Ted Magnuson

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‘Before you go away forever,’ Cheryl urges Jac "Come see what I know." Cheryl, an astrophysicist, knows a highly experimental form of space transport. Jac had been chosen to be part of a forty year mission to Alpha Centauri. When the two of them follow Cheryl's lead, they plunge into an endless war between the Basarans and the Eulons at the center of the universe. While set in the 22nd century, readers may discover people in the future still face problems like those we face today. The solutions make all the difference.

At the close of The Moses Probe, it appears to begin again. Jac and Cheryl are asked to plant the Moses Probe on another planet. What advantage is it to the Basarans if another intelligent species becomes space-faring sentients (they may become new Basarans).
Protos appears to be a polarized planet, with Eulons and Basarans engaged in ‘a war that lasts forever between trouble and happiness.’ Again, a planet may be a clumsy metaphor. We know that evil is a present danger for everyone. Even Paul of Tarsus, the foremost promoter of Christianity in its early days, admitted “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:19.
How do you think different species receiving the Moses Probe will respond to it? Will it be answered by individuals acting on their own? Could it be more broadly sponsored by the whole nation? Whole world? Would the ‘responders’ be deceived initially by the Eulons? What if more sentients responded to the Basaran methods instead of being entrapped by the Eulons? What if the Eulons were the only ones flying the drax?

Hope you enjoyed the book!

8) On Protos, the sharing of information can be done mentally. Telepathy, a science fiction staple, has made vast advances in the 22nd century. check the PBS link above. chapter 13 on…
9) How would you characterize Lucius Helf? Angry? Foolish? Intimidating? Megalomaniac? What do you think would happen to anyone who opposed him? What about Mooly Gren? How much power has she? Is she in anyway defying a system she sees as unjust? chapters 14-19
10) In the opening of Chapter Twenty, (page 119) Jac contrasts ‘random (natural) selection with ‘systems theory.’ He says ‘Energy has to enter the system somewhere.’ What names could be given to this source of energy? Will to survive, tenacity, creative spirit? Would it be a stretch to call it God? At Drath Cohort Seven, Jac and Cheryl ‘armor up.’ What role do clothes play in confidence, security? Ephesians 6:10-18 chapter 20
11) Until Jac meets Day Helena in Raveena, the people he encounters on Protos have not been especially friendly or forthcoming. What do you think about first impressions? What can you tell about a person from the tone of their voice, their manner of conducting themselves? chapter 22
12) The Utmohn is supposedly a fortress, a refuge in Raveena. But while the ‘external’ enemy may not be present, how does Jac defend against ‘enemies within?” He runs. Any other choices? chapter 23
13) When Jac again meets Cheryl, she has changed dramatically. How do circumstances, especially problems, affect our personality? Were Cheryl’s actions heroic at the Maelstrom heroic? What about Jac’s actions in leaving the safety of the drax?
14) For several chapters (26-32), neither Jac nor Cheryl is quite themselves. Lucky Helf has them in his grip. Is his grip mental, physical or both? Yet as Chapter 27 closes, Jac and Cheryl decide to keep the birth of the drax’s hatchlings secret from Helf. What would Helf have done, should he had known about the hatchlings? Did they talk about that openly? The decision appeared to have been made wordless and unconsciously, as if silent wisdom within them made the decision for them. Have you experienced a power like this? While we’re on the subject, the young are often kept sheltered from the rigors of the world. Could just this been a part of what Jac and Cheryl did with the draxlings?
15) Gabreal, (possibly Gabriel), appears when Jac is in a ‘teachable moment,’ overwhelmed by Pam’s capricious death. While Gabreal had been sent to take care of Pam, he also takes time to serve Jac. Is this an example of an ‘arbitrary story element?’Is a larger realistic dynamic at work? Is it an example of “Be careful what you wish for—you may get it?” Jac has wanted to go to Basara for some time. Now he has met someone who can make it happen. Chapter 32
16) Old TUG seems modeled on a Hollywood actor. Omar Sharif comes to mind. The ancient people considered their kings divine and admittedly, for many people today, that metaphor for God still has power (or a strike against). Anytime we attempt to explain the ‘metaphysical’ (the Unknown), in terms of mechanics (in terms of the known), there is bound to be something lost in the translation. Does your worldview include a concept that could be defined as “A powerful source of resiliency, health, security and strength that stands in the face of adversity? Mellowness in the presence of good fortune? Wisdom to meet challenges? Does it include solidarity, goodwill and encouragement from contact with other likeminded individuals? Does such a concept do enough? Could it do more? It is realistic? Does it need to be realistic today? Could this concept be an apt description of ‘God/Faith/Belief?’ The acronym TUG (The Unknown Guide) is modeled on Acts 17:23. chapter 35
17) When it comes to fighting, it has been said ‘It takes two to ‘tangle.’ What about peace? How many parties does it take to make peace? Where is ‘God’ or ‘wisdom’ in the midst of the trials of life? James 1:2-8. chapter 38
18) Jac and Cheryl meet again at the Taj Mahal. Her kore-body has been stolen and resides at The Great Pyramid. Is she ‘helpless’ in insisting this task be done? How does she conduct herself? What about concepts like kore-body, spoosh, and drath. What do you think they mean? chapter 40