The Universe heaved a heavy sigh. Metaphorically, of course; as it was a universe, it didn’t have lungs to sigh with. It had been working for such a very long time, expanding, creating new stars and planets, and hadn’t had a break in, well, ever. Maybe it was time to check in on some of the planets it had made in the early days, when, if it was being honest, it didn’t fully know what it was doing.
The Universe put a hold on its continuing expansion, and began moving back along its history, observing the fruits of its labor. Chi-90732 hadn’t really progressed that far yet, but it was only a few decades old – the Universe didn’t expect much from it at this point. Although, it noted, the green soil of the planet was beginning to sprout tiny purple fungi, which was promising.
The Universe continued on, checking in here and there among its earlier works. It was surprised to see that Solis-283757190374 was already working its way to supernova, but it had always been ahead of the curve, always charging forward. The Universe considered checking in on the planets that orbited Solis-283757190374, but thought better of it. Those planets wouldn’t be around too much longer, and seeing what had become of them, knowing they were soon to end, would be too painful.
The Universe checked in on Iota-83617 and Epsilon-93205, which were flourishing. The life on both planets were at different stages of development, but seemed happy and healthy. Nothing to worry about there. The Universe watched there for a while, smiling at the happy antics of the planets’ residents.
The Universe finally tore itself away from a fascinating mating ritual, and decided to check on some of its early creations. At random, it chose Beta-39773, and what it saw was horrifying. To start with, the Universe could barely see the surface of the planet through the dirty haze that hung around it, like a stifling blanket. Once it got past that nasty grime, it got a good look at what was happening, and wanted to weep. There were fires raging across the surface, obliterating so much life, so many of the plants, animals, and beauty the Universe had planted. There were floods and droughts, and so many places had been divested of their intended inhabitants. Forests were stripped, oceans poisoned, prairies cleared.
The Universe couldn’t believe it. What had happened here? Beta-39773 had been such a beautiful planet when it left, with so much potential. The Universe took a closer look, and the pain it felt intensified. The beings on this planet! How cruel they were! To the world around it, spilling toxins into the water and air, killing off the other beings for unintelligible reasons, and the way they treated each other!
The Universe had never seen anything like it. They were so cruel, so callous to each other. Some of the beings elevated themselves over the others, ruling in any way they wanted, and used such nasty tricks – bribery, blackmail, violence. The Universe watched as the beings split themselves into categories, and watched how the groups became so defensive of their identities that they lashed out at others. It watched so many die, from objects (weapons?) that it had never seen before, or even imagined possible. They sent pieces of metal toward each other at incredible speed, blasting holes in flesh. They dropped machines that destroyed entire cities, and left rubble and poisons behind. Sharp bits of metal were thrust into each other, and lies, treachery, and madness infected them all.
The Universe recoiled from its creation. It had to do something to stop all this pain and suffering. It looked to Solis-92955828, and discovered the star would not be ready for supernova soon enough. It looked back to the planet. The Universe had created it, and the Universe had the strength to destroy it. For the planet’s own good.
The Universe concentrated its energy, focusing on the horrid little planet before it. Before unleashing its pain, though, it saw something. Something so small, so fragile, that the Universe almost missed it. But on closer inspection, it was clear to the Universe; amidst all the pain and suffering, amidst all the destruction and chaos, there was hope. The Universe couldn’t believe it. Some of the little beings, running around on the dying planet, still thought they could save it, still thought that there was something good and redeemable about their home.
The Universe thought for a moment. It had never interfered with a planet after it had moved on to the next project before. It believed in allowing its work to grow independently, trusting that the foundations it lay would guide the planet and its residents in the right direction. Somewhere along the way, the beings of this planet had gone rouge, had decided they didn’t care about their home or their fellows. But if those with hope still thought there was good, still thought there was the possibility of a better future, who was the Universe to deny them the chance to try?
The Universe slowly released its pent up energy, released the rage and sorrow it had gathered looking at its creation. Let them try, it thought, but I will be keeping a closer eye on things now. Well, metaphorically.
© The Lightning Tower, 2020