[ WP ] World population has been declining for 200 years

`` We ca n't keep these lies going any longer, people are starting to notice.'' The face that belonged to the voice was youthful, no more than 25 years in age. 
 
 `` Quite! You are too young to understand the necessity behind our actions!'' Urged an aged voice, raspy as it was it emitted a certain amount of force. 
 
 `` She's right elder, our grasp on the media channels are no longer effective. People are believing their eyes, not what we tell them.'' 
 
 Wrinkled eyes darted to the direction of the third voice. `` Do you know what this means senator?'' 
 
 `` Of course, we have to release the cure elder.'' 
 
 `` Fool! If we do that we will lose control, is that what you want?'' 
 
 `` But elder, if we do n't we will be vulnerable to the possibility of extinction, especially with the collapse of the mars colony.'' The voice the senator produced was calm and steady, experienced with dealing with this particular set of ears. 
 
 `` Do n't recite facts to me like a school boy! You are n't even half my age''. 
 
 The senator waited before responding, `` True but there are not many left of your age and none with half the amount of wits you possess s...''. 
 
 `` Save the flattery, that is n't going to work! Do you remember why we created the virus in the first place?'' Annoyance made his voice even more forceful. 
 
 `` To inhibit reproduction.'' Replied a flat voice. 
 
 `` And...'' 
 
 `` And maintain control of the resources.'' 
 
 `` Very good, glad to see you have n't caught the madness.'' Mocking eyes only served to illuminate an almost sinister grin. 
 
 `` A madness we created!'' For the first time the senator lost control of his voice and anger was more then apparent. 
 
 `` What!'' Wide eyes reflected the shock the woman was feeling. `` That was us? We created the madness?'' 
 
 `` Oh do n't look so surprised girl, the virus was bound to have a few side effects.'' The elder replied waving it off. 
 
 `` A few side effects? People are killing themselves and each other for no reason! Who else knows about this?'' 
 
 He did n't bother masking his contempt when replying `` You are looking at them, girl.''. 
 
 The senator interrupted the exchange, trying his earlier argument `` but elder, what about the virus, if we do n't release the cure we will go extinct!'' 
 
 `` Enough! I will hear no more of this.'' His tone was final. 
 
 `` Fine, then I have no choice but to let the truth out.'' Responded the senator gravely. 
 
 `` I'm sorry, but I ca n't let you do that.'' The elder's tone was flat but held a dangerous air. 
 
 The senator responded cooly, `` What are you going to do, kill me?''. 
 
 `` You mistake me for mad senator. You will have to remain isolated, you and the girl.'' The elder attempted to leave through the only door but was felt his arm pulling away in the opposite direction. 
 
 `` I think you are the one who made a mistake, I was n't asking for your permission, not this time.'' The senator was n't even trying to restrain his anger. 
 
 `` You can try but I would n't recommend it.'' His voice remained steady, letting no emotion show. 
 
 `` Why not?'' He asked yelling. 
 
 Instead of responding the elder walked over to a screen that could have been mistaken for a window and his gaze fell upon a small blue planet. Despite the waters that took most of the land mass and the now poisonous atmosphere which removed all plant life he could n't help but enjoy the view as he always had. 
 
 `` You are just going to cause panic.'' He finally answered. 
 
 `` How so?'' The senators anger gave way to frightened curiosity. 
 
 `` We've almost depleted our resources senator, it's over.'' The elder could n't keep the tiredness from his voice and for the first time in 300 years he felt old. `` Now all we can do is wait.''
