Talking Bear

A 22nd Century American Negotiates with Aquatic Aliens for the Survival of Humanity In the next century, everyone lives with labels. Harry Hebert is a boonie, a rural American who isn't rich. As a climate mitigation biologist, he is accustomed to moving through different militia territories in the outlands, interacting with townies (poor city dwellers), and swamp rats (immigrants living in the flooded coastlands). We meet him, however, traveling to the historic capitol to secretly release his twin sister's ashes into the Potomac River. There, he sees alien ships, looking like giant brown eggs, coming up the river. Although he runs away, Harry realizes he can hear voices coming from the ships just as he could always hear the voice of his twin in his head. Reluctantly, he turns back and makes contact. The invaders are scientists seeking a water home. Earth is perfect except for one destructive species that can easily be eradicated. Because Harry is intelligent, able to communicate, he is offered sanctuary along with his family. He refuses. Earth is his home. Thus begins the delicate and dangerous process of convincing an invading race that humans are worth saving. Simultaneously, Harry struggles to convince humans to stop fighting with the aliens and each other. His unique ability to hear telepathic creatures makes people suspect he's been compromised and the aliens think he's not human. He becomes the Talking Bear, arguing for the world. A sci-fi adventure explores how culture colors our values. Contrasts between violence and faith, individuality and community, and the transcendent power of love are recurring themes.