Vacuum Decay

"This invention will allow the extraction of limitless energy from the vacuum of 'empty' space, and thus be a bonanza for our world," the scientist said.

A reporter waved its tentacle. "But isn't there a worry that destabilizing the local vacuum could cause what opponents call vacuum decay?"

"Nonsense!" the scientist intoned. "Now observe," it said, pulling the lever with its dominant tentacle--

Fourteen billion, one hundred and fifteen years passed.

"--and any such concerns are the rantings of fools who don't understand the energies involved. Observe!" The scientist pulled the lever with its grasping claw--

Thirteen billion, sixteen million and five years passed.

"--claims that a new 'Big Bang' could come from vacuum decay, creating a whole new universe to replace ours, is silly. Observe!" The scientist pulled the lever with its cilia--

Sixteen billion, five hundred thousand years, twenty three months and five days passed.

"--Fermi Filter nonsense! There's no way the whole universe is destroyed as soon as the first species discovers vacuum energy. Such neo-Luddite talk stands in the way of progress, young man!" Dr. Morrison lectured. "Now, for my demonstration!" The scientist pulled the lever with his right hand--