Intelligence Test

[Guest McLeodLot65]

When the aliens came, they came with an IQ test.

 

Not very long after the long ships popped into existence above five of the the world's most important cities (for certain values of important…Rio de Janeiro, New York, Flagstaff, Odessa and Moose Jaw made up the list) the alien's (unpronounceable, oh let's call him the ambassador) sat across from the Head of State for the country. The ambassador waved its tendrils over two identical crystalline disks set on the table.

 

"Here are two data disks. One to my, ah, left, and one to my right. One of them contains scientific and technical data -- written in your terms and in a level of comprehension such that it is useful -- that would let you construct the most horrific weapons of war imaginable, and conquer your globe. Global security, global control, all on your terms. The other, also written in your terms and at your level of comprehensions, contains the scientific and technical data that would allow unlimited wealth -- by human standards -- the end of scarcity, the creation of perfect health, longevity, and so forth."

 

The ambassador's English, while accented, was perfectly understandable. Nevertheless, the head of state conferred with an advisor before responding. "This is the test? You want me to choose one?"

 

"No, Madame. I fully intend to give you both. But first you must tell me…" it waved a tendril over the disks again. "…which is which? Which one holds weapons and which one holds medicine and plenty?"

 

She looked at the unmarked disks. "What if I get it wrong? Or refuse to choose?"

 

A rippling shrug. "Then I shall give both to your worst enemy. Take your time. My people do not sleep."

 

The risk being so great, a recess was asked for and granted. In a (hopefully) secure room, the Head of State conferred with her staff, ministers, and some old friends who had fixed problems in the past. One of them cleared his throat. "It made a point of saying 'to my left and right'. They speak our language, they know about left-wingers and right-wingers. 'Lefties are socialists', and socialists tend to advocate free health care and things like that. The medical free-wealth disk is the one on its left."

 

"I am so glad you used air quotes on that one." The speaker's companion put his arms around him. "But, left also connotes sinister, or evil, so…the left disk could also be the weapons disk."

 

Coffee arrived, with various complements including medicinal. Some of the staff took the opportunity to contemplate escape routes. No good, the helicopter pilots were depressingly loyal and stalwart. Besides, if their worst enemies -- which ones? asked one wag -- got the ultimate weapons disk, where was there to go?

 

The Head of State found herself sitting in the exact center of a sofa, one hand holding a cloth over her eyes and the other a cooling cup of coffee. She looked up. "Oh, Deity." She handed the cup to a guard and stood up. So did everyone else. She glared at them. "It cannot be that simple." Without another word, she swept back to the conference room to confront the ambassador.

 

"They're two copies of the same damn disk."

 

"You are correct." The ambassador unfolded itself and slid the disks across to the Head of State. "Good luck, Madame President. You're going to need it."

[Angel24]

I finally get to read some of your writing!!! This made me very happy I love how I can hear you through this especially some of your geekiness:) I hope it's not the last time I read something of yours!

[purplepenguin]

*raises my hand* for what reason is Moose Jaw considered an important city? it's cool an all, but...why? I'm jus curious

 

I enjoyed the story! Thanks for sharing

[Guest McLeodLot65]

Because the aliens have weird priorities.

[LittleGypsyGirl]

I was riiiiiiiight. I was thinking... well if you have all the weapons you can take all the money. -cackling-