Wake-up Call: 2035

by Robert J. Traydon

  The summit would be held in the city of Dubai, preferably at the Burj Al Persia Hotel and Conference Facility, which was renowned for facilitating events of this magnitude. The summit would host 500 of the world’s most influential dignitaries and be scheduled for the following week, starting Monday morning and ending Friday evening – five days in total.

  Exactly one hour after the Principals’ return to Earth, they would convene an IntraGlobe* videoconference.

  [* IntraGlobe was the world’s leading social, commercial and political networking website on the Internet’s World Wide Web. The website was unrivalled in terms of simplicity and speed which were now the two highest priorities of Internet users. It had risen to dominance over the last decade, sweeping aside all previous social networking heavyweights who ignored the trends and continued to inundate their users with irksome advertising and perpetual user-interface updates.]

  During this videoconference, the Principals would define and finalise the dignitary list. The dignitaries would all be requested to attend the summit by formal invitation, with personal follow-up calls if necessary.

  The summit’s purpose would not be revealed until its opening, so as not to add to the inevitable media speculation. Its agenda would include descriptions of the encounter, the world’s environmental situation and the Ultimatum, followed by an open forum to discuss the worldwide implementation and monitoring of the Ultimatum. Its goal would be for all of the dignitaries to agree on a way forward, and sign an ‘Ultimatum Compliance Treaty’ confirming their undertaking of goodwill to abide by the conditions and targets as stipulated in the Ultimatum.

  Finally they would divide between themselves the various summit responsibilities such as the event coordination, the presentations and the discussion forums.

  After the videoconference, the Principals would focus on carrying out their own delegated responsibilities, as well as securing the attendance of all the dignitaries. A pre-summit meeting would be convened in Dubai the day before the start of the summit, allowing the Principals to run through their presentation and forum content, and also to inspect the venue.

  This ‘Ultimatum Plan’ was their best shot at convincing the world’s population that the Ultimatum had to be incorporated into their future way of life.

  11:55 a.m. Observatory: Farewell

  Exactly 10 minutes later, Empress Aeryssia and the five Chancellors returned to the Council Chamber. The table reassumed its larger-diameter orientation with the six extra chairs, and they sat down. Before any words were spoken the US President indicated her desire to speak, and the Empress gestured in consent.

  Jameson proceeded, “Your Majesty, Chancellors. I speak on behalf of the 12 of us when I say that you have our unreserved commitment to do everything in our power to convince the world to comply with the Ultimatum. We are of the mutual opinion that you are here with honourable intentions, and appreciate your enlightening us as to the scale of the challenge facing our planet. We now fully understand it, and acknowledge that it has to be confronted without any delay, compromise or concession.”

  The Empress and Chancellors were all appreciative of her words. They were impressed by the progressive attitude and courage of the 12 Principals. Their resolve was genuine and hopefully every human being on Earth would embrace this same state of mind.

  The Empress spoke, “Thank you, Madam President. I am very glad we have consensus that urgent action needs to be taken on Earth. It was our greatest fear that there would be conflict and disagreement amongst yourselves regarding your commitment and acceptance of the precarious situation facing your world. But it is evident that you have every intention of dealing with this Ultimatum as required. We are encouraged by your sense of unity and trust that your delegation will do everything humanly possible to save your people and your wonderful planet.

  “As you are well aware, there is only one easy way out of this situation … and that is the hard way. Have no doubt that there will be many on Earth who continue down the road of denial, and may even attempt to derail your efforts. The onus will be on you to make sure that they do not succeed.”

  The Empress was quiet for a moment, then spoke further, “In accordance with the Ultimatum, our first ‘interim compliance review’ is scheduled for three years from now. During that time there shall be no further communications between us, and even though we shall be monitoring your progress during that time, we will refrain from reviewing it before we return. We must emphasise in the strongest possible terms that your species comply fully with the Ultimatum to avoid remediation. We shall only intervene where we are forced to and this will be carried out without hesitancy, restraint or leniency.

  “I remind you that our mandate is to ensure the wellbeing of all living creatures and this mandate applies to you too. You are now not only accountable to your own gods, but also to the Galactic Federation. While your gods will wait patiently to deal with you in the afterlife, we will deal with you in this life. But, at this stage, our influence over your future is only secondary … you as humankind, still hold primary influence.”

  She continued, “Earth’s destiny and the fate of everything that inhabits this amazing planet, is now in your hands. It is a huge responsibility and we urge you to remain steadfast in the knowledge that you are leading your species to salvation. You will undoubtedly face many challenges along the way, but do not waver – use your influence to overcome them one by one. Let nothing stand in your way and know at all times that your future depends on it.

  “Also be reminded that whatever hardship the human species is about to be subjected to, is minor in comparison to what it would face if the environmental tipping point were to be breached. Moderation leading to sustained life is a far better option than immoderation leading to unknown levels of anguish and certain death. No matter how difficult it gets, know that it is easier than the alternative. Human beings must do as much for all life on this planet as they would do for their own children.”

  Trennor followed on, “Before returning to Endurion, the Observatory will be spending three days orbiting another truly fascinating planet in your solar system. You call it Mars. There is much more to that planet than you know, and we hope to share our truly astonishing knowledge with you after we have had the opportunity to research the planet more thoroughly. For the time being though, all of your attention should be focused on your own uniquely magnificent planet.”

  The Empress closed, “Principals of Earth, on behalf of our Federal Alliance, the Galacian Senate and the Galactic Federation, we wish you all well on the unprecedented journey that stands before you. May the goodwill and guidance of our Universe’s Great Creator be with you at all times.”

  The Supreme Beings stood in unison and held out their winged hand gesture. The Principals followed suit as a sign of respect, then watched the Supreme Beings leave the chamber. Once alone, the Principals all sat down in a trance-like state of contemplation.

  Soft classical music began to fill the room followed by the eloquent female voice which explained the hyperglide procedure for their return to Earth. The table then decreased in diameter and lowered itself until it merged imperceptibly with the floor. The Principals chairs then rotated to line up with new illuminated silver strips in the floor, all of which led towards the point in the wall where they had entered the chamber earlier.

  As they stood up from their chairs, Payton looked upwards and remarked, “Everyone … take one more look at that incredible sight.”

  He motioned towards the panoramic view of space overhead. The Earth floated through its immensity … a precious blue sphere, alone and fragile.

  He commented, “That beautiful planet is our home … our only home … and these Supreme Beings have reinforced that fact. This encounter should forever be seen as humanity’s era-defining wake-up call.”

  The other Principals acknowledged their agreement, then, one by one, followed the floor lighting. The void in the wall reappeared showing the short passageway to the room in which
they had first arrived.

  Once they were all in the room, the Chinese President said, “We will speak again on IntraGlobe in an hour’s time. Travel safe!”

  No-one knew what to expect as they moved into the same positions they had arrived in. But as they thought of their preferred destination, the radiant images adorning the surrounding wall began to fade in their intensity and then blur. This was followed by a brief instant of total darkness.

  12:00 p.m. Earth: White House – Situation Room

  The Vice President and Joint Chiefs of Staff were all standing around the conference table in the Situation Room. As the clock struck 12:00 p.m., the swearing-in ceremony commenced with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs leading proceedings. Although Vice President McKenzie knew very well that this constituted part of his obligation as Vice President, he had never believed that it would actually be required.

  It was a surreal experience for him to be standing there on the verge of being sworn in as the Acting President of the United States of America. It was the sheer realisation that this ultimate responsibility was about to be bestowed upon him that made him feel momentarily light-headed. But he cast his reservations aside and stood tall, ready to accept the honour.

  12:00 a.m. Observatory: Departure

  The Observatory accelerated away from its orbit on a direct course for Mars. The optical illusion membrane was deactivated to conserve power that would be required for the spacecraft’s return journey through the IGT Station.

  Empress Aeryssia and her Chancellors stood in the observation deck located above the bridge and watched the magnificent sight of Earth recede into the distance. They all admired the unfamiliar view of the galaxy surrounding them. It was very different to the one they were familiar with on Endurion. While this view was fairly dim throughout its circumference with only a faint brightness indicating the location of the galaxy’s central core, Endurion’s view was much brighter and wider all around – and especially brilliant where the central core was located.

  She spoke quietly, “May the Great Creator show leniency on these human beings when their day of judgement finally arrives. They will all be partly answerable for having purged their planet of over two million species.”

  Commander Trennor responded, “I hope for Andorayan Sanctuarium’s sake that they have the willpower to redeem themselves. Every living creature on this planet deserves a future, let us hope they can give it to them without any further remedial intervention from ourselves.”

  Half an hour later the Observatory coasted into orbit around the red planet. The Empress’s spacecraft, Silhouette, then detached and accelerated away toward IGT Station 413 to transport the Empress and her four Chancellors back to Endurion. Commander Trennor and the Observatory would follow 72 hours later.

  6. CONSOLIDATION

  |EDT| 12:00 p.m. Earth: White House – Oval Office

  The US President blinked at the sudden brightness that surrounded her. It took her dilated pupils a few seconds to adjust before she realised that she was back in her familiar sunlit Oval Office. She looked around still straining to see properly, but managed to make out the faces of three bewildered Secret Service agents. They stood there like statues, utterly speechless. The President noted their confounded expressions.

  Agent Walker was one of the three agents. He snapped out of his state of shock as a flood of relief overwhelmed him. He double blinked to make sure that he wasn’t imagining her reappearance, and indeed he was not.

  He spoke quietly into his radio, “All parties, we have located the President in the Oval Office. I repeat, President Jameson has been located in the Oval Office.”

  He then approached the President’s desk cautiously and spoke, “Madam President, you’re back! Where on Earth did you disappear to and, more importantly, are you alright?”

  President Jameson shook her head from side to side, crunched her eyes shut again and then reopened them. “Yes, Agent Walker. I’m doing just fine. Thank you for asking.”

  She paused for a second feeling slightly flustered, then composed herself and spoke further, “If you don’t mind, I would appreciate a few moments alone in my office just to gather my thoughts.”

  Walker responded, “Madam President, with all due respect, you have been missing for three whole hours and just an instant ago, you miraculously reappeared at your desk – most probably just as quickly as you disappeared from it.”

  “What do you mean, Agent Walker?” asked the President.

  Walker hesitated. This was beyond his logically orientated frame of mind. There was no situational analysis training that could have prepared him for these crazy circumstances.

  “Madam President, at around 9:00 a.m. this morning, you disappeared from this office without any trace. Both the Secret Service and National Guard have been involved in a combined search operation for you. If I may ask you Madam President, where exactly have you been?”

  President Jameson replied, “I’m not quite sure myself, Agent Walker. I don’t want to try and explain anything before I’ve had some time to recover from this ordeal and collect my thoughts.”

  Walker was quick to respond, “Understood completely, Madam President.”

  He wondered what ‘ordeal’ she could have been referring to, but decided not to ask. He then instructed the two other agents to leave the office and cordon off its full perimeter: “No one is to enter or leave this office without my express permission.”

  He then turned to Jameson. “Madam President, before I leave I must inform you that as a result of your unexplained absence, the Vice President raised the DEFCON level from five to four. He is at this very moment with your Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Situation Room, being sworn in as Acting President. He intended to issue a press release to this effect at 12:30 p.m. today, half an hour from now.”

  The President answered, “Thank you for the update, Agent Walker. Please inform everyone in the Situation Room that I am back in my office, and both well and safe. Also make it known that there is no imminent threat.”

  “I shall do so immediately, Madam President,” said Walker.

  The concern on Walker’s face prompted Jameson to speak further, “Agent Walker, I can assure you that I have a full explanation for my absence, but I need time to carefully think it through. In the meantime, inform my Chief of Staff and the Vice President that I want to see them in my office as soon as possible.”

  “Yes, Madam President. Right away.”

  Walker turned to walk out of the office. As he got to the door he looked back. “I’m very glad that you’re safely back with us, Madam President. You had us all very worried.”

  She returned a smile in appreciation of his kind words.

  Walker pulled the door into a partially closed position so that President Jameson was still in full view from where he stood outside. He gave a full situation status update over his radio and then contacted the President’s Chief of Staff, Sheryl Spence, and the Vice President.

  Moments later, Ronald Flanker met up with Agent Walker in the passage, slightly out of breath. He peered through the gap in the door into the Oval Office to confirm for himself that President Jameson was indeed there. He gave a sigh of relief, trying to hide his annoyance that the Secret Service had trumped the National Guard in locating the President.

  12:02 p.m. Earth: Oval Office

  President Jameson looked at the clock on the mantelpiece and confirmed that it was just after 12:00 p.m. She mulled over the times: she had entered her office just before nine o’clock that morning, yet it was now midday … three hours gone.

  The President raised her hands and placed them on her forehead. The experience that she had just lived through was obviously not some elaborate dream, it had been real. But how would she explain it and would anyone believe her story? Thoughts of the last three hours flooded through her mind in vivid detail. It bombarded every logical instinct in her head. This situation was preposterous, but could not be ignored.

  Within a minute the Pr
esident’s Chief of Staff entered her office. She was relieved to see that the President was okay and expressed as much. Jameson got straight down to business.

  “Sheryl, there are four things that I need assistance with very urgently. As a first priority, please get hold of Serena Harpon on my private line, I need to speak with her.”

  Her chief of staff frowned and tilted her head slightly at the request. Before she could comment, the President asked, “What’s the problem, Sheryl?”

  She hesitated and then spoke freely, “Madam President, I think it is important for you to know that Serena Harpon was also reported missing today, in fact, under very similar circumstances to your own.”

  President Jameson did not look surprised by the statement, in fact, she almost looked relieved by it. “Thank you for informing me, Sheryl. Please attempt to contact her anyway.”

  “Absolutely, Madam President,” said Spence.

  Jameson continued, “Secondly, the Vice President was apparently scheduled to make a press release at 12:30 p.m. today, 25 minutes from now …” Spence gave a quick nod in confirmation, “… don’t cancel it. I will deliver a press release in his place.”

  “Understood, Madam President.”

  “Thirdly, I need you to create an IntraGlobe group named ‘Global Unification Summit’, with member requests being sent to the following 11 people …”

  Jameson listed the other Principals’ names and details, stating unequivocally that the list was for her eyes only. Her Chief of Staff jotted them down in fast hand, slowly realising that some of the people on the list matched those who had been presumed missing. She hid her astonishment and refocused her attention.