“My astrophysicists recently discovered that a super black hole was created 24,000 years ago at the galactic center, in the center of the three constellations Sagittarius, Ophiuchus, and Scorpius. Its mass is amazing, and its gravity is 10,000 times the gravitational force of the largest known black hole! Because the black hole is so far away from the Earth, humans did not discover it until 24,000 years later. The black hole is expected to devour the solar system in one year. That is to say, our earth has entered the countdown to death. If we want to save human civilization, we must come up with a plan as soon as possible. This is why I urgently called a meeting today.” Rusan said solemnly at the UN General Assembly.

“Oh, my dear Rusan. You wouldn't make such absurd excuses to attract all countries' attention to you? I don't believe in any act of god. If you think the oil price is too expensive and want me to lower the price for you, just beg me directly, instead of making up stories at the UN General Assembly. Don't forget, the content of this meeting is broadcast live globally. I don't think you want to embarrass your country in front of the whole world, do you?” Amery sneered nonchalantly, mocking other countries at the UN General Assembly seemed to have become his way of pastime.

Rusan didn’t hear what Amery said. His attention was completely attracted by what was going on outside the window. Two teams of heavily armed men were fighting each other with weapons in their hands. They were shouting, pulling the trigger, and firing at each other. Although Amery didn't believe Rusan's nonsense at all, the audience watching the live broadcast in front of the TV didn't think so. In the period of the Internet, people are very sensitive to all kinds of information. Even small remarks may cause cyberbullying and even demonstrations. Not to mention the world is ending!

“Even if this is real, how can you save humanity? Conventional spacecraft cannot escape the gravity of the black hole and fly away from the Milky Way, my stupid honey.” Amery said cynically.

“Pay attention to your language! Also, who said that we can only use conventional spaceships? Don't think I don't know that your country is secretly developing warp drive spaceships. Your country's action has seriously violated the United Nations Act. Now is the time to disclose your technology to the world. With the warp drive spacecraft, we can leave the solar system at a speed beyond the speed of light, and humanity will be saved.” Rusan said urgently.

“I refuse your request,” Amery said. “Although the experiment was unauthorized, our nation's scientists and engineers have devoted their lives to this project. Why should we share their research results with you for free?”

Much to Amery's surprise, Rusan didn't yell at him as he expected. Instead, he said very calmly, “I understand, selfishness makes you not want to share technology. But this plan does not have to guarantee that everyone will leave. As long as some people leave, human civilization can continue to multiply in the universe. If you want to become the only country in human’s future civilization, I accept it, and I hope everyone can accept it.” Rusan is always the first to regain his sanity in critical moments.

“I firmly disagree!” A voice came from the corner of the venue. “Why is it that only they can survive when the end comes? It's not fair! Didn't it be agreed that everyone is equal and everyone gets the same rights? Why don't we obey when the end comes? Rather than retaining human civilization, I would rather everyone stay on Earth to die!”

As soon as this remark came out, it was recognized by all countries. The debate in the venue grew louder. Only Rusan and Amery stood there silently. People would rather let humanity go

extinct than abandon morality. This is human nature. Rusan and Amery didn't expect that reason would eventually be defeated by the ugliness of human nature.

Rusan felt tired, he didn’t want to continue arguing with them anymore. As a state leader and father, Rusan didn’t want to waste time on the stupid meeting on the last day. So he called out, “All of you shut up! If you think you and your country have a big brain, you can make a suggestion just now. But look at what you guys do. You’re still looking out for your interests! Guys, this conference won’t decide who can be the permanent member state! There is
no interest, no benefit, and no profit from this conference! The only thing we must gain is the chance we live! Please, don’t be crazy now, let us help the world!”

No one answered. They all looked at him with disdain in their eyes. So what, even if today is the last day of the world, there are still profits, right?

“No one agrees?!” he cried, “Think about your people, your children, your parents! If you don’t want to live, they do! Come on.”

...... 


Still, no one agrees.

“Ha-ha-ha-ha! I know, I always know, the whole thing is a farce, you know, it’s all a big joke, it’s very funny. I think we don’t need to worry about this stupid race. We can do everything we want, on the last day! So, let’s fight! Let’s fight like the beast downstairs!” he cried, then fire all the nuclear bombs his country has on his enemy state. “Let’s fight!” he said, laughing.

There was an awkward silence. After about 10 seconds, the other state leader finally come to life. They have abandoned the interests they worked so hard to defend and are rushing to launch every nuclear weapon they have. Not to be outdone, smaller countries without nuclear weapons are also rushing to launch their missiles and other weapons. The room was as noisy as a supermarket on Black Friday for a moment. When the end comes, no one is responsible for their actions.

The first nuclear bomb exploded. They looked over their shoulders at the video feed from the blast site as they continued to fire their nukes. As the shock wave hit, countless people walking along the road vaporized, while many more died from internal bleeding. Then, radiation swept over the city. People sitting in the conference room could hear the screams of those affected by the nuclear radiation. They floundered in vain, trying to find someone who could help them. But they all became bloody and died. As radiation levels rose, the camera suddenly broke down. The signal went out and the big screen is flickering.

The people tell silent. They think about what they did the first time. Rusan has already been crazy, he walks around the conference room and shouted: “It’s all gone! The world is ending! Don’t be sad guys, let’s party!” As soon as the words fell, a nuclear bomb hit the conference center impartially, and all the state leaders vaporized in an instant, not even a finger was left.

Subsequently, nuclear bombs continued to explode anywhere in the world. In just a few minutes, there is no living thing on the earth, only corpses and building debris left in the streets. Only half of the Statue of Liberty loomed in the radiant air, shining in the afterglow of the setting sun. Yes, it is the setting sun of mankind, and it is also the setting sun of the world.

The state leaders are the heroes of the world because they successfully prevented the world from being destroyed by the act of god.

2023 BIBA Short Story Competition Silver Winner

Heroes who Saved the World by Tiffany Zhang and Phoebe Wang