The Solution (2nd Edition)

Xen

Before long, time had moved again, and those few who'd survived Satan down on Earth, began to emerge.

    One of these survivors was Robin Albers, who'd insisted on being flown to Baikonur for proper safety.

    Weeks before the World-Ender had struck, Robin had been successful in the UN Election. She was the new secretary-general who'd succeeded Samir Ahmed. Painstakingly though, her first task was to now try and orchestrate the global rehabilitation of modern society - a task that some of her angered peers now considered a bigger undertaking than the Two Coronavirus Rebuilds - The Defense - The Relocation - or The Contingency of The Solution.

    From the secure confines of our Sub-Colony; and with Ling Xiodau and the Jong Brothers at her sides; Robin stared at me over holoscreen. "Mr. Secretary..." she started.

    "Madame Secretary-General," I replied.

    "...Xen. Not long ago, I was blasphemous, and accused you of many things. I also scrutinized your professional integrity and expertise. Well, aside from the questionable things you did with those girls, I was wrong to do so."

    In respectful response, I buffered my lips, and did so in a way that Robin knew I'd accepted her apology.

    She continued. "And so, Elder, with your life's work in mind, I will share something that my mother used to tell me. She would say, 'Aniyah-Robi. Learn to pick your fights. More importantly, don't ever take on a lion, if deep down, all you are is a kitten.'

    "Xen, until a few days ago, I'd always thought of myself as a big cat, with nothing left to learn. But no more. Redeemed dragon, regarding our planet, you were right all along, and for my ignorance, I am truly sorry. The Solution was providence. The Solution is providence, and I see that now. On yet another darkened day of despair, I hope that your majestic message of fire can shine upon us all. I hope it will continue to light the future for some time to come. ...Lastly, the world needs rebuilding now. And if you have the desire in your heart to help me, I would relish council from the greatest thinker of our time..."

    After only a second of contemplation, I'd answered my old nemesis. "Robin, for me, The Solution was always about duty and responsibility. And professionally, I never shied away from my own, and I won't shy away from yours, now. So happily, my knowledge and thoughts are yours, whenever you need them."

    "Thank you, Xen Lai. And once again," she wept in conclusion, "your family can be proud."

    After our reconciliation, the lioness and I pored over much.

    On her part, Robin had informed me of Tom Darcy's demise. Before he was able to reach Alber's safehouse on the outskirts of Johannesburg, he'd been engulfed in a landslide.

    Many of her other associates who made up Green Justice had also perished across the world.

    On my part, I'd started by sharing what I'd learned from Zhōngnánhǎi. Junsin Eixo and the remaining caretakers had met their demises. Orbitbound like myself, Ming Du Han and those who'd supported me throughout my scandal were the lucky ones. Still, in the wake of the apocalyptic event, they vowed to return to the surface to help rebuild.

    Next, I divulged on the happenings of BTV. Thanks to the resourcefulness of Henry Wang from security, he'd managed to spirit Charlie Lamoon, Gail Hom, Mae-Zu Lim, and Michelle Zungai to safety. For the Geek Girl, I'd vowed to ensure that she'd be spirited to Dwarven Earthian Star as soon as physically possible.

    After all, her lover, the Geek-Guru-Extraordinaire, was a major resource to me.

    And so, with respect, Mikey would continue to need the marvelous muse by his side.

    Last of all, I'd informed Albers of a transmission I'd received from the Scandinavian surface. With hope, it was from The Youngest of Elders, who had survived The World-Ender by recalibrating their bombgenosis array and pointing it at Satan's blasts. More significantly, Greta Thunberg's message was also an assuring hail. Somehow, she'd pinpointed the location of Chon and mùqīn's Star Shuttle! Supported by an act of divine intervention, she'd also dispatched a rescue team to retrieve my loved ones, before she'd sent the transmission.

    Therefore, I prayed to Lord Huányīn like never before, in the hope that they could come back to me.