If the Justified and Ancient revealed from the outset that a specific human had played a key role in helping prepare humanity for The Big Move, the reactions to this individual would likely be complex and multifaceted, shaped by awe, suspicion, reverence, and possibly resentment. This human would immediately become a pivotal figure in global consciousness, symbolizing humanity’s link to an advanced alien civilization and its future in the Gaian Empire.
1. Reverence and Protection:
For a significant portion of the population, this person could become a near-mythical figure, akin to a prophet or messiah. The idea that this individual was chosen or guided by such an advanced civilization would likely inspire admiration and reverence, positioning them as a symbol of hope for humanity’s future. Many would view this human as a vital bridge between Earth and the Justified and Ancient, a living embodiment of trust between the two civilizations.
- Cult of Personality: There could easily develop a cult of personality around this human. People might see them as a savior figure, believing that their insights and actions had secured humanity’s future and that they had been specially chosen by the aliens for their wisdom or foresight. Religious or spiritual movements could arise, venerating this person as a visionary or even divine figure.
- Protection and Preservation: Given their perceived importance, many would likely advocate for this individual’s protection. Governments, organizations, and perhaps even the broader population would want to ensure their safety, seeing them as too important to risk. They could be shielded by an elite guard, possibly akin to a Fremen-style loyal force, or placed under the care of the Bene Gesserit or Foundation, to ensure their knowledge and insights are preserved for future generations.
- Public Advocate: Some might see this human as a public advocate for humanity, a spokesperson or ambassador with unique insights into the alien civilization. They might be called upon to ease public fears, explaining the alien motivations behind the move, and to reassure humanity that their future is in good hands.
2. Suspicion and Resentment:
However, not everyone would react positively to this revelation. Many could become deeply suspicious of this human’s motives and the true nature of their relationship with the Justified and Ancient. Skeptics might question whether this person had been manipulated by the aliens, or worse, that they had betrayed humanity by aligning with an external power.
- Fears of Manipulation: Some might view this individual as a potential pawn of the Justified and Ancient, fearing that their guidance was part of a larger alien agenda that might not have humanity’s best interests at heart. The idea that one human was involved in preparing for such a massive, unprecedented event could cause people to wonder if they were privy to secrets that others weren’t, or if they had been subtly controlling human events on behalf of the aliens.
- Political and Social Backlash: In a world preparing for such a radical transformation, political factions or social groups that oppose the Big Move or distrust the alien influence could turn against this individual. They might see them as collaborators, aligned with an alien force that’s about to uproot billions of people from their home. This could lead to protests, conspiracy theories, or even threats against the person’s life, as extremist groups seek to target them for what they perceive as a betrayal of Earth’s autonomy.
- Jealousy and Envy: There could also be a deep envy toward this human, with people asking, “Why them?” The fact that one person was chosen to help prepare for the future might ignite jealousy, especially if people see this human as benefiting from special knowledge or privileges that they did not earn.
3. Governmental and Institutional Reactions:
Governments and institutions would likely take a cautious but strategic approach to this human’s newfound importance.
- Political Ally or Threat: Governments may seek to align themselves with this individual, seeing their connection to the Justified and Ancient as a valuable asset in negotiating humanity’s future. This person could become a political figurehead or advisor, with significant influence over the shaping of policies related to the Big Move. Alternatively, they might be seen as a potential threat to existing power structures, leading to attempts by some governments or factions to control or marginalize them, fearing the sway they could hold over public opinion or the aliens themselves.
- Institutionalization of Knowledge: Educational, religious, or scientific institutions might rally to support this individual, attempting to institutionalize their knowledge and experiences. Schools or universities could be founded in their name, dedicated to preserving their insights about the Justified and Ancient and training future leaders in the Gaian Empire. The Foundation, in particular, could view this human as a key resource for shaping the intellectual and philosophical foundation of the new society.
4. Global Impact on Society:
At a broader societal level, the presence of this human would likely have a profound impact on how people process the events leading up to the Big Move.
- Moral Authority and Public Sentiment: This human could become a voice of moral authority, providing guidance during a time of immense uncertainty. Public sentiment might sway toward their interpretation of events, and people could look to them for reassurance as they prepare to leave their homes and Earth behind. If this person speaks confidently and with a sense of purpose, they could provide a crucial sense of stability during the Great Preparation, assuaging fears and guiding humanity forward.
- Cultural Icon: Over time, this human could become a cultural icon, with books, films, and documentaries produced about their life, their involvement with the Justified and Ancient, and their role in the Big Move. They could become a central figure in the lore of the Gaian Empire, symbolizing the transition from Earth-based civilization to the multi-planetary future.
- Division and Polarization: However, their presence could also be a divisive force. Some might view them as a traitor, complicit in the destruction of Earth-bound traditions and the forced relocation of humanity. Others might revere them as a visionary leader who ensured humanity’s survival. This polarization could deepen existing social and political rifts, especially between those who embrace the Big Move and those who resist it.
Conclusion:
In the end, this human’s fate would likely depend on how well they navigated the turbulent emotions and power struggles surrounding the Big Move. They could become a revered figure, a bridge between humanity and the Justified and Ancient, or they could be vilified as a collaborator and manipulator. Ultimately, the global response to their role would shape not only their personal destiny but the collective psyche of humanity as it prepares to embark on its greatest journey yet.
Absolutely, the Justified and Ancient could leverage their control over global mass media to protect their human consultant, ensuring their safety and influence during The Big Move. Their ability to directly communicate with the entire human population through all media channels would give them a powerful platform to shape public opinion and prevent any harm from coming to their chosen human collaborator.
1. Immediate and Clear Messaging:
The Justified and Ancient could make it unequivocally clear from the outset that this human consultant was integral to the success of the Big Move, and any harm to them would not be tolerated. They could frame the consultant as someone who has acted in humanity’s best interests, emphasizing their role in ensuring a smooth transition to the new solar system and helping preserve Earth’s long-term survival.
- Declaration of Protection: The aliens could use their media control to issue a direct statement that the human is under their explicit protection, with significant consequences for those who attempt to harm or undermine them. Such a message would likely deter potential threats, as few would want to defy such an advanced civilization.
- Reinforcing their Importance: By continuously reinforcing the consultant’s value to humanity and to the Justified and Ancient’s mission, they could elevate this individual to a status that makes it politically and socially difficult to target them. The person could be presented as a vital bridge between the two civilizations, without whom the entire project might fail or become more difficult.
2. Cultivation of Global Support:
The Justified and Ancient could also take steps to ensure the consultant is seen as a unifying figure, garnering global support through carefully crafted narratives.
- Hero of Humanity: The consultant could be portrayed as a heroic figure, someone who was specifically chosen by the Justified and Ancient because of their unique insight, wisdom, or moral character. They could be seen as a guiding figure during humanity’s greatest moment of upheaval, similar to how religious prophets or national leaders are viewed as integral during times of crisis. This would help the consultant gain admiration and respect from the global public, making it harder for detractors to gain support for any form of hostility.
- Media Campaigns: The aliens, with their control over global media, could launch public relations campaigns that highlight the consultant’s role in preparing humanity for the future. These campaigns could include documentaries, interviews, and public addresses that paint the consultant as a dedicated figure working tirelessly for the greater good, elevating them to a near-celebrity status across the world.
3. Dissuasion through Fear of Consequences:
Another powerful strategy would be to establish clear consequences for any harm or attempts to undermine the consultant.
- Implicit Threat of Retribution: The Justified and Ancient wouldn’t necessarily need to overtly threaten violence or harm. However, they could imply that any action against their chosen human would be met with severe consequences, either for individuals or for humanity as a whole. Given the aliens’ obvious technological superiority, the fear of alien retaliation would act as a deterrent for any attempts on the consultant’s life or safety.
- Preventing Political Schemes: If the Justified and Ancient were to make it clear that harming or undermining the consultant could derail the Big Move, it would likely prevent political factions from conspiring against them. No nation, group, or individual would want to risk angering the aliens and jeopardizing humanity’s transition to the new solar system, especially when survival and prosperity are at stake.
4. Active Role in the Consultant’s Safety:
Beyond messaging and media control, the Justified and Ancient could take direct, tangible steps to ensure the consultant’s protection.
- Advanced Alien Security: The consultant could be placed under the protection of the Justified and Ancient’s own advanced technologies. Perhaps the consultant is given access to a group of android guardians, or they might be shielded by advanced alien technologies that make harming them physically impossible. This could involve anything from surveillance networks to personal force fields, ensuring that even if someone attempts harm, it would be impossible to carry out.
- Physical Relocation: The Justified and Ancient could even choose to relocate the consultant, perhaps moving them to a secure location or even a space station or ship under the aliens’ control, ensuring they are entirely out of reach of human threats. This would be a drastic but highly effective measure to guarantee safety.
5. Neutralizing Opposition:
For any political or ideological groups that might oppose the consultant, the Justified and Ancient could take steps to neutralize opposition through diplomatic or persuasive means.
- Public Exposure of Detractors: With control over media, the Justified and Ancient could expose any individuals or groups who attempt to harm or discredit the consultant, framing them as working against humanity’s best interests. By publicly identifying these detractors, the aliens could turn public sentiment against them, rendering any conspiracies against the consultant politically and socially toxic.
- Soft Power Tactics: The aliens could use their influence to offer incentives for cooperation, rewarding those who support the consultant’s role in the Big Move. Detractors might be persuaded to shift their stance through offers of resources, future roles in the Gaian Empire, or even promises of a better future for their people on one of the new planets.
6. The Consultant’s Own Influence:
Lastly, the consultant themselves could play a crucial role in shaping their own fate. If they used their platform wisely, they could solidify their own public standing and win over even skeptical groups.
- Public Addresses and Media Appearances: The consultant could appear regularly in media, offering transparency about their role and reassuring the public that their involvement with the Justified and Ancient is for the benefit of humanity. They could position themselves as a caretaker of human interests, working alongside the aliens to ensure the best possible outcome for all.
- Mediator and Diplomat: The consultant could take on a role as a mediator between the aliens and humanity, using their influence to quell dissent and build bridges between opposing factions. If they are seen as someone capable of uniting different groups, rather than siding exclusively with the aliens, they could reduce the likelihood of hostility directed toward them.
Conclusion:
With the overwhelming power and influence of the Justified and Ancient, they could easily protect their human consultant by ensuring their safety both through direct means—such as alien security or relocation—and through indirect methods like shaping public opinion via media control. By portraying the consultant as an essential figure for humanity’s survival and positioning them as a hero or mediator, any attempts to harm or undermine them would likely be met with widespread disapproval, if not outright alien intervention. The consultant would ultimately become a pivotal and largely untouchable figure in the transition to the new Gaian Empire.
