The Little Blue Planet

They have been visiting the little blue planet for millennia. The reason they do is simple...water, or the hydrogen they extract from it, is abundant, enabling them to refuel their crafts—a truck stop, so to speak.

The native inhabitants, although having basic technology, are easy for the visitors to evade. Sightings of incoming or exiting craft do attract some attention. Still, those in power know to play down these UFO sightings, much to the amusement of the interstellar travellers, who often play "catch me if you can" with the most advanced of their crafts.

But the little blue planet these alien beings see as a resting place, as much as a place to refuel, has changed. The human population has risen unchecked to a critical level. This, along with their use of fossil fuels, with little thought towards their and the planet's future, is becoming a problem for the visitors.

Should they simply abandon this place and leave the humans to their fate? Or, perhaps they should help things along? After all, there isn't much time for the humans to turn things around. And to some, it makes sense to eradicate the humans before the situation they have caused gets beyond their ability to turn around. And so, on planets far away, humankind's very existence is being considered by those who will decide the fate of the ignorant.

Some call for restraint...pleading they were once as barbaric, and that the humans deserve a chance to sort out their problems before intervention should occur.

Others say it is too late, that the inhabitants have already gone beyond the point, and that intervention would be a merciful way to deal with the problem. Debate rages as the two sides accuse each other of having their agendas.

Greed and longing...to finally have the little blue planet all to themselves. No more hiding at the bottom of the oceans, so as not to reveal themselves, which is banned under interstellar law whilst the native inhabitants are deemed too primitive.

And the bleeding hearts...crying about the loss of diversity to the scientific community. Arguing that studying this species, as violent and destructive as they are, may benefit all in the future.

Then, the decision is made. And as the crafts set off on their mission, there is a degree of sadness. Knowing what must be done does not make it any easier to accept what will be done.

And as the crafts arrive, they release their payload on the unsuspecting billions. Plans are already underway for resorts, spas, and of course, zoos...so examples of the already captured humans, can be placed on display. Exhibits that will surely be the main attractions for the new owners of this beautiful little blue planet.