Civil Refuge: Star Quest

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These microwaves were remarkably uniform which illustrated the homogenity of the early stages of the universe. However, the satillite also discovered that as the universe began to cool and was still expanding, small fluctuations began to exist due to temperature differences. These flucuatuations verified prior calculations of the possible cooling and development of the universe just fractions of a second after its creation.

These fluctuations in the universe provided a more detailed description of the first moments after the Big Bang. They also helped to tell the story of the formation of galaxies which will be discussed in the next chapter. The Big Bang theory provides a viable solution to one of the most pressing questions of all time. It is important to understand, however, that the theory itself is constantly being revised. As more observations are made and more research conducted, the Big Bang theory becomes more complete and our knowledge of the origins of the universe more substantial.

Now that an attempt has been made to grapple with the theory of the Big Bang, the next logical question to ask would be what happened afterward? In the minuscule fractions of the first second after creation what was once a complete vacuum began to evolve into what we now know as the universe. In the very beginning there was nothing except for a plasma soup. What is known of these brief moments in time, at the start of our study of cosmology, is largely conjectural. However, science has devised some sketch of what probably happened, based on what is known about the universe today.

Immediately after the Big Bang, as one might imagine, the universe was tremendously hot as a result of particles of both matter and antimatter rushing apart in all directions. As these two materials are created together, they collide and destroy one another creating pure energy. Fortunately for us, there was an asymmetry in favor of matter. As a direct result of an excess of about one part per billion, the universe was able to mature in a way favorable for matter to persist.

As the universe first began to expand, this discrepancy grew larger. The particles which began to dominate were those of matter. They were created and they decayed without the accompaniment of an equal creation or decay of an antiparticle. As the universe expanded further, and thus cooled, common particles began to form. These particles are called baryons and include photons, neutrinos, electrons and quarks would become the building blocks of matter and life as we know it.

During the baryon genesis period there were no recognizable heavy particles such as protons or neutrons because of the still intense heat. At this moment, there was only a quark soup. As the universe began to cool and expand even more, we begin to understand more clearly what exactly happened. After the universe had cooled to about billion degrees Kelvin, a radical transition began which has been likened to the phase transition of water turning to ice.

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Composite particles such as protons and neutrons, called hadrons, became the common state of matter after this transition. Still, no matter more complex could form at these temperatures. Although lighter particles, called leptons, also existed, they were prohibited from reacting with the hadrons to form more complex states of matter. These leptons, which include electrons, neutrinos and photons, would soon be able to join their hadron kin in a union that would define present-day common matter. After about one to three minutes had passed since the creation of the universe, protons and neutrons began to react with each other to form deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen.

Deuterium, or heavy hydrogen, soon collected another neutron to form tritium. Rapidly following this reaction was the addition of another proton which produced a helium nucleus. Scientists believe that there was one helium nucleus for every ten protons within the first three minutes of the universe. After further cooling, these excess protons would be able to capture an electron to create common hydrogen. Consequently, the universe today is observed to contain one helium atom for every ten or eleven atoms of hydrogen.

While it is true that much of this information is speculative, as the universe ages we are able to become increasingly confident in our knowledge of its history. By studying the way in which the universe exists today it is possible to learn a great deal about its past. Much effort has gone into understanding the formation and number of baryons present today.

Through finding answers to these modern questions, it is possible to trace their role in the universe back to the Big Bang. Subsequently, by studying the formation of simple atoms in the laboratory we can make some educated guesses as to how they formed originally. Only through further research and discovery will it be possible to completely understand the creation of the universe and its first atomic structures, however, maybe we will never know for sure.

We now have something of a handle on two of the most important quandaries concerning the universe; however, one major question remains. If the universe is indeed finite, how long has it been in existence?

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Again, science has been able to expand upon what it knows about the universe today and extrapolate a theory as to its age. By applying the common physical equation of distance over velocity equaling time, which again uses Hubbles observations, a fairly accurate approximation can be made. The two primary measurements needed are the distance of a galaxy moving away from us and that galaxys red shift.

An unsuccessful first attempt was made to find these distances through trigonometry. Scientists were able to calculate the diameter of the Earths orbit around the sun which was augmented through the calculation of the Suns motion through our own galaxy. Unfortunately, this calculation could not be used alone to determine the enormous distance between our galaxy and those which would enable us to estimate the age of the universe because of the significant errors involved.

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If someone believes in good faith that a Lulu Account Holder has infringed their copyright, they can request that we take down the infringing material by filing a DMCA Notice. The three decide to seek the relic from the Last Supper, but have a very twisted relationship. Not as good as Raiders of the Lost Ark, not even close. This is a review for the original, edition. I understand that a re-written, updated version is being published in -- I didn't read that book! Picked this up at a book exchange, and didn't expect much from it. I found it generally pretty lame, and forgettable. View all 5 comments.

Sep 27, Shel Schipper rated it liked it. This was an mediocre story centered around three fairly unlikeable main characters. The premise, however, is fascinating. The history is what is most interesting. The royalty This was an mediocre story centered around three fairly unlikeable main characters.

Before this 's civil war, Ethiopia was still a rather primitive Old Testament land inhabited by pagans, Jews, Christians, and Muslims most of who traced their histories back for centuries and maintained the old laws and traditions, ignorant of the modern era.

This religious history still lingers today. In fact, it's still widely believed that the Ark of the Covenant may actually be there hidden in a Coptic Church guarded by a special priest called 'Keeper of the Ark". He is the only person alive who has ever seen the Ark, and even he has never opened it to see if the tablets of the ten commandments are within, because of course, whoever opens it will be struck dead, according to scripture and legend.

Given this rich legacy, it is easy to imagine that the Holy Grail, too, may have traveled to Ethiopia for safe keeping. But after years of hereditary rule, Marxists staged a brutal coup d'etat that was the prelude to a long, brutal civil war that would last some 20 years and result in some , to 1. It is in this backdrop of the unraveling of thousands of years of royal, perhaps even holy lineage being crushed by cruel rebels that the story takes place - where three journalists come across a dying priest who breathes the secret of Grail to them.

This secret fires their hearts enough to fuel a search, or the quest which follows. Given recent interest in religious myths and Vatican conspiracy, this re-write of a novel ought to spark interest. Personally, the history of the region is a good reason for me to recommend it, despite the sort of weak story and self-centered characters. Quotes from the Book: There may or may not be a Holy Grail at the end of your journey, but the journey and the quest is itself an act of faith and belief.

And as the Romans say, 'Credo quia impossibile. I believe because it's impossible. And, he admitted that they all looked good in their extrinsic settings. And in return for what they'd taken, the Romans built roads and bridges all over their empire; amphitheaters and baths, temples, and forums. So what Mussolini had done in Ethiopia was just a continuation of a long and venerable tradition of stealing and giving.

There is the sulphurous pit; burning, scalding, stench, consumption! Oct 25, Tracy rated it it was ok. I did not realize that he had written this book originally in the s and had revamped this one for It would be interesting to compare the two books. In his acknowledgments he mentioned that his editor said the original book needed more sex.

Actually, for me, that was the one thing I felt this book didn't need.

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I liked the quest portion of the book but the romance just detract When I saw that Nelson DeMille had a new book out, I was really interested in reading it as I enjoy his writing. I liked the quest portion of the book but the romance just detracted from the story. Sep 21, Kate rated it liked it. However, I really got tired of trudging through the jungles of Ethiopia and running from the bad guys.

The characters were just ok and I didn't really care who got the girl in the end. Besides I am getting tired of the Holy Grail. But that is just me. Would probably have given it a 2 star but my loyalty to DeMille wouldn't let me do it. Maybe it is because we are of the same generatio Really disappointing. Maybe it is because we are of the same generation and born in Brooklyn?

Ah, come on Nelson, bring back John Corey!! Oct 03, Jim A rated it it was ok. This is a reissue and update of a book written years ago. I'm happy that I checked this out at the library rather than buying it. I didn't really like this book when I first read it in the 80's and that opinion hasn't changed. For the readers that are using this book as a beginning for DeMille's work, if you didn't like this try a few others. Some of them are excellent 5 stars and others are quite good 4 stars. Feb 28, Cindy rated it it was amazing Shelves: Ethiopia is the setting for majority of this book. Searching for the Holy Grail is the main premise.

A search that will take them into dangerous territory. This book sucks you in right from the beginning. I can say it's not religious for the most part, but definitely has religious undertones. I mean, come on, they are searching for the Holy Grail. It has to have some religious items in it. The 3 main characters are "ch Spectacular read.

The 3 main characters are "chosen". Are they worthy of the search? And can they survive the desire to seek out this incredible item? Survive the General that only wants to contain them and kill them?

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Although a fairly long book, this book kept my interest. I couldn't wait to get back to it. To finish what would happen to them. The ups and downs of learning more of the mystery. It reads like a treasure map. From one clue to the next.

Just a review to inform. This book would be rated XXX in the old movie rating system. I could not finish it due to disgusting stuff, half way through. I wish books could be rated -- I hate finding out on my own what could easily be a disclaimer at the beginning for the intended audience. I hate to think that one of my grandkids would pick this up. This author was recommended, not this book particularly -- but I dare not try anything else.

DeMille takes the reader back to the mids in this re-released novel from his early writing days. When a group of three war-time journalists stumble upon a dying priest in rural Ethiopia, they learn of his great secret, one he's held during his 40 years in prison. Learning he was tasked by Pope Pius XII to confirm the existence of the Holy Grail in a monastery belonging to the Ethiopian Coptic Church, the journalists see both a story and adventure to uncover.

The country's monarchy is overth DeMille takes the reader back to the mids in this re-released novel from his early writing days. The country's monarchy is overthrown by a ruthless Marxist revolutionary regime, leaving those found with monarchy sympathisers in dire straits.

Banned from the country for good, the journalists develop a plan to return to Ethiopia to retrieve the Holy Grail. All three realise what they stand to lose should they fail. The story progresses as our three musketeers plot a return for the Grail and to smuggle it back to the Vatican, out of the hands of the Marxists.

Fighting their sordid and romantic pasts, Frank, Henry, and Vivian enlist the help of a British colonel who spent time in the region during World War II. DeMille cranks up the action and intrigue in a story that could fit nicely into today's fictional offerings. The battle for good and evil, moving away from the Islamic fundamentalist villain theme which has been flogged to death , the reader will lap up all that DeMille has to offer at the turn of every page.

Having been a long-time DeMille fan, I was curious to see if the dry wit and sarcastic nature of his characters can be found in his early work. While not as blatant as John Corey, DeMille fans will find exceptional dialogue and powerful narrative sections to push the plot forward and offer the odd humourous remark. With his attention to detail and unique approach to a centuries-old literary theme, DeMille entertains the reader throughout, while keeping the story from becoming stale. While more of a religious covert mission than a battle to rid the area of the villain read: Filled with extensive research woven together with a collection of realistic characters, the novel provides a powerful narrative of the region's plight outside of the known extensive famine.

Of particular note, while I can only speculate about DeMille's rationale for releasing this novel again, his social commentary about Ethiopia is strong and ongoing. For many, Ethiopia today is known solely for its starvation and the myriad of commercials about sending money to help feed the nation at least through television advertisements in my part of the world. To see the political foundation behind the downfall of this African country and its ties to Italy, DeMille offers readers his own perspective, nestled within chapters of a well-rounded narrative.

He also draws strong parallels to the Vietnam War and the plight of the people after communist insurgence. Tying poverty of the masses to the faux-socialism preached by the Soviet sphere, DeMille does a great job in his subtle commentary. DeMille, not only for dusting off this novel for the next generation to enjoy, but also for tackling it in such a way as to educate as well as entertain. While no one can get enough John Corey, this is a great filler to tide us over. Dec 15, Bob rated it liked it. A rewrite of an earlier shorter story the Quest follows a impromptu trio of reporters as they cover the war in Ethiopia as the Marxist faction is overthrowing the monarchy.

When they are heading for one of the battle areas, they stop at the ruins of a Italian hotel and spa from the days of the Italian occupation. While there they come upon a elderly and wounded Italian priest. He tells the tale of coming upon a Coptic monastery deep in the jungle and the killing of the Italian soldiers he was wi A rewrite of an earlier shorter story the Quest follows a impromptu trio of reporters as they cover the war in Ethiopia as the Marxist faction is overthrowing the monarchy.

He tells the tale of coming upon a Coptic monastery deep in the jungle and the killing of the Italian soldiers he was with. He also tells of seeing the Holy Grail and being healed but the monks passed him on to a Royalist fort where he was imprisoned for 40 years before freed when the fort is overrun by the rebels.

The Priest does not survive his wound and the trio bury him in the spa garden and continue to the town where the Rebel General has his headquarters. Before they can get there they are captured by the rebels and barely get free. Eventually sent to the capitol and ten banned from the country they separate and then regroup with plans to return and search for the Grail. Many more close calls as they begin their search. Ok, that's enough although there is much more going on that you will have to discover for yourself. Nov 13, Robert rated it liked it Shelves: Being as DeMille is one of my favorite authors I really had a hard time rating this one.

At the end I thought of going four stars but ended up giving this one a three. Perhaps I could be a bit generous and say close to three and a half. I have read a few books this year that, according to the description, have been a bit misleading. The Quest is another of those books. I thought this would be a grand tale of Indiana Jones, Demille style, proportion telling of a quest for the Holy Grail. So we be Being as DeMille is one of my favorite authors I really had a hard time rating this one.

So we begin with a good bit of action in the Ethiopian countryside where some folks tend to meet up. This is followed by a large portion, basically the majority of the book, where these folks meet up in Rome. Now we have a long discussion about returning to Ethiopia, to find the Grail, and a major history lesson about Ethiopia. Pages to are the real meat of the story of the quest. The story itself is very well written and a definite departure from a lot of DeMilles action packed novels.

And it is different enough to stand out and keep the readers attention, I would even say that it was quite entertaining. Just not what I was quite expecting to find in my quest. Oct 05, Scott Breslove rated it liked it. Nelson DeMille is without a doubt one of my favorite authors, but I don't think this book even cracks my top 10 of DeMille's books.

Although, I don't think that that is a criticism of this book as much as it is acclaim for some of his others.

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