With Earth in Turmoil, Humanity's Last Hope Might Reside Underwater 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.