Death. The end of one’s existence. Every creature seeks to avoid its cold grasp. Humans always chased immortality, not even bothering to consider consequences that living forever might bring. But now, we have it. A serum was developed to stop us from aging, and soon we could give that serum to animals as well. It wasn’t long before we could heal every wound, every disease, no matter how serious or deadly it was. As our population grew too large for Earth to support, we spread across the galaxy, claiming everything we could get into our grasp. We thought nothing of the species we found and forced from their homes. In the end, there were hundreds of planets inhabited by the human race. One planet taken was the previously uninhabited Haven. Current population? 32. It is on this near twin of Earth that this story shall take place. This story that I am going to tell you is the one of my last six months in the small town of Hope.
Medical Report: January 19, 4000
Name: Andrea Doe
Age:499
Date of Birth: June 20, 3500
Parents: John and Jane Doe
Siblings: Jill Doe
Appearance: Eyes- Teal. Hair- Brown. Height- 5’0”. Weight- 95 lbs.
Reason For Seeking Treatment: Fell down out of a tree
As the computer finished filling out the form, Andrea drummed her fingers against the table, eager leave. Sunlight, her leopard, watched the women. The two had known each other since Sunlight’s birth, 494 years ago. In that time, they had come to know each quite well. Andrea pretty much always could guess what the other was thinking: she could see Sunlight’s amusement, even though the leopard wasn’t giving any real sign for her kind hadn’t evolved to be able to show emotion. She just knew that, had Sunlight been human, she would be grinning like a maniac. Knowing that made Andrea scowl. Eventually, after what felt like hours (and in reality was only two minutes), the computer beeped and the door slid open without a sound. Instantly, Andrea was on her feet and out the door, her companion on her heels. Resting her hand on the leopard’s silky head, she asked “Where do you think Shade is?”
“Probably with Storm,” Sunlight replied “You know how she is about him. I’m taking bets on how long it’ll be before she has a litter.”
Andrea, trying hard to keep a straight face, said “Now Sunlight, you know gambling is not an appropriate tradition to uphold.”
Both laughed, or purred, but fell silent as a calm voice with a very proper British accent cut through the air “Correct, Andrea. Gambling is not appropriate, and climbing tree is also a waste. How many times have I told you that you simply must spend more time meditating? You are turning 500 in six months, and you must be ready to enter adulthood.”
Gritting her teeth, Andrea turned to face a woman who, like everyone on Haven, appeared to be in her early twenties. “Hello, Mother.” She spoke with cold politeness, barely hiding her dislike.
“Andrea, why do you struggle to follow our ways? If you need help mediating, all you need to do is ask.” Jane Doe said with a soft sigh, not bothered by the coldness in her daughter’s tone. She continued to walk- no, glide- toward the two.
“Uh, maybe because we talk and dress like we’re from 2013, but everything is earthy browns, greens, and maybe some blues if I’m really lucky? Maybe because I don’t want to sit around all day? Maybe because I want to explore the galaxy, have an interesting life? Maybe because I don’t want to be stuck on some hippy planet for all eternity?” Andrea’s voice grew hard, frustrated and emotional, “Maybe because I am sick of this stinking planet and the 31 people I have known my whole life? Maybe because all you do is drone on and on and on about balance and peace and meditation? Maybe because no tries to understand me, and everyone thinks I should just conform instead of being me?”
