Gary W. Babb
SAN DIEGO BOOK AWARDS ASSOCIATION 2005 SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY WINNER!!
"Earth is Ours." is a fresh and uniquely original story line that bridges many genres. It is a story of a symbiotic relationship between a self-aware female computer and an American Indian man dying of old age. This is a forced relationship dictated by mutual needs for survival in a world stripped of technology by aliens. The main characters begin the fight of their lives, but before they can fight the fierce aliens, Levi and Amy must fight for control of who they will be jointly. What begins as conflict of minds, develops into tolerance, then cooperation and finally love. This love of total oneness creates a unity of incredible power and strength that provides the means to fight the aliens. Female brains and male brawn unite to battle against incredible odds for the survival of the human race. The conflict of minds, action, adventure and suspense are all interlaced into a compelling and fast paced adventure.
The characters are three dimensional with real emotions, not always perfect, but always interacting. The story is presented from differing viewpoints with the two main characters expressing some of the same events from both a male and female perspective. As they interface, the events are often seen from conflicting emotions and motivations; sometimes cynical and often humorous. It is the ultimate struggle of male versus female while combating monstrous aliens.
As expected, this action story has a strong appeal to men, while the romance aspect compliments the story expanding the appeal to women. Additionally, one of the main characters is Amy, a particularly, brilliant and forceful female who demands attention from both sexes. Her male counterpart is very physical and masculine, representing everything Amy is not. Both characters and sexes are presented in a positive although conflicting way at times. These characters, and the story, are strong and their saga continues in its sequel “Target Earth.”
Mr. Babb, Vice President of Americable’s Western Region operations has been in the cable industry since 1967. He is originally from Oklahoma, but work took him from South Florida to South Texas and finally to Southern California where he has spent the last 18 years. Prior to entering in the industry, he served in the Navy in communications and traveled the world. His education includes Western Oklahoma State College, Amarillo College, DeVry Institute of Technology, National Cable Television Institute (NCTI), and currently holds an FCC license in communication.
As a business executive, his previous writing experience has been directed toward letters, memos, proposals, and reports, however he has always enjoyed the magic that can be spun with words to sell, convince, or inform those targeted. “Earth is Ours” is his first effort toward spinning a tale of entertainment. The telling of this story and weaving the words provides a very exciting and entertaining saga. He hopes to continue writing and has the sequel “Target Earth” ready to follow.
His plans are to move back to Oklahoma with his wife Junie and settle into a slower pace and devote his energy to his writing and fishing on Lake Eufaula.
www.garywbabb.com
CHAPTER 1
(THE BATTLE RAGES)
How much pain could he stand… at what intensity would he pass out? Would he be dead as his flesh was ripped from his body? Levi mused as he stood on the rocky hill overlooking the aliens gathered in the hot desert valley below. From a distance the Simians’ long golden hair glistened, giving the appearance of a vast rolling field of ripe wheat; however, there was no comfort to be had from the misleadingly gentle scene below. He felt like a lost child as he reluctantly started toward them.
As he approached the aliens the tranquil scene slowly transformed into a vision of horror. The only seemingly earthly allusion to their features was a slight resemblance to apes, which initially led to the popular acceptance of the name Simians. After that hint of earthly association their appearance turned completely alien. The Simians’ sandy, almost dirty white skin could be seen unnaturally contrasting with their golden hair. The red reptilian eyes held him in an unblinking stare. The rows of black fanged teeth could easily be seen as they reflected the midday sun, and upon closer inspection, were almost shark-like in appearance. The teeth were triangular and made a ghostly clicking sound as they vibrated together, interlacing like meshing gears. In their agitation, the black teeth were not completely covered by their meaty gray lips, allowing the reverberating sound to escape. A loud chorus of the eerie clatter emanated from the hundreds of gathered Simians. The sound could be heard echoing throughout the valley, straining the ears and nerves of the human army. He could almost feel the vibration, but it was the sound that was most disturbing. It was ironic how that sound reminded him of a rattlesnake’s warning rattle, ironic also in the danger it represented.
Respect for “Levi the Legend” was very apparent as the churning golden sea of Simians nervously parted allowing him to pass. They hopped in excitement on their thick legs, communicating in that high pitched screeching. He sensed no threat from them and continued walking through the forest of towering Simians toward the waiting Gord. Levi hoped his fear did not show, while inside he was shaking and scared beyond belief. He asked Amy telepathically, “Are you with me? I don’t want to be alone.”
Amy softly responded saying, “I am always with you Levi. You are never alone.”
“I know Amy. I just feel alone.”
