2041 Sanctuary (Let There Be Light) Read Free Page A

schedules to join together on the eve of what can only be called the most pivotal moment in human history, perhaps even our planet’s history. On this most auspicious of days, where our combined efforts to conquer the stars has culminated in the space stations that surround you now, we are one nation, one species, one planet, united in a common goal against a singular threat which jeopardises the existence of everything and everyone we hold dear.
    ‘The six asteroids that, even as I speak, draw inexorably closer to Earth, represent a challenge like no other, a test of our resolve and spirit against which we must – and will – prevail, lest darkness descend and life and light be irrevocably, irreparably extinguished.
    ‘Ever since the year of Our Lord 2011, when the harbinger of our doom, the near-Earth object AG5, was sighted by the Mount Lemon Survey, the Space Programme as we know it today was conceived, an inevitability of union as our great nations came together to form an integrated response in a collaboration of resources and knowledge that may never be matched in this life or the next.
    ‘But, let it be known, the Space Programme’s greatest achievement is not the space-craft, computers or specialised equipment we are set to use in defence of Earth, it is the people watching me now, listening to my words – YOU are our greatest advance, our greatest minds, our greatest hope. Without you our technologies would not exist, without you our technologies could not be operated. Without you there is no Space Programme, no hope, no victory.’
    The administrator paused for breath and Tyler felt roused by his words. The hairs on the backs of his arms and neck stood up on end as he was reminded of the magnitude of what he, and those around him, were about to undertake. With his usually calm demeanour chastened, a quick glance around showed him that everyone else was similarly entranced, the hush in the room complete. Astrid’s eyes glistened with emotion, indicating he wasn’t alone in being stirred.
    ‘To paraphrase a famous British politician,’ Jackson continued, ‘ never in the field of human conflict will so much be owed by so many to so few . When Winston Churchill spoke those iconic words it was to inspire an embattled nation against Hitler’s tyranny, but a hundred years on our fight is against a far deadlier foe, force majeure, a superior force, an act of God, the ultimate enemy.
    ‘And yet,’ – he looked around at those standing by his side – ‘together we stand, shoulder to shoulder with those present and past. Thousands of years of human advance, every step, great or small, by those that have gone before, has led us to where we are now; the creation of the wheel, the internal combustion engine, electricity, the computer, the World Wide Web, every progression a leap forward, propelling our understanding and capabilities to new heights.
    ‘Look around you now—’ he continued, his arms held out beseechingly.
    Tyler looked to Astrid, then to Alexei, then to those in front.
    ‘—the men and women beside you can help you change the course of history, of our planet’s evolution, of every living plant’s and animal’s evolution; their destiny is in your hands. Yes, we have had setbacks, failures … some say too many—’
    Tyler noticed the defiant tone entering into the administrator’s voice, and the fact that the GMRC had not been mentioned once during his speech spoke volumes.
    ‘—and yet we have persevered despite cuts to our funding in favour of other projects. As the final days of reckoning approach, the next few months will prove to be our best window to action our plans to divert the trajectories of two of the four asteroids due to impact Earth in 2042. I understand many of you, especially my countrymen, will disagree with the decision as to why those two asteroids were selected for deflection over the other two; however, the decision has been made and we must abide by the consensus