December 31, 2024 – 11:45 PM
A shadowy sky hovered over New York City. New Year celebrations were in full swing, the streets crowded with people eagerly anticipating the countdown. Yet amidst the joy and fireworks, a sense of unease hung in the atmosphere.
Miles below ground, in a state-of-the-art facility beneath Washington D. C. , a group of scientists worked with urgency. Dr. Emily Carter, a prominent astrophysicist, fixated on the screen before her, beads of cold sweat trickling down her face. The data was indisputable.
“It’s occurring,” she murmured.
Her associate, Dr. Ryan Patel, gulped nervously. “Are you completely certain? We only have fifteen minutes. “
Emily’s voice quaked. “A gamma-ray burst from the dying star RXJ-947 is on a collision course with Earth. The atmosphere won’t protect us. This… this is a matter of extinction. “
12:00 AM – The Countdown Begins
As millions globally counted down, unaware of their looming fate, the worldwide emergency alert system activated. Every television, phone, and radio transmitted the same alarming message:
“This is an emergency alert from the United Nations. A catastrophic cosmic occurrence is imminent. Seek shelter immediately. We repeat, seek shelter immediately. “
Chaos ensued. Fireworks were replaced by cries. People scattered in every direction, frantic to evade a destiny they could not comprehend.
In Times Square, journalist Michael Hayes gripped his microphone, his voice quivering as he reported live. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are receiving unverified reports that a colossal celestial phenomenon is about to strike Earth. We don’t know how much time remains—”
Suddenly, the sky ignited in white.
The Flash
For a brief moment, the world was enveloped in a strange, blinding brightness. Then came the shockwave—an unseen force that swept across the globe, toppling skyscrapers, melting metal, and vaporizing everything directly in its way.
The fortunate perished instantly. The unfortunate endured as their surroundings dissolved into chaos.
Survivors in the Underground
A small number of people were ready. Government bunkers deep underground sheltered select officials, scientists, and the privileged. In one such facility, Emily and Ryan listened as the external world fell silent.
“It’s finished,” Ryan said, his voice barely a whisper. “Everything’s gone. “
Emily tightened her fists. “Not everything. We have a responsibility to whoever’s left. We must locate survivors. “
Days elapsed before they emerged. The Earth was unrecognizable—cities lay in ruins, forests had turned to ash, and the once-blue sky now sported a permanent hue of ashes. Yet against all odds, survivors remained. Dispersed groups of individuals clung to life in underground tunnels, caves, and devastated buildings.
Among them was Michael, the journalist. He had improbably survived in a collapsed subway station. Determined to record what had transpired, he documented every detail, understanding that history—if a future existed—needed a chronicle of humanity’s decline.
A New Beginning
As weeks went by, the survivors united. Emily spearheaded recovery efforts, utilizing the scant technology that remained. The gamma-ray burst had obliterated most electronics, but deep within concealed research facilities, fragments of old technology still operated.
Ryan focused on communication, aiming to reach out to any other survivor groups around the globe. And Michael, now the voice for the remaining humans, sent out messages into the emptiness, informing anyone who might be listening that they were not alone.
One day, a reply arrived.
A faint, static-laden transmission. “This is Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka. . . Japan. . . survivors. . . Pacific bunker. . . Hope. “
Hope. The term held more significance than it ever had before.
Even though the world had collapsed, humanity still existed. And as the survivors began their journey to rebuild, one truth became evident:
This was not the conclusion. This was the commencement of a new world.
