Time on Earth was literally ticking away. Any moment now the race’s immense starship would finish consuming all the energy that was left on the planet. Then what? Maury could only begin to imagine the possibilities, but then…

Idea!

He quickly turned his head toward the monitors. Four seconds.

Maury laughed. There was still enough time.

Without panic, he jumped out of his seat and dashed toward the end of the control panel. There it was. The red button.

Three seconds to break the glass covering and hit the red button. And save everyone on Earth.

Maury laughed. This really was too easy.

He laughed once more, smashed the cover, and pressed down hard.

SIZZLE !

A flickering of lights. A burning smell.

Maury frowned.