The End - Visions of Apocalypse

In Relapse, Earth is on the brink of annihilation. Two scientists disrupt the flow of time to prevent the apocalypse from occurring. But while the entire human race is unknowingly sent ten years into the past, one man retains his memory of the life that was taken from him. Haunted by his memories, his only choice is to struggle through his dark past in order to relive his bright future, and once again win the heart of the woman he loves. But is he up to the task?

7. RELAPSE

by Norman Gray

July 8th, 2022

They were going to make history, and end history.

Dr. Emil Werner and Dr. Joseph Heinrich worked tediously. They left the television on in their rundown workshop while making their preparations, watching in hope of hearing some good news. It seemed there was no such thing today; in fact, the news seemed worse by the minute.

“The world holds its breath, mesmerized by an unprecedented phenomenon that perhaps threatens our very existence.” The newscast showed an image of a black object in the sky, growing nearer. Then they cut away to a media conference where a woman standing at a podium was bombarded with questions.

Werner toggled some switches while keeping one eye on the T.V.

“Device is powering up. Standing by.”

“What can you tell us about this object and its origins?”

“All systems activating,” Heinrich affirmed.

“Very little. From the images we’ve received, it is estimated to be one hundred times the diameter of Earth, approximately. Astronomers first located it traveling from within Sagittarius A-star, roughly two hours ago.”

“All calibrations correct. Reset point programmed for June 16th, 2012. All readings are normal.”

“Have there been any attempts to make contact with it or divert it?”

“Device at full power.”

“All attempts to make any form of contact have been unsuccessful.”

“Are we ready, Dr. Werner?”

“What is its current path?”

Werner inspected everything one final time. “All systems are ready. Stand by for reset.”

“It appears to be making a nearly direct voyage toward the sun. Neptune, Mars, and Jupiter will be within its estimated collision course. Given the object’s size and unprecedented speed, it will likely continue its path with little resistance. Earth will narrowly evade impact.”

Werner rested his hand over the switch and stopped. Sweat poured down his forehead. This was it. His next action would decide the fate of the world. Humanity would never progress beyond this point in time, whether they fail or succeed.

“What do you and your colleagues believe will be the result if it collides into the sun?”

“We expect the result will be devastating. The sun could be displaced, possibly even destroyed.”

“Then what is the likelihood of Earth’s survival?”

“Miracles can happen… All we can do now, is hope for one.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?”

Werner stood silent for a moment. “When we go back, everything will be just as it was. Everything. Even our own memories. It will be as if the last ten years never happened. How can we prevent this from happening again?”

“We can’t,” Heinrich said regretfully. “But if nothing changes then we will reset again in another ten years.” He paused. “It’s entirely possible that we’ve already done this a hundred times before.”

“So. This is it then.”

“It’s this, or extinction, Emil.”

There was a long, dreadful silence. Werner stared at the switch; just a harmless little switch, like that of a light or a fuse. “We should wait.”