Preservation by Obstruction
by Dan Kanizar
Photograph by Joshua Mirenda
Chapter 3: From Dust We Came to Dust We Become
For a few seconds, the computer remains silent. Without warning, it emits a blue rotating picture onto the ground. The
image is a large sphere defined by hexagons. I raise my hand to the image, expecting it to be warm. I wave my hand through
it, but surprisingly, there is no temperature change. I can do nothing but stand and stare at this amazing technology.
Dustin’s concerned look turns into a question. “What is this? It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.”
The computer's hollow voice answers, “This is the Pulse Flux Reactor. A single generator of energy designed to power the
entire country. With the installment of ARC towers, energy can be transferred and absorbed through each tower. Five towers
are enough to power the Manhattan area.”
As the computer explains this, the image moves and forms new pictures. I can see many towers that look the same as the
one we are in now. The computer brings up images of Manhattan. It was a vast city with huge structures. In the image, I see
towers and buildings that look as if they can touch the sky. I can also clearly see the people walking on the streets, far below.
Only remnants of such architecture exist in my country.
“Scientists soon noted irregularities in the reactor’s core. The core was constructed to imitate the sun's potential for
energy. An unprecedented event took place and the core became self-sustained. In order for the reactor to function properly,
it has to release energy. This inevitable release of energy event was known as a Massive Energy Surge - a surge that could
eliminate all life on the planet.”
The image shifts again to the reactor. It lights up as bright as the sun. Then, an explosion of light emits from the reactor in
a massive shockwave. The image now shows people, animals and plants all turning into a dust-like substance. As soon as the
energy wave hits them, they are gone. The wave then hits the giant wall and is absorbed.
“The American government was quickly informed of the M.E.S. situation and consulted with scientists behind the reactor's
creation for solutions. The reactor could not be shut down, but the energy could be absorbed. Using the same technology of
the towers, the United States Government had an immense wall built around the border. The M.E.S. was calculated to occur in
seventeen years with the reactor being active three years already. The U.S. Government performed a massive deportation of
all illegal residents. A false campaign was forged to convince the American people that the wall was for protection and better
existence. The majority of the population was required to construct the wall. The wall was completed 5 years before the
initial M.E.S. On August 5th 2254, the first M.E.S. occurred. Extinguishing 428,000,000 Americans along with human life forms
as well as all other biological life forms were transformed in the surge. After the first M.E.S., it has reoccurred every twenty
years.”
With its explanation complete, the computer falls silent. What can I say? What should I say? Dustin looks as speechless as
I feel. The bright blue rotating image fades out as our silence continues. I can't believe it. Since I can remember I've been told
that America was to blame for the world’s trouble and degraded state. It is shocking to find out the complete opposite. The
whole world has the story wrong. I should ask Dustin if he is okay. As I turn to face him, I see him standing there looking
troubled. He then asks me, “Baron do you know what today is?” Without giving a carefree fisherman like me appropriate
time to figure out what the actual date is, he answers for me. “It’s August 5th 2394!” His face begins to sweat profusely. In a
cracked panicking voice, he asks the computer when the next M.E.S. is.
“Second to last M.E.S. is set to occur in one hundred thirteen minutes.”
“Wait!” Dustin shouted. “What do you mean by second to last M.E.S.”
“Zero maintenance has been performed on the barrier and ARC towers since the
first M.E.S. Only sixty eight percent of battery absorption capacity remains. Estimated battery capacity in 2414 will be forty
seven percent. The barrier will not contain the surge, and global bio extinction will occur. Leakage and failed storage of
energy will cause all systems to permanently shutdown. The 2414 M.E.S. will be the last recorded surge event.”
“So in twenty years we’re all screwed!” Dustin screamed. “How do we shut it down? How do we stop the end of the
world?”
“P.F.R. cannot be shutdown.”
Dustin is going mad. I can’t blame him. This is the end of all existence we are talking about. Something has to be done
now, or we’ll get caught in the fast approaching M.E.S. Dustin begins to throw small furniture around the room. A chair flies
into a screen and glass shatters as he repeatedly screams obscenities. I've never seen him so hot blooded before. I have to do
something. Dustin has lost all composure.
"Dustin," I yell over his own loud voice. He stops yelling and freezes. He’s still
holding a chair over his head, which was most likely going to be thrown into another screen. "Wait, let me ask it something." I
tilt my head towards the ceiling, and I ask the invisible voice my question. "Are there any exits in the barrier?"
As if it was anticipating the question, it quickly responds, "Nearest exit is 5.4 miles southwest. Barrier section C-7, entrance
13. Entrance corridor can be reached on foot before M.E.S."
"This is great since we actually have a chance. We can make it! Come on Dustin, let's go!" I say with joyous excitement.
Dustin doesn't look excited though. There is not even a smirk on his face. He's standing there, down trodden, staring at the
ground. "Come on man, we don't have a lot of time!" He lifts his head and our eyes lock.
He opens his mouth to speak, "I'm not going anywhere."
Find out what happens to Dustin and Baron next time.
The final installment will be posted
on November 10, 2012….