04.07.2024 12:00

Palais de Nations grand Assembly Hall, Geneva

The grand Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations was a cacophony of anxious murmurs and shifting bodies, the weight of global responsibility palpable in the air. Outside, rain fell in heavy sheets, rhythmically drumming against the grand windows, while flashes of lightning illuminated the sky, momentarily casting the hall in an electric glow. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, echoing the gravity of the discussions about to unfold within. The picturesque grounds of the UN headquarters stood in stark contrast to the tempest outside, as delegates from around the world settled into their seats, tension hanging thick in the atmosphere.

With a measured breath, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, stepped to the podium. His presence commanded attention as he surveyed the assembly, his expression a blend of determination and concern.

“Honorable delegates,”

he began, his voice resonant, cutting through the echoes of the storm outside.

“We gather here today in the face of an extraordinary challenge—one that transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies. The emergence of the Zyphron particles and their implications for humanity demand our immediate attention and collective action. It is imperative that we navigate this crisis with the utmost seriousness and collaboration.”

The room fell silent, the delegates leaning forward in their seats as Guterres continued.

“CERN scientists have been providing us with critical updates, but the notification remains the same: ‘Connecting to G.A.I.A, please wait...’

António Guterres stood at the podium, directing a slide deck that illuminated the room with visuals representing the spread of Zyphron particles towards the border of Geneva.

“Our time is running out. The Zyphron particles have already spread beyond the confines of the LHC facility, and it is only a matter of days before civilians begin to come into contact with Zyphron and G.A.I.A. As things stand, we find ourselves with more questions than answers.

To reiterate what we all already know,”

he continued, changing the slides to display pictures and graphs that illustrated the experiments conducted over the past two weeks:

Increased Human Performance: The Zyphron particles have resulted in enhanced physical performance of up to 20% among the CERN scientists affected. They exhibit increased speed, strength, and accelerated regeneration of stamina and injuries. While the rapid regeneration has raised concerns—particularly regarding the potential for uncontrolled cell growth—evidence suggests it is directed towards restoring the body to an 'undamaged' state. Except in cases of complete loss of limbs or body parts, such as those scientists who had their tonsils or appendix removed, or the one case of a missing phalanx on an index finger, which have shown no signs of regeneration.

Minor injuries, bruises, and even old scar tissue have been repaired. There is also a hypothesis that nervous tissue is regenerating, though this remains unproven due to time and logistical constraints.

Impact on Flora and Fauna: Zyphron particles interact with flora and fauna in multiple ways. Observed plants demonstrate an abnormally increased growth rate of up to 120%. Fungi are similarly affected, exhibiting a drastic increase in the electrical and chemical signals passing through their mycelium networks. Additionally, Zyphron appears to create hotspots of activity in various parts of different plants, contributing to significant qualitative changes. However, the purpose of these changes remains uncertain, necessitating further tests and time for comprehensive analysis.

The effects on mammals, fish, and insects subjected to Zyphron emissions are particularly concerning in our current situation. While cognitive functions in mammals have shown significant improvement during the initial days of exposure, prolonged exposure has resulted in phenotypic changes such as increased muscle growth, higher bone density, and a tendency toward aggressive territorial behavior. Fish exhibit similar trends, although the cognitive enhancements could not be measured.

Insects, particularly in their larval stages, have shown accelerated development; their breeding cycles have sped up, and the size of the last two consecutive generations observed under Zyphron emissions has increased by 5-7% per generation. It remains uncertain at what stage this growth cycle will stabilize, making it critical to continue monitoring these developments.

Impact on Electrical Equipment and Infrastructure: No corrosive or degrading effects have been discovered on any observed industrial materials due to Zyphron particles. While the "glitches" in electronic systems are regular occurrences, they have not caused any damage, even to the most sophisticated equipment present at the LHC. However, there are significant causes for concern:

1. Escalating Glitch Intensity: The intensity of these glitches increases significantly in the presence of more biological life. It is estimated that in densely populated areas, with a larger number of people and animals, these glitches could potentially lead to damaging effects. We must be prepared for worst-case scenarios in high-density environments.

2. Uncertainty Regarding G.A.I.A Interaction: We still do not know what will happen when, or if, the mitochondrial system connects to G.A.I.A and how this interaction will affect sensitive technology. This certainly highlights the need for caution and rigorous monitoring of technological systems as we navigate this evolving situation, especially crucial electrical systems in densely populated areas.

Access to a Status Screen: Every human exposed to the Zyphron particles has access to a so-called "Status" screen, which displays critical personal information. This includes the individual's name and their historical location; for those in Geneva, it shows "Helvetia," reflecting the region's heritage name dating back to the first century BC. The Status screen contains placeholders for key attributes: Intelligence, Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution, which are currently unpopulated, displaying only "G.A.I.A response unavailable."

The Status screen also features sections for Tasks, Skills, Traits, and Achievements, all of which remain empty at this time. An important dataset presented is "Health," which registers at 100% for a healthy individual. However, this percentage can drop due to significant physical exertion or injury. For instance, during a training accident last week, one individual sustained a broken hand, resulting in a 7% reduction in health status. Recovery has been observed at approximately 3% per day.

Additionally, Zyphron Capacity varies significantly among observed individuals, ranging from a low of 10 to a high of 68 in this sample. This metric requires careful observation, particularly as we await potential connections with G.A.I.A that may reveal undisclosed attributes and capabilities.

With the time afforded to us, I am pleased that we have gained valuable insights into the dynamics surrounding the emergence of this exotic particle. The collective expertise and dedication displayed by this council are commendable, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for setting aside your differences in light of this grave situation. Your commitment to formulating a clear and actionable plan is a testament to our shared responsibility in addressing this unprecedented challenge.

Furthermore, I feel it is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role played by industry leaders, particularly the owners of the most influential media outlets. Your swift response to this crisis, coupled with the establishment of internal processes and filters aimed at educating the public, has been nothing short of extraordinary. In an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire, your proactive measures to counteract panic and promote factual information are critical.

I want to express my sincere thanks to you, Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Musk, for your collaborative efforts in this critical endeavor. By leveraging your platforms to disseminate accurate information and raise public awareness, you are helping to foster a more informed and resilient society.

As we move forward, it is vital that we continue to work together, sharing knowledge and resources, to ensure that the public remains informed and engaged.

As we have already agreed, the public statement regarding the Zyphron emergence and the current state of the situation will be issued today at 17:00. This announcement will be broadcast across all media outlets worldwide.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

It is imperative that this communication be clear, concise, and factual. We aim to inform the public about the ongoing developments, including the expected timelines for the spreading of Zyphron particles, and the potential implications for both human health and the environment.

We understand that this news may raise significant concerns and questions among the global community. Therefore, it is crucial that we present our findings with utmost transparency, clearly outlining both the risks associated with the Zyphron emergence and the proactive measures we are taking to monitor and mitigate them.

To facilitate effective communication during this critical time, we have established a crisis hotline and chat service that is fully staffed with 300 agents across various call centers throughout Europe. This service is ready to accept calls and provide information to anyone seeking assistance or clarification regarding the situation.

Moreover, should the demand for support increase, we have received confirmations from additional service providers that they will ensure the necessary resources remain available. Our commitment is to provide timely and accurate information to the public, alleviating fears and fostering a sense of security as we navigate this evolving crisis together.

Additionally, we encourage all media outlets to focus on education and fact-based reporting, steering clear of sensationalism. Misinformation can exacerbate fear and uncertainty, and we must strive to provide accurate updates as the situation evolves

Based on everything we’ve discussed thus far, I would like to dedicate the next 60 minutes to aligning our efforts regarding the public statement. I encourage everyone to share their insights and arguments, as your expertise is invaluable in shaping our message.

However, I must stress the importance of completing this task today. Delaying our announcement could lead to misinformation and, ultimately, mass panic within the next few days. It is crucial that we present a unified front and provide the public with clear, accurate information to maintain trust and calm as we navigate this unprecedented situation together

Tomas's heart raced as he focused on the videol, the playful atmosphere evaporating in an instant. The gravity of the situation had finally arrived, and the reality of their conversations loomed larger than eve

04.07.2024 16:45

Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

It was a scorching summer day in Trebinje, the sun beating down relentlessly, turning the world into a shimmering mirage. A fresh breeze swept through the open windows of the family home, offering a welcome reprieve from the heat. Tomas stood at the large wooden table in the living room, fanning the pages of the ancient building plans before him, the paper rustling softly in the gentle wind.

Out the window, his gaze fell upon the yard, a mix of order and chaos. While he had managed to clean up much of the clutter inside the house, remnants of neglect still lingered outside. Piles of discarded debris—old wooden planks, broken flower pots, and forgotten garden tools—sat in a haphazard manner, waiting to be removed. A few trash heaps lay untouched, their contents a jarring sight against the otherwise serene backdrop of blooming wildflowers. The vibrant colors of nature pushed defiantly against the disarray, as if asserting their right to flourish amid the disorder.

“Marko still thinks I’ve finally gone batshit crazy.” Tomas rubbed his face with both hands, a sigh of frustration escaping his lips.

He had called Marko three times yesterday, trying to convince him to pick up his wife and kid and come to Trebinje. At first, Marko assumed Tomas was drunk, but by the third call, his agitation had grown. “I can’t just uproot my life!” he had exclaimed, voice rising. “After all the struggle to get my government job, you want me to throw it all away just because my brother insists?”

“Marko...”

“No, Tomas, let it go. We’ll come down there when I get my PTO or during the vacations in winter, but until then, I have projects and a fuck ton of deadlines to deliver. I just can’t. This is too important.”

That call left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth.

He forced himself to focus on the work ahead, determined to glean as much information from Michael about the changes to come.

He pushed through, working until his muscles began to protest, driven by a sense of urgency that kept him moving´, and all the time he talked with Michael about what to expect, what risks there are, how best to defend his home and family once the world becomes soaked into Zyphron particles again.

He managed to clear out all the clutter from the old house, even tackling the attic, a task that had loomed over him like a dark cloud.

His back ached from the half-bow and crouch he had to maintain while navigating the cramped space up there. Each movement reminded him of the physical toll of his labor.

Michael had protested more than once when Tomas started cleaning the house, his voice rising with urgency. He insisted that Tomas needed to warn the "world leaders" about what was coming. As if the procedures to reach them weren’t so convoluted that he might die an old man before ever meeting one.

Sure, there was a distinct possibility of getting ahold of someone like Donald Trump—with a fat enough checkbook and the willingness to travel to Mar-a-Lago under the pretense of campaign donations. But Tomas scoffed at the idea. That guy was an idiot and wouldn’t know what to do with the information even if it was handed to him on a silver platter. More likely, he would use Tomas’s clout for some minor political points, completely oblivious to the gravitas of the situation.

So, he told Michael he would figure it out, but first, he had to focus on bringing his family and the few people he held dear to safety. The world would survive; there was nothing he could do to stop Zyphron. His circle of influence ended with the people closest to him, and for now, that was all that mattered.

He cleaned the house thoroughly, paying a premium for express delivery of furniture and hiring workers to handle the necessary repairs in the coming days. To speed up the process, he enlisted the help of some neighbors, offering them a quite bit of cash to clear out the clutter, which they happily accepted.

Now, inside the empty walls of his old home, he waited for everything to arrive.

With a bottle of wine on the table, he tucked the old building plans back into their folder and pulled his laptop from its bag, slipping into his familiar routine of browsing—9gag, Reddit, checking his emails. Considering how mentally unstable he had felt just a week ago, teetering on the edge of breaking, the whirlwind of his visiting his brother, meeting his baby nephew, the sudden situation with Michael, and the relentless work on the family home had left him little time for brooding. Ironically, just before what felt like the end of the world, he actually felt good for the first time in a long while.

He took a cigarette from his pocket and poured himself a glass of wine. It was piss warm, but the fridge hadn’t arrived yet, so it was what it was. He took a sip, grimacing at the taste but appreciating the ritual. Lighting the cigarette, he inhaled deeply, letting the smoke swirl around him as he leaned back in his chair.

"You should really stop drinking and smoking this much," Michael said with a scoff. "Your body could be so much more, and you're wasting your potential with poisons."

"Okay, Mom," Tomas shot back with a chuckle.

Michael raised an eyebrow, his concern morphing into frustration. "I'm just trying to look out for you, Tomas! With everything happening, you really should be taking care of yourself."

"Look, Michael, I get that you mean well," Tomas replied, taking a drag from his cigarette, "but damn, if I wanted someone to nag at me all the time, I might as well have married already. So please, just let me enjoy this piss and my cigarette, and let’s talk about something else."

Michael's expression softened slightly, but the worry remained etched on his face. "Alright, but I’m serious about this. You can’t just ignore what’s coming. We need to strategize and plan, and I dont know if you realize it, but its urgent."

Tomas exhaled a cloud of smoke, the momentary calm dissipating. "Fine, but can we at least pretend we’re not on the brink of disaster just for a little while? Michael, I am exhausted and I just need a breather."

Just then, his YouTube video cut off abruptly, replaced by a stark emergency broadcast. The screen flashed with bold red letters announcing a Global Emergency Broadcast. The gravity of the situation was made even clearer by the absence of an ad that usually preceded videos.

“Dear citizens of the world,”

António Guterres began, his expression grave.

“This is an emergency announcement. Please remain calm and listen carefully. Two weeks ago, an experiment inside the Large Hadron Collider, conducted by the scientists at CERN, resulted in the creation of a so-called ‘exotic particle.’

“Initial investigations revealed that these particles exhibit unpredictable behaviors, including autonomous replication. While the team did everything in its power to stop the replication, they have concluded that the spread of the particles is unstoppable.”

“We have conducted numerous tests. The scientists already affected by the particles have shown significant bravery and dedication, volunteering to be test subjects so we can better understand the impact of these particles on humans, nature, and technology.”

“So far, there has been no documented harmful interaction of these so-called Zyphron emissions on humans. In fact, all observed changes have been positive.”

Tomas turned to Michael, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t think we can even pretend, Michael. What do you think?”

Michael’s voice was filled with concern and disbelief. “It sounds like they’re trying to downplay the potential risks. This is serious.”

“Or they dont know any better..”Tomas added, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. “I have to call Marko again. The timeline has moved ahead faster than expected.”