Shard continued regardless.

“As we see it, you are the perfect man to make the idea of an approach to God appear both reasonable and attractive, not only to believers but also to those who don’t believe. After all, we shouldn’t pre-judge this experiment. In the end, those who don’t believe may well be right.”

What can you say?

An approach to God – is it reasonable?

Is it possible?

“The alternative,” Shard added, “is far less attractive.”

The President reacted instinctively-

“Surely the alternative is that we carry on… and manage the planet in the best way we can – as we always have! And don’t mix politics with religion!”

Shard maintained his steady tone.

“Of course, we can keep doing that, but not forever. Time works slowly, but eventually one of two events will inevitably occur. In the last days, when the planet is gasping for breath, either we will approach God with clean hands – the believers and the non-believers finally together in an atmosphere of pure tolerance, with all mistakes forgiven and accepted, or God will appear unannounced, and clean our hands for us.”

Shard’s voice was gentle and placatory as he continued –

“Hunter, I know this comes as a great shock to you, as it is to all of us, and no doubt will be to everyone in the end. But whatever form it took, the end would always have come to the planet as a shock. A nuclear catastrophe would be a shock ending. But left to our own decaying devices… that could very well be it.”

It’s true, unfortunately it is possible.