 First edition | |
| Author | James P. Hogan |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Dru Blair |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Baen Publishing Enterprises |
Publication date | 2000 |
The Legend That Was Earth is a novel by science fiction author James P. Hogan; it was published in 2000 by Baen Publishing Enterprises. It includes several themes common to science fiction, such as dystopias, alien encounters, and the distinctions of personhood. It has been called a "political fantasy." [1]
At the onset of the story, aliens called Hyadeans have established contact and friendly business relations with Earth. They think Earth is fascinating because it so different from their own bleak, austere culture. Though they are highly interested in studying the planet and its cultures, Hyadeans are far more technologically advanced and have a more accurate knowledge of science. Many humans accept this alien presence, but there are many who do not trust the Hyadeans and believe they are plotting to take control of Earth. One group that espouses this belief is CounterAction, which the American government lists as a terrorist organization. When a flyer (advanced aircraft) carrying both Hyadean visitors and Terran politicians is shot down, CounterAction is blamed and the Internal Security Service (ISS) is intent on shutting down their organization by any methods necessary.
The action follows savvy Roland Cade who gives up his comfortable life when he is pulled into CounterAction. Because he was formerly married to Marie Cade, a political activist who plays a strong role in CounterAction, the ISS uses him to trace her. His mistress Julia is secretly an ISS agent, and convinces him to use his contacts with CounterAction to take in her friend, a supposed political dissident. He takes the friend to Chattanooga, where he unexpectedly runs into Marie. Julia's friend turns out to be an ISS plant and he is forced to flee with Marie; the government believes he is a part of CounterAction because of his wife’s association with the group. They both use their connections to get aid in dodging the government, and these connections form an unlikely bond. CounterAction has been strongly anti-Hyadean, but they find allies in Cade’s Hyadean friend Vrel and some of his comrades.
For much of the story, the action switches between Cade’s group of friends’ attempt to escape capture and the actions of the ISS as more information is revealed. While Cade and his friends learn that states and regions of the country are seceding, the Hyadean officials take over the increasingly impotent government and use military force to subdue resistance. However, a pro-Terran alien interviews Cade and Marie and films footage of Hyadean and government cruelty. This interview gets broadcast to both Earth and the aliens’ planet Chryse. As a result, many Hyadeans pledge their support and Terrans are given courage to fight for their freedom. The struggle stops being an Earth vs. alien skirmish, and becomes a fight for the rights of both Terran and Hyadean.
While Cade, Marie, and their posse travel from country to country to gain new allies and to find shelter, the Hyadean military steps ups its campaign and CounterAction comes under more attacks. They are attacked everywhere they flee, and their Hyadean allies suffer a massive defeat when a Hyadean mission is bombed. Finally, it appears the organization is done for entirely when a formation of giant airships appears. The ships are believed to be both Hyadean and capable of mass destruction. However, the ships belong to a friendly third party of a different alien civilization, the Querl; these aliens have come to help Terrans. CounterAction gets the news that the Hyadean government has just crumpled from popular indigenous support for Earth, and the war is over. New governments form and a stronger, benevolent union between Earth and Chryse begins.
As the story begins, one can see the beginnings of a dystopia. Hyadeans are beginning to have more and more influence in Terran governmental and military affairs. Most Western countries have formed an alliance called the Global Economic Coalition, which the Hyadeans direct because of their stronger economic power. The secret mission of the Hyadean government is to use Earth as a colony, like they have done with other planets. The United States is a bit of a police state as well. Identification is required for simple things such as crossing a state border, and the government has enough technology to track people down easily. As CounterAction gains more influence, the dystopia worsens. Different cities and states begin to secede from the country, and the Hyadeans take over and start a massive military campaign against them. With smart drones and other impressive weapons, they destroy neighborhoods and areas indiscriminately. Hyadeans who sympathize with CounterAction are given no mercy; the Hyadean West Coast Trade and Cultural Mission, which is host to several Terran sympathizers, is flattened in a bombing raid. Order is restored only when the government in Chryse is dissolved from within.
Like all dystopias, this is both "political" and a "fantasy." [1]
The Legend That Was Earth appears to be a less drastic mix of Arthur C. Clarke's novel Childhood's End and the 2006 film Independence Day . The Hyadeans possess superior intelligence and technology, and their rulers wish to use Earth’s resources. However, their alien characteristics are not as foreign as the aliens’ in the aforementioned works. Hyadeans are basically discolored, chunky, pragmatic humans. Their skin colors range from dark-blue to pink and they are very tall and thickset. They also in general do not act upon emotion. Decisions are almost always based on self-interest; Hyadean visitors on Earth are amazed at Terran generosity and religions. Interaction, aside from the Hyadean government trying to colonize Earth, is fairly peaceful. Hyadeans wish to learn more about Terrans and socialize them. While there are some who do not trust the aliens, many Terrans accept and befriend them. This friendship only increases after the war ends.
The Hyadeans’ not-so-alien characteristics become even less distinct the more they remain in contact with Terran culture. While Hyadeans tend to be utilitarian, many admire Terran arts. Terran movies, music, and souvenirs are cherished in Chryse. The Hyadeans on earth often adopt human characteristics and traits. For example, one Hyadean starts wearing decorative clothing, whereas the standard garb in Chryse is a grey tunic ensemble. Many Hyadeans adopt Terran religions. Others, such as Vrel, are fascinated with human altruism and develop concern for others instead of pure self-interest. Hogan implies that the question of humanity is based on emotional depth and a sense of oneself as an individual; it is as if other life forms could actually learn to be humans. The protagonist Cade even wonders time from time if "Hyadeans could become even more Terran than Terrans themselves"(Hogan 187).
The reviews have been mixed. The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction reviewed the book simply as just a "political fantasy." [1] The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction called it "less than impressive" and "frequently lethargic," but the alien/human relationships "overcome the ponderous plot." [2]
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