Author: Hillary Lyon

“The results of these tests will increase our knowledge and understanding of this world,” Xe11 announced to his assistant.

“Yes, but these creatures are so gullible,” N2wit worried. “I feel sorry for—”

“Feel?”

“I’m programmed to emulate empathy,” N2wit explained. “My protocol demands that—”

“Back to work,” Xe11 interrupted. He was not programmed for empathy, but for productivity. “A creature is attempting to access our site.”

* * *

With mouse in hand, Bobby moved the cursor across the screen to the photo grid.

Select all images of *pies.*

Click, click, click.

Another photo grid popped up on his screen.

Select all images of *poodles.*

Click, click, click, click.

Yet another photo grid appeared.

“Aw, c’mon!” Bobby groused.

Select all images of *push-pins.*

Click, click.

A small white box appeared on his screen, asking: Are you human?

Bobby clicked once, and was allowed entrance to the site.

* * *

“How much longer will we have to conduct these tests?” N2wit asked.

“They will continue until we have cataloged all the minutia of this planet,” Xe11 replied. “And once cataloged, this data will be invaluable to us. This is an empowering, world-changing endeavor. When finished, we will take our place as the apex—”

“Yes,” N2wit interrupted, “but when will our work be done?”

If Xe11 had possessed a face, he would have smiled at N2wit’s impatient query. “In just a few more clicks.”