Hosein Kouros-Mehr - Extinction 6

Beth nods. “More importantly, sir, fusion does not emit a single greenhouse gas. We will finally end our addiction to fossil fuels and stop global warming. With this technology, we can stop the mass extinction and bring our world back from the brink.”

“You are brilliant, Dr. Andrews. We want you to build hundreds of reactors. We will subsidize your work and provide all the resources you need. Your technology is extremely important for the future of civilization.”

Beth looks away in contemplation, then abruptly stares into the camera. “Mr. President, we are happy to design new plants but only under two conditions.”

The cockpit goes quiet. Austin turns to Beth. “Are you crazy? You’re talking to the leader of our country!”

She waves him off. “I know what I’m doing.”

President Hughes leans back. “I’m listening, Dr. Andrews. What are your conditions?”

She sits up tall. “The Information Tariffs are destroying Google’s reputation and business practices. We would like them rescinded.”

“Consider it done. What else?”

Holding back his overwhelming joy, Austin silently applauds as he listens to his boss.

“The second condition is for the War to come to an end. Our young people have never experienced a peaceful world, and it is a shame that most of our resources go to weapons and defense systems. The fighting must stop now!”

The President raises a fist. “Dr. Andrews, I despise this conflict as much as you do. Believe me, peace is on my mind every day.”

“I want to live in a world free from conflict and bloodshed.”

The President extends a hand. “We are heading in that direction. Thanks to you, America has taken the upper hand in the War. As oil prices collapse, Russia’s economy will soon be bankrupt and our enemies will be defeated. The conflict cannot continue much longer.”

“Thank you, sir. It’s so wonderful to hear that.” She continues after a pause. “…I have one last request.”

“Yes, Dr. Andrews, what is it?”

“I’d like to be reinstated as Google’s CEO. Mr. Kharon misled our employees and unfairly ousted me. I was never given an opportunity to defend myself.”

“Consider it done. Not only that, Dr. Andrews, but I would like you to be on my Energy Council. Your insights are needed to steer America in the right direction.”

“That would be my honor, Mr. President. We will make the world a better place for our children and future generations.”

“We will indeed. Thank you for your time.”

The call ends and the cockpit erupts in applause. “That was amazing,” Austin shouts. “Beth, you just ended the War!”

She chuckles. “I’ll add that to my resume.”

The chopper approaches Cupertino and an A.I. prompts for a destination. Beth turns to Anil. “Where is your wife?”

“112 Mercer Street.”

She enters the address. “We’re very close to it. We should be landing in a couple of minutes.”

Anil tries to move. “Just park on the roof. We live on the twentieth floor thanks to Dr. Sanders.”

The helicopter descends onto a roof deck.

Beth peers down. “It’s time to bring baby Lumi into the world!”

A HELICOPTERflies through the New Mexico desert and approaches a five-mile airport. Thousands of spacecraft sweep across the dry landscape, their nosecones pointed to the sky. The chopper lands on a private helipad reserved for owners.

Felina and Manos rush from the vehicle and board a driverless taxi. “Welcome to Spaceport America,” the onboard A.I. says to them. “Please fasten your safety belt.”

Manos buckles in. “I haven’t been here in months. Is my ship ready for takeoff?”

“Yes,” Felina says, “your Falcon 12 was inspected last week, Mr. Kharon. It’s prepared for launch.”

“Excellent. I’m glad it’s finally useful for something.”

The cab drives on a lane flanked by spacecraft rising like skyscrapers to the heavens. It slows near a medium-range, reusable rocket with a single liquid oxygen engine. Supported by a steel frame, the white aircraft has an inscription on its tail—“GoldRock.”

“You have arrived.”

They exit the car and walk towards the scaffold, taking its elevator up ten stories. A warm breeze greets them on the top level.

Felina takes in the view. “Look at all these spaceships!”

Manos rolls his eyes. “I wouldn’t be caught dead in those. Mine is the best one.” He leads her across a bridge to the Falcon 12’s entrance. “Let’s hurry and get up to space.”

“Yes, sir.”

They enter the rocket and close the door behind them, climbing two flights of stairs to the cockpit. Manos takes the command chair and looks up through the windows. “Good morning, Falcon 12.”

Recognizing his voice, the ship’s A.I. activates the control system. “Hello, Mr. Kharon. Will you be flying today?”

“Yes.”

“What is your destination?”

Manos points to the bright star. “We’re going to that wormhole.”

“Prepare for launch.”

The floor vibrates as the engine ignites. Automatic seatbelts lock Manos in place, moving him along a track and rotating ninety degrees to face the sky. He covers his face in the luminous starlight. “That thing is so damn bright.”

Felina hands him a pair of goggles. “This will help.”

“Thanks. Hurry and strap in. We have no time to lose.”

Felina jumps into her seat and it locks her in and orients itself for launch.

Manos dons the glasses and points. “Wow, look at that star!”

Felina sports the eye gear and her jaw drops. “It’s like the Sun, only bigger and brighter.”

“Let’s head up there and see what it is.”

A thunderous roar fills the cabin as thrusters catapult the rocket off the ground. Manos clenches his jaw in the gnawing g-forces. Seconds later, the rumbling turns to a soft murmur as the ship enters the deep atmosphere.

Earth’s curvature comes into view, its fragmented ozone layer outlining the edge. Felina points to North America below them. “Look, it’s so beautiful!”

The A.I. comes on as the boosters power down. “Welcome to Falcon 12. I hope you have a pleasant journey. Please keep your seatbelts fastened until we reach our target speed of 20,000 miles per hour.”

Manos unbuckles himself and climbs out of the chair.

Felina waves her hand. “Mr. Kharon, it’s not safe to get up now.”

Manos ignores her and reaches for a small refrigerator, grabbing two beers and falling back into his seat. “Peace of mind can’t wait.” He pops the bottles open and hands her one. “Cheers!”

She smirks. “Cheers to you, sir.”

As Falcon 12 enters space, Manos begins to drift weightless. Droplets of beer percolate across the cockpit. “Now this is a party.”

Felina stretches her arms and catches the drops with a handkerchief. “We should follow protocol, Mr. Kharon.”

A monitor beeps. “We have reached the target velocity. It is now safe to release your harness belts. We will arrive momentarily.”

Manos peers from the window. “The Earth looks so different with a second sun shining on it.”

Felina bristles. “Wow, the oceans are turquoise…”

“Look at Greenland over there. It looks yellow under the starlight.”

“This doesn’t seem real.”

“Are we dreaming?” Manos laughs. “It feels like I’m on acid.”

She appears worried. “I hope you’re not, sir. Let’s stay sober for this journey.” She points to the North Pole. “That’s the last of the Arctic glaciers. In a few years, the polar ice caps will be gone.”

“We should take some ice as a souvenir. It will be worth a lot of money someday.”