Three days had passed since the first emergency meeting. Nothing had improved. If anything, the situation had become worse. The world had stopped asking one question. Now it was asking hundreds.
Should Earth contact the MJC? Should Earth prepare for another attack? Should the portal be destroyed? Should OPESTM be strengthened? Should OPESTM be dismantled? Should humanity surrender? Should humanity resist?
And perhaps the most uncomfortable question of all…
What if surrender was actually the right choice?
The International Security Council was in session. Representatives from forty-two countries were connected through a secure conference system. Unlike the previous meeting, nobody was shouting. That almost made it worse. A large screen displayed a map of Earth. Every continent was marked with different symbols.
Military installations. OPESTM facilities. Strategic ports. Nuclear stockpiles. Super Soldier deployments. And one location was highlighted in red.
Bermuda.
A representative from Europe spoke first.
-We need to stop pretending this is a military problem.
Nobody interrupted.
-This isn't another war.
He pointed toward the map.
-We don't know who they are. We don't know what they want. We don't know how many of them exist. And we don't know what they're capable of.
A military representative immediately replied.
-Which is exactly why we need to prepare for war.
The European representative looked at him.
-Prepare with what?
The military representative didn't answer immediately.
-We still have weapons.
-You had weapons three days ago.
Silence.
-We had fourteen warships.
Silence.
-Aircraft.
Silence.
-Thousands of soldiers.
The representative slowly leaned forward.
-And they destroyed all of them.
Nobody spoke. The military representative finally said,
-Then we build more.
The European representative stared at him.
-And when they destroy those?
-We build more.
-And when they destroy those?
-We build more.
The room became uncomfortable. The military representative looked around.
-What exactly do you want me to say?
He stood.
-That we're helpless?
Nobody responded.
-Because if that's what you want, then say it.
He pointed toward the map.
-Say it publicly. Tell every civilian on Earth that if those things come back, their governments have absolutely nothing to protect them.
He sat down.
-Go ahead.
Nobody did.
A scientist finally spoke.
-There is another possibility.
Everyone looked at him.
-We don't know whether the Five Leaves came here to destroy us.
A representative frowned.
-They destroyed an entire military operation.
-Yes.
-So what exactly are you suggesting?
-I'm suggesting that destruction and intention are two different things.
The room became silent. The scientist continued.
-They came through the portal. They encountered our forces. Our forces attacked them. They responded. Then they received an order and left.
He paused.
-If their objective was genocide, why stop?
Nobody had an immediate answer. One representative finally said,
-Maybe they were ordered to stop because they had accomplished what they wanted.
The scientist nodded.
-Possible.
Another spoke.
-Maybe they were ordered to stop because someone else wanted to deal with us.
-Also possible.
-And maybe they simply weren't interested in killing everyone.
-Possible.
The scientist leaned back.
-And that's the problem.
The representative frowned.
-What problem?
-We are trying to make a decision based entirely on possibilities.
At the OPESTM headquarters, David Fletcher was watching the meeting from another room. Veronica stood beside him. Neither had spoken for several minutes. David finally switched off the screen.
-They're terrified.
Veronica looked at him.
-They should be.
David gave a tired smile.
-That's not what I meant.
He sat down.
-They don't know what to do with fear.
Veronica remained standing.
-Neither do we.
David looked at her.
-You've fought things before.
-Things I could understand.
She crossed her arms.
-These aren't things.
The meeting continued. A representative from South America spoke.
-I support establishing communication.
A military representative immediately objected.
-Absolutely not.
-Why?
-Because we don't know whether communication itself could expose us. We already know they know we're here.
-Knowing we're here and having direct access to our systems are different things.
The scientist interrupted.
-Their technology already exceeds ours.
-Exactly.
-Then what difference would communication make?
The military representative looked irritated.
-It could give them information.
-Information about what?
-About us.
The scientist smiled faintly.
-They already watched us.
Nobody answered. He continued.
-They knew our military structure. They knew our soldiers. They knew enough to send five individuals. Which means they already know more about us than we know about them.
That sentence hit the room harder than anyone expected. Because it was true. Humanity had spent decades watching the portal. Studying its radiation. Studying its energy. Studying its behavior.
And still….
Earth had no idea what was on the other side. But the other side had already come through. Twice.
A woman representing one of the largest Asian powers finally spoke.
-I believe we are ignoring the most important factor.
Everyone looked at her.
-The MJC.
She brought up a document.
-They recalled the Five Leaves.
Several representatives nodded.
-Which means they have authority.
She paused.
-They could have allowed the attack to continue.
Nobody disagreed.
-But they didn't.
Another representative leaned forward.
-So?
-So we have established one thing.
She looked around the room.
-They can communicate with the beings who attacked us.
A pause.
-They can control them.
Another pause.
-And therefore...
She looked at the screen.
-...they can probably negotiate.
The military representative immediately shook his head.
-That's exactly what they want us to believe.
-Why?
-Because if they wanted to destroy us, they'd rather we surrender voluntarily.
The woman stared at him.
-You think they are manipulating us.
-I think we would be idiots to assume otherwise.
David listened quietly. Veronica looked at him.
-What do you think?
David didn't answer. She waited. Finally he said,
-I think both sides are right.
Veronica looked at him.
-That's not very helpful.
-I know.
David stood and walked toward the window.
-Think about it.
He pointed outside.
-Suppose they come back tomorrow.
Veronica said nothing.
-What do we do?
-Fight.
-With what?
She remained silent. David continued.
-Now suppose they send someone peacefully.
-What then?
-We talk.
-And if talking becomes surrender?
-We refuse.
-And if refusing becomes war?
David turned toward her.
-Then we fight.
Veronica stared at him.
-And if fighting means everyone dies?
David smiled bitterly.
-That's the problem.
Inside the conference room, the argument had now shifted. Not between countries. Between philosophies.
One side believed survival came first. The other believed survival without independence was meaningless. A representative stood.
-Let me make this simple.
He looked around.
-We are weak.
Nobody liked hearing it.
-But that's reality.
He continued.
-Whatever pride we have doesn't change that. We have no idea how powerful the MJC is. We don't even know whether those five were their strongest soldiers.
That sentence made several people uncomfortable.
-Maybe they were their weakest.
Silence.
-Maybe they were ordinary soldiers.
Someone whispered,
-Then what the hell are we supposed to do?
The representative looked at him.
-Survive.
Another representative stood.
-And what happens after that?
The room turned toward him. He walked slowly toward the center.
-Let's say we accept. Let's say MJC gives us technology. Let's say they protect us. Let's say they give us everything Unu promised.
He looked toward the military representative.
-Then what?
Nobody answered.
-We become dependent.
He pointed toward the screen.
-Imagine a hundred years from now.
-Our children will grow up knowing that Earth's security depends on someone else. Then another hundred years. Then another.
He paused.
-And one day we won't even remember what independence looked like.
The first representative replied,
-At least our children will be alive.
-Will they?
-Yes.
-You don't know that.
-Neither do you.
The two men stared at each other Then the second man said quietly,
-Exactly.
The room fell silent. For the first time, nobody was arguing about military strength. They were arguing about the future of humanity. Later that night, Paul walked through the OPESTM corridor. He had barely spoken during the entire day. His injuries were healing. His body was recovering faster than any normal human's would. But his mind wasn't. He passed several officers. They greeted him. He nodded. Nothing more.
Then he stopped. A television mounted on the wall was broadcasting the latest political debate. One sentence caught his attention.
-We should surrender before they make us.
Paul stared at the screen. Another politician immediately responded.
-Surrender to whom?
The first man answered,
-To whoever is strong enough to protect us.
Paul turned the television off. He continued walking. He reached his office. The room was empty. He sat down. For several seconds, he stared at his hands. Those hands had held weapons. They had killed enemies. They had saved people. They had failed people.
And three days ago, they had stood in front of five beings who could have killed him without effort. He remembered what one of them had said. You are one man. Paul closed his eyes. Then another memory came.
Mason, Carter, the soldiers. the island. The Five Leaves walking away.
Paul opened his eyes. There was something he still couldn't understand. If they wanted Earth dead…
why didn't they finish it?
A knock came at the door. Paul looked up. Veronica entered. She held two cups of coffee. Paul stared at them.
-Again?
Veronica raised an eyebrow.
-What?
-Your coffee.
She smiled slightly.
-You survived the end of the world. You can survive my coffee.
Paul took the cup.
-That's debatable.
She sat opposite him. For a while, neither spoke. Then Veronica asked,
-Are you afraid?
Paul looked at her.
-Yes.
She seemed slightly surprised by the honesty.
-So am I.
Paul took a sip. He immediately made a face.
-Terrible.
Veronica smiled.
-You still drink it.
Paul looked at her.
-I am used to like I said. But still it's awful.
For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Veronica asked,
-What do you think?
-About?
-The decision.
Paul looked toward the window.
-I don't know.
-Really?
-Yeah.
He paused.
-I know how to fight.
He looked at her.
-I don't know how to fight something I don't understand. And that's what scares me.
She remained silent. Then Paul asked,
-What do you think?
Veronica looked down at her coffee.
-I think...
She paused.
-...we're going to make the wrong decision.
Paul frowned.
-That's optimistic.
She smiled faintly.
-No.
She looked at him.
-I mean, whichever decision we make, someone is going to pay for it.
Paul didn't answer. Because he knew she was right.
Outside OPESTM headquarters, thousands of people had gathered again. But tonight the crowd was different. There were two groups. One held signs demanding:
PROTECT EARTH.
The other:
JOIN THE MJC.
Between them stood police officers. Neither side wanted to leave. A reporter stood in front of the camera.
-Tonight, the world remains divided.
Behind her, two groups were shouting at each other.
"RESIST!"
"SUBMIT!"
"RESIST!"
"SUBMIT!"
The reporter continued.
-Governments have yet to reach a final decision regarding the mysterious organization known as the Megaversial Judicial Council.
She paused.
-However, sources within several governments suggest that negotiations are already being considered.
The camera moved toward the crowd. A young man was holding a sign.
I DON'T WANT MY CHILD TO DIE FOR HUMAN PRIDE.
A few meters away, another man held one that said:
I DON'T WANT MY CHILD TO GROW UP AS SOMEONE'S SUBJECT.
Two fathers. Two fears. Two completely different answers. But both wanted the same thing. For their children to live.
Deep inside OPESTM headquarters, David received a message. He opened it. His expression changed. Veronica noticed.
-What?
David didn't answer immediately. She walked toward him.
-What happened?
David slowly handed her the tablet. Veronica read the message. Her expression became serious.
-What is this?
David finally answered.
-The portal.
She looked at him.
-What about it?
-The radiation level changed.
Veronica's eyes narrowed.
-Again?
David shook his head.
-No.
He looked at the screen.
-This time...
He paused.
-...it dropped.
Veronica stared at him.
-To what?
David looked up.
-Almost normal.
She remained silent. Then David added,
-Someone may have done something to the other side.
Veronica looked toward the window.
-Or...
David finished the thought.
-Someone may have just arrived.
Neither of them moved. For several seconds, the room was completely silent. Then Veronica asked,
-Do we tell the others?
David looked at her.
-Not yet.
-Why?
He stared at the tablet.
-Because right now, Earth is already trying to decide whether to submit or resist.
He slowly put the tablet down.
-I don't think we should give them another reason to panic.
Outside, the crowd continued shouting.
RESIST.
SUBMIT.
And somewhere far away from Earth... something had changed.
Again.
To be continued...