AHTABAT: Man's Extinction

Location: Earth II

White House

Year: 2021AD



Commotion strung up in the conference room early that day. As if playing musical chairs, the reporters scrounged the packed room for their seats and started gossiping about the situation amongst each other. Their loud voices echoed in the room, yet became silent as the Vice President of the United States entered and stood at the podium.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she slowly began, squinting for every flash each cameraman blinded her with. “Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention? I am Barbara Haze speaking to you from the White House.” As the obvious was said, the crowd became quiet. She lowered her voice and kept her pace slow, making sure to pronounce each word carefully for the world to understand.

“The time has arrived, my fellow Americans. The time for Man’s departure. For almost six years our scientists have searched the endless sky for help. With today’s technology, they have gathered enough information to save our species from extinction.” The group of reporters remained silent as Barbara Haze took a pause.

“As the world is watching me on live broadcast, I am asking you all today to spend whatever time we have left with your families. Your concerns don’t go unnoticed and I want you all to understand, that our existence will go on!” As her statement came to an end the crowd resumed their rowdiness.

“Madam Vice! Madam Vice!” They all shouted at once, like a united and amplified voice.

“Yes.” She indicated to the gentleman waving his arms wildly in the middle row.

“Exactly how much time do we have left?”

The Vice President hesitated. She pondered her thoughts for a brief moment, straightening her spine and fixed the glasses gently on her nose.

“Scientists conclude the sun will enter our destruction point in exactly two years from today.”

“What? No!” They exclaimed with great surprise.

“Please remain calm!”

“Calm? What if we chose not to go? What if we all want to stay?”

Every individual present in the conference room focused on her. Blinded by the repetitive flashes, the deep penetrating stare was no longer bearable. Before responding, she took one last look above the heads of the impatient reporters. She removed her eyeglasses and kept the asserted look in her body language.
“Then God help us all. Life will be terminated. Whatever life and beauty this planet had to offer will be gone. Man will be extinct!”