The photo disappears, replaced by a synthesized depiction of an underground cross section of Yellowstone’s terrain. Situated above ground along the north section, directly beneath the pocket of magma—is a mammoth, hill-sized bulge.

‘This bulge has been rising above Yellowstone’s caldera since the first geological survey of the park was taken in the late 1920s. Scientists first became alarmed about thirty years ago when the bulge actually began lifting the northern end of Yellowstone Lake, causing its waters to spill into the forest located along its southern shoreline. As you can see, the forest is now completely flooded.

‘This telltale bulge indicates that pressure is increasing within the magma pocket. At some point it’s going to explode. When it happens, the devastation will be felt across the entire planet. Since words don’t begin to tell the story, I thought you might be interested in a little animation.’

The computer image changes to a satellite view of the United States. A dark cloud suddenly belches over Wyoming.

‘When Yellowstone’s caldera erupts, the pyroclastic blast will instantly kill tens of thousands of people living in the area. The resultant ash cloud that rises into the stratosphere will cover most of the United States, primarily affecting the Great Plains—America’s breadbasket. Harvests will be obliterated overnight. The ash plume will eventually span the entire globe, blotting out the sun’s rays, leading to a super volcanic winter.’

Professor Laubin glances at the digital display on the dais. ‘Ninety seconds, Ms. Beckmeyer. I suggest you use what remains of your allotted time to explain GOPHER.’

‘Yes, sir.’ A final image appears—a schematic of what appears to be a UAV robot.

‘One way to potentially cool the magma flow and stave off a major eruption is to flood the caldera just prior to its blast with the waters of Yellowstone Lake. My father, Mark Beckmeyer, is an engineer at Broward Robotics. The two of us designed GOPHER, an acronym for Geothermal Observatory for Pyrolysis and Heat Exchange Release. Pyrolysis is a chemical change caused by the action of heat. Using GOPHER, we intend to create a series of canals running from Yellowstone Lake to key sections of the Yellowstone caldera, creating an early-warning ventilation system. I’ve already met with park officials, who agree the system could significantly reduce magma temperatures, potentially preventing or lessening the effects of a major eruption.’

The history professor is making rapid calculations on his pocket computer. ‘Seven hundred thousand dollars is a sizable grant, Ms Beckmeyer.’

‘Yes, sir, but a small price to pay to save civilization. And the university would share all proprietary rights.’

‘Time’s up,’ Professor Laubin announces.

The Asian professor looks anxious. ‘Ms. Beckmeyer, perhaps you could wait outside, please.’