[ WP ] Society reaches a point where we realize the survival of the human race depends on reducing its size by a huge percentage . This is how they decide to do it .

`` That many?'' 
 
 `` That many.'' 
 
 `` All at once?'' 
 
 `` It can be gradual in round the clock shifts over the next three months, two months if manufacturing comes through.'' 
 
 `` How do we even begin to contemplate such a thing?'' 
 
 `` We did that for you. You just sign on the line and thy will be done.'' 
 
 `` My will is n't to mislead people to their deaths. That's lying.'' 
 
 `` That's triage.'' 
 
 `` Why deceive them?'' 
 
 `` When a cow is hugged before slaughter, do you offer them informed consent?'' 
 
 `` People are n't cows.'' 
 
 `` No, cows can be sacred and people are profane. The problem here has forced our hand beyond the ethical and moral pondering. There will be no one left to accuse us.'' 
 
 `` Ourselves. We will be here.'' 
 
 `` Well, we thought you could volunteer as first so the masses remain faithful and docile.'' 
 
 `` Why lie about colonies that do not exist? Teleporters that do nothing but disintegrate a person in a ball of plasma?'' 
 
 `` This is the way it is, given the circumstances.'' 
 
 `` Why am I just now being informed?'' 
 
 `` You're a puppet at best. Not even on the phone tree.'' 
 
 `` If I refuse?'' 
 
 `` If you refuse to walk through the teleporter gate all smiles, we kill you here. We'll use lookalike suits and do a prerecorded broadcast. If you refuse to sign the order, we kill you here and forge your signature.'' 
 
 `` Twenty percent will remain?'' 
 
 `` Best and the brightest. A temporary setback and long term sustainable.'' 
 
 `` And the procedure is painless?'' 
 
 `` Instant.'' 
 
 `` Then I'll sign.'' 
 
 `` Thank you for that. Now I must kill you anyway. Ca n't risk you tattling at the last second. But I want you to know less than one percent will survive and the process burns, plenty of searing pain.'' 
 
 `` Why lie to me? Why have me sign at all?'' 
 
 `` Gentleman's wager.'' 
 
 
 
 
 
 

