Tom stared at the swirling debris, the ghostly echo of a world lost. The sheer scale of the destruction was incomprehensible, terrifying. He could feel the collective sorrow and solemnity emanating from the beings around him, a silent testament to the tragedy that had unfolded.
The analytical voice of the other young man echoed in his mind. “This occurred approximately two thousand of your Earth years ago. Their research, focused on manipulating electromagnetic fields for advanced stealth technology, crossed a critical threshold. The unintended consequence was a runaway energy reaction that destabilized their planet’s core.”
Seta’s thoughts returned to Tom, his tone grave. “The mathematical signatures are disturbingly similar to your own. The potential for a repeat catastrophe is… significant.”
Tom’s mind reeled. The weight of this revelation pressed down on him, heavy and suffocating. His research, his ambition to contribute to his nation’s defense, now stood accused of potentially unleashing planetary annihilation. The comfortable certainty of his world had shattered, replaced by a terrifying glimpse into a cosmic history and a potential future he could scarcely comprehend. He recalled reading about the Ministry of Defence’s interest in cloaking technology, the potential to make soldiers and vehicles invisible. BAE Systems’ ADAPTIV system and other similar projects sought to manipulate infrared signatures and electromagnetic waves for military advantage. He had been so focused on the potential benefits, the tactical advantages, that he had completely overlooked the potential for catastrophic misuse.
“But… how?” Tom’s thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and fear. “We are only trying to make things invisible. How can that destroy a planet?”
Seta’s response was patient, yet firm. “The universe operates on principles far more intricate than your current understanding allows. Your attempts to manipulate the electromagnetic spectrum, to bend light and energy around objects, touch upon forces of unimaginable power. The Xylosians, like you, sought to control these forces. They believed they were on the cusp of a technological revolution. They were wrong.”
The woman, whose name Tom still did not know, projected a wave of empathy towards him. Her silent communication was the most soothing of all. “We do
not blame you, Tom. Ignorance is not malice. But now you have seen. Now you understand the stakes. The path you are on leads to a precipice. You must choose whether to continue down that path, or to turn back.”
The holographic projection of the destroyed planet faded, replaced by the familiar walls of the council chamber. But the image remained seared into Tom’s mind, a stark reminder of the potential consequences of his actions. He looked at Seta, at the other young man, at the woman whose name he still did not know. He saw not judgment in their eyes, but a profound sadness, a desperate plea.
His research. His life’s work. Was it truly a threat to his world? Could Tom, a man who had dedicated his life to science and innovation, be on the verge of unleashing a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions? The weight of the decision pressed down on him, a burden heavier than any he had ever borne.