Chapter 20

"I am an individual part of a country that is filled with all sorts of resources. We are economic leaders of the world. What I can do alone, Americans as a nation can do hundred no thousand times better. It is easier for me like everyone else in the world to think only for myself and save my neck. But what will we be alone in space? And wouldn't we be ashamed in front of our children when we tell them that we left all the humanity behind and ran alone with our tails between our legs?" Daniel got a little emotional.

"I am standing for the weak of the world. I want to give them fair opportunity, a shot at saving their lives and I am not doing this only for their sake. I am doing this for myself, for you, for everyone and for humanity itself. In this universe, our biggest strength is our numbers. This is our trump card against nature that is throwing us away." Daniel got a little louder.

"Please do not belittle our efforts by categorizing them in the compartments of religion, race, geographic location, language, skin color and boundaries. I request all the world to look at us and treat us as humanity. Thank you." Daniel looked like he was restraining his emotions from exploding.

"In this plan they said that Saans is going to digitalize all the books across the world." Adam asked.

"Yes. We need to take all the research and information with us. We do not know, what future in the space will unfold, so alongside hard copies, we will take soft copies as well." Daniel elaborated.

"What will be the organization in space. Will there be balloting and democracy or are you going to pronounce yourself as a king?" Steve asked in sarcastic tone.

"What an ass." Lisa thought. While Daniel laughed loudly.

"Woooow. I never thought about that. It is too early to decide on that. King or President; you cannot become one. Only people choose and make you one." Daniel smiled.

"This is the last step. I am focused on first step; taking people into space. There they can decide whether I'd be a king or a president." Daniel joked.

"What are founding members? Will they get special privileges in space?" It was Lisa's turn again.

"Founding members are the people who will contribute to this project with their skills or money, here on earth or in space. Also, No one will get any special privileges on "M.E 1. NO ONE, EVER." Daniel emphasized.

"One last question. Mr. Daniel must attend an important meeting. Our other members will stay and answer any further questions from media." Amanda announced from behind the podium. Daniel looked at his wristwatch.

"Mr. Daniel, it states in the report that Saans will send their first batch of human technicians in 2055. Why such delay?" A journalist asked.

"Even though we have advanced a lot in space technology, it is still very taxing for a human body to go on a journey to space. I am sure, we will soon discover the technology that will allow us to travel in space just like we travel here on earth with our Hovercars. Until that dream is realized, we must hire and train our hires for this taxing journey. Hope that answers your question." Daniel smiled.

"Thank you everyone for being here and being so supportive. Until next time." Daniel stood up, waved them goodbye and left the hall. Amanda followed her.

"Please continue your questions. Our panel will answer your questions." Another woman replaced Amanda.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19th December 2050

With full presidential protocol and security President Mathew was being escorted to white house from Chamber of the House of Representatives. He had just attended the close joint session of Congress. He looked anxious and disturbed. Due to the impending circumstances, it was decided that a joint session of the Congress will be held every Sunday, until further orders and it was mandatory for every member to attend the session. In this session, future strategy of the United States of America was discussed.

President Mathew proposed that USA should stand with all its strategic allies from the past. He wanted to establish the colony in space that could populate at least 2 billion people. In his mind, it was the most humane and prideful strategy for Americans but to his surprise, he faced a lot of opposition even from his own congressmen. Most of the congressmen wanted USA to prioritize settlement of American Nationals as soon as possible because the research suggested that the increase in temperature of the inner core was inconsistent and non-symmetrical. Earth could explode as soon as within one year.

President Mathew knew that this sort of strategy would not only dishonor them, but it will also induce a lot of hatred and resentment towards them.

One of the Congressmen also the opposition leader suggested that they should put a price per seat in space and only take those who can afford this. This way they will be able to create a more advanced and highly facilitated space colony.

"No matter how powerful and resourceful you are, you cannot venture through this alone." President murmured. He wiped his forehead with his hand. He was feeling suffocated. He loosened the knot of his tie. They were even planning to ban Saans from its activities in USA and declare Daniel Youssef as traitor.

"How can they be this selfish and stupid?" His mood was getting worse and worse. His earphone rang. He got startled.

"Accept." He said in a little mechanical voice. He heard a tone and his secretary spoke from other side. He listened through the earphone.

"Okay. Connect." He ordered his secretary after pondering for a few moments.

"What does he want with me." He thought.

"Yes, Mathew here." He said in a little deep, low, and overwhelming tone.