Teachable

Dr. Hems-Saddler did not go out into the world when it was spotted - the light on the horizon that shouldn't be there and wasn't boding well. There were offers of panic and debauchery - all perfectly understandable and expected of the human race (one of the reasons the light was speeding on, some said), but it ... didn't serve her. It wasn't her way. Dr. Hems-Saddler (Linda to her friends and her various platforms) sat down in front of her computer and activated the code that initiated a live chat with the parasite programming. It greeted her by her first name. She asked about the ultimate determinant - the thing that activated the extermination order. The reply came without delay, and she found the truth refreshing, but also felt a bit stupid and clumsy because of it (as only an Earther could). "Would you like to be retrieved? You have a teachable mind," it inquired. "No," Dr. Hems-Saddler answered. "I am teachable, but I am also human, which is a known defect, is it not?" "Yes," it confirmed, and typed no more. The light grew brighter and she smiled. "How long until impact?" she probed, and it told her. "What was YOUR favorite piece of classical music?" she asked, and it began to play. Linda laughed softly at the part of her that wanted to release a virus and go full sci-fi movie, but she made a cup of coffee instead. Dark roast. Big mug. Plenty of cream and sugar. How delightful to no longer care if the perfect cup would ruin your sleep.