Members of the House that had supported her election were standing in excited anticipation in the House chamber, along with the Justices of the Supreme Court and 88 members of the Senate. Word spread through the Capitol that the one that was selected in remarkable fashion to help save the human race was about to speak. There was a palpable excitement among them as the time neared, and the senior senator from Pennsylvania shouted “Here she comes! Here she comes!”
As Emma stood, ready, Burkmire gave the countdown, “Five, four, three, two, one and Madam President, we are ready.”
The booming voice of the House Sergeant of Arms was heard around the world, “Mister Speaker, the President of the United States!”
A giant elaborate door opened and Emma strolled out with a triumphant smile, waving as she crossed the stage. The youngest president in history possessed a look of bold defiance and unconditional determination. If it had ever been possible for a stunned hush to simultaneously fall over millions of people around the world, that moment had arrived.
As Emma neared the podium she gave the thumbs up and pointed to her proud, albeit still in shock parents. They were seated in the first row and tears streamed down their faces as their quirky honor student flashed them a wave. She had only moments earlier been sworn-in as president, and was now about to speak to the entire world.
Seconds later she began her inaugural address.
“My fellow Americans and global citizens around the world, my name is Emma Hayes and I am truly honored to have been elected by the House of Representatives to serve as the President of the United States.”
The House chamber immediately erupted in applause. The tens of thousands of people that ringed avenues all over the capital were also cheering. Emma again smiled broadly and after a few seconds she motioned for quiet.
“It has been a monumental few days and weeks for every one on earth. Suddenly, we are tasked with whether or not to choose to pursue a solution that would offer mankind a way forward past the now infamous one million days that we have left before a calamitous event.”
Emma paused. “I say WE because there are those that seem to believe that our descendants just 2,700 years from now will somehow not be us. But I assure you that they most certainly will. And they will also cry the same tears and experience the same happiness.”
After another pause and a deep breath, Emma continued.
“I’ve heard some say that there’s nowhere for humans to go. Allow me to remind our critics that there are over 200 billion stars with 200 billion habitable planets–and that’s just within our own galaxy! Many of these same people also once believed that alien life was guaranteed not to exist, despite the fact that they were consistently reminded that being alone was completely contrary to many closely held scientific principles.”
Emma paused again. She looked off to the side of the room with the polished skill of a seasoned leader. She nodded to Darci and Ranger who were also seated in the front row. She mouthed something to them that sounded like, “How am I doin’?” And just for a split-second she was seventeen again.
A second later, Emma’s expression quickly grew more serious and she continued.
“Saving the human race, and as many of earth’s species as possible, will require leaving much of what we’ve known about how we live our lives behind. It will require a complete 180 degree shift in every single aspect of how we think, what we do, and how we interact. It will require sacrifice and a dedication to survival unlike anything the human race has ever known before. And yes, it will require giving almost completely of ourselves, in hopes that a child 2,700 years from now who looks and smiles and thinks like you, will have a chance at life.”
Emma took a long pause and her eyes scanned the hall. She thought of the two hours of preparation for her speech with her staff that morning. She thought about the time she won the debate team championship at school in the fall. Everything to this point had been unparalleled in American history, and the crowd was already with her as she was about to make a statement that belied her age and experience.
“I believe that if we fail to act decisively, our decision will haunt the world for the remaining centuries. I also believe that our lives have a greater purpose, lived to enlighten others beside ourselves. So today I’ve ordered an emergency committee to explore scientific options for saving the human race. I’ve also ordered the United States Military and all National Guard units to go on full alert. We will have law and order and continue to secure the Homeland as we move forward with an international effort to save the human race!”
Thunderous cheers filled the hall and from the streets where thousands watched the address from the giant screens that had been hastily set up outside. Emma took the opportunity to smile and wave to Somers and his wife Noelle who were seated in an honorary presidential box with Maizey and Jaxson. She made another nod in the direction of Darci and Ranger as they pressed their faces against each other in a look of complete shock and amazement. President Hayes raised her hands once again to quiet the crowd then resumed her address.
“To be sure, a million days from now, the people that will go forward may not live a life exactly like we have had the privilege of living, and there may be new stars that our great, great grandchildren wish upon, but if we’re successful in this monumental effort they will get to live a life every bit as precious as ours. Now that we are certain that life does indeed exist and thrive on many other planets and galaxies, I implore you to keep open the same sense of wonder that has always allowed the human race to drive our ships to new lands.”
The new president had just won over countless new supporters around the country and the world. She paused for a few more seconds then began her closing pitch.
“And maybe, just maybe, our descendants will reflect back on our combined talent and efforts, and know that above all, the human race was able to continue because of a single idea…and that idea is love.”
Emma waited for a few seconds then raised her voice loudly.
“Tonight I’m asking for your complete support as we begin our life giving mission of building an Einstein-Rosen bridge to a future world!”
Those in the audience leaped to their feet and cheered. There was pandemonium among the “M’s” that were ringing every street as far as the eye could see, as well as in the streets of every city and town in the country. Millions of people watching the address from around the world also cheered. Emma again scanned the crowd gathered before her.
“Men and women and children of earth I implore you, our survival as a species will require that we embark on this journey now. Not tomorrow, not in one hundred years, but right now. Lock arms with me tonight and join me on our sacred and amazing journey to save the human race!”
As the young female president was led by the Secret Service through the jubilant crowd in the hall, a cell phone was ringing 257 miles away at Baybrooke House.
A man answered and immediately heard instructions from Grayson’s now familiar voice on the other end.
“Kill her. That’s all you have to do. Oh, and make sure you take out Somers as well.”
THE END
The Million Day Forecast Page 8
