Once upon a time there was a pandemic. Despite all reasonable efforts there was no end, no hope, no cure.
Finally the governments of this world asked for volunteers to make the ultimate sacrifice. A surprisingly large number of people (12% of the population) were willing to give their lives for the bigger cause. Like lemmings they jumped off the cliffs.
And the Lord answered their prayers, and the plague was stopped. Shortly afterwards they carried on as before.
The End