On an ancient Earth rapidly becoming inhospitable, the Altants-a race of hyperintelligent, six-fingered beings-make plans to leave the treacherous surface and go where it's safe: underwater. But they don't go there alone. In the interest of preserving the tribes of proto-humans still dwelling above the surface (and maintaining control over a desirable source of labor), they bring 20 fertile pairs from each race to a specially designed observation center. Then the volunteer captives-known as Darks, Blues, Browns, Pinks and Purples-start making demands. What happens next might just make the Atlants wish they never meddled in the affairs of supposedly "lesser" life forms.
A fascinating work of science fiction, Earth: The Forgiving Sphere is a powerfully imagined alternative history rich with sociological implications. At its core is a message of humanity's unbridled will to succeed no matter the odds on its quest for survival.
Joseph De Sues is a retired engineer. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and of Hartford University. As an engineer, his work was instrumental in establishing the global positioning system and in production of the Minuteman III missile.