by Kurt Winans
Jessica, while waiting for the hatch of the alien vessel to open, visually scanned the surrounding area for Ross. After locating him she asked, “Aren’t you coming?”
“I will communicate with my old friend in due course, but the responsibility of discussing the progress of the colony now falls under your jurisdiction.”
“I know that, but you can still attend the briefing.”
“That’s kind of you, but no thanks.”
Several hours later, after Jessica had completed her lengthy conversation with the alien, Ross sat privately with his old friend. They discussed many topics as usual, but Ross was completely blindsided by one thought projected question from the alien. Was he still interested in the answer to a question he had asked during the first progress report visit? At that time, the question went unanswered by the alien. The topic had never been broached during any subsequent visit either, yet now, it was somehow open for discussion. After a few brief seconds of contemplation, Ross jumped at the chance to learn anything that he could. His response was quite emphatic as he said to his old friend, “Yes. I would very much like to know what became of Earth.”
With intense focus, Ross soaked up all the information that the alien’s thought projection presented. Although pleased to know that there had been small pockets of survivors, he was disappointed to learn of the most recent challenge facing their descendants. According to his alien friend, the small population of ₹-829-Ԅπ-3 had worked very hard to overcome many levels of adversity throughout the centuries. They had prospered in a direction that was vastly different than what Ross remembered of his home world. It was painful to realize that the cruel fate of genetics could potentially hinder their continued progress.
Ross was then completely shocked by the content of his friend’s next thought provoking question. Did he, along with a very small contingent, wish to return to their home world in a desperate attempt to salvage the situation? Although the offer presented a most intriguing opportunity for Ross to consider, his response could not be made with haste.
Ross presented the best poker face he could muster given his level of shock, but his insides were churning as he digested the possibility. Could returning to Earth really be an option for him? If so, then what was the alien’s definition of a small contingent? Additional questions for the alien began to form in his mind, but they could wait. The first thing he needed to do was discuss the subject with Gabriela. Patty, who was Ross’ lifelong soul mate and wife on Earth, had stayed behind. Even though that meant losing her husband and one of her daughters forever, she wanted nothing to do with hopping on a spaceship and traveling to God knows where. That separation had been extremely difficult for Ross, and he vowed to avoid such a painful scenario in his life ever again if possible. He knew that he had been incredibly fortunate to find love a second time with Gabriela, and he would not leave this moon unless she could, and would, come with him. Looking at his old friend, Ross said, “Your offer sounds both fantastic and challenging. I’m thankful for your ongoing concern with regard to mine, and other species within the limitless expanse of the cosmos. The opportunity for me to lead an attempt to insure the longevity of the people of Earth would be an incredible honor. Can I think it over, and discuss it with Gabriela and my family?”
The thought response was not exactly what Ross had hoped for. Although his request was granted, he would have a very limited amount of time to reach a decision. Rising from his seated position with a measure of apprehension, Ross shook the hand of his friend and excused himself.
After watching Ross pace nervously about for several minutes, Gabriela knew something major was on his mind. She asked briskly, “Alright Ross, what has your wheels turning?”
“Huh? Oh it’s just something that my alien friend asked me during our conversation a little while ago.”
“Well, it’s quite obvious that you are deeply concerned about whatever it is. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Yes indeed, but we should both sit down first. I must pre-warn you, the topic is rather shocking and of tremendous significance. Once you have heard what I have to say, I hope we can arrive at a mutual decision as to our course of action.”
“That sounds serious. Is everything alright?”
Once seated by her side on the ground within their shelter, Ross leaned in and whispered, “Gabriela, we are faced with a fantastic opportunity. My old alien friend has asked if we would like to return to Earth.”
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yes I am. He informed me that although it seemed at the time to be a near impossibility, Earth actually survived the multiple impacts of massive asteroid and moon chunks that had rained down for several months. I also learned that a very small percentage of the human population survived those impacts, and several years later emerged from the caves to live on the surface once again.”
“Well that’s great news. Our species is alive and well in two different solar systems.”
“Actually, we have been for centuries. Most of the population of Earth in the twenty-first century was simply too arrogant to believe there could be life other than our own in the universe. Even those of us who did believe in extraterrestrial life were unaware that small pockets of humans from three different ancient civilizations lived on a distant pale green moon. That is, until an advanced alien species brought our group here. Although those same aliens haven’t informed us of any other locations, it’s possible they transplanted humans to a variety of solar systems.”
“That’s an intriguing prospect to be sure, and perhaps we should ask them about it. As for those of us on this moon, when will the transport vessels be coming to pick us up?”
“They aren’t coming to pick us up.”
“They aren’t? Then how is everyone going to make the long voyage back to Earth?”
“That’s the rub Gabriela, because this opportunity has not been offered to the entire colony. Additionally, our alien friends have stipulated that I must be the one who leads this new endeavor. I have also been given the most unenviable task of deciding who among the inhabitants of this moon go with me. If I’m unwilling to do so, then there will be no flight. None of our people will have a chance of returning to Earth. At the risk of stating the obvious, my retirement would become a thing of the past if I were to take on such an endeavor.”
“Well that presents several difficult decisions for you to be sure, and you’re right, I for one don’t envy your position. How many of the colonists can go on the voyage?”
“Before we get to that, we need to determine what the two of us intend to do. I will not, under any circumstances, leave this moon without you by my side. Please take your time to think it over, and be completely honest with me. Is it your intent to remain here for the rest of our lives, or should we, as a team, lead the return expedition to Earth?”
Ross barely had time to take a breath after finishing his question before Gabriela emphatically stated, “I don’t need any time to think it over. We should return to Earth of course.”
“I’m extremely happy to hear you say that Gabriela, as I believe this to be a noble quest that must be attempted.”
“I understand Ross. Now tell me, do you already have a selection process in mind, or do we need to develop one?”
“The selection process is somewhat pre-determined. With the exception of those in our immediate family who wish to join us, we will be searching for young breeding stock.”
“Breeding stock? What has happened back on Earth?”
“Keep in mind how our timeline was affected once we boarded the transport vessels to leave Earth. When you add up the time of the original voyage, all the moon months and years that we have been living here, and the upcoming voyage home, a great deal of time will have passed on Earth. The descendants of the original survivors are very small in number and scattered throughout various areas of the planet surface. Their collective gene pool is dying a slow death, and is in desperate need of an infusion of fresh human DNA. Othe
rwise, our species as we know it will perish from the Earth in little more than a century.”
After the momentary shock of that message had been digested, Gabriela replied, “You’re absolutely correct, that is a serious problem that must be addressed. I’m curious though; just how much time has passed since we left Earth?”
“Our alien friends have informed me that by the time we complete the six week voyage home, our small contingent will step onto the surface of Earth twenty-six hundred years after our departure.”
Another shock wave hit Gabriela. As she attempted to digest the magnitude of that mind blowing information, she gulped and said, “That’s absolutely amazing.”
“Yes it is, and humbling as well.”
Having once again gathered her composure, Gabriela pressed for one more bit of important information. She asked, “Ross, you still haven’t answered my previous question. How many of the colonists will be involved in this new endeavor?”
While motioning over his right shoulder with his thumb, he replied, “There is room enough on that new alien vessel for only one hundred of us.”
With precious little time to work with, Ross emerged from the family shelter. Aurora’s meticulous records could help with his present need, and for perhaps the first time, he was irritated that she no longer lived in a nearby shelter. Believing that Gabriela would respond positively, Ross had already set the wheels in motion through proactive thinking. Just moments after his conversation with the alien, he requested that four of the young Peruvian runners set a quick pace toward the midpoint village. Their task was twofold. First, they were to deliver his written note to Aurora. Ross hoped that she would understand the magnitude of his message, and take immediate action to recruit a few potential candidates.
Once adequately rested, the second aspect was for the runners to continue on to the Mayan city. Ross had always been careful to not abuse his position as a demigod within the Mayan belief structure, and this was an excellent opportunity to use that leverage. With an escort of Mayan citizens now living at the midpoint village, the runners were to relay a message to the Mayan King. The Sky God and Ross wanted him to choose ten men and ten women of strong young breeding stock who could be prepared to leave within the hour for the colony. They would not be sacrificed or harmed, but they would never return. Ross knew the request was huge in scope, but the King needed to know that by doing so, both Ross and the Sky God would be extremely grateful.
As for Aurora, the shelter that she currently occupied with her Mayan husband was several hours by foot from Ross and Gabriela’s location. Add that to the time it would take for her and the recruits to get organized, and Ross knew that she probably wouldn’t arrive until the following day.
As Ross spoke to the remainder of the family, and their immediate circle of friends, it became clear that some of them were interested in returning to Earth. Colt, Janet, and Hank led the procession, and that made Ross very happy. True to her ever present and steadfast dedication to duty, Jessica declined. Eloquent as always, she stated with conviction, “I have just begun what may be a lengthy term as President of this colony. The greater interest of the population would not be served by enduring another change so quickly after our first transition of leadership. I shall never express any regret in doing so, but the correct action is for me to remain on this moon.”
Although saddened by the realization that her decision meant they would never see each other again, Ross nodded with obvious approval at her choice. He said, “Jessica, you have demonstrated an unselfish quality that proves why you were the correct person to be the new leader of this colony.”
“Thank you Ross. I knew you would understand why I must stay. I wish you and those returning to Earth the best of luck with the hopeful restoration of a healthy gene pool. If I can help you prepare for the voyage, let me know.”
A normally quiet and reserved member of the Flight 19 crews then asked, “Excuse me sir, but would it be reasonable to assume that you are looking for both men and women for this venture? If so, then what is the target age group?”
Turning to face the man, Ross replied, “Those are very good questions Lieutenant. Yes. Both men and women will be needed, and we should try to have them come from various cultures and backgrounds. I have initiated a plan of influence to recruit twenty youthful Mayans as part of the endeavor. As for the age group, we should attempt to establish a wide range. The top end would probably need to be cut off at about forty-five to insure both ability and fertility. The youthful end of the scale would have no set minimum age. I can remember several teenagers who endured the valley of fatigue with the rest of us when we first arrived. Based on how long we have been here, they are now in their early twenties. If we could entice some of them to be interested in looking at a broader picture than themselves, and it wouldn’t create too much of a detriment to the future needs of reproduction for this colony, I would like for a few of them to come with us. For that matter, we could go even younger. Although it wouldn’t be reasonable to think of them as viable candidates for several years, having a few of the youngsters like Hank would be a welcome addition to the mix.”
“Well then sir, I meet your established criteria. If you have room for me, then count me in.”
Another one of the pilots stepped forward to state his similar desire, and was followed by one more. Ross said, “Thank you gentlemen. My normal record keeper has not yet joined this conversation, but perhaps the three of you could give your names to Gabriela. Her memory is much better than mine, so that will insure that each of you will be placed on the list of potential candidates when Aurora does arrive.”
Word spread like wildfire throughout the colony. For those who met the established criteria, they had a life changing decision to make. Janet had a perfect candidate in mind, but didn’t know if she would be interested. With assistance from the pilots of Flight 19, she was able to locate the young woman quickly. After waiting for Ross to complete a private discussion with another young woman and her little girl, Janet moved forward with her first recruit. Standing before her oldest son, Janet said, “Ross, I would like you to meet Brittany Cooper of Helena, Montana. We first met on the alien deep water vessel, after she had been abducted in 2007. We have been discussing the desperate need for people in her age group back on Earth, and she is very interested in becoming one of the candidates for the special project.”
Standing in response to the introduction, Ross replied, “Well, it’s very nice to meet you Brittany. Thank you for your interest in helping our cause.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you as well sir. Throughout the years I have been hesitant to introduce myself, because I wasn’t sure how I would be received by the first family.”
“I don’t think I fully understand. I mean, I would like to believe we were always informal and approachable. Why would you have been concerned about your acceptance?”
Janet intervened and said, “Perhaps I can shed a little light on the subject. That is, if Brittany doesn’t mind.”
Brittany replied, “Go ahead Janet, it’s alright with me.”
Janet informed Ross that Brittany was probably just embarrassed by her youthful exuberance. When Janet first met Brittany in 2007, she was a slender girl of seventeen. Janet told of how the young woman proudly displayed her bare midriff while wearing a short t-shirt and extremely low cut blue jeans. For young women of the time, it was a very popular fashion trend, but she, like most who became a slave to such things, had eventually grown out of the craze. Janet also pointed out that Brittany’s internal body clock had advanced eight years. She was now a grown woman of twenty-five, and the curves of her body were evidence that she had filled out quite nicely.
Ross interrupted Janet’s colorful rendition of the past, and said, “Mom, is it really necessary to embarrass Brittany, or me, by pointing out her supposed indiscretions and curves?”
Brittany was quick to jump back into the conversation by saying, “It’s quite alright sir. I never considered them
to be indiscretions. I also don’t want to sound pretentious, but I was blessed with a nice body. I have absolutely no problem with Janet discussing the clothes I wore to showcase it.”
Ross knew he had no chance of controlling the situation with either woman when Janet perceived Brittany’s comment as a green light to continue. He hoped he didn’t blush when Janet added, “Ross, you know that I’m a trained nurse and a realist with no prudish inhibitions or tendencies. I hope this doesn’t embarrass you, but I’m open minded enough to know that Brittany will surely entice men of perhaps all ages. Just look at that body of hers. Please tell me you understand that it will only be a matter of time before she will assist with our attempt to enrich the depleted gene pool of Earth.”
At that moment Ross realized that Janet might be taking this entire gene pool concept more seriously than anyone else. He decided to use that enthusiasm as a vehicle to provide all of the young women considering the endeavor with full disclosure. Looking at Janet and Brittany, Ross stated, “It would appear that debating either of you on this topic would be a waste of time. That being said, there is something that both of you should be aware of. Based on preferable ages for reproduction, this will not apply to Janet. However, all the younger women, including you Brittany, that are selected will need to be fully accepting of a vital concept. Before you fully commit, you must realize just what will be expected of you during the upcoming years. In order to enrich the dying gene pool of Earth, you will need to bare the children of, at a minimum, three or four different men. If you believe that you can fulfill that obligation, then consider yourself to be recruited for this endeavor.”
Feeling somewhat like a lab rat, Brittany looked at Janet for verification. An affirming nod prompted her to ask, “Were you aware of that requirement before you spoke with me?”
Janet replied, “Although Ross had not spoken with me about that need directly, as a nurse I knew that somewhat drastic measures will be required to restore a healthy gene pool. If it helps to ease your mind, I accept the fact that my husband Colt will be involved as well. I would prefer that he doesn’t do so with any women that I already know, but he will hopefully be able to father a child with a few other women.”