by
Miguel F. Fontana
1
THE LANDSCAPED PLANET
1.
practice nowadays.
frequency noise that would blot out any sound. Darkness was
achieved by the window panes turning pitch black. All this and
interference. The ACU simply knew at all times what Marrie was
2
blanketed out light and sound until breathing, heartbeat, skin
never been in one, nor had any other living creature - and the
ACU was watching over her ready to sense her every wish or whim
-had not come about all on its own, or easily for that matter.
sense and create this planetary harmony. The first one was the
3
the solar system.
with the human species and was thereafter quickly completed for
Ten billion human beings are nicely spaced out all over the
Quite a feat one would reckon, but not at all. All this was
Gaia managed and ran the whole show according to the benevolent
4
deduction and adapt, doing so in her perpetual motivation to
Gaia was learning all the time, even while she watched over
2.
her grandfather.
time to time.
gravitational
5
difference, which was overcome by a constant electro-magnetic
was very much alive and well and an insurmountable problem for
the universe.
plus, but even this was nowhere near sufficient to leave our
even a hint of one. Anything and everything that had been tried
6
or embarked upon turned out to be impractical if not ultimately
impossible.
was that:-
special.
7
one Alexandra Martins, a brainy Geneticist holding a rare
and together they went to see their newly arrived son, who they
8
as he caught Marrie in his arms.
"You are not quoting from the story of Pinocchio, are you?"
"What did you bring me?" Marrie wanted to know, expecting maybe
after it so that one day you may pass it on, in the same
follow.
which goes back all the way to the Turmoil Years and which
Marrie, despite her youth, was aware that the Turmoil Years
9
of which Marrie was a part. This was a very rare gift indeed,
and she was fully prepared to guard such a treasure with her
required to do so, and at the same time she was eager to take a
glimpse back in time through the written word and learn from
chords, "please tell me more about, what's his name again, and
what he did".
room. But before I start telling you about old Francesco and
these books and that the books in turn will help you in your
10
destiny".
Marrie, like all other children, or other young ones for that
expertise.
Marrie will have spent the first 68 years of her life in such
All the way through the tutorial curriculum the syllabus placed
11
outer influences emanating from other living creatures around
them and that they not only needed to honour and respect their
others and other beings around them. Those very few who lacked
tune.
dead matter and energy and genetics were the key to providing
12
taking place in fully automated facilities were no human being
all the time. Keen competition had given way long ago to mutual
and making their world an even better place for themselves and
everything else.
treasure.
3.
billion years old. 1.1 billion years later life started, but
for most of the time the land surface was barren and desolate
13
since it obviously took time for the first forms of higher
chances of survival".
the first creatures emerge from the waters onto land and adapt
survival".
the fact that human beings along their evolutionary path used
kill and eat them. The world must have been a truly horrible
trusting and helpless creatures going on. Even though life and
14
death is still part of our world, I am very relieved and
whilst our ancestors did not know better than killing other
continued.
15
So, we shall not hastily pass damning judgement of this
creative encounter.
16
Nevertheless, they performed it with mind numbing frequency and
desirability. The genetic code had made sure of that - and why
indeed?
At the time of the Turmoil Years, the world, by and large, was
evolution?
17
female could only conceive and give birth in roughly annual
human female did not hatch eggs outside her body, although
already have been a much happier place to live in. But these
18
his Chronicle.
The Turmoil Years, of course, did not happen all at once and
large, never realised the ominous signs that were looming over
the horizon until it was far too late to take concerted action
whole".
follow.
planet, save the South Polar Region which was too harsh and
attempts to reach the stars. Life in Africa was harsh but just,
19
ingenuous too, looking for and finding ways to make their
20
dapple in the natural process of selection and developed
ready to cope with its beneficial effects. That was the single
21
At the time the Industrial Revolution was a mere two
rapidly climbing.
So was the number of inventions which made life more and more
comfortable for the people who held the keys to the new
disaster. By now the world was fractured into many, what they
larger or smaller ways competing with each other for the well-
Never have people been more jealous of each other, biased and
22
times engulfed the world, as a result of which the region of
their pitiful self-interests. This was the best and last chance
mankind was not mature enough to see and understand the need
world divided in half -East / West Cold War they called it.
its champion, stood proud and tall as the hero of the "Free
actions became more and more contorted. Shipping more and more
cure the needy people in the rest of the world and by doing so
ancestors were capable of. The planet was being eaten alive by
a mass of humanity that did not know where else to turn to.
23
Nature's way of dealing with over-population and limited food
became its own worst enemy by starting to turn on its own kind.
started to hunt, kill and eat each other. Some hundred years
the status quo of the affluent nations who had kept their
the world off their backs, but to no avail. On the other hand,
fairly rapid speed from any place in the world to any other.
And even though media news from the affluent nations were later
retained. The rest of the world saw the glaring disparity and
How did such disparity come about, one would want to know?
24
ingenious in their constant search for a better, more
did those people know or realise the true and real ambitions of
to the masses from the top down and like I already said, the
25
"Tops" were generally cast in the same moulds of egoistic self-
were too engrossed in their own daily lives to worry about the
use of force and weapons to keep the majority away from their
flesh pots.
human rights could change that. What an oxymoron that was! The
founders of that charter had had no idea that human rights were
such as clean air and water, food and a way to earn a living.
Who could then have provided such guarantees? When the supply
26
dream they were right from the start. Until then people
plight of the world had become. Had they been more critical
they would have realised that, up to our time, there was really
27
eradicated without even being given a chance to demonstrate
Until such time that the approach to world affairs actually did
only for their own benefit rather than the world as a whole.
was not to be, until finally out of the total chaos a worldwide
28
infamous world body - the United Nations - by a new World
These concerned young people had but one interest in mind - the
29
the one-child family became the norm until such time that the
Their efforts were honest and fair and they were applauded for
The production and use of weaponry had finally come to rest and
obsolescence.
And look how perfectly it worked, for their idea of letting the
affairs and policies is still in use today. From there on, the
respect each other and the path was finally free to emerge into
30
4.
Calendar.
Invaders all the time. Being on the Mexican Border this time
goddamn Ice-Travellers.
like a large, hunched down animal, but how long ago has there
and limbs. The men were busy copulating with the woman.
Everyone was naked. How emaciated their bodies were! Even more
gusto!!
31
over a flat-top rock, lying on her back with her legs apart and
her buttocks in the air. Couldn't have been older than her
had no idea how long this romping had been going on, but
every now and again. They were taking turns between her legs,
pumping away until they were satisfied, making room for the
next one until it was their turn again. Sometimes they would
There was not a sound to be heard, so they must have been aware
The woman didn't seem to mind and co-operated with the silent
hints the men gave her. There wasn't much else she could do, I
suppose, but what the heck, she probably liked it, too. Besides
what else are they good for if they aren't polluting the world
32
have a go at her. Smithy and I talked him out of it by making
him see the risk of contracting one of those hard to cure VD's.
eaten alive.
By today the corpses will have been found and eaten and the few
overfull.
Marrie's eyes were opened wide and glazed with shock. In her
mind she kept on repeating the same question over and over
again:
33
December 25, 2012
today, the pope proclaimed his divine wisdom that mankind will
postulations.
Like under hypnosis Marrie put down the first volume and opened
34
the second close to its beginning.
next few days I'm off duty while I receive medical attention
eyes are all red and puffy. I'm feeling so powerless and guilty
how we'd hunt them down if ever they'd capture one of us.
35
tranquillity of the National Union; the protector of our
I, the romantic hero, who would with his dying breath still try
of destruction!
36
hunger, deprivation and pain!
hang on to life, despite such vast odds against it and your own
satanic concept!
I can't take this any longer. The images are haunting me again.
February 1, 2017
border
guilt on the part of those ones who sell us off on the myth
that we are doing our job for our own and the national good and
who give us the feeling that "losing" the one or other captive
37
population still on the increase. Meanwhile year after year our
carry some spare hard rations to hand out when nobody else is
looking and hope that it makes-up for our part in the capture,
"processing".
Smithy helped me to deal with the trauma of the woman and her
happened and our feelings about it, but every night I dream-
outcrop and which was now sparsely interspersed with low, dry
38
shrub.
can shrivel-up and die within just hours. Right now the view is
still hazy from the early morning mist evaporating from the
Just a short distance away from the melodic hum of the crafts
hot air rising from the ground on its way to cool-off at some
it's like this the senses go to sleep; first the hearing, then
the smelling and finally the eye-lids are growing heavier and
and .... with a jerk of your head you are awake again, only to
39
Lt. Samuel Cohen, 26, Chartered Accountant by profession,
humour and doesn't mind us calling him so. In his private life
shape.
PFC Walter Schindler, 24, like Ray he's getting his ears dried.
this.
40
call me Franki, they call me Father Christmas. Fifth generation
boy-scout outing.
towards us".
41
"Let's give it a rocket and see if it can jump", suggested
Walt.
"Hey get serious, this might be some new game they are playing.
We may well see shit flying before we know what's going on.
quickly evaporating.
"Call-up pattern".
"Shut-up, Ray, I want you and Walt to move out two hundred
metres on either side and keep yourselves out of view. And, you
two, before you sit down make sure you don't get your arses
to your sweet voices telling me how well you are. Got it?"
"Yes, Sir"
42
"Aye, Aye, Sir"
Walt and Ray moved out without another word being spoken. Moses
happy kids".
"Franki"
"Sam?"
"I'll take over the "eyes". I want you to take control of the
"What is it?"
43
"I'm picking up more distortions at 12 and 6 o'clock. These
"Patterns?"
we open fire?"
"I never said a word", chimed in Ray. "I want to come back".
44
"I forgot my cooler-lotion and it's getting awfully hot under
my collar".
will do my best to make sure that we can all continue with our
hours to reach us. Still I want you to keep your eyes open.
Stay awake, especially you two out there. It's your lives
you're fooling around with. What's more, you two hold your fire
follow suit, if not, you stay put and watch. Only exception, if
you are under direct attack and in imminent danger. From now on
that Walt and Ray were now serious about their assignment.
race. We weren't any better off. An hour down the line Moses
45
could pick-up movement through the binoculars. Nothing else was
"It's a woman and two kids. A boy and a girl. The woman carries
the girl. Something's strange about that lot". Moses was wiping
binoculars.
"Let's call Ray and Walt back in. The woman is alone out there;
Christmas here to go out and bring her over so we can give her
the good news, but wait until the other two are back and can
Smithy nodded his concurrence and called Ray and Walt on the
intercom.
46
"Jesus Fuckin' Christ". It was Ray's voice that was breathing
"I copy". Walt still seemed to have his good humour, but Ray
why.
"I say, old chap, you look awfully red in the face". Smithy was
"You know, Smith, you may joke about it, but I'm telling you
it's bloody, fuckin' hell out there if you have to sit around
like a rock. Even more so, if you know that it doesn't have to
be like that. The moment I've fixed myself up I'm gonna shoot
predicament. Just consider this: The other Moses led his people
47
Ray was glowering at the Lieutenant, but one could see that his
bar.
"Right now, I want you two to take over from Smithy and Frank,
while they go out and pick her up. Thereafter we decide what's
next".
little job.
The woman had come to within 500 metres of our position and was
suggested.
the dune. The boy saw us first and pointed us out to what we
48
believed to be his mother. They waited for us as we approached.
that seemed to indicate that they had known better in the not
too distant past. I guessed the boy's age at about eight, the
girl maybe five and the woman in her early thirties. The
Highly unlikely - and yet? They were all dark haired but with
side. She was holding the girl in her left arm and had draped
couldn't but feel sorry for them. Smithy had shouldered his
weapon and I did the same. We knew the other guys were watching
relieve the woman from the burden of the child's weight, but
the child turned away and hugged her mother even closer,
49
burying her face in the nape of her mother's neck. I unhinged
my canteen and opened the screw top. The woman stepped forward
to allow Smithy to take the girl and the girl relented. Nobody
uttered a sound. Smithy took the girl in his right arm and sat
her on his hip. The woman hesitatingly took a step back again.
She tried to speak but no sound was forming, I held out the
those eyes was saying more than a thousand words. She took a
the boy and the girl, careful not to spill any of the precious
"Do you understand English?", Smithy asked her and she nodded
in confirmation.
There you can rest". Having said that Smithy turned and walked
off leading the way back up the dune. After taking another
draught from the canteen she handed it back to me, took the
As they walked the woman squeezed the boy's hand and looked at
him, speaking to him with her eyes which seemed to say - it's
50
have expressed. And the boy understood.
I saw now that she was wearing a small rucksack, which by the
nourished, but not yet starved, at least not for food. The
ordeal, but the bodies were not yet lethargic like it was often
finally reached the vehicle, Smithy sat down the little girl in
the shade of the awning, ripped open an energy bar which he put
in her hand and placed his open canteen next to her. The woman
"I don't know, Sam", I heard Smithy say, "I've never come
across
anything like this before. She says she understands English but
to find out her story, but for God's sake take it easy. They
51
All the while the woman had cared about the children.
pulling out a hanky from the boy's pocket and dampening it with
a little water from the canteen to wipe their faces and hands
(imagine a hanky! I think I never had one, never mind used one
half to give the boy also a piece, I handed her two more which
What was it that these eyes had? What power did they hold that
wanting to care for her and the children, protect them from
"Please, Sir, I beg of you. You can do with me what you like,
but please don't hurt the children. They have suffered so much
already on this long journey all the way from Brazil. Please,
please ..... please ..... ". Her voice, which bore a typical
open eyes watching their mother. Like children who have been
made to watch loved ones suffer. Like children who know their
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vulnerability in the absence of parental protection; who know
From Brazil she said? With just her little rucksack? Where is
the father? Did he abscond or die? How did they travel the
more on their final leg. They look decent enough - not at all
There was more to it than just the spoken word and I could feel
that Moses was also touched by this woman's aura - her spirit
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"You can rest now. Nothing will happen to you or your children.
not demanding, but pleading with all her heart and willpower.
Smithy was kneeling down beside her, trying to revive her when
talking eyes.
Ray and Walt were inside the vehicle attending to the controls,
54
The children collapsed in a heap of torn flesh, without
"Holy shit! What's going on out here? Ray was looking around in
his bewilderment.
"Good HEAVENS, just look at that!", Walt was recoiling from the
for, Sam?".
Neither Smithy nor I had moved, frozen in the pose we held when
Now the life was coming back to me while my mind was still
hair which had fallen over the woman's face without registering
55
that it was my hand they watched. The hair was already well
Nobody had spoken a word when Moses turned back around and took
You know full well what would have been in store for them. The
knows? You guys have the easy part. But I, I have to live with
out how to do. The best we can do now is to bury them; decent."
"Ray I want you to take the pneumatic spate and you Walt, take
the compressor down to the base of the dune. Frank, you pick a
suitable spot and run the power down there. When this is
"And I want you to do this without me. I need some space. When
happened".
Walt had turned away to get the equipment and Ray was following
56
Moses' reasoning in a way made sense. The processing was
men, women and children. They were all processed together. The
the most lethargic soil their pants. Especially when it was the
The idea being that after repatriation they would talk about
maybe from a lot worse further down the line. All too often the
emotions.
jokingly.
Walt and Ray had not actually been in contact with the woman
57
joke.
happen to you right now and you needed my help, I would enjoy
This wasn't Smithy. This was somebody else from deep within him
"Just watch what you are saying for the next couple of days".
ground.
Every now and again Smithy was saying under his breath: "I'm so
58
When the job was done we looked up the Lieutenant.
sitting on the ground with his legs pulled up and his head
"Sam"
"It's done".
The Lieutenant nodded his head and got up. "Let's go back".
"Show me where"
Smithy pointed out the spot where we had dug the grave. For a
said".
"It's alright, Sarge. Tell me, how did you bury them?"
"The woman in the centre with the kids on either side of her".
occasion?"
59
"No, Sir"
"No, Sir"
Moses turned and looked out over the plain in the direction
from where they had come, which was bathed in the softening
"Oh, God, if you can hear me and if you know the people, who
not fulfil. These people I deliver unto you, so that you might
February 3, 2017
60
Lt. Samuel Cohen is dead - by his own hand. Last night he was
talking to Smithy and said that he had enough of it, but wasn't
As easy as that!
have to hang on to what I've got. In a way words can hurt more
mistake. He just dislikes me; has his fun with me, because he
Watch out, or one day I'm going to kill you, you bastard!
61
I was reading last night's entry and feel shock and disgust
finger on it. I shall try to deal with it; get to the bottom of
it and find the fault that causes all this hate and aggression,
symptoms.
THE FACTS:
my work is cut short by his control over the debate through his
Inwardly I was feeling hot anger and the desire to do him harm!
62
Coming to think about it, this is not an isolated event, but
deprivations.
Are there people who do enjoy life? I'm sure there must be, but
negative-attitude-habit?
63
perhaps really an elementary human characteristic? Like a
But hope for what? Hope to strike it rich - hope to win the
It's getting late and I feel rather sleepy. Let's see what life
64
From now on I shall try not to complain any more. From now on I
Alright Miss Scarlet, it's a start. Let's see where it'll take
us from here!
I can honestly say that tonight, I'm feeling good about myself
for the first time since I can't remember how long ago.
all those poor souls who get killed each day just trying to get
by.
65
the best of my ability as well as co-operate with and help my
I'm quite happy to work long hours in exchange for not having
provision for it. Right now, there is, however, no reason, why
Are these lines just empty words? They sound like a declaration
giving it a try.
66
I must also pay attention and concentrate more on the positive
the way the gory details are being expounded, rather than a
all my basic needs and expenditures to live on. During the next
few days I shall think about and compile a list of such items
Then I will draft a budget and see how much is left over and
67
I'm quite exited! Making good on my intention to break away
I'm also rather nervous about it. What are women talking about
I greet her like a male friend and slap her on the back, or
must I shake her hand? What if she is one of those who say
dominance?
she looks like. Maybe she is one of those dumplings who are too
best.
Discussing this matter with Michael I asked him for advice. His
68
"nest". I suppose that includes his own attitude as well. To
find a way.
69
Shit, shit, shit!
And I thought the evening had gone pretty well. Even suggested
I must find out what happened or else I can bury myself. Hope
this doesn't get out at work. What a feast for Buckmaster this
would be.
Went to the station and found out about this mess I got myself
child situations?
booked a place for us. Yes, it's true - under the emotion of
70
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by her good looks. She
but I just went ahead and told her that I had no experience
with this kind of thing and that this was in fact the first
time I had a date with a woman - no, I actually said Lady; and
She said, she was pretty new to it herself and that she didn't
shaking hands.
It suddenly struck me then that I had never asked her how old
she was, but as it turned out I guess she is about my own age.
known from the puzzled look she gave me, but ... but, but, but.
It just happened.
71
WELL, I TOOK HER RIGHT HAND, HELD IT IN MINE
It wasn't so much the fact that I took and held her hand, but
disturbed her then and kept on troubling her later on, feelings
you're in trouble!
The simple truth is that I never forgot the incident with that
Brazilian woman and her two kids on that horrible day way back
all those years. I still remember her eyes; the way her eyes
72
that
O'Neill bitch.
Anyway, I told the Officer about that and he agreed that it was
remains there. I shouldn't worry too much about it, since there
"Don't worry about it. This happens all the time. Just give her
If I could just explain myself to her and then never see her
again. But this way I feel like I've been made out to be a
73
It happens all the time, he said. Well then, may I introduce to
the audience one more sex fiend - the naive but harmless
F.T. Christmas!
Here we go again!
the area, walked all the streets in the vicinity, tried out
feeling that the people out there are just waiting for a chance
mind), but right now I can't stand the sight of another book.
from the city - away from the crowds - and breathe some fresh
it said. The place was alright but there were quite a few 8-
74
sleeper cottages. Anyway, I had my mind set on taking long
bang on top of the path which was winding around another "rock
the one side, the slope going up was rather steep. To the
other, it was the same but going down. Down into a ravine
was maybe 10 metres. The part below the path was sprinkled with
75
places and always enjoyed the sensation of a near soundless
the "moaning one" and what for; and lo and behold there was
As the full body came into view I almost turned and ran - it
was a WOMAN!
Logic dictated that I did help her; but you tell me about
women's logic - one reads so much about the horrors of it! And
witness.
But she was bleeding from her leg and that decided it. I threw
76
She was conscious and grimaced with pain. I told her that I
could see blood soaking through the right leg of her pants but
think I said "exposing her leg"). She closed her eyes and
nodded in concurrence.
If the Swiss ever disappeared from the face of the earth they
ankle all the way up to her hip and, by heavens, there was a
tourniquet which I set and applied above the wound. What a mess
with all the blood around. I knew by now that at least her
moving her even if she checked out okay for neck or other
- that she needed to keep herself busy with that until help
"Keep your eyes open - talk to yourself", and then I raced off
for the nearest Help-Phone along the way which I had passed
77
previously.
advantage of the remoteness of the area and pushed her down the
that she actually lived not far from my own address and was now
visit her.
Having been told by the nurse, she knew that I was the one who
Her first words were: "I want to thank you for saving my life",
78
and I knew then I was safe!
accident spot was falling. After all, that boulder on the path
a great many people are waiting for exactly something like this
The most disgusting part is when they are coy about it and
pretend it's not the money they are after. One exuberant
Dollar to spare.
79
weekly production of bottle caps or tampons or things like
for that.
"You know", I said, for a moment out there I wasn't sure what I
shake of my head.
mean".
touch you".
80
"Why? What did you expect? That I would suddenly bite you?"
harassment complaint.
"Come here", she said, "sit on the bed. If you don't, I'll
scream".
I must have looked rather alarmed when I quickly did as she had
She took hold of my hand when she said: "I'm sorry, I didn't
This experience you were talking about. You were cited for
81
"And you are still scared witless that it might happen again,
maybe become public and possibly cost you your job. Right?"
Who was this woman? First she falls and breaks her leg, then
and run away and said: "Come closer and bend over me, I want to
hug you".
warm, bodily smell. For the rest, all I remember are stars,
suffocate".
But she did release me in time and when she did, she looked at
82
me with a smile and said: "I'm Nickie. Are you going to tell me
still laugh about me the minute before she died of old age,
but you aren't in my shoes and can't really say how this whole
women's rights business affects a guy like me. It's not that I
hate women, or ever did for that matter. It's just that this
all this nonsense about "Want a child? Hatch an egg!" and "Want
funny".
"I don't think you are funny - or the whole situation as such.
83
Inwardly I'm crying, because I want to reach out and touch you,
When she said that, she had re-taken my hand and covered it
"Hey, are YOU harassing me?", I asked her and we both burst out
laughing.
"I'm Frank and I like your name - Nickie". The name has a kind
to pull it of".
When I told her the story I made sure to tell her about the
border incident with the Brazilian woman first so she would see
met!".
"What's that?"
"You must promise me, that when I'm better, you will go out
84
with me".
missed in my life.
The laughter, the joking, the good natured pranks, the humour
and banter which fills out the time when we are together. It's
like a huge weight has come off my chest and taken away the
this.
in making a point.
I really like her very much and she unteasingly returns the
But as for me, I'm looking forward to the solace and comfort I
common sense to dispel it. I hope I can do the same for her.
85
December 24, 2026
wait to make this note; and it's got to be under the date when
it actually happened.
that was the day on which all the world could be considered to
a family.
What are the future risks and rewards children of ours might
86
have to face? This consideration is our prime concern.
We both can't bear the thought that we might grow apart over an
children; and that they will thus be able to cope with their
87
own adult lives as well as we do with ours.
We are both very excited about the outcome of our "effort" and
are teasing each other in our love making about the ability to
inseminate or conceive.
Last night, before she came to bed, she drew all the curtains
shut and switched off the light. When I asked her what that was
good for she said that she felt certain she was ovulating and
on the sense of touch, smell and taste and letting the mental
Nickie - I'm now sure the name actually means "mischief" - and
88
Mr. and Mrs. Christmas are proud to announce the arrival, at
The time of birth cannot otherwise but be a good omen for the
dawning of a happy future for this family - no, make it for the
world as a whole!
Want to say so much more, but can't now. Must get back to the
hospital.
surprising question.
children?
89
in their struggle to persevere; to simply stay alive
themselves.
who one had known alive only maybe hours or even minutes
before.
wars that had been fought in the past century, or all the other
level of cruelty, or even today where our young people are sent
a choice. But when the choice runs out, what keeps them from
90
killing in the first place.
In a way I was glad that Nickie had raised this question for it
shame and guilt over the one incident on that fateful Christmas
everyday life, which exists outside and along our borders and
Nickie for one never realised the true extent of what is going
She wanted to know all the details of what I saw and heard
the open.
that I had been too young to fully understand that the people I
was supposed to repel were not the cause but only the symptom
91
But I can't overcome the feeling that I should have known
92
Two separate civilisations coming together, one poor with low
other rich with high per capita income and therefore life
much of the known world at the time, and China, which had their
remind ourselves that we are racist and to either find the ways
93
and means to practise our degree of civilisation by wanting to
94
we mutually enjoyed, democracy poses a huge risk and danger for
the world become the Mongols of the future and conquer and rule
But their ways haven't lead them out of poverty in the past.
upliftment of the poor must be the answer; and there the first
95
enforced at all?
life!
repeating below:
capita income.
animosities - to conflict.
96
The progression of these symptoms are clearly reflected in the
Kill all Foreigners - Kill this - Kill that - Kill, Kill, Kill.
economic fitness.
Often it wasn't for lack of wanting or trying that they did not
97
failed.
And so, life in its natural state, simply turned out too harsh
encapsulation.
The only people who could still cope with life in its
They could cope, that is, until they were eventually corrupted
disease and cruelty which they had never known on their own.
To this day, since time immemorial, there has not been a single
98
famous!)
global concept.
or two bath tubs full per day. Not a lot if you consider all
adapting. But sometimes I wonder where it's all gonna stop. Are
present?
What is it?
A bottle of water!
99
Ah; I had it in my cellar. It's a '34 vintage!
Let me see. It says it's mineral enriched 100% H2O. I tell you
Car Wash Centres have to close down. They use too much water.
Just one more attempt to single out car owners as culprits, the
the unemployed.
Even the oceans offer no relief. All along the coastlines huge
health!
100
Oceanic pollution is quite another story. I wonder why they
still maintain the "Don't kill the Oceans" campaign? The oceans
ARE killed already. At least the only marine life our children
But then it's not quite true. There is a lot of green slimy
"benefit". Getting stuck in mid ocean and not being able to get
So there must also be people who say the oceans are okay the
Ladies and Gentlemen - and now for the next trick! (Whatever
101
turning more and more into deserts under the burden of
With Europe being under pressure from the south and east, their
Small miracle that Japan is still able to hold out, but their
social groups causes all these hate-crimes that eat away at the
enough of a problem.
sufficiency for all their followers, they are finding more and
try them out. All in all they must be the largest political
102
movement in the world.
have time and time again voted for and adopted resolutions to
103
their inability to provide employment for and feed their
Sometimes I wonder what Africa would look like today, had that
104
Hitlerites to achieve equality without lowering our values of
visionary, who could have saved the world from today's plight
had he not been hijacked and held hostage by the evil forces of
Nazism, who perverted his ideas, used and abused his benevolent
genius for their evil schemes and designs and finally killed
him to prevent the truth from coming out. Poor Adolf - as much
If only the Europeans had taken Russia into their fold rather
105
The Japanese would then be "breathing" a lot easier, too. The
Japan again.
Instead, when they still had the chance, they dithered and
106
free flow of goods, limitations on this, limitations on that.
rights". Our basic human rights are this or that and constantly
Doesn't anybody have the guts to admit to that fact. It's just
107
everybody must start to really work together.
The Indian Government finally lost all control over law and
order and was swept away by a gigantic uprising born out of the
attempts were made wild eyed crowds engulfed and simply ripped
108
Individuals could only choose between one side or the other.
The very few who did not want to be part of it and managed to
on the move with the two sides slowly coalescing into a west -
long those people will just stand on their side, without the
109
religious animosity, but in search of sustenance by marauding
The ripple effect of this calamity will be felt all over Asia,
East- and West Europe and maybe all the way down Africa and to
Australia.
elsewhere.
I don't really know why I still keep this diary. Will it ever
110
America, Europe and Japan are being accused of racist
complacency.
on getting "lost".
111
receiving end. The mixture was absolutely lethal for
unsuspecting consumers.
within a matter of days all over Asia people were dying from
the rat poison; and they were dying by the tens of thousand.
nothing which could be done to stop it. All of the 10.000 tons
the billions of hungry people. Most of the stuff had been re-
packaged anyway.
dished out.
G O T C H A
112
success!
May they fry in hell - and may this day be celebrated in glory
by our children"
This was the New World Times' headline of a special issue they
easier!
Marrie had skip-read through the various books. Now she closed
She did not sleep that night. Her young body was convulsing
with violent sobs. Her tears would not stop flowing. Anguish
How, but how - for goodness - could such deeds be conceived and
113
carried out?
Marrie would not see nor hear but the images which had come to
sleep of sheer exhaustion and would not wake up for the next 24
hours.
114
5.
moved and turned as the dream faded away into the background.
dosing.
emissions and aura with a conscious effort, but not during the
me" with her ACU, causing him to make wrong decisions about her
"Good morning, João. No, we're not playing games now. I would
115
The instant she had said that her habitat was flooded in
eyes again.
himself but loud enough for Marrie to hear: "Humph, it's one of
Some time ago now, Marrie had searched far and wide for a
across the name João in the dead Portuguese Language, which she
"It could all be so easy", came his reply back at her, "just a
microchip, like a dumb little pet, and wait for you - oh,
sulk.
116
"Yes, I am!"
"No, please, don't sulk. I didn't mean it. How can I make it up
to you?"
"But this is written for a man's voice and anyway it's far too
"Then let me sing it for you and I promise I won't sulk any
more."
117
tenor Enrico Caruso; as the melody ebbed and swelled in
unsurpassable harmony.
Maria" unfolded.
From the first notes on, her emotions were being touched and
could it?
After the last notes had dissipated into the background João
enquired of her: "So, what do you think? After all I'm not too
bad, am I?"
"Thought so."
"Well, for one, I was fairly sure you wouldn't try to sing it
dedicated to."
"A message? From me? No, no message I'm afraid. Just the
118
satisfaction to give you a little extra pleasure at the
The dream. Yes, the dream; is there a message in the dream. She
was filled with the same feeling she had immediately after she
woke up, when João had interrupted her thoughts before she
communicate.
The dream was not new to her. But lately it had occurred more
stored The Chronicle. Ever since the books were given to her by
her grandfather and after she had overcome her initial shock,
sentence, many times over. She was convinced the books had
her hands on top of them, closed her eyes and concentrated with
119
perhaps, a communicator, any remnant of old Francesco's Morpho
Genetic imprint.
As the minutes passed and her mind explored farther and farther
from Earth, she could feel the tug and pull of Universal Force,
like the waves in the oceans or better, the surf and undertow
off the beach, but no clear picture resulted nor any message as
such.
"I must see Dad. Maybe he's made progress or knows a way to
help."
João, all the time, had kept very quiet; in fact had subdued
"Shooh, every time you do that, I'm scared witless that your
mind gets lost out there and I'm left with a zombie to look
after."
"You don't have to worry. I won't get lost. But I tell you what
120
João's fears were not entirely unfounded though. In the early
people did get lost; sort of stepped out of their bodies, and
never found their way back in, or simply didn't want to come
back to Reality.
she was doing, how to do it and how far she could go. The
beauty of her way is, that she could conjure up her very own
When she entered her bathroom, the bath was already waiting.
121
A habitat in these days doesn't look much different from a
dwelling of old. At least not from the inside. Behind the walls
122
These earnings are in the form of credits to one's individual
Since competition has ceased to exist long ago and kindness and
today are more like appeals for clarification rather than the
123
advanced courses for classes of incumbent Theo-Philosophical
Historians.
doing. But she also enjoys to exercise her body. Her preferred
good looks and firm athletic body she, despite her "age", would
more. All body parts are completely renewable - even the brain
124
accidental damage, so that the natural fatigue factor would
below 200 or above 300 years of age. Life would simply stop
when the time was up - and duly replaced with the latest
times?
like a Fata Morgana when the time was up, the bubble burst or
People of old already had an inkling about this fact when they
125
"hell" or
roasting over eternal fires with the implausible hope that one
day the place might freeze over to plunge them from one extreme
give the genes the fuel to do their thing and propel them
126
development and life expectancy. As far as human beings are
mobilise the community of cells the genetic code has built for
itself.
This doesn't mean that the energy is being lost; not at all,
fire producing gases or smoke the energy would escape from the
the mill and just like the millstream, the freed energy
Since for some time now human history has been governed by
127
Modern science has sought and found ways to utilise this field,
light. Just like ships used to carry "messages" over the oceans
The Morpho Genetic Field is what Marrie had dived into in her
search for a message from such energy that would trickle away
out of The Chronicle and this is what she was thinking about
while she relaxed in her bath. This and her father, Dr. Mauro
genetic values and only a very weak influence over how such
life's history on Earth, reaching all the way back to its very
128
mental trip, which, for the traveller, holds the quality of
certain target area of time and location and the closer one
Marrie though had not searched for information from the past.
Quite frankly she doesn't need messages from the past. What she
the FUTURE! And that is the crux of the matter! The future, if
129
This whole "Future-Business" is a somewhat dicey matter, since
Future.
advisable to remind you that you are due to link up with the
"Yes, Yes, I know, but thank you for reminding me", Marrie
interrupted João, "would you put out some suitable attire for
to ask.
130
"Yes, please. Check my schedule first and then fix the earliest
possible time."
Reality?"
not that it makes any difference. Thank you for choosing this
tasteful garment. I'm ready now; just have to walk over to the
and image to any place within the solar system when relying on
with her. The other two methods are not as far reaching,
131
the habitation centres of the other planets they work just as
well.
Reality images into the picture she saw, without the need to
132
Past or Future. The "Make-Belief" Virtual Reality, however,
Who needs computer games or outdoors play, if you can have the
"real" thing right where you are, anytime you want it and make
Reality programme.
6.
"Hi, Dad. Are your old bones still serving you well?"
133
the outer planets. She'd be hard pressed if she tried to come
back and if we just told her, she'd be sorry to learn that she
clocking
"You do, don't you? Well, there's nothing better than the
result from a tight race. You might just be surprised what your
"old" Dad has in store for you. Now for the venue - you do
time ago?"
"Yes, that's the one. What about two weeks from now for a
134
"That's fine, girl. 3 days, 14 days from now at Ushuaia. I'm
The link was cut and Mauro Christmas' image faded slowly from
the monitor.
took her to Ushuaia in just over an hour. Now she was waiting
over the icy, green waters she noticed two sabre-like dorsal
fins cutting through the surface not far away from her.
In her mind she reached out to the animals who's fins she saw.
hunting, but spare the young and have mercy on your prey by
killing it swiftly."
135
There is, of course, no real way of talking to animals. But
The race meeting between Marrie and her father resulted in its
held back a little to make the finish of the three sprints they
ran look tight. Competition was not the issue here; mutual
enjoyment was and enjoy themselves they did in the time they
"Dad, you know that all through the ages mankind always
"Strange that you should ask me this question. After all you
are the expert on such subject and a well respected one I might
"Please don't dodge me Dad. I will tell you what this is all
136
about, but answer my question first."
"Very well then. I will tell you the way I see the answer to
your question.
on it.
137
Master over the micro and macro cosmos it is part of.
and later from all other life forms, they had exorcized the
their lives.
138
elevation than that."
the same mastery over the universe as we have over our solar
significantly.
139
travel unpredictably further to meet up with other life forms,
mankind's presence.
itself from our equations and as such would deny the existence
them."
140
matter is all about. I didn't want to just come out with it
You know how touchy this whole subject can be and how
our species.
The outright fear this idea causes in a great many people among
us. The fear of the unknown, the uncertainty that there might
Years, when this very same fear ruled the entire species on
effort it took to dig out from under the shadow of gloom; the
must act accordingly", "We ARE the Father, the Son and the Holy
141
saved. Passivity dooms us all", and so on.
advanced stage.
We have come a long way since, and we exist, but like shadows
ground. Still I see the same fear come to life again. The same
Have you ever wondered why Grandpa gave The Chronicle to me and
earlier on?
the same real dream recurring more and more frequently with
142
long and deep slumber. I feel like I am receiving subtle hints.
careful how you explore it further and how you present any
"I could come to your Institute with The Chronicle and maybe
all."
"I have to think about that. Child, you realise that we are
143
What I can say for sure is, that if I'm right, the future holds
a lot, and I mean quite a lot, more information than the Morpho
chances."
bottom or not. Let's not talk about this any more. Let's give
Marrie nodded silently and got up to embrace her father who had
paced nervously through the room after Marrie had startled him
shiver run through her father's body. Dr. Mauro Christmas was
144
"We might be genetically immortal, but we also are who we are."
He turned and left her alone in the room. Alone with her
thoughts and alone with the uncertainties she was getting drawn
The ACU was waiting patiently for her to decide if she also
7.
the two continents are green, laden with plankton and other
ocean wealth that would attract such cold water sea creatures
which lived off it. Aquatic life is teeming with action of hunt
145
inhabitants of the planet and for the benefit of such community
and made the decision on its own, but with total conviction
others to accept what they themselves have not also adopted for
wisdom adopt the solution derived from these two great pillars
146
of civilisation. Alea jacta est.
was too late. How much they themselves have had to suffer in
is:
The breeding stations and nurseries for south polar life are in
life.
147
Inside - the same feeling. The warmth of wooden furniture and
complete with the smells that go with it. Small rooms, sparsely
148
nature's own art; the spectacular grandeur of the scenery.
the thawing phase which supplied the fun, for when the surface
next.
off with a mind of their own while standing still, admiring the
scenery.
lethargy of chilled air, with all the wind milling arms doing
149
experience and the fun did. Faces were aglow from chilly air
Christmas.
her father could help her, had not stopped at the end of the
first evening. Over the following two evenings they were just
daughter's pursuit of doing what she had to do. Never mind how
well founded.
The right thing now for him to do was to lend her his full
risk free as possible. But how does one avoid the risk from the
150
unknown?
Before they parted early on the fourth day, they agreed that
in it.
father's contact.
8.
While Marrie waited for her father to contact her she went
call.
"Holography."
151
Egyptian practice of embalming dead bodies. Now the lifelike
her own, so that they could face each other like two real
people would.
"Yes, and she is quite right to have done so. In fact the
Council has just finished a full plenum session with the only
father's Institute.
152
You are in no way impeded in your search for knowledge and
has on you, you are not to enter it in the record system until
The final part about "luck" was a clear caution that in the
all humanity!
are doing. But, Marrie, I must also say that I am scared for
you. Are you sure a solution cannot be found with normal means
153
sincerest appreciation for their considerate stance. I will
else my mind would not be at rest. I also did not know that The
in my efforts."
"and you may rest assured that the vast majority of fellow
want to, believe that you are on the right track. The thought
free species.
154
present existence within the Universe. But the point you made
physical existence?"
"Sure"
contracting?"
155
"Ever since your father reported the existence of a possible
their real problems until it was almost too late. Let's not
taken before she could jump off the ledge. What did her father
156
call it? An abyss without known bottom? Now the point of no
return is passed. She had to jump and she knew she will not
hesitate.
unpleasant to imagine that Mum and Dad would have to bear the
consequences of my action.
Just as unpleasant to know that I would lose them and all the
If I do get lost, will it be like with the people who got lost
selves.
Suddenly the realisation struck her that her genetic sample had
as yet not been reproduced. Why? Was there a reason for that?
157
"You are probably a dud."
me?"
"There are two reasons for it. Firstly, the average biological
achieve.
"You are wearing your dunce cap again, aren't you?", Marrie
shook her head, but smiled with relief about the plausibility
"How did you guess I'm wearing my dunce cap?", João exhaled in
158
startled exasperation.
"Whenever you do I can just picture you the way you ought to
hat!"
denial.
tune!
the real clue to the image were male genitals and a clean-
159
"If you think you have reproductive problems, sister, you have
pink, pointed hat, which was strapped tight under the chin to
"Yes, every now and again, all through the ages, nature would
fall asleep and close both eyes while some of your human
had no way to escape their plight. They had to make the best of
what they got and find a way of life which still enabled them
others failed. What they all had in common with you were the
160
daunting uncertainties in their lives. But just like Thelma,
many others also drew strength from the realisation that their
lot was the only lot they would get as well as an unwavering
for the horizon they would strike out, head held high, steady
"I got the message and I'm very grateful for it. I guess I have
on their odds."
her a kiss before she evaporated and left Marrie with re-
9.
161
bombardment of information he would call down on her? Or would
powers?
and invoke The Dream from the depth of her memory. Her father
the level where he and his team had found access to what they
return. If all went well the whole procedure would at most take
the genetic bond between mind and body. When they stepped out
result their mental self would have had to fade away after
Do you think this has any relevance for what we intend to do?"
162
"No, I don't see any connection. I am just curious to learn
your point of view. You know that in former days some people
had this idea about their "soul" going to some mystical place
the situation we are in. But I'm also very proud to maybe be
or the end of the rainbow as they used to say. I'm doing this
not just for myself, but for all of mankind past, present and
163
torches. My "Reason For Living" is to give meaning to the
efforts of those who have gone before me and pay tribute and
"HIER STEHE ICH, ICH KANN NICHT ANDERS; GOTT HELFE MIR. AMEN"
from the risks looming over him. His lot was so much harder to
face than mine since he was also up against such then prevalent
goodwill and respect amongst our kind. I so would like you and
164
Mauro Christmas, who had stood motionless while listening to
his daughter, now went over to her and took her in his arms.
sure that it will not have been in vain. I promise you that,
she would not see and misinterpret the tears welling up in his
eyes. They were not tears of helpless emotions; they were tears
The next day was just a normal day for the world at large.
Only a selected few were aware that this day was already a
165
experiment at the Supra-Dimensional Morpho Genetic Research
around her own bedroom in her habitat. She had the Chronicle
achieve.
Before she had done so, she had manipulated her mind into a
its own after she had gone to sleep. The dream itself was not
Control means that Marrie was dreaming and Dr. Christmas gave
This was still the easy part and everything proceeded smoothly.
166
recorded or expected to be received. Soon Marrie had reached
down criteria.
a brief glimpse of it when her father would push open the gate
for her.
167
enhanced the illumination of the individual instruments and
Nobody heard the final word despite the total silence by all
daughter's condition.
whether she was winning or losing. This could not go on for too
in the mental battle she was fighting. But to just cut her off
be a fatal hesitation.
168
that his daughter's fists began to open involuntarily he cut-
She was calm and relaxed with a slight electric tingle running
through her body. She felt close kinship with all the great
they had felt like her before they took-off on their epic
missions. Somehow she would have liked them to know that after
all those many centuries which had passed in the interim there
where still people who remembered their deeds and held the
without which mankind would never have found the answers to the
evolutionary elevation.
dinosaurs went when they finally encountered the one, big, fate
169
instead harmonize creation and transform the whole planet into
TIME, gave her the power and reassurance that she mustered the
the kinsfolk of past who probably uttered the same words before
The Dream unfolded in its normal way but somewhere along the
now would detect and report such deviation from normality like
170
the elevation of her Morpho genetic level taking place.
Then sometime later the acceleration stopped and she knew that
this was it; the gate to the "Future". Any moment it could be
much what happened, but the vehemence with which it did. Marrie
her down. In her mind she was gasping for air while her "arms"
to, pull her out of the deluge and away from danger. There was
direction; and another one, and another one, until the darkness
171
tracers. The tracers became embers of red-hot coal shooting
pain.
Her head seemed like it was trying to blow itself apart. Under
was going on. Eventually the pain ebbed away. She started to
"Welcome back, Girl", she heard her father say and realised
then that it was over and she was safely back on Earth.
10.
"The only reason I can think of, for not doing it again is this
but what makes you so sure that you'll fare any better if, by
your own account, you were overpowered the moment you went in?"
"I think I didn't do too badly. Next time I know what to expect
172
to speak. And then, even though I did not collect any useable
DON'T GIVE IN. It could also mean: TRY AGAIN - couldn't it?"
Then we are agreed that for the next try your body will go on
The walls were plastered over with images from The Chronicle.
173
Marrie's concentration was buffeted by gusts and swirls of
"I have to hold on. Hold on ... . Have to ... hold on ... hold
on."
She needed all her mental strength to hold on, afraid that if
she slipped and let go she might be catapulted out into the
strength to keep her mental eye open and she succumbed to the
darkness.
This time she had clearly recognized the word "protect" before
174
..... QUALITY ...
held a model globe of planet Earth in her arms. But when she
Dr. Christmas and his team recognised the new direction of her
her body. The energy supply to the brain fell sharply from one
"Daddy?"
175
"I'm here, Girl. I'll be with you in a second. We are just busy
over his daughter's safe return. The moment he had done what
There was an air of jubilation amongst the team members and the
first ones finished with their tasks had wanted to rush over to
the chamber to help Marrie out of the contraption she was in.
Now his team stood around him and applauded with loud cheers as
Marrie was released and helped to her feet. Still unsteady and
weak she hugged her father. Mauro Christmas held his daughter,
she needed.
"Relax. Take your time. Don't say anything if you don't feel
176
The people surrounding Dr. Christmas and his daughter were dead
implosion, of a statement!
just gone through. Had she lost her mind on that trip? Does she
explain."
"Marrie, what you just said doesn't make sense. It cannot be.
statement?"
"I know that what I've just said is true even though I cannot
yet offer you any proof. You all accept that the Universe is
globular?"
177
There was nobody who would deny that.
it in my arms!"
Except this time nobody speculated whether she had gone out of
became awkward.
178
"But how come you could hold it in your arms, if the Universe
know.
"I have no answer to your question. At least not yet. There was
more to my experience than what I've told you so far. But right
and still have to try and work out what to make of it. All I
know is that the search for the "Future" is over, but I'm left
with the distinct feeling that this doesn't mean that there is
Of course, the words I saw. Are they a riddle? But where from?
was nothing else for her to do at the Institute. Her father and
collected. But she was convinced she knew already all there was
in the first place. If her father wanted to join her and lend
his support to what she intended doing she was sure his team
179
would do the work just as well without him.
Dr. Christmas slowly nodded his head: "Yes, I think I'll join
flies off to." He said that with a smile though. If his theory
progress triumphed.
Universe was still spherical and now it's flat! And nobody saw
180
Marrie and Mauro Christmas were mulling over her theory for the
umpteenth time.
be ignored as a tool."
revelations."
these three tools and scan them through Virtual Reality. Dad,
will you put The Chronicle through the optical scanner while I
181
While Dr. Christmas did his part, Marrie settled down
took for the ACU to mechanically turn the pages. For the first
population.
Marrie's part took a lot more time and quite a lot more effort
session and search for and highlight any connection with the
182
Marrie repeated the words for João's benefit.
"Copy your progress into Virtual Reality and show us what you
do."
With that they donned their headgear and entered the world of
the help of local Morpho Genetics, his wife Nickie and their
be.
But there was also Grandfather Franz, exactly the way Marrie
remembered him, playing his part in the search Marrie and her
183
and drawn out. A clear indication that the data collected
the full scan was completed. With the eclipse of the final
hands.
"The clue words certainly do fit in. The first passages are
words Grandpa used the day he handed the Chronicle over to me.
184
Both were poring over the volume of the Chronicle which
185
in uncertainty.
.....
spoke about it she had had no idea of its existence, she had
turned her head away from her father. There in the centre of
186
the room, floating between ceiling and floor was an iridescent
"João?" Marrie called out and the alarm in her voice was
noticeable.
For the first time ever João would not answer. Instead a voice
Universe.
new existence."
disappeared.
Marrie's mind was reeling. But the surprises weren't quite over
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yet.
escaped his own perception. He had heard and seen the mirage,
AMEN."
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"We are The Immaterial. The Essence of all Existence. You have
you in them. Come meet your ancestors. They will all be here.
--- * ---
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