The Solution (2nd Edition)

Chapter 11 - The Solution Develops - Chon

It had taken at least twenty minutes for everyone to return to the main hall and another thirty to settle back in their seats. Multiple conversations were the disruptive cause. Thankfully, the din hushed when Xen and his team returned to the stage. "Everyone, welcome back," he continued. The UN podium was Xen's only protection from the abhorrent glares those around me flung at him. "Though a collection of you here, some in my home nation, and perhaps many watching around the world will contemplate my sanity, I urge that you keep an open mind before branding me a Science-Fictional madman. Now, yes. Prior to the recess my team and I were forced to take, you did all hear me correctly. The initial premise of The Solution is that, we Human Beings leave Earth. However, only temporarily... Understand this. Outer space is the key to human survival and to the preservation of this planet. We will need to utilize this precious resource carefully over the next century to alleviate global strains on food; shelter; and transport; with the main thing responsible being overpopulation." Xen cleared his throat and shifted his maroon-colored tie. "My homeland is the perfect example. China still has the densest population in the world. Long ago, it was predicted overpopulation would eventually affect our economic infrastructure, based on such strains. So, in 1979, the One Child Policy was introduced as a long-term solution. Despite the policy being phased out in 2015, China has kept relative control of its growing population. Furthermore, as an approximation, today's global population stands at 8.9 billion. Please bear these facts and statistics in mind, as the rest of The Solution unfolds..."

    Before more unrest could erupt, the police officers dotted around the Convention Center had flexed their graphite batons, causing most angered people to remain in their seats.

    My team and I wriggled where we sat, and it was only a mere matter of seconds before Sarah threw a side glance my way. A whispered thought, followed. "Guys, I never imagined Xen would ever suggest such bold and dangerous things."

    "Me neither," Mikey said. "But it's crystal clear to me now. Xen's a 'Double-O'."

    I agreed with Mikey as far as secrets were concerned, and to me, Xen's mentions of resources and overpopulation hinted at one thing. Limitations...

    After taking a sip of tepid water, my xiōngdi revealed more. "Seven years ago, my mother gave me a significant case study about the Planet Mars..."

    Instantly, me and Mikey came alive. "Chon, here we go!" he hissed.

    We were both excited to see if Xen would make a direct link to my Mars files analyzed on the plane.

    "The study was significant to me, as it offered a basic understanding of the planet's climatology...but not only that," Xen paused. "The study addressed an idea which consumed me with destabilization in mind - whether or not humans could, or would, ever go to Mars in a colonial capacity..."

    With each of Xen's revelations, the crowd couldn't help but pulsate and fizzle. Even I wondered where he was taking The Solution, until he officially changed its direction. "And, as most of you contemplate where I am going with this, I can assure you that The Solution would not be the colonization of Planet Mars. Nor the pursuit of any kind of interstellar space travel. Not yet, anyway. This idea is far simpler..."

    To everyone's surprise, Xen had left us dumbfounded or frustrated with his 'red herring'. This was still the case when it came to Albers. "Honestly, this summit has been nothing but a farce, and filled with riddles! What a waste of our precious time," she grumbled. Naturally Darcy agreed with nods.

    Beside me, Sarah was next to speak. "Guys, I'm so confused. I just don't get it," she whined.

    "Well I think I do," Mikey responded. "Sarah, theatricality and deception are powerful agents when used on 'the uninitiated'. And, we are 'the uninitiated'. All along, Xen had us fooled with those Mars files! Just like Bruce Wayne; a member of The League of Shadows; Xen is 'the initiated'. This was his strategic plan all along."

    "Indeed, it was," I concurred. "He used them to keep everyone off the trail until this very moment."

    As my sights returned to Xen, he spat more orchestrated spiel. "Despite the fact the study was about Mars, the NASA Planetary Scientist - James Raythorpe of the Umentes Research Center - and my guest here today, had briefly explained what kind of preparation would be needed in order to survive in, outer space."

    Just then, most of us in the audience began to swivel in our chairs, hoping to locate James who'd managed to remain unidentified and hidden within the crowd. Having had a good look, I assumed Raythorpe was well-concealed.

    I wasn't pleased to say the least. Moreover, his name wasn't on my brief. Either Gail was slipping, or like an Elder-in-the-making, Xen was truly ahead of the game.

    "Everyone, Raythorpe talked of the journey from Earth to Mars, explaining that such a trek would take up to six months," Xen pressed. "Patrons would have to be well-exercised based on the zero-G-Force microgravity. He also explained that enough food and water would have to be taken to ensure a successful journey. Based upon these same principles, I have spent the last six years of my life creating a beacon of light; The Solution Program Proposal; and this, people of the world, is precisely how we would do it..."

    In a platonic sense, Xen had teased us for long enough. However, the suspense was finally over. My xiōngdi turned on the spot, looked up, and made hand gestures. These actions urged everyone to glance upward and view the center's ultra holotron. In that moment, I could feel it. Something big. Something huge. Something epic, was about to happen.