Origins: Discovery

Origins: Discovery is an alternative history fiction novel written by Australian/New Zealander Len Wicks. It was first published in August 2014 in the English language as an e-book, but is also expected to be released in the Armenian and Russian languages in the near future. The novel features the controversial Armenian Genocide from the First World War and mentions other atrocities such as the Nanjing and Sook Ching massacres that occurred during the Second World War.
While the novel describes a time in human history in the 20th century when there were many deeply troubling and tragic events, it also discusses some positive outcomes that are relevant even in the 21st century. The main focus of the story is the possibility of genetic memory from DNA being the foundation of human instinct. The characters 'discover' the place where the Ark of the Covenant might be hidden, which is claimed by several nations. The novel also explores the topical possibility of peace between Turkey and Armenia, as the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is on 24 April 2015.
Plot summary
The story starts in 1930 during Soviet Communist times, exploring the challenges of life in the Armenian village of Areni. One of the villagers doesn't know she has a secret within her of monumental significance. In 1937, a single decision changes the past - an alternative history. When Japan decides to attack the Soviet Union in alliance with its Axis partners in 1941, it spells the end of the Communist nation. The United States doesn’t enter the war as it did in reality, while the Axis spreads its tentacles across North Africa, Europe and Asia.
The Axis Powers are victorious in World War II, but it creates a common bond among people who would otherwise be foes. Peoples of different ethnicities fight shoulder to shoulder resisting occupation, and unlikely coalitions are formed. Small nations ironically provide sanctuary for the leaders of more powerful countries.
Five individuals, from small nations or remote communities, each play a key part in bringing the tale to its conclusion, although one pays the ultimate sacrifice. Despite the conflict, the heroes are ordinary people, not the military. This is an unusual story, as it highlights the role of scientists that make such a difference in everyday lives, yet no one seems to honour them.
The seeds are sown for yet another global war, although the conflict and human courage are only a background to one of the most important discoveries in human history. Two threads in the story intertwine. One thread involves the conflict itself and the development of increasingly advanced technology such as nuclear weapons. The second thread involves the Origins project, which reveals a great secret about human beings. This provides a mirror to human consciousness that ultimately plays a crucial role in the fall of the Axis.
The world has changed forever; as has the way in which people understand their humanity.
Characters
Main Character
Taguhi Amatuni (born in 1913): an Armenian archaeologist from Areni village.
Supporting Main Characters
* Jack Thompson (1909): an Australian engineer and sailor from Sydney;
* Jeevan Devi (1895): a Nepalese monk and political leader from Kathmandu;
* Ndaya Musasa (1912): a Congolese alternative medicine expert and pharmacist from Stanleyville (Kisangani); and
* Peter Qappik (1909): a Canadian Inuit anthropologist from the village of Tuktoyaktuk.
Other Key Characters
* Abraham Jackson (1903), an African-American gold miner and store keeper originally from Mississippi;
* Armine Ghukasyan (1896): an Armenian geography and history teacher from the village of Areni;
* Eva Avakian (1890): an Armenian woman from the village of Areni;
* Gaspar Haroutyunyan (1905): an Armenian priest’s assistant and priest from near the village of Areni;
* Jharna Devi (1926): a Nepalese special political representative from Kathmandu;
* Lilit Amatuni (1892): an Armenian seamstress from Van and Areni (Taguhi’s Mother);
* Minsilu Risaev (1909): a Bashkir woman from the Russian village of Sim;
* Rajesh Devi (1912): a Nepalese soldier from Kathmandu; and
* Ravil Risaev (1904): a Bashkir subsistence farmer and beekeeper from the Russian village of Sim.

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