One of the best of Arthur's later novels was "The Songs of Distant Earth", published in 1986, although it was based on a 1958 short story. Arthur said it was his favourite of all his novels.
What happened on Thalassa after Magellan departed? Everything belongs to the late, great Sir Arthur Charles Clarke. Part 4.
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One month later President Noguchi was having a discussion with Owen Fletcher.
"So Mr. Fletcher, how are things with the scorps?"
"Madam President, we are gradually increasing the electric fences around the islands, although it will take several years at this rate to surround all three islands."
"At least there have been no more attacks on divers."
"Fortunately no more attacks, but we are having to take lots of precautions every time a team of divers go down to the seabed. Gradually more and more metal is being removed from the sea bed by our scorp friends. If this carries on much longer it will start to affect our fish harvesting."
"These scorps only want our metal, is that correct?"
"That's right Madam President."
"Before I was dragged kicking and screaming into the Presidential Residence I was Professor of Materials Science at the University. I am looking forward to returning there in three months and one day. I was talking to some of my academic friends earlier today. We think we can make non-metallic equipment to go on the sea bed. Let's see what the scorps make of that?"
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Three months later President Noguchi had her last meeting with Owen Fletcher as President.
"Good afternoon Mr. Fletcher."
"You look happy Madam President."
"One more day Owen, one more day. How are the non-metallic prototypes doing on the seabed?"
"Not been touched, the fish harvest is starting to recover."
"Good to know, my academic friends have also been busy making microtransmitters. We are going to attach these to the metal we dump on scorpville. It should be a lot easier to track the scorps with these transmitters. Gradually they should all incorporate these into their metal bands, then we should be able to see them coming if there are enough of them."
"I bet you can't wait to get back to the University and join in the work. I wonder who will be your successor."
"Ah yes, that is something I wanted to discuss with you. As you know on Thalassa we choose our President at random from anyone of a suitable age for a three year term. However, there is a clause in our constitution, which has never been used in our history as far as I know. In a time of crisis, if everyone in the government agrees, we can appoint a suitable person to the Presidency….."
