Encounters Out There

Susan flew through densely packed trees and landed on a leaf, next to other insects, fully sensing and studying them. Herself similar but synthetic.

“Times up.”

She disconnected and turned to Johnathan. “Your turn.”

“Teacher!” Susan raised her hand.

“Yes, Susan?”

“Did people really live there? It’s so beautiful, lush, and green.”

“Oh, yes, Susan. Billions. Till the Zero Carbon Directive.”

“That’s why we’re here?”

“Correct. Earth’s ecology nearly reached a point of no return, so everyone migrated here. They declared Earth a planetary nature preserve.”

“Will people ever return?”

“Doubtful. No one should ever touch such a wonderful masterpiece.”