The Deep One

"The Deep One" by Neil P. Ruzic is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of human survival, identity, and the nature of intelligence as it follows the last remnants of humanity moving through space to find a new home on an Earth-like planet. Central to its narrative is the idea of children created from the best qualities of their ancestors onboard a spaceship, who face challenges of adaptation and relationship in their quest to establish a new beginning for the human race. The plot unfolds aboard the spaceship "Destiny", where a group of genetically engineered children, Adam, Eve, Joseph, and Mary, are raised in an artificial environment by mechanical parents—the mecs. As they grow, Adam demonstrates extraordinary intelligence which sets him apart from the others, leading to a sense of isolation and superiority. However, he ultimately grapples with the implications of his uniqueness and the responsibility that comes with it. As the narrative progresses, Adam's relationship with his cousins and his own identity come into question, ultimately culminating in a realization of the need for connection and cooperation to ensure the survival of humanity in their new world. The children's journey is not just a physical one to a new planet but an emotional and psychological quest for understanding within their artificial existence.