A case of universal germ warfare

Year 3020 – Germ warfare

Emma

The stars shone in the rich purple blanket. For centuries man has watched the sky. Many have asked if we are alone. Is the universe really infinite? Do we somehow at some point come back on ourselves?  Could there be space craft living out there?  If I could travel in a straight line across space at over 50000mph for 100 years what would I experience and see? The planet’s and the unseen universe. Would I still be travelling forward in a straight line? Future germ warfare had not been considered.

That night, as I looked up, I felt a sense of hope.  Things were bad here on Earth.  With people now taking holidays to the moon and exploring Mars and Hitania, a new germ warfare had been created. The scientists had struggled to find a cure as the diseases were alien.  This was the day.  One of the scientists, Mr Francis, had found a way to communicate with the Hitanians.  A small unknown planet in the 21^st Century.

Speaking a different language, deciphered by technology we needed answers. I’ve never been into space but my dad talks a lot about Hitania, he’s an Astronomer. All my life his stories have fascinated me and now he’s making history.  Humans have been trapped indoors too long. I’ve read about the Corona virus in 2020 and the Spanish flu.  They had nothing on the fear and torment that Hitanian pox has caused.  The heartbreak and lives lost, we have lived, but if no cure it would take a miracle to keep the human race alive.

An agreement

Sitting in the meeting room listening to the Hitanian minister with live interpretation. I was in awe at how generous their race was.  It was us that had insisted on connections with their world. After fighting, and us ignoring their protests we had been allowed us to visit.

The destruction that humans had done to Earth had started on Hitania and Mars. We had destroyed what was once unspoilt, and here the Minister was telling us how to cure our sick.  Listening to what was being said, gasps and ssssching surrounded me.  As usual humans had not heeded to warnings.  Our world leaders had been so determined to legally visit other planets, they had ignored the obvious.  Martians and Hitanians carry different illnesses to humans.  Our bodies weren’t meant to fight each other illnesses.  The discussion was now one of trading medication universe wide.

As the life changing trade deal was made this would change things forever.

Ten years later

As the harmony steadily dissipated, new rulers were now making different decisions. Dad, now in his late sixties had to decide whether to leave us for Hitania. Summoned by the new minister and unsure why, he felt he had no choice but to leave planet Earth.

That day as the tears flowed, I knew that I might never see him again.  Saying goodbye, I knew I needed to put the need of the population first. My heart breaking as the rocket took off.  I had my memories and knew I would next see him on the big screen if things go well.

David

Reaching Hitania, the sweat was pouring off me, having to meet face to face with the new minister. Green faced with horns and a voice that commanded those around him, I tried not to shake as we bowed in greeting.  With an interpreting device fitted to our ears.

“Hello, Mr Khelon, nice to meet you”.

“Hello, Mr Hales, good journey?”

“Yes sir, but glad to finally be here”.

Putting his arm around my shoulder he said, “Come, come, sit down.”

Looking around, we weren’t alone.  We were being watched by green scaly men. This was the strangest moment of my life. Armed with an alarm under my shirt with instructions to push if things go wrong.

A problem

“The reason I’ve called you here is because we need a new strategy. All humans must return to Earth and all alien beings need to go back to their respective planet.  The side effects of the drugs have led to the races mixing”.

I wasn’t expecting this sudden turn in events.

“Our business here is universe travel.  We need a different way.”

“Any suggestions? your humans are becoming ill and waking up with horns.  This evolutionary change has raised too many questions”.

“Mr Khelon, I came to build relations not cut all ties.”

“Well sorry to disappoint, but this union ends here.  We need you to speak to your people and take them home.  This exchange is too dangerous.  The Martians and Hitanians are suffering the side effects along with the Earthlings.  The travelling doesn’t work.  I will be sending a man to Earth to organise the return of all Hitanians and Martians.

“But sir, you know the bosses will not like it”.

He raised his voice, “I don’t care about your bosses, this union ends here. If it doesn’t, we are facing germ warfare.”

I wasn’t sure what to do.  I pushed my alarm button.

Emma

Hearing the alarm. Rupert the commissioner opened the emergency transmission.  On hearing that the business meeting was not going according to plan, I watched him put his head in his hands and rake through his hair.  This could be the end of the agreement, they needed to think fast.

“This is bad but we’ve known about the germ problem for years.”

“Yes, but Rupert we have medicine.”

“Emma, you heard Mr Khelon, the medicine has caused side effects.”

“But the business.”

“There is no business, or are we telling your dad to prepare for war?”

“Of course, not”.

“Send David the get out message.”

Wiping sweat from my hands, I looked at those around me. A sea of shaking heads and frustration.   Signing I sent the signal to agree to Mr Hank Khelon’s terms.

David

“If I agree to end the universe trade agreement, there is a financial problem here.”

“No, it’s a matter of germ warfare.” He then shouted, “get your Earthlings of our planet’s”.

“What about those that have moved to other planets permanently?”

“They will all have to leave.”

I knew there was no way round this, not today. Earth will lose millions of pounds. There must be another way, but today we had to listen to the green horned man sat opposite me. It was time to get everyone back to their own planet’s and for now end the travel. I hope in the future there is a way to restart it, but now I just wanted to see my daughter, Emma. For now, there seemed no other option, universal germ warfare was not worth entertaining.   However, what about the mixed race – Hitanian / Martian Earthlings? They were going to be a bigger problem.

Written for Writers Unite! photo prompt

For more see, A plan and a model for murder – Written for Writers Unite