Cowering in the debris of a
metropolis crushed, I think back to a time that seems so distant. I was
a scientist specializing in quantum physics. Our team was working on a
magnetic resonance field propulsion system. Translated to english we
were developing the prototype of a hyperspace engine. Nearly all of our
tests had gone excessively well. We succeeded in displacing several
small drone ships out of our magnetic spacial location. Once again in
english, the test ships vanished but unfortunately we had no idea of
where to. The equipment failed to send any telemetry. After endless
hours of research, and debate it was concluded that an engine that
sends ships to unknown destinations, or just demateralizes them was of
little, or no use. We did however come up with what we thought was a
brilliantly simple solution. We would construct a locator beacon
equipped with several large high intensity antennae, which transmit a
distinctive radio pulse more powerful than any humanity has ever
broadcast.
The first beacon was launched successfully, and all the radio
telescopes of earth searched, and listened intently. After eighty one
days of breathless anticipation, the signal was found. It was a little
over five light years out, and functioning perfectly. In truth, on a
galactic scale not, far but it did prove the drone re-materializes. The
media was contacted, flags were waved, and funding rolled in. Hundreds
of locator beacons were constructed, and launched to map the magnetic
fields of space. This was where our foresight fell short. We had
launched three hundred and twelve and only two malfunctioned, or fell
victim to unknown variables. In all a great success. The first
interstellar ships were being constructedm and fitted with resonance
field drives. We were all very proud of the most profound
accomplishment in human history. We were about to answer that ancient
question, are we alone?
The two beacons that failed did not malfunction. The first crashed
into
a moon of a populated planet, disrupting its orbit causing tidal waves,
and seismic activity inflicting great loss of life. None of the life
forms of this little world were technologically advanced, but a great
tragedy all the same. The second beacon did not crash, but rather
functioned perfectly. A nearby planet's indigenous life forms
communicated using low frequency radio waves as a form of speech. When
the high gain signal activated, it permanently deafened half the
planet. This was seen as an act of aggression by this alien race.
Unfortunately, this species was very advanced, very aggressive, and not
forgiving by nature. The probe was destroted before it could emit a
second pulse.
We saw the alien ship approaching, but no communications or greetings
were responded to. In fact we were aggravating the situation by using
radio signals, which was interpreted as a continuing attack on our
part. The ship was not large, and we perceived no real threat. If we
had we could not have defended ourselves against the method of
retribution they had devised. As soon as the alien ship was within
range, it deployed several hundred small satellites which positioned
themselves in a geosynchronous orbit around Earth. When the last
satellite was in position, they all dropped into our atmosphere, and
emitted a sonic pulse of such force that it crushed stone. In a matter
of seconds most of the life on Earth lay dead, their bones shattered
and organs ruptured. The mortally wounded's screams fell on deaf ears.
The planet is now quite effectively dead. All seed and soil are
sterile, even most bacteria was destroyed. The landscape is bleak and
barren. The few creatures that did survive are extremely predatory in
the rapidly dwindling food chain. Things have become very ugly. The few
humans that did survive the attack are back to sticks, and stones, and
everything has become carnivorous. Insects seem to have survived in the
largest numbers, and are a constant ubiquitous torment. The hunt for
food and shelter is grueling, with virtually everything on the menu. At
least it keeps ones mind busy, it's far to easy to become dinner while
searching for it. I don't know why I go on. It all seems rather
pointless, but you never fully appreciate the power of the survival
instinct until you are forced into a brutal world.
The sun is setting in a brilliant array of colors on the bay,
reminding
me for a second of what we once were. Looking about at the ruins, I see
nothing but skeletons of steel and wonder what city this once was. I
think may have been San Francisco, but names only matter when there is
someone left to remeber them. I am haunted by guilt, and remorse over
being a part of what triggered this planetary annihilation. We had no
idea of the consequences of our actions, and we certainly did not
anticipate this. In the quest for knowledge we have destroyed
ourselves, and almost every other living creature on Earth. Science has
always been a roll of the dice, we just had no idea the true size of
the wager required to play. I think the planet is already showing signs
of recovery. I think life is starting over at square one, and we all
are just walking fossils. Keep in mind however, this is just one
ex-quantum physicists opinion, and I have been wrong before!
William VanDorin � 2001
