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The Emissary |
| Written by Daniel | |
| Tuesday, 26 August 2008 | |
The following tale takes place either in the very near or very far future of our species.
I looked down at the planet below me with a mixture of hope and sorrow. It was always the same with these primitive civilizations. They had come just far enough to have the potential to destory themselves over the rapidly dwindling resources of their small planet.
Not that my own kind were any different a few hundred cycles ago. War and disease held sway over the population, and we were well on our way to self-annihilation. Then came the Emissary of the Universal Civilization. He brought knowledge and peace to our world. He saved us. Then, when we were ready, our planet was welcomed into the wide universe with open arms. Now, it was my turn to do the same thing here.
For almost fifty cycles, we had been watching this planet from afar and preparing them for our arrival. We couldn't just show up one day, completely unannounced, and declare our intentions. It would likely spark a global riot bred from panic and ignorance. Lives would be lost. And life was the very thing we were trying to preserve.
So, for the first stage of the operation, we operated mostly in secret. We started whispers of a peaceful alien society, where extraordinary wonders awaited those with an open mind. When their greatest scientists were stumped by the mysteries of the unknown, we were there to subtly push them in the right direction. And finally, we covertly introduced some of our own technology to them, and sat back and waited.
As expected, several new and dangerous weapons were born from our science. But with them came various vaccines, medicines, and new devices to help improve the overall quality of life. Their ability to destory was equally rivaled by their ability to create. It was a good start.
A loud beeping on the wall told me that the time had come. I adjusted my ceremonial uniform again, although by now I was sure that every thread was in place. It was just a nervous habit. You would have been nervous too if the fate of an entire world rested on what you would be doing in the next few minutes.
I stepped onto the small platform and felt a small tingle as an artificial environment was created around me. Our research showed that the planet below contained a breathable atmosphere, but I didn't want to have to hold my breath on the way down. In response to my unspoken commands, the tiny vessell carried me down towards the surface.
To avoid any kind of perceived favoritism, the first meeting would take place on an uninhabited island in neutral waters. The leaders, representatives of every government were invited to attend. Most did. As I descended, I saw that in addition to the invited guests, several pieces of military equipment were on scene as well.
In the past, it was not unheard of for an emissary to be met with hostility and rejection. As such, defensive measures were put in place before and during every meeting. If the situation became violent, no one would or could be harmed. I wasn't in fear for myself. The knot of fear that formed in me was in relation to how I would be received. Would the hear the truth in what I had to say? Would the welcome me as my species had welcomed the strange visitor so long ago? Or would they reject me and my knowledge, exiling me back to the stars where all I could do is sit and watch their imminent self-destruction.
The platform touched down with a soft thump and I looked out over the gathered crowd. Such hope, such promise was here. It couldn't be allowed to waste away. One of the representatives stepped forward hesitantly. He was understandably shaken by what he was seeing, be he perservered anyway. Admirable.
"On behalf of the people of our planet, we bid you welcome." I lowered my head in recognition of his words.
"My thanks for your receptions, Representative. I am the Emissary. I come to you with grave news, and joyous revelation." The people shifted uncomfortably at these unexpected words. Had they really expected me to say, "I come in peace?"
"We would hear your words, Emissary. But, please understand that our civilization does not respond well under threats." I held up my hands in a gesture of peace.
"I bring no threats, only truth. Your species is at a crossroads in your development. One path leads to enlightenment and a place among the stars. The other leads to assured self-destruction." I paused as I let the words sink in. After a moment, the representative spoke again.
"How can you know this? Is your science so advanced that it can see into the future?" It was a valid question, if proudly spoken.
"No," I admitted. "We do not claim to see through the veil of time. But I tell you now, we have seen this type of behavior before. Planets growing by incredible leaps, but as a people, they're unable to keep up with the rapidly accelerating pace of change. In frustration, the lash out at one another. They use the excuses of religion, or rights to resources to further their violence. Until at last, their scientific genius explodes in a global cataclysm that erases all life. This is the doom that awaits your planet unless you heed my words." Again, a tense silence filled the air. This was the most crucial moment of the exchange. If they decided to hear more, it might just work out. Or, they could reject me here and now, and resign themselves to their fate.
"And what is it that you offer us?" I breathed an invisible sigh of relief as the representative spoke those words. The first obstacle was over. A lot of species didn't like it when the first words out of your mouth were of their own impending death. But after thousands of years of making contact, the Universal Civilization finally decided that proclaiming the entire truth at the first meeting was not only for the best, but also entire necessary for future good relations.
"I offer you hope in the form of knowledge. In less than two orbital cycles of your planet, all forms of disease can be erradicated. In less than five years, all hunger, poverty, and want will be a thing of the past. And when that is done, you will be allowed entry into the Unversal Civilization as a united planet." Here was the second hurdle. If words of death and destruction didn't frighten a species off, the prospect of being part of something bigger than themselves could do it just as easily. I held my breath again.
"What if we don't wish entry into your Universal Civilization? Will you resort to force to acquire our membership? In that respect, we would be no better than slaves, selling out our society for your quick fixes to problems we would likely solve ourselves if given the time." I suddenly found myself in a precarious position. They were mistaken my offerings as an ultimatum, and my revelation of their future as blackmail. They would revolt. They would choose anarchy and destruction over potential servitude. I had to stop this.
"No species has ever been forced into anything against their will in the entire history of the Universal Civilization. But the fact remains, that once our assistance has been offered and accepted, no species has turned down the invitation."
"We must confer for a moment," the Representative said, as he retreated toward the awaiting diplomats and dignitaries. I felt that one more word of caution was in order.
"Be mindful. Your next actions could either save or condemn your entire race." His skin changed color slightly, a sign that I had learned was usually attributed to sudden anxiety. That was good. It meant he was taking his job seriously.
They spoke in hushed whispers for several minutes. I could have listened in, but decided that it was unwise to violate their trust at this point. This was the third and final point of this meeting. They would either reject me now, or open the way to further meetings. At last, they broke back into their respective groups and the Representative approached me.
"As you know, a decision of this magnitude cannot be made in the span of a few minutes. We would ask that you come to us again, and show us exactly what you propse in greater detail. Only when we know all the facts, can we truly decide on a course of action." I hid my shaking hands behind my back and once again lowered and raised my head in acceptance of their words. They hadn't rejected me. There was still a chance.
"I shall contact you again soon," I said as I stepped back up on the floating platform. Once again, the artificial environment surrounded me and I ascended into the stars with a sense of accomplishment. I hadn't saved a doomed planet, but I had given it a chance. And best of all, they had accepted it. Nothing was set in stone, but in the universe, nothing ever was.
Copyright 2008 Daniel |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 August 2008 ) |
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