A piercing noise emanated from the receiver. After some moments it ceased.
‘I won’t keep you Richard. Enjoy the honeymoon. I’ll be in touch.’
***
A delicious breakfast was over. It had been hard to resist the freshly squeezed orange juice, cereals, cold meats, boiled eggs, slivers of fresh fruit, plus strong coffee made from locally grown beans. Laura, the pretty young housemaid, appeared and cleared the table. Julia excused herself and returned to their bedroom. There she undertook her thrice daily ritual; first energetically brushing and then carefully flossing her teeth --- a regimen resulting from witnessing the neglected teeth of patients attending Mr. Hunt’s dental surgery back in Ambridge Wells. She then donned a one-piece black and white swimming costume, picked up a towel, sun glasses, a tube of sun tan lotion, and a handy copy of Vogue. She emerged into the bright sunlight, sat down on one of the sun loungers positioned around the pool, and began rubbing sun tan lotion on her arms and legs.
***
Richard, meanwhile, was acting on Ransome’s proposal to “have a chat” with Ramon. They were seated on plush, brown leather, armchairs in the dusky, cool of the capacious lounge.
‘So Ramon, how did you come to be employed by Mr. Ransome?’
Ramon smiled ruefully.
‘Do you have time to listen to a story that is very long and, perhaps, a little boring?’
‘Of course I have,’ replied Richard. ‘I’m sure it’s very interesting. Please, please go ahead.’
Ramon leant back in the armchair and melted into its sumptuous cushions.
‘I first met Senor Ransome when he visited Mexico City perhaps two, three years ago. He was there on business, something to do with a conservation project in which he was involved.’
He paused, searching for the right words.
‘I was a pequeno, excuse me, a little unpopular at the time because I dared to challenge the authorities about accepted, fashionably correct reasons for changes in the world’s climate. We met at an international climate change symposium where I was one of the guest speakers. My address to the audience, which mainly comprised those who believed unreservedly in the effects of carbon emissions on the environment, was not well received. I was humiliated by the abysmal reception it received and, shortly afterwards, I was “relieved of my duties” at the university; as it was so quaintly put to me! Mr. Ransome learned of my dismissal and contacted me. He very kindly offered me a position at his headquarters in London, where I could continue my studies. I declined, because I was still shocked, damaged, dispirited, at the way in which my studies were being dismissed and distorted.’
He stalled, his facial expression exhibiting deep sadness.
‘Although I am no longer involved on an official basis, I continue to gather and collate information to support my hypothesis as to what the future holds for Earth.’
Richard’s interest was aroused. He intervened.
‘Tell me Ramon, what was so offensive in your premise that it caused you to be ostracized by your peers?’
Ramon sighed.
‘Senor Moss, what do you know about the Mayan civilization and their calendar?’
‘I have read a little about the Mayans but I am nowhere close to being an authority,’ answered Richard, leaning forward in his seat. ‘However you, Ramon, are the acknowledged scholar on the subject. I would be indebted to learn more.’
Ramon smiled before speaking.
‘The Mayans had a meticulous understanding of our solar system’s complex cycles,’ said Ramon. ‘They believed that these cycles corresponded with our spiritual and collective consciousness. They knew that our Sun, their Kinich-Ahau, every so often synchronized with the enormous central galaxy. From this galaxy it receives an immense pulse of energy which causes the Sun to shine more intensely, producing what our scientists refer to as solar flares. These pulses also bring about changes in the Sun’s magnetic field. Plus, and this is highly significant, a displacement of the Earth’s rotation occurs. This movement produces calamitous, devastating occurrences.’
Ramon shifted in his seat. He leaned forward and picked up a glass containing water from an adjacent coffee table. He took a gentle sip. Richard sat unmoving, mesmerized.
‘Shall I carry on?’ asked Ramon, putting the glass back on the table.
‘No question,’ answered Richard.
Ramon bore the look of someone about to divulge a monumental piece of information.
‘The Mayans believed unequivocally that those extraordinary pulses emanating from the central galaxy repeat themselves every 5,125 years!’
Richard’s lower jaw dropped.
“We are here to determine what has happened on Earth since our forefathers left 5,125 years ago.”
Noah’s words resurfaced. They struck Richard like a vicious, unexpected, punch on the jaw. Ramon paused on seeing Richard’s reaction.
‘Senor Moss, what is it? Have I said something to upset you?’
Richard shook his head, reached for his glass of water, took a long draught and set it back on the table.
‘No, no, Ramon, you haven’t upset me,’ he said, voice shaking slightly. ‘It, it, was your reference to 5,125 years.’
Richard paused and brushed both eyes with the back of one hand.
‘Please allow me to explain,’ he said quietly.
He told of the fateful evening when a space craft landed within Ashdown Forest. How he had met Noah who explained the reasons why his forefathers left their version of a doomed Earth. He told Ramon of his life-changing experiences during the time spent on Terra Nova, followed by an unprecedented, history-making return to Earth. Ramon listened intently, without interrupting. He now realised why Richard was so shocked.
‘Senor Moss,’ he said quietly. ‘I understand now why you reacted in the way you did. But there is more, much more, to tell. If you have no objection, may I continue?’
Richard managed a very tentative nod.
‘Based on meticulous observations the Mayans calculated that, from the commencement of mankind’s existing civilization, 4 Ahau, 8 Cumku, which translates to 3,113 B.C, another cycle will be completed on December 21, 2012! If you add 3,113 to 2,012, you arrive at the length of each successive cycle, that is, 5,125 years! On that date the Sun, having received its dynamic pulse of synchronized light from the central galaxy, would change its polarity. This results in a cosmic event of epic proportions which would, among other things, prepare all of humanity for a new era, which the Mayans referred to as The Golden Age. It is after this transition that our version of humanity will be fully prepared to enter the new age, transforming the world’s civilisation from a fear-based society to one which rises to previously unattained heights, embracing the virtues of altruism, love and compassion, for each and every one of us.’
‘The Mayans prophesied that, from 1999, there would be 13 years in which humanity could divert from a path of self destruction and forge a new path that opens our awareness of all the wonders that exist around us.’
‘The Mayan civilization existed in the fifth cycle of the Sun, the same period in which the ancestors of those humans who migrated to Terra Nova existed. There were four great civilizations before them, each lasting 5,125 years; all of these civilizations were totally destroyed by cataclysmic, natural disasters.’
Ramon paused upon seeing the anxiety etching Richard’s features.
‘We are now in the last few months of the sixth cycle. The Mayans predicted the last 20 years of this cycle would be one where Earth would be subjected to solar winds of great intensity. Catastrophic events would occur. The forces of nature would produce earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and tornados of unprecedented enormity. Mankind would enter a time of darkness which would give us the opportunity to confront our own conduct. Unjustified wars, virulent diseases, t
errorism, starvation, would occur. Even the technologies upon which we rely so much will begin to fail.’
Richard was dumbstruck. Everything Ramon told him made sense.
‘The final chapter Senor Moss, is now upon us. Unless we humans change quickly, dramatically, if we continue on the paths of hate, avarice and self-aggrandisement, we will enter the time of destruction and chaos, and will no longer be the dominant species on Earth. But, if we become conscious of our failings and realise that we all form part of a great organism, that we respect one another and are grateful for what our wonderful planet provides, then we will move immediately into positive growth, into our so called Golden Age. Our planet, the Sun, and the Galaxy are awaiting our decision. It is now up to humanity as to whether we go through a time of unimaginable suffering and destruction or, alternatively, we become united in one positive consciousness which will move us safely forward towards the next cycle.’
‘You certainly are the font of knowledge Ramón,’ said Richard respectfully. ‘You make mankind’s choices very clear. Your story also explains why our ancestors on Terra Nova left a doomed Earth. They knew the end was fast approaching and were able to gather together all they needed to make a new start. And what’s more, they’ve succeeded. We do not have the time or the resources to duplicate what they did. I am burdened with the task of providing a solution, but I know I have run out of options.’
Ramon shifted in his chair, as if suddenly feeling uncomfortable
‘The 13 years that I referred to have seen terrible atrocities, not the least being the destruction on New York’s Twin Towers and the vile attack on London’s underground. The only way to remedy mankind’s wrongs Senor Moss, is through The Creator, and pray that he will be forgiving of the appalling mess we have made of our Earth. The problem is, we only have a few months left and I fear a calamity will be heaped upon us before humanity comes to its senses!’
Chapter Seventy Nine
Quintus Claudius Avitus, the Great Leader, was becoming increasingly concerned. He was aware that Richard Moss was in the depths of despair at the way in which his mission was balanced on the edge of failure. He was in no doubt that the information imparted to Moss by Ramon Elizalde could possibly prove be a turning point. Ramon’s Mayan ancestors had bequeathed a legacy of utmost importance which, if followed, could lead to Earth’s redemption.
A meeting with four of his senior Council of Ministers has been convened to discuss whether anything further can be done to help Moss. Noah Tullius Cicero, Amos Caelius Aquila, Jonah Decimus Canus and Publius Gratius Balbus were seated in the Secretariat awaiting admission to Quintus’ private office. There was no question in anyone’s mind that Earth’s future was heading inexorably towards the abyss.
Amos was the most disheartened of the quartet.
‘How can Moss do anything more than he has done already?’ he said. ‘The power of persuasion appeared to be successful until it became clear that intransigence by those who had the power to effect change refused to act.’
Noah interjected.
‘Amos, please, why don’t we wait until the Great Leader summons us before discussing this among ourselves? And do not demonstrate any negativity at the meeting. We have to be positive, and put forward well considered, useful, proposals otherwise the whole purpose of the meeting will be wasted.’
As Noah finished speaking, the door to the private office opened. Quintus appeared carrying a large, ornately embossed, book.
‘We will hold the meeting here,’ he said. ‘Much more comfortable, far less formal.’
He sat down between Publius Gratius Balbus and Amos Caelius Aquila. The book was now resting on his lap.
‘Thank you for coming,’ said Quintus. ‘I decided not to convene a formal, full, Council of Minister’s meeting. Too many opposing opinions will result in argument and indecision. Hence I have selected my most experienced ministers. In other words the four of you seated here with me.’
He paused and opened the book.
‘I have been informed,’ he said. ‘of the subject of Richard Moss’s discussion with Ramon Elizalde. Given the failure of Richard’s efforts thus far, it became necessary that he be made aware of the prophesies recorded so diligently by the elders of the Mayan civilization. It was due to those same prophesies that caused our ancestors to act before the end of their 5,125 year solar cycle, which, as we are all aware, ended in our Earth’s devastation. Migration to our beautiful planet resulted. Then another solar cycle commenced. That cycle is now approaching its final days. A repeat of the disaster that overwhelmed our ancestors is due to occur in but a few months time.’
He paused again and pointed to the opening page of the book.
‘This is the actual book in which the Mayan scholars recorded their prophesies. It ranks alongside the Bible, the Torah and the Koran as one of the most important legacies handed down to mankind. Its contents must not be ignored. It was paramount in alerting our ancestors that the end of their solar cycle was approaching. Now our descendents on Earth must act with utmost alacrity as their existing solar cycle approaches its end.’
Noah was the first to react.
‘Great Leader,’ he said. ‘There is no time left to effect a change. Our descendants on Earth are unable to alter their ways. The vast majority are lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, unholy, and conceited lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They cannot migrate as our ancestors did for they have not the means so to do. We must attempt to save those who are worthy of being saved before the end of the present solar cycle. Consequently, Earth will be cleansed of its evil ways and, with the help of The Creator, as the new cycle begins, there will be a last, a final, opportunity for mankind to follow His ways.’
Quintus was visibly impressed. Even Amos appeared to have been regenerated by Noah’s words. Publius stood up, shook Noah’s hand and offered his thanks. Jonah Decimus Canus, High Priest, rose from his seat, clasped the palms of his hands together.
‘Friends, please join me in a prayer for our descendants on Earth.’
The quintet sank to their knees.
‘Let the Creator be at our side as we begin the task before us. May his benevolence be upon those whose lives will be changed forever. Lead us into the path of your choosing and give us strength and patience to follow that path, however great the difficulties or uncertainties that may arise. Amen.’
The group rose. Quintus thanked each one individually.
‘Do you have a moment Noah?’ he asked as the four made their way towards the Secretariat’s exit. Noah looked around.
‘Great Leader, I am at our command,’ he said. ‘My time is yours as you wish to use it.’
Quintus smiled, still feeling uncomfortable when addressed in this way by long term friends.
‘I am to understand that Esther has given birth to a baby boy?’ he asked.
‘Indeed she has. We are blessed.’
‘And what shall he be named?’ replied Quintus.
‘Alexander, he is to be named Alexander.’
***
‘Have you seen the latest from Hubble?’ asked Vitali Pushkin.
Scott Crawford and James C. Thompson were tired and about to leave the Observation Cupola, their busy day’s shift nearing its end, when Pushkin entered carrying a box containing colour photographs. He motioned for them to stay.
‘You vill find these very interesting,’ he added, taking a number of photographs out of the box and laying them side by side on the table. ‘Here,’ he said, pointing to the nearest. ‘Look at zis one here and tell me vot you think of it!’
The photograph showed what appeared to be a cluster of asteroids taken by the ground-breaking, revolutionary Hubble telescope. Launched in April of 1990 it has supplied thousands of stunning images from the depths of space and provided humanity with an amazing visual legacy; star
s being born and stars dying; galaxies colliding and galaxies reforming and, amazingly, the young emerging universe in the throes of creation.
The exhaustion felt by Crawford and Thompson evaporated like cubes of ice subjected to intense heat. Thompson picked up the photograph, raised his reading glasses above his eyes, and swallowed hard.
‘Good God,’ he said, recovering slightly. ‘There’s hundreds of ‘em. And they’re humungous; must be the size of goddam battleships!’
Crawford’s eyes were on stalks. He was relatively new to the ISS and, so far, everything he had seen and done has stretched way beyond the limits of his imagination. What he was looking at now astounded him as much, if not more, as did his first glimpse of Earth from space.
‘Do we know where they are located and where they’re heading?’ he asked breathlessly.
Pushkin gave a snort.
‘According to this,’ He picked up a sheet of paper. ‘Our solar system is directly in their flight path. It doesn’t say how long they vill take to reach us but ven they do, ve had better be prepared for the vorst.’
***
The week’s honeymoon over, Richard and Julia Moss were excited at the thought of seeing their son again. The journey home, first-class on a Pristine Atlantic Boeing 757, had been long, comfortable but uneventful. Alexander had been uppermost in Julia’s thoughts during the holiday and, now, with the plane about to land at Gatwick airport, Richard was able to put aside his constant thoughts about the conversation with Ramon Elizalde and look forward to seeing his son. Julia’s parents had been insistent he stayed with them, which made sense since Richard’s parents were still living separate lives, albeit set on a course towards eventual reconciliation.
Terra Nova Page 31
