HOME | DD

Description
It was hard to choose a place to die. Karen didn't have much time to pick, she knew, and it wasn't not like she could get very far. She made herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because, well, why not?

She had considered telling other people, but she couldn't think of a point. On her way to the park she passed by a fallout shelter. It made her smile. No matter what evil we'd done to each other, there had always been a fallout from which to recover.

When she finally reached the park, she thought to herself about how differently her life could have been if she'd had more time. An overnight billionaire, for sure. First contact, what people had fantasized about for eons. Some versions were peaceful, others violent. She wasn't sure what this one was.

She had awoken on something that was definitely not her bed. She couldn't feel any restraints, but she couldn't move, either. Couldn't even open her eyes. A panic began to set in before she heard:

The subject is awake.

No, heard wasn't the right word. She thought it. But that wasn't her own thought...

This is the eigth species discovered on this planet to exhibit noticable cognitive capabilities. Surprisingly many for such a young planet.

This thought sounded - not the right word, no, but Karen realize she didn't have the vocabulary to describe what she was experiencing - sounded similar but different.

It is trivial. Is co-hability possible between our two species?

No.

You are certain so quickly?

Yes.

And this was the last species to be tested?

Yes.

Then it is done.

And another thought entered her mind. The death of every bacteria, every flower, every animal on Earth. No, not quite that. Some were left. Some were compatible.

But not humans.

Send the subject back.

And she was back in her bed.

She knew it was unavoidable and absolute. And she knew it would happen very soon. An imprint left in her mind from the thought she had... seen? At least that is how she supposed she knew.

Her sandwich was finished by the ants.