Thursday, December 9, 2021

Word: Eradicate

 

eradicate

[ ih-rad-i-keyt ]
 
verb (used with object), e·rad·i·cat·ed, e·rad·i·cat·ing.
1. to remove or destroy utterly; extirpate: to eradicate smallpox throughout the world.
2. to erase by rubbing or by means of a chemical solvent: to eradicate a spot.
3. to pull up by the roots: to eradicate weeds.

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               The first speaker of the day climbed onto the dais. His image was projected onto holo screens in front of every member of the Council, and his voice would be automatically put through the needed translations. He looked around at the wide range of beings assembled there. He wondered how many of them would accept his proposal.

               “To all beings of this Council.” He began, having already been introduced and accepted by the chairman. “We all know of the recent problem civilized space has been facing. A species who spreads rapidly, destroys and takes without care, and leaves entire planets dead and baren. The humans, as they call themselves, are an invasive species of the highest order. They do not care about anything but themselves and their own progress, and have left dozens of minor species destitute. We must deal with this threat now, before it gets any worse than it already has.”

               The other members of the Council gave their various forms of verbal and non-verbal agreement. That was encouraging, but not surprising. All of the Council’s member species had been having trouble with the upstart race. But his proposal was extreme. Not all of them would accept it as the necessity it was.

               One of the other Council members spoke. “I assume you have a solution? Maybe a blockade around their planet? Increase galactic tariffs to encourage them to stay in their solar system?”

               “No. I’m afraid not.” He said. “Those solutions might work for a time. But humans have proven to cleaver and resourceful for be held back by such things for long. It is in their nature to spread, and merely keeping them contained is a poor attempt to keep them in check.”

               “So what do you propose?” Another member asked.

               “Eradication. Total. Complete. Wipe out their species, down to the last individual.” The hall filled with whispers and muttered conversations. It was certainly an extreme measure. But a necessary one. But now came the biggest problem. “And, for this purpose, I request the Council authorize the one time use of Weapon T-572.”

               All conversation came to a stop. All methods of visual observation of on him. He was not surprised by this. He expected outrage at even considering such an option next. Instead, the chairman spoke.

               “I assume you know what you are asking, yes?”

               “Yes, chairman, I do. The use of Weapon T-572 has only been authorized once since its creation, and, as it can wipe out an entire planet, its use requires a unanimous vote from this Council.”

               “And why do you thin these humans warrant such a vote?”

               “Because they are one of the greatest threats to galactic stability ever known. They consume, destroy, and take without thought or care. They spread without thought to others, and are quick to fight with even the slightest provocation. If left unchecked, they could lead to the destruction of dozens, if not hundreds, of worlds. They must be stopped, and Weapon T-572 is the best way of doing this. Yes, some will escape. Those who are currently off-world will not be destroyed. But they will be weak, without support or resources. They will be easy to completely eradicate once their home world is gone. All of you know the threat this species poses. All of you know what needs to be done.”

               And with that, he stepped down off the dais. He was transported back to his specie’s viewing platform. The vote was called, and he immediately voted yes. The others would take their time to deliberate and decide. He was not expecting success right now. The use of that particular weapon was far too extreme for this meeting. But he would wait a few more cycles. Let the humans do what they were best at. And then they would see. They would see he had been right. And next time, they would all vote Yes.

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 Incoming (totally not a) Death Star!!!! Better hope this thing has a small thermal exhaust port right above the main port.

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