2210

New York City, AD 2210: The battlefield. Just about ten thousand humans on the frontier. No, they weren’t experienced soldiers. They were men, women and children of their respective families. The decision had to be made, then. Their lives were at stake. Their population was like a piece of meat under the butcher’s knife. A little more and it’s all over. General Durst took heavy yet slow steps to the podium, from whence he planned to address his “soldiers”. He looked around. Then he looked at his locket, which blurred at his hot breath, in the cold. He looked up. The men were lined up with their last cigars in one hand, and ion defragmenting weapons in the other. The more responsible and smart men took charge of the heavier machinery and vehicles. Women were preparing to defend the UNO headquarters where their children had taken refuge. The UNO headquarters echoed of children’s cries. “It’s now or never”, thought the General. He finally came up with something to speak,” My dearest mothers, friends, and brothers. We are here, united as one. The reason behind my short sentences could cause you to curse and hate me. But somehow, it will satisfy me and you, when Time considers it just. Today, when I woke up, I saw my mother. A lady in white, who called me “Little Billy”, again. It went deep down into my realization, what I felt was “crap”, thirty years from now. It was today. It is today. It will be today. I realized the truth “today”. I folded my hands and shut my senses into prayer. I felt it. Someone at the other end seemed to listen to me. I believe he’s the one my mother used to call “God”. This “God” promised me victory if we all pray. He has saved humans during the 15th Ice Age, and even after the Ice Age, and for every reason that we are here, “today”. Look at you. You are supposed to be in your happy families. Why should you be out here in this cold, facing your own creation? Why do we have to fear “today”, which we considered a blessing yesterday? Aren’t these trash metal copy-of-the-human supposed to be our slaves? Then why are they aiming their weapons at us? Why are we outnumbered in population by this so-called “Man’s Best-‘est’ Friend”? Dear Humans, now, it’s either our prayers, or our graves. We cannot let these Robots take over us. I wish to say no more, but act. So are you all with me? May the “God” be with you.”
 The General threw out a last smoke from his cigar, looked at his mother’s picture at the locket again, and took out the small cross, which his mother had handed over to him thirty years ago. Then he was disturbed by a noise. It was the robots charging towards them. He was pleased to see that his soldiers were in deep prayers. When they opened their eyes, the General shouted out, “This is for you, mom…CHARGE!!!!” 

New York City, AD 2010: “This is an Exclusive Report presented to you by NBC TV. The Senators representing every country in the UNO are excited to find out what Dr. Koshima Atari has in store for the world. This is supposed to be Japan’s step in changing the world. For the last 5 centuries, activists have been trying to end human slavery, and now, it has been accomplished. Now, we will have slaves which will not require extra maintenance; be it health-care, food, or various other requirements. We will now not have to worry about a friend whom we cannot trust. That’s all we know about the upcoming ‘gift to the world’. But what we don’t know is, what is it that will bring such light to the world? ...”
20 minutes later…
 “… Oh mah gosh!!! This is unbelievable!!! And let me repeat; this is an exclusive report by NBC TV and Senators from every country in the UNO are dumbfounded in praise when they found out what Dr. Koshima Atari had in store for the world. This could be a new era in the science and technology of robotics. The first Android: the A-2210. But why name it A-2210, and not A-1, or A-001? Let’s see what the professor has to say about this. Dr. Atari, could you tell us more about this android and it’s strange name? ... … Oh! So you’re saying that you were the 2210th scientist to have joined the Robotics Division of Honda Electronics, and so you believe it’s your lucky number? That’s nice! And perhaps it will be lucky for you for the rest of your life, as the name “A-2210” will echo from ear to ear. Yes friends! According to Dr. Atari, this is supposedly “Man’s Best-‘est’ Friend”. People, the future is here … “

The United States of America

The White House, Washington D.C., 20th May, 2009 : "What seems to be the situation?", asked The President of The United States Of America. "War, Sir...war. That seems to be the only solution.", a tensed General Keller, The Secretary of Defense of The United States of America, replied. The General looked around. The conference room, then, was not as he used to know it. It echoed every word they spoke. It was so gloomy. The huge portrait of "The First President of The United States of America" seemed to look at him through the frame with despair in it's oil painted eyes. The blank faces of the LCDs were whispering into his ears,"You have failed your Land, it's all over." The air-conditioning wasn't good enough to cease his perspiration. Phantoms of the previous Presidents of the United States of America seemed to be seated around the conference table, listening to their discussion. "Wish they were here...I've no idea what this might count up to...", thought the General. "..Or,..", he continued,"...we might just give them back what they want..."." That's simply ridiculous!!!", howled Mr. President, " What is it with you? Meeting their demands would add up to our financial crisis! Are you saying we lay our ass open to them, and they keep beating the shit out of us? Do you want to live with your family on the streets as most people of the third-world countries do? I called you up at this odd hour for a top-secret emergency meeting. Not some 50-cent-an-idea crap. If it's a war they want, that's what they'll get! This is the Land of Uncle Sam; and we are not liable to bow down in front of anyone, do you get that?" The Reputed Secretary of Defense of The United States of America hung his head in shame for about 2 minutes. Then he looked up, and said," There's where we're making the mistake, Sir. We've underestimated them. We cannot forget, that whatever we own today is actually theirs. But all they demand for is to let go of the oil mining project, and let them have their legal share. I know we've paid for it, but we did take advantage. The world is looking down at us, Sir. This is the only chance to prove our true hearts..."." Spare me, General!!! And could you please leave your pathetic ideas at the Sermon? Now, if you may please, I've got a war to prepare for...",decided The President of the United States of America, and left the Conference Room. General Keller left the room, taking one last look at the great hall, the table, the seats, the LCDs, the portraits, etc. Just as he was leaving, he thought he saw a drop rolling down the oil painted cheeks of President George Washington's portrait...

A FEW NEWSPAPER HEADLINES AND SUB-HEADLINES:

The Daily Telegraph, 14th June, 2009:  Another aerial attack on Iran!!!

D.C., 5th July, 2009:  It's official!!! A THIRD WORLD WAR! 

The City, 7th July, 2009: The Secretary of Defense commits suicide; note reads: I shouldn't have mentioned the idea of a war in the first place.

Washington Times, 28th July, 2009: "STOP THE WAR" banners fluttering all over the USA. UNO agrees. 

The Statesman, 11th August, 2009: War called off!!! People consider General Jonathan Keller a Martyr.