Project Gaia : The arrival of humanity

Chapter 22 : Revelation

"Revelation and the nature of truth must be viewed in reference to the structure of language."

- Kenneth Lee Pike

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Earth, New York City, United Nations Headquarters. June 29th 2038.

It was a radiant summer day in New York City. The skies were clear, and the sun blazed at its zenith, casting sharp shadows over the bustling streets. Outside the United Nations Headquarters, crowds gathered, their voices a low hum of curiosity and anxiety, mirrored by the frenetic activity within. Inside the General Assembly Hall, 198 representatives from every recognized nation on Earth were gathered, their faces betraying varying degrees of curiosity, anxiety, and resolve. Hundreds of journalists and cameramen lined the upper gallery, their lenses trained on the central podium where UN Secretary-General Ryan Fürst would soon stand.

The hum of whispers, shuffling papers, and the faint clicking of camera shutters filled the vast room. Outside the walls of the assembly, billions of people worldwide tuned in-on televisions, radios, smartphones, and social media platforms. Humanity held its collective breath, awaiting what was promised to be a revelation that would redefine their place in the universe.

The chamber quieted as Fürst, dressed impeccably in a dark suit, approached the podium. A man of commanding presence, his piercing blue eyes surveyed the room with a solemn intensity. His deep voice broke the silence as he began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed representatives of the nations of Earth," he started, his tone measured and steady. "Today marks a historic moment in human history-an event that will define not just our generation but the future of humanity itself. I thank each of you for being here and for your service to the people you represent. To the billions watching around the world, I say this: you are witnessing the dawn of a new era."

He paused briefly, letting his words settle before continuing.

"Several weeks ago, on June 18, 2038, something extraordinary occurred. At a supporting facility for infrastructure development in the Indian colony of New Hin'd on Gaia, humanity made its first verifiable contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life."

A murmur spread through the room. Delegates exchanged shocked glances, while cameras zoomed in on Fürst's expression, which remained grave.

"Yes, you heard me correctly," he continued, his voice unwavering. "Gaia, the world we believed to be an untouched sanctuary for humanity's survival, is home to multiple intelligent species. What we initially thought to be a pristine and uninhabited planet has revealed itself to be anything but."

The room fell silent again as he relayed the details. "At the New Hin'd facility, workers were unexpectedly confronted by a group of extraterrestrial beings. These creatures, whose appearances and behaviors were unlike anything we have encountered before, attacked the facility. Tragically, this misunderstanding led to the deaths of dozens of innocent civilian workers."

Fürst's voice grew heavier as he recounted other encounters. "Since that first contact, similar incidents have occurred elsewhere. In the Turkish colony of New Çatalhöyük, a devastating attack by beings resembling avians resulted in the deaths of eighty settlers. In the joint Nordic Nations colony of New Scandinavia, horned beasts resembling hairy bull massacred over one hundred and fifty workers in the forests of Tyresta."

Gasps and murmurs erupted from the assembly, journalists frantically scribbling notes or speaking into live microphones. Fürst raised a hand to quiet the room.