Chapter 1

Chapter 1 (Draft)

Original Work 

The work below is a spin-off of the original series by Michael Greer (link above)

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Kristiana Egilsdóttir rose in the United Althingi and declared “We, the last truly civilized remnant on Earth, do have the right to respond to the alien invitation ! Who else should we consult except our settlers in Antarctica ?

The squabbling Caliphates to the South ? The despots of the Rus ? The Mexican Empire or the cabal that runs Meriga ? That lonely handful of families at Stars Reach ?

There is not a single truly representative democracy of any size outside the Union of Scandinavia and Antarctica. And how can a single dictator or emperor or a small elite speak for all of humanity ?

And outside of Stars Reach and ourselves, there does not seem to be anyone capable of even understanding the Alien Message, or responding. If Antarctica agrees, let us respond quickly with a “Yes' !

It will be 40 years more before we receive the response, unless the alien computer code has more deep inside. Let that 40 years start soon - soon enough that many here in this chamber today will live to learn of the response.

Let us take the first step of a journey that will last many lifetimes – and open many doors that will invigorate our civilization and perhaps help restore it. There is much to gain in the distant future, and only vague fears of uncertainty to hold us back. Let us respond with a strong “Yes” to the alien invitation.

Cowardice and weakness are not our heritage !"

After almost a year of debate, and widespread showing of the actual Invitation, the people of Scandinavia voted in a plebiscite to respond “Yes" to the Alien Invitation – provided that Antarctica also agreed. But Antarctica did not seriously consider the issue.

Meanwhile, several of the Caliphs accused the Scandinavians of sorcery and summoning jinn (capital offenses under Sharia law), and the Rus murmured about witches and fairies.

So, from a geopolitical perspective, the delay waiting for Antarctica’s approval was a good thing. It could have provoked war with the south - and broken some of the alliances with the Rus,

A dozen years passed, and Kristiana Egilsdóttir was elected to the largely ceremonial post of President of the Union of Scandinavia & Antarctica.

She asked for a private dinner on the night of her inauguration with the King of Norge, the Queen of Swei, the Presidents of Island, Finland, Norrland, Groenland, the Representative of Antarctica, the Prime Minister of the Union and the leaders of the three other major parties.

This state dinner was billed as a “get acquainted” occasion, but after the food had been cleared, she rose and declared “I have important news. The Tau Cetans have told us that they said “Yes” to the Alien Invitation. This message arrived at our radio observatory at Reykholt two weeks ago, and my predecessor left the issue to me to deal with. Tau Ceti said that this would be their last communication with us till we also said “Yes” - at least that is what we understand the message to say.

All of Scandinavia has democratically agreed to say “Yes”, if Antarctica will but agree. However, it has been a decade since the issue has even been brought up in their Riksdag. Not “No”, but no answer and they are not even thinking about it !

I suggest that we give Antarctica another year – 366 days – to make a decision. And if they cannot, then their power of veto will waste away. We have in this room those with the authority to make such a decision. Some would say that I alone have that power – but I wish to broaden the consensus and invite debate.

What say you ?

That dinner lasted till well past midnight – and all agreed that Antarctica has two years to make a decision after having the question brought to their attention again by the President.