactics. The scientific case against global warming has become strengthened as a result of experiments carried out at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland. These experiments supported the theory of Danish physicist Henrik Svensmark that the Sun, and not man-made CO2, was the major driving force behind climate change! Sun spot activity was now at its lowest point since the 17th century, when London’s River Thames froze over each winter. Paintings from that era were cited as evidence that London’s frost Fairs were a regular winter occurrence and were highly popular, if the smiles on the faces of the attendees were any indicator.

  Richard continued reading the article with increasing interest until he was interrupted by a call from Pristine’s receptionist, telephone to her ear, sitting behind her desk.

  ‘Mr. Ransome will see you now.’

  Richard had received a summons a couple of days ago to discuss the success, or otherwise, of the revitalised media blitz aimed specifically at the world’s populace. Now after reading the main persuasive, portions of the article, he has become less certain that climate change, with its many ramifications, was really the reason for Earth’s environmental problems. He was now prepared to listen with an open mind, to those climate change deniers who asserted that nature and not mankind was the major cause.

  He picked up the journal and rose to his feet. William has to read this, he thought, as he walked towards the door of Ransome’s office. Or maybe he already has?

  ***

  Esther Pius Oppius was feeling worried, frustrated and annoyed. She also felt she was being ignored. In spite of her efforts to speak to Noah after his return from Earth, he had been so involved in endless meetings with the Great Leader and his Council of Ministers, that he hadn’t had time to react to Esther’s request that they meet. To be honest he hadn’t expected his role as Minister for Inter-Galactic Affairs would be so demanding of his time.

  Esther was anxious to speak to Noah on a subject personal to her, and also to learn what had happened when Richard Moss was transported back to Earth. She had been present at the launch, unbeknown to Richard. It was heartbreaking, because she knew that the man she loved would never return to Terra Nova, and would never become a part of her life.

  But, at last, they were to meet. Noah had left a message at Esther’s Via Veneto apartment asking her to meet him at the Café Gabriella; coincidentally the place where Esther and Richard agreed, with a great deal of sadness, that there was no possibility of a future together. Esther had visited the café on many occasions since, hoping it would help erase fond memories. But the reverse applied and several more layers of grief were added to her already aching heart. She felt a tear slide down her cheek as she approached the café. She saw Noah, seated at the same table, the one where..! Noah stood up, offering a welcome smile.

  ‘Esther, how are you?’ he asked, motioning towards a chair which he drew back from the table. ‘Please, take a seat!’

  She sat down and produced a manufactured smile.

  ‘I’m quite well, thank you,’ she said, in the kind of way that tells the recipient that all is most definitely not well. ‘It has been a trying few weeks for me. Arranging to meet you has been most difficult. I assume it is to do with your elevation to ministerial ranking?’

  Noah maintained his smile. ‘Indeed. You are quite correct,’ he said. ’There has been much organising to do. The problem was, throughout Ezra’s rule, important scientific research was allowed to stagnate. Consequently, I have been charged with reinvigorating those essential processes which were once so justifiably revered. I’m afraid it will take a great deal of my time. But, to his credit, the Great Leader has ordered a revitalisation of everything that was ignored and unjustly disparaged during his rule.’

  Esther nodded understandingly. ‘It must be very difficult for you, for everyone involved, to correct all that Ezra chose to disregard. I wish you the very best and trust that you will be rewarded with utmost success.’

  She paused as a waiter approached their table. ‘Have you seen today’s menu?’ the waiter asked. ‘There are some really delicious, freshly prepared, meals available. Can I suggest... .?’

  Noah interrupted. ‘No, thank you, not at this moment. Can you please let us have a bottle of your finest wine. Do you have a preference Esther?’

  ‘I am sure the waiter knows which wine is their best,’ she replied. ‘Shall we leave it for him to choose?’

  ‘Of course.’ replied Noah ‘But only as long as it is white and chilled!’

  He addressed the waiter. ‘I bow to your judgment!’

  Esther paused until the waiter left and then shifted her chair closer to Noah’s. ‘I have something to tell you,’ she said quietly. ‘And I fear it may cause a shock.’

  Noah’s eyebrows rose.

  ‘It sounds serious,’ he said.

  ‘It’s very serious--I’m pregnant.’

  Noah blinked.

  ‘Pregnant? You are pregnant? Who... ?’

  ‘Can’t you guess?’

  ‘Sorry, but I have no idea!’

  Esther puckered her lips.

  ‘Richard, it’s Richard’s.’

  ’Rich
ard’s? I cannot believe it, when, where...?’

  Esther sighed and shook her head.

  ‘You remember the time when Richard and I were at the safe house in Trastevere, on our own that is? Well, it happened. We were in love. It was a passionate moment. We succumbed to it, and now I am carrying his child!’

  ‘I don’t know what to say,’ said Noah. ‘It is usual in a circumstance such as yours to offer one’s congratulations, but perhaps commiserations would make more sense?’

  He paused, embarrassed, unsure what else to say.

  ‘What do you intend to do Esther?’ he asked tentatively. ‘I am sure you know. Richard has a son - with his partner Julia? They were there to greet him when he stepped back onto Mother Earth. I witnessed the emotional scene as they embraced. Julia, Alexander and Richard were as one. I was so pleased to see Richard looking so, so - happy, so relieved, to be back on Earth, back to his loved ones.’

  He paused. Esther began to cry.

  ‘I don’t know what...’ Noah ran out of words.

  Esther smiled briefly. She brushed away the tears with the back of a hand.

  ‘It’s not your fault Noah. Richard told me he had a friend named Julia. But he never mentioned they had a son!’

  Noah gulped. The situation had worsened.

  ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

  Esther, tears dried, now serious, didn’t hesitate.

  ‘Yes there is Noah. You must marry me!’

  ***

  Ransome was already on his feet as Richard entered his private office.

  ‘Welcome Richard,’ he said, displaying that same enduring, toothy grin. ‘Please, take a seat.’

  He motioned towards one of two gleaming leather armchairs positioned in front of his impressively, large oak desk. Framed photographs of his family competed were on the desk along with several others, one of which depicted the newly designed Pristine space craft; the one intended to carry wealthy tourists into Earth orbit. Several expensive looking oil paintings adorned the ochre-coloured walls. Behind the desk was a large Edwardian window. Through its sun-sparkled panes could be seen Green Park, one of London’s beautiful public parks. In the far distance stood the official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Buckingham Palace. Trust William Ransome to have his office in such a location!