Many of his fellows might regard Bradley Reynolds as an alien. He was never motivated by a desire to accumulate wealth, so in his waning years he has given away all that he earned during his life. He never desired power for its own sake, so he now lives happily in seclusion. The aging populace of Earth see him as a hero, due to his earlier exploits, so in section three of Dr. Gregory Benford and Gordon Eklund’s novel If the Stars are Gods, he spends his days within the protective walls of a monastery. For his expertise and opinions are still valued, and government officials continue to seek him out. These he asks his monastic brothers to turn away, so that he may pursue his contemplation undisturbed.
One day, a representative arrives with a unique piece of news. After years of listening to space, the scientists have received a genuine alien signal, which they have labeled the Alpha Libra puzzle. So far, they have only deciphered enough to determine that the aliens’ homeworld must be a gas giant. This makes no sense to Bradley: what kind of intelligent alien life would live on such a planet? His opinions and advice on this new development are sought by the government’s Science and Astronomy committee. Yes, it is an interesting puzzle. But he is now in his eighties. He is someone quite different from the man who preached the merits of space travel, who walked on Mars, and who talked with aliens. Nevertheless, he tells the government representative to wait while he decides whether or not he will respond.
In Star Trek The Motion Picture, the character of Spock is faced with such a moment of decision. He has spent his time in seclusion, in preparation to receive a great mark of respect from his people: Kolinahr. For most Vulcans, this would be a worthy accomplishment. But Spock is not only Vulcan, he has a human half as well. He has worked long and hard to divest himself of that aspect of his personality. Indeed, those who oversee this period of testing believe he is worthy to receive this honor. Yet somehow, he senses that his skills and abilities are needed elsewhere, and that his human half is necessary to meet this unwanted task. He could ignore this new calling. He could finally receive the respect from his fellow Vulcans that he has long sought. Yet he decides to be honest with the Vulcan leadership. He reveals that he is unworthy to receive this honor, and leaves to pursue a task he neither requested nor desired.
In contemplating the emissary’s request, Bradley Smith realizes what it will take to fully decipher the Alpha Libra puzzle. To understand aliens who live in such an environment, humans must live near a gas giant. A space station must be built in orbit around Jupiter so they can search out what type of alien life lives there. And who has the popularity of the aging citizenry of Earth? Who has sufficient prestige to convince the government to undergo such a monumental effort? As much as Bradley Smith had believed his life of public service was over, is it possible that he is not just the right person for this task, but the only person carrying it to completion?
Like Spock, Bradley Smith has accomplished much in his life. He has earned his retirement, the right to spend his final years in comfort and peaceful contemplation. Yet he decides to leave the monastery, not only because he feels the yearning to once again try to communicate with the other forms of life who might await us among the stars, but for the good of his fellow man.
Would we be so willing to abandon our comfort zones, if a similar request were made of us?
One day, a representative arrives with a unique piece of news. After years of listening to space, the scientists have received a genuine alien signal, which they have labeled the Alpha Libra puzzle. So far, they have only deciphered enough to determine that the aliens’ homeworld must be a gas giant. This makes no sense to Bradley: what kind of intelligent alien life would live on such a planet? His opinions and advice on this new development are sought by the government’s Science and Astronomy committee. Yes, it is an interesting puzzle. But he is now in his eighties. He is someone quite different from the man who preached the merits of space travel, who walked on Mars, and who talked with aliens. Nevertheless, he tells the government representative to wait while he decides whether or not he will respond.
In Star Trek The Motion Picture, the character of Spock is faced with such a moment of decision. He has spent his time in seclusion, in preparation to receive a great mark of respect from his people: Kolinahr. For most Vulcans, this would be a worthy accomplishment. But Spock is not only Vulcan, he has a human half as well. He has worked long and hard to divest himself of that aspect of his personality. Indeed, those who oversee this period of testing believe he is worthy to receive this honor. Yet somehow, he senses that his skills and abilities are needed elsewhere, and that his human half is necessary to meet this unwanted task. He could ignore this new calling. He could finally receive the respect from his fellow Vulcans that he has long sought. Yet he decides to be honest with the Vulcan leadership. He reveals that he is unworthy to receive this honor, and leaves to pursue a task he neither requested nor desired.
In contemplating the emissary’s request, Bradley Smith realizes what it will take to fully decipher the Alpha Libra puzzle. To understand aliens who live in such an environment, humans must live near a gas giant. A space station must be built in orbit around Jupiter so they can search out what type of alien life lives there. And who has the popularity of the aging citizenry of Earth? Who has sufficient prestige to convince the government to undergo such a monumental effort? As much as Bradley Smith had believed his life of public service was over, is it possible that he is not just the right person for this task, but the only person carrying it to completion?
Like Spock, Bradley Smith has accomplished much in his life. He has earned his retirement, the right to spend his final years in comfort and peaceful contemplation. Yet he decides to leave the monastery, not only because he feels the yearning to once again try to communicate with the other forms of life who might await us among the stars, but for the good of his fellow man.
Would we be so willing to abandon our comfort zones, if a similar request were made of us?
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