In the conference room, there was a humming sound. "So, what is your scientific research department's recommended course of action?" the meeting's host inquired.
"If at all possible..." "Build a large number of shelters in the tropics, and gather all the people from high latitudes and temperate regions to the tropics," the scientist said after a brief pause. After all, the ocean's and atmosphere's thermal insulation is limited. Human survival will soon be impossible in the cold and temperate zones. The tropical region may still be more suitable for human survival if we humans are lucky and the sun situation does not worsen. Simultaneously, devote all of your resources to new energy research and development. If controlled nuclear fusion becomes a reality, we may be able to save a sliver of human civilization."
"I also propose implementing the most recent solar observation plan." The most advanced solar probes will be launched to the sun in the shortest possible time. We will also carry out a manned observation plan if necessary. After all, if we can figure out what happened to the sun, we might be able to save it."
"What is your opinion?" the head of state asked the representatives of the industrial and social sectors.
"With our current industrial base, we have the ability to build a large number of shelters near the tropics in a short period of time and divert all industrial resources to scientific research, as long as you order us to stop all other non-essential engineering construction," the industrial sector representative said. That's all right. The possible social consequences of halting all non-essential construction projects should be investigated and resolved by the social sector."
"This is not a problem," said a representative from the social sector. All we have is a suggestion. For the time being, we advise against disclosing the true nature of the crisis to the general public. Premature disclosure of the truth can easily cause social unrest, which makes it difficult to organize and carry out follow-up plans."
"If the rationing system is implemented, our food reserves will be enough for all human beings for three years," a representative from the agricultural sector interjected. However, after three years, we will be in danger of running out of food. As a result, we require the transfer of some scientific research resources to agriculture. Tilted, we request that the scientific research department develop high-cold-resistant food varieties, as well as soilless and indoor cultivation techniques, as soon as possible."
"This is what we should do," said a representative from the Central Academy of Sciences' Agricultural Research Department.
...
The specific response was handed over to the relevant departments for detailed discussion after representatives of scientists told the truth about the current crisis facing human civilization and presented their demands. The meeting lasted a long time, and Alex had no say in the proceedings. Because of his special status, even Alex was able to attend this meeting.
Alex's thoughts gradually drifted into the distance as the speeches and discussions continued. Brad's shadow reappeared in Alex's mind, along with the goodbye Brad said before he died and the blank piece of paper he was left with at the end.
That ordinary piece of white paper suddenly seemed to have some kind of magical power in Alex's mind. It seemed to hold the thousands of words Brad wanted to say, despite the fact that it was blank.
Brad was well-versed in everything, but he remained silent.
Alex is aware that his identity is unique and that he is significant, but even he is unaware of what makes him unique and significant.
"Hello." A young woman sitting next to Alex greeted him at this point. Alex regained his composure after his wandering and said, "Hello," with a slight nod to the young woman.
Sofia, Brad's younger sister, says, "My name is Sofia, and I'm Brad's younger sister." "Right now, I'm working in the High-Energy Laser Research Laboratory of the Institute of Optics of the Central Academy of Sciences of the Alliance," the young woman explained. You were mentioned by my brother. "You are a very hardworking, very intelligent young man," he said.
Sofia will be twenty-five years old this coming year. She can't tell her height because she's sitting on the seat, but Alex can see that her figure is very slender. It appears to be very moving, with a delicate face and long smooth hair. It's just that Sofia's eyes are slightly red and swollen, and no amount of makeup can hide the redness and swelling.
"Brad is a very good person, he takes good care of me," Alex said, saddened by Sofia's words.
"I heard that on the night before he died, my brother had a drink with you?" Sofia had enquired.
"Yes." "If I knew he'd have an accident that night... even if I made him angry, I'd accompany him all night," Alex said, nodding.
Sofia lowered her head and gently wiped her eyes with a tissue from her bag.
"Please accept my apologies; I didn't mean to blame you." "No one wants to see such an accident happen," Sofia said after a while. It's just that I have a few questions for which I'd like to receive responses from you."
Alex said, "Please speak."
"You are the only one who could solve the relic left by my brother... Was it a blank sheet of paper? My brother also claimed that you could clear up all of our doubts?" Sofia had enquired.
Alex was taken aback by the fact that Sofia had access to such sensitive information. Alex, on the other hand, was relieved when he realized Sofia's true identity.
Alex confirmed everything with a nod.
Sofia shifted her gaze away from Alex, who seemed to be thinking about something else: "I understand my brother... He is a person who is well-organized and self-disciplined. From as far back as I can remember, I don't recall him doing anything. Anything that makes no sense. So...I take my brother's last words seriously. He must have had his own motivations for doing so. In the midst of this solar crisis, I have a feeling that all of our species' efforts will fail, and the ultimate hope, as my brother put it, is in you."