The Eve of Destruction
In the year 3026, a special emergency session of the United World Congress was held in the Continental Congress Chamber located in Sydney, Australia. Delegations from each of the six inhabited continents on the planet gathered together to hear the disturbing report of an astronomer from Johannesburg, Africa.
Dr. Mohammed Malawi looked grim as he entered the chamber and took a seat near his fellow scientists. Since the continent of Australia was hosting this session (the United World Congress met in each of the six-member continents in a regular rotation), the Australian representative, Victoria Darwin, served as Chair of Congress. Due to the urgent nature of the matter at hand, the usual formalities were waived in the interest of saving time.
"Dr. Malawi, would you be so kind as to present your findings to the delegates at this time?" Congressperson Darwin requested.
Grave in countenance, the astronomer nodded his head and reached for his notes.
"A comet approximately one-third the diameter of Earth has entered our galaxy," Dr. Malawi began. "Our computers have been tracking it since it left the Andromeda Galaxy and entered the Milky Way, and we have calculated its path. Regrettably, I must inform you that it is on a direct collision course with Earth. We have estimated that it will impact in six point two months."
Once the delegates of Congress got over the initial shock of the astronomer's prediction, Mikhail Bosnovitch, the representative of Asia, was the first to speak, posing the question, "Is there any way we can destroy the comet or deflect it from its present course?"
His face etched with sorrow, Dr. Malawi shook his head.
"I'm afraid there is nothing we can do to stop a comet of that magnitude."
"And if it does impact the Earth, how serious will the consequences be?" Mikhail asked.
"It will result in the total annihilation of our planet."
For the first time since the United World Congress was formed, not a single delegate spoke. The Sydney Chamber, normally filled with the voices of debate, was eerily silent. Finally, Congressperson Darwin resumed the meeting.
"Is there no margin for error in your findings?" she asked hopefully.
"We can predict the comet's course within a two-meter radius."
"So even if your numbers are off," Mikhail concluded, "a distance of two meters isn't going to make a hell of a lot of difference."
After all six of the delegates had the opportunity to question the astronomer, Victoria turned to Dr. Malawi.
"Thank you for coming here, Doctor. I think the Members of Congress must now discuss their options in regards to the best course of action."
Once the astronomer and his colleagues left the chamber, Congressperson Marita Sousa from South America asked, "What are we to do then? Does anyone have any suggestions?"
The members looked at each other in silence for several moments. Finally, Hugh Sterling from North America proposed a plan of action.
"As I see it, since we cannot prevent the destruction of our planet, the only possible way we can save mankind is to relocate the population to our lunar space station."
Everyone cried out at once in response to Hugh's outrageous proposal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please," Victoria said, trying to restore order. "This is the United World Congress, not a World Football match. We must conduct ourselves accordingly and discuss this in an orderly and dignified manner."
Chastised, the delegates quickly adopted a more professional demeanor.
"Thank you. Now, we will all have our chance to speak in due time. Mikhail, you may begin."
"Hugh," he said, turning to Congressperson Sterling, "how can the population of Earth survive on the moon? There's only enough food, water and air being manufactured there for a few hundred scientists and observers."
"We have always had the means of increasing that production," Hugh replied. "We just never had the reason to do so. In addition to what can be manufactured at the site, I propose food and water supplies and portable oxygen generators be sent from Earth."
Sada Al Kharim of Africa next questioned Hugh. "Even if we can provide enough food, water and oxygen to maintain life, how do you propose to get all the people on Earth to the moon in only six months?"
"By using every available space shuttle, every research vessel and every exploration ship in the fleet. And we will run them nonstop. In addition, we can re-commission retired spacecraft."
"Are those ships even safe?"
"Naturally, we will inspect and repair all our ships before we start transporting people."
"At what cost to the planet's economy?" Geoffrey Sedgwick of Europe asked.
"Cost?" Hugh repeated with disbelief. "Good God, Geoffrey! We are on the eve of destruction. Who gives a damn about the cost involved? As of now, money is of no importance to anyone. Survival is all that matters."
Victoria turned to Hugh and asked, "Even, if we use every ship on the planet and they travel nonstop right up to the moment of impact, how can we hope to save the more than ten billion people who live on this planet?"
Now the other four delegates turned and stared at Hugh.
"We can't save them all," he reluctantly admitted, "but we'll save as many as we can. Even if only half the world's population survives, it's better than everyone dying."
Victoria nodded in assent and then addressed the assembled delegates.
"I know as politicians we like to debate and analyze every issue thoroughly before we vote, but in this case, I'm sure you will all agree with me that time is of the essence. So I'm going to break with tradition and call for an immediate vote. All in favor say 'aye.' All those who oppose say 'nay.'"
Understandably, the vote was unanimous in favor of Hugh Sterling's proposal.
"Now we have one more important decision to make before we adjourn," Victoria declared. "As the leaders of the six continents, we in the United World Congress must decide on the method for determining the order in which people will be transported to the space station."
"I think some form of lottery is the only fair way," Sada said.
Hugh shook his head in disagreement.
"At a critical time like this, we cannot concern ourselves with what is fair and what is not. It is up to us to ensure the continued existence of mankind. We, as the governing body on Earth, have to assume the responsibility of logically selecting who is best suited for this colonization."
"You mean it's up to us to decide who lives and who dies?" Mikhail asked.
"Yes. I know it sounds cruel. But consider this: Isn't it in our best interest that we save the brightest minds that Earth has to offer? Won't the lunar colony have a far greater chance of survival? And, quite frankly, won't it be a better society up there if we leave the dregs of humanity down here?"
No one could deny Hugh's logic.
"I envy Noah," Geoffrey said. "All he had to do was pick two of each species and load them on the ark."
"But he had to make sure he had one from each sex," Hugh added, resorting to black humor. "I don't think two male platypuses would have been a good idea."
"Let's get started, then," Victoria suggested wearily.
She pressed a button on the conference table and a panel slid to the side, exposing a computer screen and scanner. Placing her hand on the scanner plate for identification, she gave verbal instructions to the computer.
"Calculate the total seating capacity of all Earth's spacecraft if we conduct six months of nonstop transportation between Earth and our lunar space station."
The answer appeared on the screen. Little more than three-fourths of the Earth's population could be saved.
"All right then," she said with a heavy sigh, solemnly addressing her fellow delegates. "Who is to go and who is to stay?"
"Obviously, we don't want any criminals up there," Marita answered.
"Access planetary census records," Victoria further instructed the computer. "Subtract from the total population of Earth those people who have been convicted of felonies, and subtotal."
"It would be pointless to take the terminally ill," Mikhail added, "since they will probably die either en route or shortly after landing."
"Next, subtract the number of terminally ill patients; reference the Planetary Health Organization records. Subtotal."
"What about those who are severely mentally handicapped?" Geoffrey suggested.
"Subtract the number of mentally ill, class four; same reference. Subtotal."
"I think there ought to be an age cutoff," Hugh said.
Geoffrey, the only senior citizen in Congress, gave him an icy look.
"And what age do you suggest?" the European delegate asked bitterly.
"I would say anyone over a hundred years is too old."
Geoffrey, who was only eighty-two, didn't have a problem with that.
"Subtract population over the age of one hundred. Subtotal."
"That still leaves us with more than a billion and a half people to eliminate," Sada announced. "Who's next?"
Having recognized the obviously undesirable candidates for colonization, it was time for the members of Congress to make the more difficult decisions.
"Listen," Hugh said, "I know how hard this is, but we can't afford to be good guys anymore. Whether we like it or not, more than two billion people are going to die when that comet hits."
"All right, Mr. Sterling," Victoria replied. "You obviously have some ideas. Who else do you suggest we leave behind?"
"Let's not think of it in terms of who is going to die," he answered. "Rather, let's think about the people we want to survive. Obviously, we'll want the brightest minds. So, we should eliminate the uneducated or unskilled. We want the able-bodied, so we can eliminate the handicapped and the sick. And we need those who can work well as part of a team, so we should eliminate the nonconformists and the rabble-rousers."
An uncomfortable silence descended on the room. Finally, Victoria spoke.
"Computer, subtract those over the age of eighteen who fail to meet minimum education requirements; reference the six continental centers for education. Then subtract those with physical impairments or chronic or debilitating illnesses; reference the Planetary Health Organization. Finally, subtract known political and social dissidents; reference United Continental Peacekeeping Force. Subtotal."
"There are still almost half a billion people left," Hugh said softly.
"You realize, there may be some brave individuals who will voluntarily stay behind on Earth," Geoffrey suggested.
Sada agreed with him.
"That's right. There are always those people who won't want to be separated from loved ones who are excluded for some reason or another."
Mikhail let out a short, bitter laugh.
"And what are you suggesting we do then? Issue a public statement of our intentions to abandon people on Earth and ask for volunteers? There would be mass rioting on every continent."
Marita responded, "We can hardly keep this exodus a secret for very long. We will be transporting more than seven billion people over the next six months."
Victoria turned to Hugh once again and said, "Well, Mr. Sterling? You seem to be the one with all the answers."
"As far as we know, only the four astronomers in Johannesburg and the six of us here know when the comet will hit. So we make an announcement telling everyone about the comet and the proposed relocation to the moon. But we don't tell them that some of them are going to be left behind to die on Earth."
"You expect us to lie to the people?" Geoffrey asked with shock.
"Why not?" Hugh asked. "It's what politicians have done since man first began to rule over his fellow man."
"Can we trust the astronomers to remain quiet?" asked Sada.
"We can if they are among those on board the first shuttle to the space station," Hugh replied. "Then we can arrange an accident that will take out their computer systems and telescopic equipment. In that way, there will be no danger of anyone back on Earth stumbling upon the truth."
"I think we all see the logic of your argument, Hugh," Mikhail declared. "What about the rest of the chosen people? In what order are they to be transported?"
"I think we should classify the colonists according to their importance to society. The first to be transported will be the most essential people: scientists, doctors ...."
"And members of this Congress," Geoffrey added with a laugh.
"I am sure we can all take one of the earlier flights," Hugh conceded. "After all, there are only six of us. Level one and two technicians will be included in the first group. We will need them to maintain the lunar station and repair any systems that might go down during the transportation phase. The second classification would include essential services providers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, physicians, food production engineers and such. And lastly, if time permits, those in the least important professions: bankers, lawyers, entertainers, artists, reporters, etc."
"How are we to assign transport dates within each of those three classifications?" Sada asked, hoping to clear up all details.
"We could assign people to the ships in either alphabetical order or random selection."
"Need I remind everyone," Victoria interrupted, "that we still have almost half a billion people to eliminate. Are there any more suggestions?"
There was no response; the delegates had run out of ideas.
"Come on, ladies and gentlemen, we have to make a decision."
"So far, we have been classifying people mostly according to the usefulness of their professions and occupations," Sada noted. "Why don't we continue to do so? Is the lunar colony really going to need baseball umpires or fast-food restaurant workers?"
"But, surely, those people in nonessential occupations can be retrained to be of more use to the colony," Marita argued.
"That's not the point here," Hugh protested. "We have to eliminate more people. Sada is right. We need to choose people who will benefit our settlement. Did you know there are more than two million lawyers in North America alone? Surely, we won't need that many on the moon."
After a good deal of soul-searching, the other five members of the United World Congress agreed on the final selection, one or two with a good deal of reluctance.
* * *
For the following six months, the transportation of Earth refugees to the lunar space station was everyone's highest priority. Schools were closed, and unnecessary businesses were shut down. Farming operations, on the other hand, were given high priority since there would be a great need for food on the moon.
With people evacuating in large numbers, the governmental, social and economic structure on Earth rapidly began to crumble. Everyone was either preparing to leave for the moon or waiting for notice of their impending departure date. No one suspected that the comet would arrive before everyone was able to disembark.
Of the six members of the United World Congress, Geoffrey Sedgwick, Marita Sousa and Mikhail Bosnovitch were already on the moon taking charge of the colony there. The remaining three members had volunteered to take later shuttles in case their assistance should be needed on Earth.
Nearly five months after Dr. Mohammed Malawi informed them of the comet's impending collision with the Earth, Hugh Sterling and Sada Al Kharim met Victoria Darwin at the control center of the North Atlantic Space Center.
"The last of the class two population left last month," Hugh announced. "The three of us leave tomorrow."
"I'm not going," Victoria said quietly.
"Why not?" Sada asked. "You can't wait too much longer. The comet is due to arrive soon."
"I've decided to stay on Earth, Sada."
"In God's name, why?" Hugh cried.
"Just classify me as a political dissident, if you like."
"What are you talking about?"
"We all made difficult decisions because it was our duty to give humanity the best chance of survival. But I can't live with myself now. Every day I see the faces of those men, women and children I've condemned to die."
"We're not responsible for the comet," Sada insisted. "That's what's condemning these people to death, not us."
"I understand that. Please, you two go ahead. Leave tomorrow while you still have the chance. I wish you both the best of luck on the moon. But in all good conscience, I can't leave here," she said firmly and walked away.
* * *
On the eighth day of the sixth month, the final space shuttles left the Earth's atmosphere. Had Dr. Malawi and his fellow astronomers remained at their telescopes and not been sent to the moon in an attempt to keep the date of the approaching collision a secret, perhaps someone would have detected the comet's slight change in velocity after traveling through a meteor storm. If so, they no doubt would have been able to predict that the Earth, in its orbit around the sun, would narrowly escape the deadly impact with the oncoming menace.
The moon, however, was not to be so lucky. The satellite's rotation around the Earth put it on a direct collision course with the comet.
The people who remained on Earth watched in horror as the fiery comet collided with the moon. The resulting explosion sent huge chunks of debris to the Earth, causing massive destruction to buildings, roadways and other infrastructure but a surprisingly minimal loss of human life.
Victoria Darwin, the only surviving member of the United World Congress, stared up at the sky. In a matter of seconds, the cream of humanity had been destroyed. She thought of those that remained: the criminals, the troublemakers, the dying, the sick, the old, the blind, the paralyzed, the insane and the uneducated—what Hugh had referred to as "the dregs of society." It would be up to them to establish a new civilization on Earth. And it would be up to her, Victoria Darwin, to lead the way if the human race was to survive.
When it comes to destruction, no one can beat Salem!
