Maternal instincts . . .
Anne would do anything to protect her 12 year old daughter Carla. Even if it meant that they both had to die.
“There are some things worse than death,” said Anne.
“Like what?” said Carla.
“Like living forever without a body,” said Anne. “It’s not how we were meant to live. It’s not living at all.”
Carla had heard all this before. Another Mom rant is not what she was hoping for right now. “I miss Dad,” said Carla.
“Me too,” said Anne.
“Do you think we’ll ever see him again?” said Carla.
Anne thought for a second. “I hope not, Carla. I know that sounds bad. It won’t really be him if we do though. Do you understand?”
“Sorta. Not really,” Carla said.
“Its ok, baby. Let’s go find something to eat,” said Anne.
They were both part of a small community named “The Playground.” Anne was the leader more or less. Thirty or so women and children who had found some isolation and a new way of life in the rain forests of Michigan. Not a very hard thing to do. After the singularity took hold, most of humanity went with it.
Not by force.
Not by death.
By choice.
The lives they had led before had become so dependent on technology, most had lost the imagination to live without it. Immortality of biology or of technology made no difference. Not anymore. Not for most. They dove in and became one with the machine, The Singularity.
There were some that chose to live out their lives as flesh and blood. For the most part the machines left them alone. The occasional scout drone would fly though though looking for active rebels.
There were some people that wanted to fight back against the machines. Not here though. Anne, Carla and the rest of their community just wanted to be left alone. As long as that remained true to those made of gears and motors, they were free to live out their lives free of interference from the singularity.
Men of muscle and bone on the other hand, were still their biggest threat. The women of The Playground were more than capable of fending them off. Funny thing about men on their own in a post human world. They don’t organize well when they find themselves very few and very far between. Marauding types are no match for mothers protecting the biological future of humanity. Especially mothers side armed with death rays.
Oh, did I forget to mention they all have death rays? Anne use to work at Michigan State University as a high energy physicist. She took some nasty little toys with her when society collapsed. Every good playground needs its playground equipment, of course. Guns that shoot flaming buckyballs at nearly the speed of light come in very handy on days with unexpected visitors.
Today would be such a day.
And finally, if you liked this, then please heart and share it. I need to make a living at this “writing thing” someday soon. Thanks.
