Life is worthless. An infinity of chances, choices, days and these mindless meat sacks spend it on nothing. Fish die, cats die, dogs die, plants die, yet somehow we don’t. Now imagine if we only had like fifty or eighty or a hundred years to live. A limited lifespan. Life would have meaning again. People would start searching for their purpose in life. They’d be free to live and then die. Pass on… Let someone else come. And then we’d evolve as a society. We’d get better at… Everything. Or as we’d say it in old speak Carpe Diem. A life where every moment is fleeting yet precious. Well, that’s not all… Our prisons would suddenly be less crowded with assholes that refuse to learn their lesson. Why? Because they’ll fucking die. That’s why. It feels good to finally say these things. I’ve bottled up all this negativity, spite and hatred and now, I am able to let it all out. And luckily, I’m not alone in thinking like this anymore. Who would’ve thought that someone so powerful would think alike? Who would have thought that there are hundreds of thousands of us?

Has anyone heard from Z? Someone else chimes in. Or Perses? Silence feels the atmosphere. Menoetius? Asks Iapetus. He slams his fist on the table. Why me? Why do you suspect me? You think I would have just killed someone randomly? You really think so little of me that I’d steal Perses’ invention just so I could have some sick satisfaction? They all sit silently. You are all fucking hypocrites. He takes a deep breath and stops moving. They all look terrified at their screens as a hand wraps around Menoetius’ neck. He tries to claw his way out, but before he can, a snap is heard. Blood splatters all over the camera and fleshy noises are heard. After a few seconds, the hand with just the head and spinal cord can be seen on the screens. Disobey me and I will come for you. Betray me, and I will make your eternal life a living hell. They all remain petrified in their seats. We might be immortal, yet the pain we feel is real. So, I’d advise any of you that ever thought of doing what Menoetius did to reconsider. I am going to find you. We are supposed to be what’s left, the better side of society. This is unacceptable…

The first test was a total failure. Says the man with the bloody hand as he cleans the camera with a rag. From what Perses told us, he died. But this is unacceptable! It was a mistake! From now on, all tests are to be done only be Perses. We need to be more discrete. Each of you, twenty nine, for now, go get one person of each zodiac sign. Should be simple, you are twenty nine, we need ten more. Make sure they don’t have contact with family or friends first. Ideally, they won’t have either. Make sure that they’re someone no one will look for. I already have a subject for you here. Whoever wants to have him, can have him. Did we understand each other? They all look into their camera visibly shaken. Yes, Z., they all shout in unison. Be quick. We need to move before they start catching on. Here’s the list of ten zodiac signs we still need. Do it right and maybe, the next time we will talk, will be the last time. Someone interrupts him. Where is Perses? They await an answer silently. Busy, hopefully…. Screams are heard as someone struggles on a table. Now, don’t make this anymore painful than it should be. I’m just giving your life meaning… You should be happy about this. You’ll have purpose again…

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