EMERGENCY BROADCAST

Bosco Masaba had long finished his meal; he was leaning back in the chair with a contented look on his young face. He was satisfied to the fullest, the meal he had successfully taken away his hunger and fatigue. Someone who didn't know him may mistake him for a man in love.

He was feeling too relaxed or lazy to leave the room despite the time being late in the evening. His mind was telling him to leave this place and return to his hostel room for some late-night study before sleeping. But he was too lazy to stand up, he kept on scrolling through his phone watching some short videos on YouTube covering a wide range of topics he was interested in.

What had intrigued him was a pronouncement by the charismatic socialist president of the African Union, Julius Malema. He wanted Africa as a continent to stop using the World Credit (WC) for intercontinental trade. He was advocating for the usage of the Pesa digital currency.

Pesa was the successor of M-Pesa (digital Mobile money) that had been popularized by Safaricom in the early 2000s in Kenya. It had revolutionized digital banking across all walks of life thereby promoting financial digital inclusion at an unprecedented rate in human history. When it was established in 2006, financial inclusion in Kenya was 26 percent, but in 2021 it had increased to 84 percent. Not counting the impact, it had in the later years.

"Hello handsome, you look like a man who is finally at peace," a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned around to see that it was his fellow medical student, Monica Namatovu.

He looked at her with a smile on his face, she knew how to tease him under the guise of complimenting him. By now, he had gotten used to this sweet cheeky personality of hers.

Monica Namatovu was a beautiful young lady standing at five feet and six inches, not counting the added height of several inches from her high heels. Her very presence radiated grace and poise in each step or movement she made. This was topped up by her luminous dark chocolate skin without any pimples or blemishes. Her round face was perfectly chiseled with a delicate nose, rounded eyebrows, and wide expressive lips that brought forth captivating smiles fit to light up any room, with a slender frame that highlighted her pronounced bosom and hips. Her very presence captivated hearts and left an indelible impression on all those fortunate to witness her in person.

He felt she was too good to be a doctor, she stood a good chance of being a successful actor or model. But who was he to dedicate what career choices others took? Maybe she felt more alive and purposeful as a medical practitioner.

Bosco Masaba put his phone down and pulled out a chair for her to seat down.

"Hello Monica, yes I am trying to get some peace after a stressful day." He admitted with a soft chuckle. She continued smiling at him while taking the chair he had pulled out for her.

"I can see." She agreed with him. "I saw Nurse Martha Kate and she told me you guys were up and down today in the Causality Ward dealing with emergencies left and right. You deserve a moment of respite." Monica added.

"Don't mention it, let's talk about you." He was not willing to spoil his good time by talking about the horrors in the Causality Ward, so he decided to change the topic.

As Third-year medical students. They were posted to different wards under the supervision of specialist Doctors. As far as he knew from the timetable, this week she was in the maternity Ward.

"I was not expecting you to be on duty by this time," Bosco commented.

"Well," she said with a sigh on her beautiful face. "Some things in this world cannot be forced, and that includes natural birth… that's why I am here at this late hour." He nodded his head in agreement.

He knew that sometimes natural labor does not follow predetermined schedules. Sometimes, labor can even extend by a day as a woman is travailing in labor pains.

Just like that, they fell into a comfortable conversation, laughing as they talked about several issues that came to mind while waiting for her food to be served. Without knowing it, they had spent an hour talking. Her meal had been served but she was engrossed in their conversation.

He had to remind her to eat as they continued their conversation.

Suddenly, the TV which was showing a music show abruptly switched channels on its own.

EMERGENCY BROADCAST

That was the heading displayed in big red font. A profound silence and a sense of anxiety fell on the room, the last time such an emergency broadcast had gone out worldwide was during the outbreak of World War III.

Everyone knew that something bad was on the way, and they were all thinking along the line of the asteriod. After all the World Government had been in a closed-door emergency session for the better part of the day. This must be conclusive news from that meeting.

It was not only in this room, all across the world. TV sets hummed with the looming anticipation while displaying the title of EMERGENCY BROADCAST in several world languages. It wasn't long before the screens flickered to life, displaying the emblem of the World Government (blue background with the globe in the center and three olive branches surrounding the globe – it was adapted from the now defunct United Nations flag). This was a symbol of supreme authority recognized by all, now etched with an aura of somber gravity.

A dignified and mature-looking man with a mop of white hair, green eyes, and a rectangular face appeared on the screen. President Pablo Barucuda, the first president of the World Government wore a solemn expression while gazing at the world. His mature face was etched with concern and determination. This was no ordinary address; it was an urgent announcement that would alter the course of humanity.

"My fellow citizens of the world," President Barucuda's voice resonated with authority. "I come before you with grave news. After an emergency meeting of the World Government in Zurich, we have come to a final decision on the way forward for the world and humanity as a species."

He paused, taking a deep breath, aware of the gravity of his words. "The asteroid, codenamed Apocalypse2, is hurtling towards Earth at an alarming speed. Our scientists predict that it's expected to crash down in Central Europe - Czechoslovakia on January 24th of this year (a few days away). If it is not stopped, poses an extinction-level threat, capable of cataclysmic destruction."

A collective gasp echoed in the room, as the people watching came to terms with the impending doom. Panic threatened to take hold, but President Barucuda's composure and assurance held the global audience.

** *