Wake-up Call: 2035

by Robert J. Traydon

  The Councillors acknowledged the findings and confirmation. The Commander then called upon the Councillor of Ecology to speak.

  She stood and motioned towards the chamber’s wall display. It immediately split into 10 independent images scrolling through different areas of the planet where environmental deterioration had been greatest. It was evident that extensive habitat fragmentation had occurred, caused almost entirely by the dominant species’ unstoppable urban and agricultural expansion. Forested regions around the world had been reduced to just 35% of their original size. The planet, which had once been an environmental utopia, was now being methodically transformed into the developed domain of the dominant species.

  She commented, “Their rise in population corresponds exactly with the rate at which land has been appropriated for their sole use. There’s almost no land left for the planet’s other indigenous species.”

  The Councillor of Evolution then spoke, “There’s no doubt that we underestimated this species’ rate of intellectual gain and technological advancement. It is truly remarkable: 50 000 years ago they were sharpening rocks and now they’re in possession of particle accelerators, nuclear fission and fusion capability – and enough nuclear weapons to completely destroy their planet. Intriguingly, although this species appears to be so intellectually advanced, they have retained some astonishingly primitive behaviour, such as consuming meat, and carrying out terrible acts of violence and cruelty against other species; and even within their own species.”

  The Councillor of Ecology commented after seeing footage of slaughtering techniques and to her great surprise – sport hunting, “This pervasive slaughter of living creatures is incomprehensible, and as for hunting as a form of entertainment … what a barbaric notion! I am not aware of a single other intelligent species across the galaxy that does these things: some semi-intelligent species – yes; but certainly not intelligent species.

  Councillor Korren followed on, “I must further point out that much of their developmental progress has been misdirected. In the last two centuries alone, they have expended a vast portion of their collective intellect, resources and effort on developing and maintaining a multitude of political administrations, economic structures and weaponries: rather than on renewable energy development and sustainability. They have experienced many political and economic crises and also fought numerous wars, some of which continue to this day. Together, these draw crucial attention away from the real problem – the planet’s failing environment. We need to understand why this is happening and then consider what appropriate action can be taken.”

  “Indeed,” said the Commander, reinforcing Korren’s comments.

  The Councillor of Climatology then spoke while pointing towards one of her atmospheric composition graphs, “This is also alarming: the dominant species is destroying the planet’s oxygen-producing resources, while at the same time increasing carbon dioxide emissions. There is absolutely no logical explanation for this behaviour. How could they act in such an irrational and irresponsible way?”

  She was visibly disturbed by what she was seeing. “It cannot be possible that they are unaware of the consequences of what they are doing.”

  Observatory Spacecraft: Proliferation Impact

  Shown next on the chamber’s wall display, was an array of three-dimensional graphs showing the population changes across the planet’s vast number of indigenous species. The figures were alarming. One of the most distressing graphs showed the number of species’ extinctions versus time for the historical 50 000-year period. When the Exploration Division had first visited the planet, it had registered over 12,5 million indigenous species. This species count showed a slight decline during the first 45 000 years but after that, the decline began to intensify as the number of extinctions rose.

  As the graph approached present time, the species count plummeted to a shade over 10 million remaining. Almost 2,5 million species had been systematically eradicated from the planet within the last 5 000-year period. It was notable that 96% of the extinctions had occurred during the last 500 years, with 83% having occurred in the last 100 years alone. Other graphs showed the dwindling numbers of numerous mammalian, reptilian, amphibian and fish species, some to the zero line (representing extinction) and others hovering just a fraction above the line, suggesting imminent extinction.

  Evident on all the graphs, was an obvious and disturbing correlation: as the population of the dominant species soared, so almost all other cohabitating species’ populations declined in inverse proportion. The few that rose were assumed to be species that had been domesticated by the dominant species for their purposes, since their population increases were similarly staggering.

  The Commander spoke, “What we are witnessing here exemplifies a phenomenon known as ‘environmental displacement’. As a dominant species proliferates, so the indigenous natural environment and cohabitating species are effectively displaced from existence. Just 50 000 years ago, this planet had a megafauna population of 7,88 billion, of which the dominant species numbered an insignificant 44 000, ‘pre-domesticated’ species numbered just under 50 million, and wild species made up the balance, with 7,83 billion individuals.”

  He continued, “Since that time to now, the total megafauna population has more than doubled to 16 billion, of which the dominant species numbers 10 billion, the ‘now-domesticated’ species number 5,12 billion, and wild species number less than 0,81 billion individuals. More than 7 billion wild megafauna creatures have been eradicated by the dominant species, to make way for itself and its domesticated species. And this figure doesn’t even take into account wild megafauna breeding increases throughout this time. Negating natural deaths, the accumulative total figure for eradicated wild megafauna since we last visited the planet is 20,73 billion creatures.”

  All 10 members of the Council were shocked by the figures. For what purpose would a dominant species be destroying its own planet’s magnificent diversity of life? It was inexplicable.

  This unfolding situation was well on its way to becoming the single greatest tragedy in the history of the galaxy. The scale of species eradication and extinction at the hands of a native intelligent species that was fully cognisant of its actions, was unprecedented by any measure – and would certainly be viewed by the Galacian Senate as such.

  Trennor addressed his Councillor of Research, “Councillor Korren, what do we know about this dominant species so far?”

  Korren placed various physiological images of the species on the wall display, showing its two genders, ethnic groups, mental capacity and movement range which included its walking, running and jumping motions. Adjacent to the images were numerous accompanying statistics. Although the species looked vaguely similar to the Galacian races in both proportion and stature, it was discernibly inferior in evolutionary terms. Most obvious from the biological depictions, was that the species’ brain had only two main ‘hemispheres’, indicating that it had much evolutionary progress to make. But this species had obviously been extremely successful in harnessing the collective intelligence of numerous individuals, since it had reached such a surprisingly advanced technological level.

  Korren commented, “Commander, the species refers to itself as ‘human’, or ‘humankind’ – although they appear to be anything but ‘kind’. They refer to the fourth galactic spiral wing as the ‘Sagittarius arm’, and Stellar System 413 as the ‘Solar System’. Andorayan Sanctuarium is known to them as: ‘Earth’.”

  The Councillors scoured the information to better understand what they were dealing with. One information package mentioned that this human species had made numerous science fiction motion pictures depicting ‘alien’ races arriving on Earth from outer space. These aliens were stereotypically portrayed as hostile monsters whose intentions were to invade, conquer, colonise, proliferate, eradicate, exploit, pollute, terraform and strip-mine the Earth. Alien arrival was to be immediately regarded as a threat to humankind’s sovereignty and the well-being of planet E
arth.

  Ironically, it was the humans themselves who appeared to have mastered these insidious behaviours and who carried them out willingly on their own planet. Every other indigenous species on Earth must surely regard the humans as some kind of alien menace. As far as the Councillors were concerned this humankind was much more dangerous than any other intelligent species in the galaxy. Other intelligent races should be far more fearful of humankind than vice versa.

  Trennor considered the prospect of an encounter with this species. Their stigmatised view of ‘extra-terrestrial’ beings would not be an easy one to overcome.

  Observatory Spacecraft: Environmental Status

  The Research Councillor’s presentation lasted just over 20 minutes. During that time, the Exploration Council was fully briefed on everything that the Department of Planetary Research knew thus far about the human species.

  Commander Trennor then asked the Councillor of Risk Analysis to address the Council. Under her jurisdiction was the Specialist Planetary Investigation Department, which had compiled a ‘Greatest Risks to the Planet’ summary. This document would constitute the mainstay of the final Situation Report that would be submitted to the Galacian Senate for evaluation and voting.

  The Risk Analysis Councillor summarised her department’s findings. “Atmospheric conditions have degraded as a direct result of increased industrialisation and corresponding land development. Oxygen content in the atmosphere is declining, while carbon dioxide and methane are increasing at an exponential rate. Carbon dioxide production now exceeds the natural environment’s respective absorption capability by over 5%.

  “This can be explained very simply. There has been a significant reduction in oxygen-producing resources across the planet, predominantly in terms of vegetation loss and phytoplankton die-back. When this is coupled with the corresponding increase in carbon dioxide and other noxious gases produced by fossil fuelled power plants, smoke-stack industries, factories and equipment, the problem is grossly compounded. Atmospheric pollution figures continue to rise across the planet, causing a slow but steady rise in global temperatures.”

  She continued, “The displacement and extinction of the planet’s wild species currently stand at 90% and 20%, respectively, which is cause for immense concern. Extensive biospherical loss can be attributed to widespread agricultural programmes, most likely put in place to feed this species’ burgeoning population, and also to the building of numerous urbanised settlements where the majority of its population now resides.

  “It would appear that over 75% of the planet’s ice-free land surface, including both non-arable and arable land, has been either deliberately converted or directly impacted by this population surge. The evidence showing environmental destruction is overwhelming and the planet is rapidly approaching its environmental implosion point. As such, we have to consider the strong possibility that remedial intervention will be required and should begin taking the necessary steps to prepare for it.”

  The Councillors stayed seated in silence around the conference table, staring at the potential end of the Miracle Planet. Their original expectations and objectives of the expedition had been turned upside down. This would no longer be an ‘observe and research mission’ – it was to be an ‘encounter and intervention mission’.

  After four hours of information analysis and exchanging ideas, the Exploration Council managed to finalise the Situation Report. In it they recommended that a course of remedial intervention be followed. The expedition update, which would incorporate the Situation Report, was then transmitted directly to the Senate via the IGT Data Relay Portal. Taking into account the distance from the Earth to IGT Station 413, the update would take just over six hours to reach Endurion.

  The Commander and his Council then immediately started working on the Planetary Intervention Protocol’s generic Remedial Intervention Plan. A suitable, situation-specific plan would be required if the Senate voted in favour of intervention. Pre-emptive planning and preparation would save them precious time before the execution phase.

  3. JUDGEMENT

  Galactic Core: Endurion – Senate Sanctorum

  The Galacian Senate’s headquarters was located on planet Endurion, in its capital city named Aurorion. The building that housed the headquarters was regarded as the grandest non-natural structure in the galaxy. Shaped like a colossal obelisk, it measured 10 kilometres in height and one square kilometre at its base. It had been built around the colonisation vessel that had been used by the Auroran race to translocate their population to their new planet. The building was the foundation from which the entire city had been built.

  The Observatory’s second expedition update was received 12 hours after the first, which had only confirmed the spacecraft’s successful passage through the IGT Station. The new update had been addressed directly to the reigning Empress of the Galactic Federation, Hadrianna Aeryssia, who presided over the Galacian Senate. She was struck with grief by the contents of the Situation Report, and was equally dismayed by Commander Trennor’s recommendation for remedial intervention to be instituted in accordance with the Planetary Intervention Protocol. She immediately summoned all the Senate members to the Galacian Senate Sanctorum, for an urgent assembly.

  The Senate was made up of 42 members. These included the Empress, five Chancellors and 36 Senators. Within an hour of the summons being sent, all the members of Senate, excluding Chancellor Trennor, had arrived and were taking their seats in the Sanctorum.

  The Senate proceedings were opened by Empress Aeryssia. She had reigned as Empress for over 650 years, which was the longest tenure in the Federation’s history. Her majestic reputation preceded her: she was held in high regard by her fellow Senate members, and was also loved and admired by the populations of every Galacian society. Her uplifting presence exuded an air of benevolence and well-founded confidence.

  As the Empress stood to address the Senate, silence fell across the Sanctorum. “Welcome my fellow Chancellors and Senators. It is only on rare occasions that I summon you all to the Senate Sanctorum for an unscheduled meeting; but the reason for this assembly certainly warrants the inconvenience. We are sometimes quick to underestimate the spectacular rate at which things can change in this unpredictable Universe … and right now we face a potentially catastrophic situation in a remote part of our galaxy.”

  The Chancellors and Senators had extensive administrative obligations to attend to and an unexplained, impromptu assembly was as frustrating to them as it was disturbing. But her last statement caught their attention.

  The Empress continued, “As you are aware, our exploration spacecraft Observatory successfully transitioned through the restored IGT Station 413 and has arrived at Andorayan Sanctuarium. Just two hours ago I received an expedition update directly from Commander Trennor and, much to my consternation, the Observatory’s preliminary findings are nothing short of horrifying. It has been confirmed that an indigenously evolved species has risen to dominance on the planet since our last visit. It has proliferated in vast numbers in a very short period of time and its unrelenting expansion has not only destroyed many cohabitating species, but has also taken the planet to the brink of environmental collapse.”

  There were gasps of disbelief from the Senators. They all looked appalled by the revelation.

  She continued speaking, “We are in the fortunate position that the Planetary Surveillance Module that was placed there to monitor the planet’s evolution has been capturing empirical data for the full 50 000-year duration and remains undetected by the dominant species. Its data has been used by the Observatory’s Exploration Council to compile the Situation Report that appears before you now.”

  The report was immediately shown on the Senate members’ glide surfaces for their reference.

  “I shall now run through a summary of the report’s content.” The Empress motioned towards the orbonic projector suspended in the centre of the Sanctorum. It flickered to life and then expanded into a sphere about five metres
in diameter. The sphere’s surface disappeared and its holographic interior began to sparkle revealing a myriad of information, statistics, three-dimensional charts, pictures and more, all pertaining to the fully recorded 50 000-year history of Andorayan Sanctuarium.

  She gave context to the projected information and then continued with her summary. Her detail was thorough and left nothing open to misinterpretation. The Exploration Council had done well with their report, and by the time the Empress neared the end of her summary, the Senate had a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

  She brought the summary to its conclusion. “Now, our exploration team has established that the planet has approximately 22 years remaining before its environmental implosion point is breached. Beyond that, an irreversible chain of events will unfold, plunging the planet’s environment into an accelerated state of decline and self-destruction. This will render Andorayan Sanctuarium completely lifeless.”

  The Senators all acknowledged that the situation was a catastrophe of unparalleled proportion. It was terrible to think that the galaxy’s most beautiful and highly diversified inhabited planet was at extreme risk.

  The Empress then stated after a brief pause, “Thus, the Exploration Council’s strong recommendation is for the Senate to instigate the Planetary Intervention Protocol, and vote in favour of remedial intervention.”

  There were murmurs of apprehension from across the Sanctorum. The Protocol had never been used before, fuelling the Senate members’ discomfort at the prospect of having to initiate it now. But there was more than enough evidence supporting the Exploration Council’s recommendation. The ‘extreme risk’ to the planet’s environment alone made its implementation an obligation, rather than a choice. The Senate members were apprehensive, but realised that they had no option but to face the shocking reality of the situation that stood before them.