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[Thanos's Plan]

"Before our resources dwindle, we must proactively reduce our population," Thanos declared.

"What!" Shock rippled through the assembly.

Someone stood and rebuked, "Thanos, are you suggesting we slaughter our own people?"

Thanos met his gaze. "And what alternative do you propose? If we don't act now, we face extinction within a century. It won't be selective—everyone will perish."

The man retorted, "We can't resort to genocide!"

"Then offer a better solution," Thanos challenged.

The man faltered.

Thanos sneered. "Don't criticize without a plan; it only exposes your ignorance."

"Are you calling me ignorant?" the man snapped.

"Yes," Thanos replied flatly, coldly staring him down.

"You!"

Kronos intervened, banging the table. "Silence."

The hall settled into an uneasy quiet, though one voice spoke up, "This proposal is absurd."

Kronos addressed Thanos, "Your suggestion lacks foresight..."

"Does it require much consideration?" Thanos interrupted. "Choose between total extinction or controlled reduction. Which would you prefer?"

He surveyed the room. "You can challenge my proposal, but do so with a viable alternative—not mere objections like 'it's cruel' or 'it's absurd.'"

Another cautiously offered, "We could ration our resources..."

"We're already rationing," Thanos countered. "But most among us barely eke out a living."

"No amount of austerity will suffice. To survive, the Eternals must cull our population."

Kronos faced Thanos. "Whom do you propose we eliminate?"

"At random."

Thanos explained, "I've devised a plan ensuring fairness, where each individual faces an equal chance of life or death."

"...Those chosen for death will be offered a peaceful passing through medicine, sparing them from future famine and war. Our people will endure, ensuring our survival—it's the best and only solution to extinction."

The assembly exchanged looks, but remained silent.

Thanos turned to Kronos. "Grandfather?"

After a pause, Kronos shook his head. "First, let's impose strict resource controls... From today onward, all provisions will be distributed based on minimum standards."

"Very well. Dismissed."

With that, Kronos departed, the others following suit, leaving Thanos alone.

Alone in the room, Thanos sat in silence until evening, when he quietly exited.

Outside, despite the hall's opulence, desolation loomed close—a testament to Titan's plight.

Neglected buildings, crumbling roads and bridges... under a darkening sky verging on apocalypse.

In the distance, a red sun sank, casting deeper shadows.

"Thanos."

Startled, Thanos turned to see Sehira approaching, a rare smile appearing on his face. "Sehira, it's been a while."

The woman, with short black hair, asked with a smile, "Just came from the meeting—what was discussed?"

Thanos sighed. "Nothing. No progress—they rejected my plan."

"What plan?" Cecila inquired.

Thanos explained slowly, "In another hundred or two hundred years, Titan's resources will be depleted. Our only recourse now is to preempt disaster by reducing our population, ensuring the survival of the Eternals. That's my proposal."

Sehira fell silent.

After a few seconds, Thanos faced her, noticing a similar expression to those in the hall—disapproval.

He clenched his fists, deeply disappointed and somewhat angry. "You disagree with my plan?"

"It's... too harsh," Sehira replied softly, bowing her head.

Her words twisted Thanos's face for a moment, his disappointment evident.

Thanos took a breath. "This dilemma echoes across many civilizations—it's akin to the 'trolley problem.'"

"The trolley problem? What's that?" Sehira asked, unfamiliar.

Thanos continued, "Imagine a tram with failed brakes hurtling towards two tracks. On one track, five people stand; on the other, just one. As the driver, do you steer to hit the group of five or the lone individual?"

Sehira frowned, pondering his words.

Thanos answered for her, "Most would sacrifice the one to save the five... Isn't this akin to my proposal?"

"No," Sehira disagreed.

Thanos paused, looking at her in confusion.

Sehira elaborated, "Consider another scenario."

"What scenario?" Thanos inquired.

"Imagine five patients in a hospital ward—one needs a heart, another a lung, a liver, a kidney, and a spleen transplant. Now, a healthy passerby walks by. If you were the doctor, would you sacrifice this person to save the five patients?" Sehira posed.

Thanos froze, pondering for a few seconds, his brows furrowing in consternation. "No, Sehira, you must have altered the context... Let me think..."

Before Thanos could respond, Sehira interjected, "Thanos, I've always admired your wisdom and courage. You used to be my idol, but some things elude your understanding."

She glanced at him, adding, "I must go now."

Watching her leave, Thanos clenched his fists and roared.

*Boom!* He shattered a nearby stone pillar, sending shards flying.

"This is the only solution!"