“Well,” I stumbled, trying to work out what was worth saving, “well, I think,”
“100, we grow tiresome, please proceed with speed and caution,” A voice echoed around the room, a location for it nowhere to be seen. With my audience invisible I cleared my throat and spoke towards the wall, “You’ve probably heard how great humans are but can I tell you the truth, a story even?”
“Is it a truth or story? Either way, you only have time for one. Deliberations will begin in five minutes,”
“Both, I think,” I wasn’t sure but I wasn’t a liar either and I didn’t know how to fight to save humans but I did know what I wanted to save and I hoped they’d agree, “I want to tell you about my attempt to grow a plant five years ago,” Even through the silence I could tell they were not impressed but I continued never the less, “I planted a seed on my windowsill and I used the wrong soil, that’s what we humans are, the wrong soil, and I know that doesn’t sound very positive but it is true. Anyway, I didn’t know what to do, the seed wouldn’t grow. I wanted my window to be beautiful and I thought about buying plants instead of growing them, but then I realised that that was too easy, so I changed the soil. It took time, it was messy and the first flower was never as bright as it could have been but then more grew and they were better, brighter. That’s how I see Earth.
“Earth isn’t just the humans, in fact we are destroying it and, if it wasn’t for the rest of it, I’d agree. But there is more so much more and you need to look past humans, look at what else Earth has. Our oceans are full of plastic but they are also filled with rainbows. Colours so vivid on the scales of fish, you’d think they were painted. Our cities are concrete but even then, flowers find ways to fill the cracks. Our animals are caged but the wild ones roam and soar. They are kings and queens, acrobats and escape artists, comedians and dancers. Even in the harshest climates there are animals or plants showing that life is more than human. Life is everywhere. There world shouldn’t be destroyed even if humans are already attempting it.
“Don’t save the world for us, save it for them. Give us a chance to save it for them,”
“Time 100, we will be back momentarily,” and with that I was left with my thoughts. Would it work? Would it matter? Is there anything left to safe?
“100, we have taken into account your plea and we have looked at the biological make up of Earth. We will grant you 100 days before we return. Should there be a clear effort humans have attempted to save Earth we will grant a further amount until such time we agree Earth is safe. Should we return and not be satisfied, we will save Earth by eradicating it of humans. Understood?”
“I… thank you… but 100 days? That’s very shor…”
“100 days, no more no less,” And with that they were gone.
“I did it? I DID IT!”
“You did?” The president asked as I left the room,
“Sir, I mean yes, sort of,” I explained the clause and he announced the war.
Jennifer Pickering 