Desolate Earth

Desolate Earth: by Ian Macfarland

September 11^th, 2537. Diary of Adam Walsh,

Earth has become a battleground of unnatural disaster. Studying history makes me think we would have eventually killed off each other. Who would have guessed our own planet would be the one to wipe us out? It may come as a shock to some but to me it isn't surprising. On this very planet that gave us life, in our own bodies we have white blood cells. The main purpose of these cells is to wipe out bacteria, infections, and parasites. Aren't we just parasites to the earth? We do nothing but take, infect, destroy and pollute this world. Turns out killing everything without bias works even better than penicillin.

It's a shame too. We claimed to have so much knowledge, that we had an advanced consciousness, basically saying we were "more alive" than other species and yet we couldn't even save ourselves from self-destruction. We were arrogant and foolish. Perhaps more than anything, however, we were ignorant. Ignorant of our planets needs and blissfully unaware of its desperate cries for help. Even now we still cling onto the earth for life.

You have to wonder, what were people thinking? History books boast about these mighty governments and countries of all kinds that were created to protect their people and their interests. Yet, in an effort to appease their citizens requests for comfort, forgot their duty to protect them. I guess at some point people decided they would be either comfortable or die trying. Well, I'll tell you one thing, I'm not comfortable and I sure as hell ain't going to die anytime soon.

Signed,
Adam

It was the first sign of life I had seen in three months. I couldn't help but stare at it for a bit and just drift off. Knowing someone else was out there gave me hope although I couldn't help but assume the worst. Comfort is one luxury we've lost but more importantly we have also lost the company of others. Loneliness just isn't battle you can win here. Everyone is a risk and a gamble. You might see someone down in the tunnels occasionally but nothing more than a stare or a greeting is exchanged, on a good day.

One thing Adam got wrong is that the governments of earth may have been the one thing that saved our species. Two programs were launched once the surface became unsustainable for life. Since the late days of the common era human population was becoming larger than the earth could support. While advances in farming, science and technology helped us live this long it was the space program that really gave people hope.

The space program was the first to start although I'm not sure if it was a success. Scientists theorized earth would not be able to support the population for long so it was decided to seek a habitable planet elsewhere. To make this possible advances had to be made on growing food, sustaining animal life and recycling water without natural elements or occurrences found on the earth. With all of these capabilities the first space shuttle holding around 25,000 was launched in 2393. Many other space shuttles decided to follow suit and abandon their own home in hopes of a better future. It is said in our history books that each space shuttle flew different directions for a higher chance of finding a suitable planet.

The second program was an underground city – Subterra (meaning below earth). It was theorized by scientists and meteorologists that, with proper insulation and applied science, life would be easier to sustain underground. This was because of the scorching temperatures and horribly high humidity from the oceans evaporating rapidly. Those who stayed on the planet either stayed behind out of loyalty or perhaps they were poor and foolish, I haven't really figured that out yet. I can't imagine anyone would throw their hat into this mess.

I almost gasped as I shook myself out of the meditative trance I was in. It felt like falling down in a dream only to wake up and jolt your body forward. I decided I should scavenge the room for food or other supplies. I turned around and all I remember was hearing a 'clang' sound and feeling blood run down my head into my eyes. I hardly caught a glimpse of the person who assaulted me but I saw it was a young woman. My vision was getting blurry and I was about to pass out but I swear I heard her crying.