"Sir. The defenses have failed. The predicted damages were reduced but the area of impact has been increased to roughly 83% of the Earth's surface," the aide hid the tremble in his voice well. 

The much older gentleman across the desk from him held his head in his hands. Doctor Raphael Metier sobbed once into his hands, allowing himself that single moment of weakness as the events of the last decade rushed through him.

This was just another setback. Another curse from the heavens. Nothing new to the people of Earth.

"Get me General Starden. We need to activate the PBBs immediately," the doctor said, locking his eyes on the aide.

The man gulped at the intensity of Metier's stare and quickly scrambled out of the room. He stared through the big single pane windows of his office as his wife rushed across the lab, dodging the aide with an easy sidestep.

She's always quick, the doctor chuckled darkly to himself. A moment later, Ingrid Metier was in his face.

"What did I tell you Raph! It wasn't going to work and yet they did it anyway!" she shouted the moment the door shut behind her. Thank God for soundproofing.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Ingrid, you know as well as me that they weren't listening to the science," he gestured vaguely at the numerous graphs and readings posted all through his office and out in the lab. Most of which his wife's team had gathered. While Raphael was no slouch when it came to the Metier Crystals and the strange radiation they emitted, it was his wife who deserved the credit.

His wife was the true genius, even if the government had placed him as the figurehead and relegated Ingrid to the sidelines.

"You should have told me! What good is any of this bloody research if they are just going to throw it in the garbage." His wife was livid. After discovering the strange radiation five years ago, she'd been pouring her heart and soul into understanding it. Trying to pluck some meaning from the imminent doom of humanity.

Sighing at what he was about to say, and do, the doctor leaned back. 

"They did listen, my love. By God I'm thankful they listened to you. I am sorry I cannot join you, but I hope you and Marcus can forgive me."

With an unsteady hand, Raphael Metier pricked his wife in the neck. 

"Raphael what are you..." Ingrid tried to say a few more words but they slurred as the sedative kicked in.

"I'm so sorry. Please take care of Marc. It's time I sacrifice as much for this planet as you have."

The doctor ran his hand gently over the bald head of his wife. A flurry of emotions threatened to halt his actions. No. They deserve this more than me. With ice in his veins he picked up his wife and began to make his way down. Down to the bunker where his son also rested. And where he would not be following.