New path

It was a difficult day for Lien. He found out that his grandfather Rennie had died.

Many people came to Rennie's funeral. Some of them worked with Rennie at the research center and were his comrades.

Everyone found this news difficult to bear. It was especially difficult for Kelis to perceive. He blamed himself for Rennie's death. Those last seconds of his conflict with Rennie flashed before Kelis' eyes.

However, Kelis' pain was nothing compared to what Lien felt. For him, Rennie was the only close person. And now, Lien was left alone.

After the funeral, Lien returned home and, having locked himself in there, silently watched the TV. He carefully observed what was happening in the world. He followed the changes that Rennie had spoken about.

The world had indeed changed again. An article that had appeared in the newspaper told about the hidden technologies of the disappeared civilizations, or as they would be called in the future - TDC. Rennie did not tell them everything, but he provided enough evidence that the technologies existed. And most importantly, Rennie told how at such an important time, TDC were used as a bargaining chip.

As soon as the article was published, people went out to protest. All over the world, regardless of whether their country was on the list of those who hid the TDC or not, people protested against such backstage decisions that affect the fate of the whole world.

Subsequently, the authorities of each country acknowledged the existence of the TDC, but rejected accusations of participating in the backstage discussion of the use of these technologies.

Countries radically revised their approach to the TDC. They had to open information about the existing technologies to each other, rejecting previous agreements and making a further decision. As a result, the question arose about a specific technology that could save humanity.

They were all faced with an important question, since it was necessary to invest all the resources, knowledge, and send the best scientists of this world to work on the very solution that could save everyone.

The approach to solving the problem was changed. The best scientists were gathered from all corners of the world, who were introduced to each existing TDC. Using the method of anonymous voting, they decided which technology had the least risks and the greatest potential for salvation from Rebirth.

The entire research center held its breath. They, like the rest of the world, were waiting for the results of the vote. Kelis was removed from participating in the new vote and, together with everyone else, waited in the research center.

In those seconds, humanity's next step was being decided. A step on the path to salvation.

And then, in Kelis's office, the phone rang. He was in no hurry to pick it up, because he was afraid of what he would hear. However, he did dare and picked up the phone.

Kelis didn't say anything, he just listened to what was being said to him. Having heard everything, Kelis hung up.

He thought for a few seconds, and then picked up the phone again.

- “Gather everyone in the conference room.”

All the employees of the research center headed to the conference room. All in order to hear the results of the vote. When everyone gathered, Kelis addressed them. – “Our TDC was rejected. It was decided to work on the Ark project.”

All those present began to discuss and comment on what they had heard in frustration.

- “What kind of project is this?” - was heard in the hall.

- “In several countries, aircraft are stored, which, as scientists suggest, were once used as spaceships. They consist of an unknown metal, which scientists called satellit. It is able to withstand any temperatures and is almost not subject to chemical reactions. Scientists suggest that this metal can withstand any physical impact and survive Rebirth… So it was decided to restore these vehicles and use them as arks that can survive after the Rebirth,” Kelis answered.

People in the hall began to talk.

- "Nothing strange," - Eric confidently stated.

The hall was filled with silence.

- "Even if the ships do not take off in the remaining months, then after the arrival of the Rebirth, they will forever roam space... If, of course, they survive the Rebirth," - Eric added.

- "That's right! Humanity will have to live in these spaceships for several thousand or millions of years, until the first planets appear. But, still live...," - said Kelis.

People whispered again, but it was audible that some people agreed with this project.

- "Wait!" - one of the lab technicians jumped up thoughtfully from his seat. - "What size are these ships? How many people will fit in them?"

Kelis was asked a question on the most difficult topic that he had to tell his research center.

- "Fifty thousand people on all the ships," Kelis declared.

Silence fell in the hall. Everyone was surprised by what they heard. Kelis continued to speak. – “The idea of ​​the Ark project is to dismantle all the TDC that are built from satellit and build another ship that can accommodate another 100 thousand people.”

- "Then it will be 150 thousand? From the planet on which 8 billion people live?" - the center employee asked in surprise.

- "Seats in the ark will be allocated by a random sample from all over the world. I don't know more yet... But that's not all. I received a request to transfer eight employees from our research center. They are invited to work on the Ark. If they agree, they and two of their relatives will be provided with places on the Ark," Kelis added.

People in the hall continued to be surprised, discuss and express dissatisfaction. Kelis again addressed everyone present so that silence would reign.

Kelis took out a piece of paper. He began to read out the names of those who had been invited to work on the project. Among those he named was Eric.

- “No wonder… they are all leading specialists…” - those present whispered quietly among themselves.

- “You have the right to leave this place and go work on the Ark project. The choice is yours.”

- “Excuse me! But I can’t miss this chance,” said one of the guests at the Ark project and left the room.

Seven other invited workers stood up and left after him. Eric was among them.

Kelis calmly watched as they all left the room.

Eric was sad to leave the hall. However, he was sure of what he was doing. Having reached his workplace, he immediately began to collect his things. At some point, he noticed Kelis, who was standing not far behind him.

- “Did you come to convince me to stay?” - asked Eric.

- “I had no doubt that you would choose the most logical option. I just came to say goodbye.”

Eric turned to Kelis and looked at him carefully.

- “What are you planning?” - asked Eric.

- “To give humanity a better chance than it has now.”

- “These eight people who are leaving you… they were all, together with Professor Rennie, the heart of the TDC research. You have nothing to oppose!” - Eric argued in surprise.

- “I have someone in mind…”

Eric thought. The image of Lien flashed before his eyes. He was shocked to think about what had come to his mind.

- "No matter what, I am always ready to welcome you back to our research center," - Kelis said calmly.

Kelis turned and confidently began to return to his office. Many new challenges awaited him on the way to the implementation of his plans.