To Earth and Back

by William Boardman

  Adie looked on with great interest. “What a beautiful family…. And those houses behind you—they look like they’re floating way up off the ground.” She cocked her head. “Or, am I looking at that wrong?”

  “No, that’s correct.”

  “How on Earth?”

  “Listen, I have an idea, if you will bear with me.” Walt brought up an image of the earth on his tablet. “This is what you would call a movie of the trip from Earth to Marcova. Now, because it takes over a year to travel there, I’ll speed it up a little for you.” As the sequence began, Earth quickly receded, became a speck of light, and disappeared. Then the scene shifted to face in the opposite direction, showing a wide view of the heavens, centering on the constellation Cetus. Walt pointed to the center of the image as the distance closed. “That’s our home star, Tau Ceti, very much like your sun, except a little smaller.” A minute later, Tau Ceti slid past and the imagery slowed as Marcova came into view. “And that’s Marcova, our home.”

  Adie watched in silence, awestruck by the revelation.

  What followed was an accelerated sequence of a descent and landing at the central spaceport. The approach showed massive structures with large numbers of transports arriving and departing. In the distance was a landscape rich in foliage beneath a deep blue sky. The sequence ended, and Walt stowed his tablet.

  Adie was astounded. “There are just no words—,” she said. “I had no idea. And your world, it looks so much like Earth.”

  “Yes...and that is why we were so excited when our first ship arrived here.”

  “But why are you here?” Adie asked, slightly concerned.

  “Well, we’re explorers,” Walt replied, “not unlike those on Earth who climb mountains or visit your North Pole. We’re not the evil invaders from outer space that you see in movies and comic books. Violence is detestable to us. We destroyed our weapons long ago. Of course, if threatened, we are able to defend ourselves, but planning an offensive act to cause permanent harm to someone...that’s not possible.”

  “Then, how long have you been here?”

  “A very good question…. We’ve been visiting Earth since 830 AD. Each ship stays for 50 years before returning to Marcova. Ours is the 23rd to visit. We arrived in 1933, and are due to leave in 1982.”

  Adie fell silent, staring at the floor, again struggling with reality. After some reflection, she came to terms and looked up at Walt. “Well, I am very glad to know you—all of you.”

  “And we, you,” Walt said, rather relieved.

  “So how is it that some of you are Christians?” Adie continued.

  “Well, actually it was our first ship that discovered the scriptures. They used the ship’s sensors to copy the scrolls and then brought them back to Marcova. And now, over a thousand years later, the majority of our population is Christian.”

  “But Earth is so far away from your world. Truly, I’m overjoyed to hear that you have so many Christians,” said Adie, scratching her head, “but it just seems so strange.”

  Walt smiled. “I understand what you’re saying, but how is it any different from, say, a lost tribe in South America discovering Christianity. Discovery is discovery, and Christianity is for all mankind, whether a lost tribe in a foreign jungle or a people from another world. As I see it, either way, God is glorified. Anyway, isn’t he the God of the universe?”

  Adie pondered for a moment. “I suppose so. I guess I just never considered....”

  After a brief pause, Walt said, “Adie, aren’t you going to ask about what happened this evening?”

  Adie diverted her gaze to the console. “I’ve been afraid—of what you might say.”

  “But I think you should know. Is it all right if I tell you?”

  Adie slowly nodded. “There was a lot of shooting.”

  “Yes, Syria and some of your neighboring countries attacked Israel.”

  “Were any others rescued?”

  Walt frowned. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, we came only for you.”

  “What about my friends, the ones who were in town? Do you know if they’re okay?”

  Jack overheard. “They’re fine,” he said. “They saw the attack and turned back.”

  Fighting sadness and confusion, Adie said, “Why me? Why was I the only one?”

  “Because of him, honey,” Brooke said, gesturing toward Ari, “because of him.”

  Adie leaned forward, slowly rubbing her temples. “It just doesn’t make sense.”

  Katie approached Adie’s seat and came down on one knee. “Adie, look at me. You must believe us.”

  “But he’s a doctor. I’m uneducated. I’ve done things that no one should have to do...seen things that no one should have to see. I’m not the person I once was. I have injuries. I’m a disfigured diabetic with cancer, and my time is running out.” Adie looked toward Ari. “How could someone like that be the slightest bit interested in someone like me?”

  “Okay, okay,” Merrick said, frustrated. “My turn.”

  All eyes diverted to Merrick.

  He checked a few readouts on the pilot’s console, unmasked the transceiver, and rose from his seat. Then, addressing the interface, he said, “Conrad, let’s see the rescue imagery from the time Dr. Stratford exited until the last time the ramp came shut. Put it on the main display.”

  A narrow strip of light appeared across the ceiling at the rear of the cabin, forming an opaque display below. Walt encouraged Adie to move aft for a better view. She stopped beside Ari’s gurney.

  Playback of the rescue sequence began.

  Adie was awe-struck, fascinated by the vivid imagery and engaging dialog. As the drama unfolded, it seemed so real that she found herself muttering, trying in vain to stop the muzzle flashes coming from her pistol. Then there was Ari’s kind greeting, and she saw herself pass out. From that point on, it was all new information. She watched in amazement as Ari tried to soften her fall, then turn and sprawl in front of her. Everything was happening so fast: the desperate prodding from the crew, the Syrian’s bullets tearing into Ari’s armor, and then the bright flash. But it wasn’t until she saw how tenderly he lifted her off the floor and protected her at great risk to himself that the tears began to flow. She reached down and took his hand as the scene played out, ending with Merrick’s heroic undertaking.

  “I’m not worth all this,” Adie sobbed. “Why on Earth would you risk your lives to save a nobody? Why?”

  “Now there is where you’re wrong, Adie Behr,” Merrick said with conviction. “Every human life has value. And yours, well, yours has great value, especially to him!” He motioned toward Ari. “Anyway, you might give him a little credit for knowing what he wants. He’s about the most intelligent, levelheaded, caring Christian man I know, and not a person here or on our ship would disagree. Believe me, that man moved Heaven and Earth to get you out of there. He formed the plan. He convinced our senior council. He selected this crew. He took full responsibility for the outcome, and he risked his life to ensure your safety.”

  “But why would he do that? He doesn’t even know me.”

  “But he does,” Merrick argued. “As a matter of fact, he knows you better than anyone on Earth. Would you like to know how?”

  “Please,” Adie said, bewildered. “I want to understand.”

  “Well, that visual sequence you just saw didn’t originate here. We have nearly 200 very sensitive instruments outside Earth’s atmosphere that gather this imagery. As you just saw, these instruments can see and hear through just about anything.

  “Also, it may surprise you to know that we have over 400 crewmembers on our ship. Every one has regular duties. I’m a pilot. Dr. Maran, over there, is a psychologist. We have biologists, zoologists—even gardeners. Now in addition to our regular duties, each one of us is assigned to study an Earth culture. I picked the Irish culture. Jack, how about you?”

  “Polynesia,” Jack said.

  “And Doc Stratford here, he picked the Hebrew culture. Now, some time ago,
we found that one of the most effective ways to study a culture is by observing the life of a single individual—what we call a ‘case study.’ We start at the age of three. Then, over a 50-year period, by observing his or her mannerisms and social interaction, we are able to assemble a pretty clear view of the culture.

  “So then, I was his case study?”

  Merrick changed his tone. “Actually, no, he was assigned to your brother, Joseph.” He paused. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  The empathy in Merrick’s voice brought Adie unexpected consolation, and her expression softened.

  “When your brother passed,” Merrick continued, “Doc Stratford felt very comfortable with your family and asked if he could be transferred to you. Now normally our operations people won’t assign a male crewmember to a female case study. But with the Doc, they made an exception. I think he presented a convincing case, plus I’m sure the fact that he’s a medical doctor carried some weight.”

  Realizing the implications, Adie became noticeably distressed. “You mean he’s seen everything? Everything?”

  Merrick smiled. “If you are asking whether he’s seen you without your clothes on, no—not possible. Our equipment senses such things and stops transmission immediately. As a matter of fact, the most he’s seen was when he met you in the washroom a little while ago.”

  Adie blushed. “Well, that’s a relief.”

  “But, he has seen everything else,” Merrick said. “He saw the bedtime stories with your mother, the ice skating with your relatives, the birthdays, your time in the ghetto; all of it. He’s rejoiced with you in the good times, and he’s been crushed by your tragedies. He feels as close to you as he does to his own family. Do you know, since you became a Christian he’s been praying with you? That’s right...when he’s not working, he prays with you in the evenings. He kneels, he listens to your prayer, and then he prays...he prays for you, Adie Behr. Even before you became a Christian, he prayed for you.”

  With sadness, Adie responded. “You have no idea how deeply I feel your words. Yet, you and I know that no one cheats death. My life is nearly over. Certainly your friend deserves something better.”

  Walt spoke up. “Sweetheart, don’t you think he knows all this? Or maybe you feel you don’t deserve this kind of love. I know you’re concerned about your health, but Adie, no one is without hope, not even you. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, and believe me, with Dr. Stratford, you couldn’t be in better hands…. Now, you’ve seen him, heard what we’ve said about him...you have witnessed his devotion—his commitment, and even with all of your doubts, I see you’re still holding onto his hand. Surely you must feel something for him.”

  Adie looked down at Ari. “How could I not feel something for him?” she confessed. “Of course I do.”

  “Then, why not give him a chance?” Walt asked. “Will you come with us to the ship and be our honored guest?”

  Adie looked bewildered. “What can I say? I feel so overwhelmed by all of this. It’s like a dream…. I’m among strangers, and yet you seem like family.”

  The words stirred Merrick’s memory. “You know, not long ago I met a couple of adorable 5-year-old girls who showed me great kindness. I remember telling them how nice they were to me, a visitor. I’ll never forget...one of them asked me if I knew Jesus. When I said yes, do you know what she said?”

  Adie shook her head.

  “She said, ‘Then you’re not a visitor—you’re family.’” After a brief silence, Merrick asked, “Do you know Jesus, Adie Behr?”

  Adie, eyes welling up, reached out and touched Merrick’s arm.

  Merrick gave Katie a wink and headed back to his seat. After a brief check of his instruments, he alerted Walt. “We’re go/no-go in fifteen minutes.”

  Walt acknowledged and fixed his eyes on Adie. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry, I must know your intentions. We all want you to come with us, but the choice is yours. Will you come?”

  Still doubtful, Adie said, “But what if it doesn’t work out? What if he finds he doesn’t like me, or I don’t like him, or I feel uncomfortable?”

  Walt gave a quick nod. “Listen, I’ll tell you what our captain said before you woke up, while Dr. Stratford was still conscious.... He told Dr. Stratford to bring you with him if you would come and that you can stay as long as you like. If you wish to leave at any time, we have instructions to return you to whatever location you wish.”

  Adie considered, and asked, “Are there any others like me on your ship?”

  “No, I’m afraid not,” Walt said. “Marcovan law prohibits any formal contact between our civilizations. Now, informal contact, as is the case here, has only been attempted once in the last fifteen hundred years. That was also a rescue, but unsuccessful.” After a brief pause, Walt made his final plea. “Dear Adie, we offer you hope. Will you accept? Will you trust us? Won’t you come?”

  Adie stood motionless, her thoughts in turmoil.

  The crew held their breath. Time seemed suspended. All of their attempts at persuasion seemed unconvincing—completely ineffective.

  Then, the deep wrinkles on Adie’s forehead began to dissolve, and her face took on a peaceful countenance. She responded without reservation. “I am deeply honored to accept your very kind invitation.”

  Jack, who had been standing by for her decision, notified the controller. “We’re on our way...and we have company.”

  Meanwhile, Adie’s unexpected consent took Katie aback. “Oh, my gosh, Adie,” she burst out, “how wonderful.” She moved forward and enveloped her in a warm embrace.

  “Katie, let the poor girl breathe,” Brooke laughed. “It’s my turn.” She leaned in and gave Adie a hug. “Honey, you are going to be so happy you made this decision; so happy. Life as you know it is about to be turned on its ear. Just hold on, and enjoy the ride.”

  The rest of the crew expressed their delight. Then Merrick turned back to his console and laid in an intercept course for the ship.

  After some thought, Walt raised a point of concern. “Say, Merrick, you aren’t planning to move up the arrival time, are you?”

  Merrick shook his head. “The earlier we arrive, the more g-force we have to contend with. I thought, for Adie’s sake, we would try to keep that to a minimum. No, I plan to use the full two hours for transit time. That leaves you 30 minutes to get her ready.”

  “Excellent,” Walt said. “Use it all, right up to the deadline. If Ari’s going to be ambulatory before we get back, he’ll need every second.”

  Adie, curious about the discussion, asked Katie, “So how far is it to your ship? Is it out in the Mediterranean?”

  Everyone who heard the question turned to look at Adie. “Oh, my goodness!” Katie said, dismayed. “Walt, maybe you should—.” She tilted her head toward Adie.

  Walt moved closer to Adie, and asked, “Where do you think we are right now, sweetheart?”

  Confused at the response, Adie replied, “You said this is a craft of some kind, and you have a ship. I thought we were in the Mediterranean. Why, where are we?”

  “Oh, boy,” Walt said, slightly bewildered. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you step up there and ask Merrick? He may be able to shed some light on this for you.”

  Merrick, who had held the landing craft in a position just off the coast of Israel, turned inland in anticipation of Adie’s question. When she stepped up beside him, he asked, “What’s your pleasure, m’lady?”

  “They said you might be able to tell me where we are.”

  Merrick swiveled his seat toward Jack. “I’m going to unmask the windscreen for a second.”

  Jack acknowledged, and Merrick touched an icon on the right edge of his console, instantly clearing the windscreen and providing Adie with a crystal clear panoramic view of Tel Aviv from three thousand feet.

  It took Adie a moment to comprehend what she was seeing. “What on Earth?” she gasped, clutching Merrick’s seat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize…. How beautiful...it’s like a bla
nket of lights. How high are we?”

  “Only a few thousand feet,” Merrick said. “Quite something, isn’t it?”

  “Oh, yes,” Adie replied. “Where is your ship then; how far?”

  “It’s up there,” Merrick said, pointing well above the horizon, “about 17,000 miles out. You may not realize it, but you’re about to become the first of your civilization in space.”

  He allowed Adie another minute before re-masking. She thanked him and returned to Walt.

  “Adie, I must ask you one final time...now that you have a full understanding of who we are and where we’re taking you. Are you still willing to come?”

  “I am,” she reaffirmed with a confident smile and walked back to check on Ari.

  CHAPTER 35

  “He’s doing fine, honey,” Brooke said, turning her attention to Walt. “I’ve been monitoring his progress, and the stimulation just isn’t going to produce enough blood in the time remaining. I’m afraid we’re all in trouble, and we’ll just have to live with it.”

  “Why is everyone in trouble?” Adie asked Brooke.

  “Well, because Dr. Stratford didn’t tell our leadership that he was seriously injured.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because if he did, they would have demanded that we return you to the surface and get him back to the ship.”

  “But couldn’t you have just done that when he passed out?”

  “And that, honey, is why we’re in trouble,” Brooke concluded. “When we signed on for this mission, we signed on to serve at his pleasure, and we’re happy to do so. Besides, we wouldn’t have had the delight of knowing you.”

  Adie frowned. “I’m just sorry that I’m the source of all this trouble.”

  “You’re not the source of our trouble,” Brooke corrected. “We’re the source of our trouble...and given the chance, we would gladly do it again.”

  Curious, Jack asked Brooke, “What’s the Doc’s blood type, anyway? Maybe one of us—”

  “Forget it—not possible,” Brooke interrupted. “One in five thousand has his type.”

  “Good grief, what type is it?” Jack asked.

  “O-positive,” Brooke replied.

  A hopeful Walt blurted out, “O-positive!...Anyone?” He looked around the cabin. “No one?”

  Katie noticed a smile form on Adie’s face. “What are you smiling about?” she asked playfully.