A Single Tear

"Are you sure that is what they said?"

The voice belonged to one of Doctor Helmsguard's many contacts to government office. Managing several billion souls was a time consuming endeavor to say the least. His contact with them was limited in large part to their trusted aides.

"The visitors from beyond confirmed that they would be two days too late. As always, they are willing to set a meeting to confirm."

"You know as well as I do that won't be required, Doctor. We've worked with you for ten years, we know you well. You would not lie about something as grave as this." The voice on the other end let out a sigh. "Did they have any recommendations on what we could do to increase our chances of survival?"

Survival was the key term there, they had long since given up hope of victory. They had been told that they did not have the infrastructure, the material, the technology, the manpower, to even have a chance at victory.

"Aside from the cache we have sent to the outer ring, they recommend we evacuate as many children born after the terminal point from large celestial bodies as possible. It won't do anything to save 'us', but they stated it would at least increase the chances of our survival as a species."

"No new technology or technical insights to increase our chances?"

"There isn't time. The laws of our universe are not shifting fast enough. The enemy will arrive before the next concentration level is broached. We only had enough of the synthesized materials to make one pulse shield, barely at that."

The nervous tapping of some writing instrument could be heard on the other end.

"Do we have a name for the vessel we have attached our hopes to yet?"

"The higher ups have settled on 'Noah' in light of its similarities to the old biblical story."

"Noah and the Arc, correct? How strange it is that the acronym of the intelligence we have created to pilot it is ARC? This time it would appear that it is the Arc guiding Noah. Are we sure that it wasn't intentional?" The Doctor cracked a defeated smile at the irony.

"You and I both know is was originally meant to be a weapon against our annihilators, not the oar for our lifeboat. It was designed to adapt to an enemy who's weapons and technology surpass our limits of understanding."

"I understand. I look upon it as a child, my child. I only hope our designated survivors can nurture it into something I can be proud of. Will you be able to get some children into orbit and away from the core? I can't imagine that many parents will be happy if its done by force."

"We'll think of something. Already I imagine some form of propaganda and recruiting campaign for the young. Offer transport to various research stations and military outposts for elementary children from ages five to ten. I imagine spreading them out might increase the odds of survival."

"The war might make it seem like a questionable decision for many."

"I am aware. Even then we can spare half a fleet to escort them. That might draw more of the curious little bastards as well. Any update on D-Day?"

"Still the same."

More silence. The incoming catastrophe was the government's best held secret, they could mobilize men and industry in the same levels even without their knowledge.

The leadership all felt it appropriate that the people remain blissfully ignorant of their doom up unto the end. Their panic would not change anything.

"How is our pilot? I believe his name to be Donovan Strauss, yes? Will he be suitable to their desires?"

The Doctor pulled up a file, sharing the information with his contact.

"He is likely the greatest individual that the whole of mankind could hope to produce. He displayed a great degree of adaptability, very quickly getting used to the propulsion system our 'expert' test pilots claimed to be nigh impossible to control, all while using minimal amounts of data. Tactically, he demonstrated a level of foresight and awareness rare even in veteran commanders of many wars. One of his papers, a project he was required to take part in during his course on ship design, has already been taken into consideration by one of our major ship designers."

"Impressive. But I worry for his ability to interact socially. He was cooped up for half of his life after all."

"Do you think I would neglect that?"

"No. I suppose one of your profession would be remiss to ignore something so important."

Further silence. This was a heavy subject.

"Do you think your granddaughter will take to him?"

"I have little concern on that front. I know my Diana very well. Donovan is as close to her ideal partner as is possible with the current culture. My only concern is whether or not he will be attracted enough to her."

"You shouldn't be worried about that. Men in general are horndogs, especially at his age. I suspect that he will be all over her. We shouldn't be concerned with a lack of faith either. It'll be hard to cheat on her if there is no one else to cheat on her with. They'll be happy with each other."

"Even in crisis?"

"Especially in crisis. Nothing like the threat of death to make two individuals violently in love with each other. I should know, the same thing happens between states."

"Government bodies don't have penises though."

"False. The long dick of industry makes a society horny for resources."

Draco rumbled with laughter at that. It was true, how many conflicts were fought for resources to nourish a growing industry?

"Well, if that is all, I have to get going. I will deliver your communique to all knowledgeable persons. I take it the way to contact our friends is the same as before?"

"Yes. They said a lower dosage should provide a similar effect now they are far closer. I know those folk worry over that sort of thing."

"Understood. I will finalize the collection of our known history and have it sent to you by way of frigate. I hope you cherish your remaining time alive the same as I do mine Doctor. I pity that you cannot spend it with your granddaughter."

The communication was ended the instant he finished speaking.

The Doctor, the man known as Draco Helmsguard and the first to contact sentient life other than humans, gazed longingly at the blue speck in the distance. He thought of his house, his life, his loss.

Then he turned to where he thought Donovan's strike group might be, and thought of the future. He thought of the pain his student and his Diana would have to face.

He stared longingly into the vast reaches of space, a single tear upon his cheek.