Editing 6 Billion A.D./Messenger of Destruction

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"I'm doing this for the good of the universe," said Rigel seriously.

"I'm doing this for the good of the universe," said Rigel seriously.

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Practically no light could enter or exit this region of space. Devices ringing the region intercepted incoming or outgoing radiation. By applying an inverse wave, it was possible to block out this zone. An invisibility cloak for an entire region of space.

Practically no light could enter or exit this region of space. Devices ringing the region intercepted incoming or outgoing radiation. By applying an inverse wave, it was possible to block out this zone. An invisibility cloak for an entire region of space.

Now, however, Rigel had pierced the veil.

Now, however, Rigel had pierced the veil.

Piloting his ship through the region, he was not met by any League ships. Not even intercepted by the usual escorts, which he had expected.  Only Rigel against the stars.

Piloting his ship through the region, he was not met by any League ships. Not even intercepted by the usual escorts, which he had expected.  Only Rigel against the stars.

In the secret base, the doddering old leaders of the League seemed unaware of how dire their situation had become. Though their bodies had not aged at all for thousands of years, their minds had decayed from use, or disuse, as the case may be.

In the secret base, the doddering old leaders of the League seemed unaware of how dire their situation had become. Though their bodies had not aged at all for thousands of years, their minds had decayed from use, or disuse, as the case may be.

"We'll have to return the universe to better condition again over the upcoming centuries, said one immortal, for all here were immortals. Unbeknownst to him, the Order was just then readying the final destruction of the universe. And their trigger man was rapidly approaching the doddering old fool.

"We'll have to return the universe to better condition again over the upcoming centuries, said one immortal, for all here were immortals. Unbeknownst to him, the Order was just then readying the final destruction of the universe. And their trigger man was rapidly approaching the doddering old fool.

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On some of the smaller asteroids, detached as they were from the main planets, life went on more or less normally. Many of the asteroid-dwellers here had no use for the news, the heavy suits, or any of the other pandemic paraphernalia.

On some of the smaller asteroids, detached as they were from the main planets, life went on more or less normally. Many of the asteroid-dwellers here had no use for the news, the heavy suits, or any of the other pandemic paraphernalia.

The ''Vermitrius'' had spread. From the ship where Vespa had landed, small clumps of the stuff had snuck over to other ships. Then, the species had made its way back into Order bases. Soon, much of the Order had been contaminated, for their own benefit.

The ''Vermitrius'' had spread. From the ship where Vespa had landed, small clumps of the stuff had snuck over to other ships. Then, the species had made its way back into Order bases. Soon, much of the Order had been contaminated, for their own benefit.

Order ships buzzed with activity. Neat rows of chemistry benches worked actively. The military operated with precision. They had cleaned out most League sectors. Indeed, they had cleaned out most of the reachable universe.

Order ships buzzed with activity. Neat rows of chemistry benches worked actively. The military operated with precision. They had cleaned out most League sectors. Indeed, they had cleaned out most of the reachable universe.

There still remained traces of the spontaneity that had led to earlier Order advances. Not that the Order had ever had that much looseness, but where there had been some before, now it was gone.

There still remained traces of the spontaneity that had led to earlier Order advances. Not that the Order had ever had that much looseness, but where there had been some before, now it was gone.

The Order had taken its mature form. From its early start out of the last collapse, through its vying against the then-dominant League, the Order now exercised near total control over a large region of space. Its military had become the organizational method for all species encompassed within the region.

The Order had taken its mature form. From its early start out of the last collapse, through its vying against the then-dominant League, the Order now exercised near total control over a large region of space. Its military had become the organizational method for all species encompassed within the region.

Vespa was arrested.

Vespa was arrested.

==Inquiries==

==Inquiries==

==Cures==

==Cures==

The other species in space seemed shocked. Who would do such a thing? ''Why?''

The other species in space seemed shocked. Who would do such a thing? ''Why?''

Rast tried to hold back the crowds. "It's going to be fine," he said, failing in his attempt to sound reassuring.

Rast tried to hold back the crowds. "It's going to be fine," he said, failing in his attempt to sound reassuring.

The crowd pushed towards Rast. Some people got near enough to reach out and grab him. He recoiled.

The crowd pushed towards Rast. Some people got near enough to reach out and grab him. He recoiled.

"The lights will remain off for another few rounds. Until then, the mines will remain shuttered. Please continue with your off-duty activities."

"The lights will remain off for another few rounds. Until then, the mines will remain shuttered. Please continue with your off-duty activities."

"Who made him an official representative?" someone in the crowd asked another attendee.

"Who made him an official representative?" someone in the crowd asked another attendee.

"You find one molecule in a dirty asteroid, and suddenly you think you're king of the universe."

"You find one molecule in a dirty asteroid, and suddenly you think you're king of the universe."

Rast looked out at the crowd. Suddenly his instincts seemed to jump into action. Whereas before he had always seemed something of an outsider on the 'Roid -- now the Rasteroid -- he had developed into a fuller version of himself in light of the molecule find. Perhaps he had always had greatness inside of him, but only required a difficult situation to bring it out.

Rast looked out at the crowd. Suddenly his instincts seemed to jump into action. Whereas before he had always seemed something of an outsider on the 'Roid -- now the Rasteroid -- he had developed into a fuller version of himself in light of the molecule find. Perhaps he had always had greatness inside of him, but only required a difficult situation to bring it out.

Rast was brought back by the figures from the ship. They loaded him onboard. Somehow, even without knowing what was happening or why, Rast had cooperated. It was as if he had known that they were coming for him, even though he would have had no logical way of knowing.

Rast was brought back by the figures from the ship. They loaded him onboard. Somehow, even without knowing what was happening or why, Rast had cooperated. It was as if he had known that they were coming for him, even though he would have had no logical way of knowing.

The figures disappeared. Rast, left on his own, at first rested for a while. The excitement of all the recent events had taken its toll on him.

The figures disappeared. Rast, left on his own, at first rested for a while. The excitement of all the recent events had taken its toll on him.

Later, when he felt somewhat refreshed, his natural curiosity took hold. Rast got up, looking around the room. Unsure whether he was supposed to stay still, since the figures hadn't told him anything -- Rast didn't even know if they spoke his language -- he looked about the room casually. Not wanting to cause too much of a disturbance, Rast avoided lifting any covers or pushing any buttons. Still, he scanned the room, putting together a rough sense of where he was.

Later, when he felt somewhat refreshed, his natural curiosity took hold. Rast got up, looking around the room. Unsure whether he was supposed to stay still, since the figures hadn't told him anything -- Rast didn't even know if they spoke his language -- he looked about the room casually. Not wanting to cause too much of a disturbance, Rast avoided lifting any covers or pushing any buttons. Still, he scanned the room, putting together a rough sense of where he was.

In the smallish room, Rast found a board covered in knobs and other controls, of whose purpose he wasn't sure. Also, he found some containers of liquids. They were translucent in different colors -- purple, green, blue, yellow. Again, Rast couldn't make out what they were there for. In addition to this, the sparse room had the bed on which he had been resting, and what looked like a light.

In the smallish room, Rast found a board covered in knobs and other controls, of whose purpose he wasn't sure. Also, he found some containers of liquids. They were translucent in different colors -- purple, green, blue, yellow. Again, Rast couldn't make out what they were there for. In addition to this, the sparse room had the bed on which he had been resting, and what looked like a light.

Not seeing anything further to investigate, Rast went back onto the bed. Now he sat up, thinking attentively. After finding the molecule, which was now widely considered a cure for the pandemic disease, everything had changed for Rast. Suddenly, he could do no wrong -- or he could do no right, depending on whose side one was on. All this made things so confusing for poor Rast. Now he had no idea what was true or false, or if such conditions as true or false even prevailed. He was blinded by the floodlights of attention cast upon him.

Not seeing anything further to investigate, Rast went back onto the bed. Now he sat up, thinking attentively. After finding the molecule, which was now widely considered a cure for the pandemic disease, everything had changed for Rast. Suddenly, he could do no wrong -- or he could do no right, depending on whose side one was on. All this made things so confusing for poor Rast. Now he had no idea what was true or false, or if such conditions as true or false even prevailed. He was blinded by the floodlights of attention cast upon him.

Back on the Rasteroid, as it was now known, things hadn't changed much since Rast's departure. No one had seem him being taken away by the figures. Many residents didn't even know, or believe, that he was gone. To them, the media circus atmosphere prevailed on their asteroid home.

Back on the Rasteroid, as it was now known, things hadn't changed much since Rast's departure. No one had seem him being taken away by the figures. Many residents didn't even know, or believe, that he was gone. To them, the media circus atmosphere prevailed on their asteroid home.

Media reports appeared portraying the disappearance of Rast as a political ploy, a police action, and numerous other plots. The difference between tabloid and respectable journal, if there had ever been one, disappeared as fast as Rast had.

Media reports appeared portraying the disappearance of Rast as a political ploy, a police action, and numerous other plots. The difference between tabloid and respectable journal, if there had ever been one, disappeared as fast as Rast had.

Poor Rast's wife underwent a panic attack. She often turned to Talia, the reporter who had been the first on the scene, and was now her only friend. Rast's wife often talked to Talia for comfort, not realizing that much of what she said wound up in the interstellar news reports. Rast's wife had not been reading the news, as she couldn't bear the roller coaster ride of emotions with every report about here husband's whereabouts, which often turned out to be false.

Poor Rast's wife underwent a panic attack. She often turned to Talia, the reporter who had been the first on the scene, and was now her only friend. Rast's wife often talked to Talia for comfort, not realizing that much of what she said wound up in the interstellar news reports. Rast's wife had not been reading the news, as she couldn't bear the roller coaster ride of emotions with every report about here husband's whereabouts, which often turned out to be false.

For Talia, this was the landmark story of her career. She had come to the Rasteroid hopeful of finding a wacky "weirdly enough" style story. Country bumpkin thinks he found a cure, she could picture the headlines. Instead, she had found the real deal. Before she was writer, now she was a Writer with a capital W. She could smell the Poolitzer.

For Talia, this was the landmark story of her career. She had come to the Rasteroid hopeful of finding a wacky "weirdly enough" style story. Country bumpkin thinks he found a cure, she could picture the headlines. Instead, she had found the real deal. Before she was writer, now she was a Writer with a capital W. She could smell the Poolitzer.

Here on this remote mining asteroid, shut down by the very virus for which the country bumpkin had found a remedy, Talia had found that Rast was indeed far more sensitive and intelligent than she had expected. That explained how he had found a cure -- and why he had behaved so bizarrely during the shutdown.

Here on this remote mining asteroid, shut down by the very virus for which the country bumpkin had found a remedy, Talia had found that Rast was indeed far more sensitive and intelligent than she had expected. That explained how he had found a cure -- and why he had behaved so bizarrely during the shutdown.

The ship brought Rast back through huge distances of space, to a base. Of course, Rast had no way of knowing where he was. Without charts, he was as lost as a needle in a haystack. The ship could have traveled in practically any direction, any distance.

The ship brought Rast back through huge distances of space, to a base. Of course, Rast had no way of knowing where he was. Without charts, he was as lost as a needle in a haystack. The ship could have traveled in practically any direction, any distance.

The ship docked. The figures led Rast into the base. While he hadn't been physically restrained, Rast still felt under their control. Alone in an unknown part of space, there was nothing he could do if they wanted to harm him.

The ship docked. The figures led Rast into the base. While he hadn't been physically restrained, Rast still felt under their control. Alone in an unknown part of space, there was nothing he could do if they wanted to harm him.

Through a series of hallways, the figures led Rast into an open chamber. There, a panel of people sat opposite him. Rast was seated by the figures, who then departed.

Through a series of hallways, the figures led Rast into an open chamber. There, a panel of people sat opposite him. Rast was seated by the figures, who then departed.

The panel members looked at Rast with as much curiosity as he looked at them. Each one wore what looked like a lab coat adapted for space. These were decorative uniforms, but they bore the reminders of who these people were: some of the most respected medical professionals in the universe. This was the epidemiology board in charge of the pandemic.

The panel members looked at Rast with as much curiosity as he looked at them. Each one wore what looked like a lab coat adapted for space. These were decorative uniforms, but they bore the reminders of who these people were: some of the most respected medical professionals in the universe. This was the epidemiology board in charge of the pandemic.

"How are you feeling?" a panel member asked Rast.

"How are you feeling?" a panel member asked Rast.

Rast thought back to the asteroid. His wife probably was thinking of him just now.

Rast thought back to the asteroid. His wife probably was thinking of him just now.

Back on the asteroid, Rast's wife was indeed thinking of him. She wanted him to be there with her.

Back on the asteroid, Rast's wife was indeed thinking of him. She wanted him to be there with her.

Of the many rumors around the asteroid, the most popular was that Rast had faked is own disappearance, remaining on the asteroid. Residents had become suspicious, because Rast so often seemed to find himself at the center of attention. After they had made fun of him for so long, they didn't like his having so much fame, which even reached way beyond the asteroid itself.

Of the many rumors around the asteroid, the most popular was that Rast had faked is own disappearance, remaining on the asteroid. Residents had become suspicious, because Rast so often seemed to find himself at the center of attention. After they had made fun of him for so long, they didn't like his having so much fame, which even reached way beyond the asteroid itself.

Just as Rast was addressing the assembled board of the epidemiological board, Rigel's chain reaction ripped through the room. They hydrogen atoms in the room snapped into rigid lines, as they had elsewhere throughout the universe. Suddenly, the pandemic, the cure, all of that seemed useless, empty.

Just as Rast was addressing the assembled board of the epidemiological board, Rigel's chain reaction ripped through the room. They hydrogen atoms in the room snapped into rigid lines, as they had elsewhere throughout the universe. Suddenly, the pandemic, the cure, all of that seemed useless, empty.

==Molecular Solutions==

==Molecular Solutions==

Rigel steered directly towards the station.

Rigel steered directly towards the station.

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On a small backwaters asteroid, Rast sat around his shack.  His employer, a factory that processed sewage from the local pond into lubricants, had shut down during the pandemic. At this rate, it didn't look like it would reopen any time soon.

On a small backwaters asteroid, Rast sat around his shack.  His employer, a factory that processed sewage from the local pond into lubricants, had shut down during the pandemic. At this rate, it didn't look like it would reopen any time soon.

On the data links, Rast searched our various chemical formulae. The data links contained apps that showed different molecules, including how they could connect with other molecules. Rast searched through the molecules that he knew were in the pond liquid, as well as molecules that he found in his tests.

On the data links, Rast searched our various chemical formulae. The data links contained apps that showed different molecules, including how they could connect with other molecules. Rast searched through the molecules that he knew were in the pond liquid, as well as molecules that he found in his tests.

Many molecules came up empty. None of the configurations that Rast tested produced any effects. He had tried to produce a beverage that would get him happy. The layoffs had brought about significant depression.

Many molecules came up empty. None of the configurations that Rast tested produced any effects. He had tried to produce a beverage that would get him happy. The layoffs had brought about significant depression.

Rast kept at it. Even as his finances ran dry, as the plant remained shuttered, Rast kept experimenting on his solutions.

Rast kept at it. Even as his finances ran dry, as the plant remained shuttered, Rast kept experimenting on his solutions.

Rast's wife became concerned. Not only were they running out of food, now her husband had taken to his tests. Instead of pursuing some other productive activity, a side business like some of his colleagues and neighbors had pursued, he seemed to be going crazy. She often complained to her friends.

Rast's wife became concerned. Not only were they running out of food, now her husband had taken to his tests. Instead of pursuing some other productive activity, a side business like some of his colleagues and neighbors had pursued, he seemed to be going crazy. She often complained to her friends.

After numerous failures, and the occasional partial success, Rast stumbled upon something unusual. This differed not only from his previous results, but even from what he thought was possible. All of the reading that he had done on the data links showed that this was impossible, yet it had happened anyways.

After numerous failures, and the occasional partial success, Rast stumbled upon something unusual. This differed not only from his previous results, but even from what he thought was possible. All of the reading that he had done on the data links showed that this was impossible, yet it had happened anyways.

Rast's asteroid had become a media sensation. Every night, huge numbers of people around the galaxy tuned in to watch the latest newscasts. MIRACLE CURE.

Rast's asteroid had become a media sensation. Every night, huge numbers of people around the galaxy tuned in to watch the latest newscasts. MIRACLE CURE.

Some of Rast's neighbors visited him. They showed up on their rockriders, rolling rocks that they kicked along only somewhat faster than walking. Until now, Rast's neighbors had regarded him as unfortunate. They thought he had lost his mind. Now that the media had descended, Rast had become the most popular resident of the asteroid.

Some of Rast's neighbors visited him. They showed up on their rockriders, rolling rocks that they kicked along only somewhat faster than walking. Until now, Rast's neighbors had regarded him as unfortunate. They thought he had lost his mind. Now that the media had descended, Rast had become the most popular resident of the asteroid.

Rast had made so many friends, he didn't know what to do. Soon his visor was so full of messages, announcements, gifts, and other notifications, that he could only see a small patch of the space in front of him.

Rast had made so many friends, he didn't know what to do. Soon his visor was so full of messages, announcements, gifts, and other notifications, that he could only see a small patch of the space in front of him.

A few weeks after he had made headlines, Rast had taken to being a celebrity. He had started wearing more decorative clothing, unlike the rags that he used to wear (his wife wondered where he had got the money, since they still hadn't received much for their efforts).

A few weeks after he had made headlines, Rast had taken to being a celebrity. He had started wearing more decorative clothing, unlike the rags that he used to wear (his wife wondered where he had got the money, since they still hadn't received much for their efforts).

The asteroid itself became noteworthy. While its official name was only A150874854, and its residents had colloquially known it as "the 'Roid", after hitting it big the asteroid was officially renamed to Asteroidae Curis. Also, the media started referring to it as "the Rastroid."

The asteroid itself became noteworthy. While its official name was only A150874854, and its residents had colloquially known it as "the 'Roid", after hitting it big the asteroid was officially renamed to Asteroidae Curis. Also, the media started referring to it as "the Rastroid."

There was chaos. As reporters and locals jostled in the hallways of Rast's house, a fight broke out. Even the reporters there didn't realize that the Order had an agent present.

There was chaos. As reporters and locals jostled in the hallways of Rast's house, a fight broke out. Even the reporters there didn't realize that the Order had an agent present.

Even thousands of years after the pandemic had broken out, it remained a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps more so, as some argued, as a media force rather than a medical force.

Even thousands of years after the pandemic had broken out, it remained a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps more so, as some argued, as a media force rather than a medical force.

At 9,873 years old, Rigel thought that one hadn't really lived until one had reached at least nine thousand.

At 9,873 years old, Rigel thought that one hadn't really lived until one had reached at least nine thousand.

==8.4==

==8.4==

==The Destruction Starts==

==The Destruction Starts==

This was different than the other blackouts. Some of the asteroids had only artificial lights. These often had their power shut off -- because of failure to pay the bills, because of corruption at the suppliers, or these days simply because the pandemic had drained the coffers of much of civilization.

This was different than the other blackouts. Some of the asteroids had only artificial lights. These often had their power shut off -- because of failure to pay the bills, because of corruption at the suppliers, or these days simply because the pandemic had drained the coffers of much of civilization.

Rigel arrived at the League base, unnoticed. With the advantage of an advanced Order spy ship, and detailed Order maps, Rigel had the upper hand. The League had defended its last stronghold with as much force as it could muster, yet this paled next to the mighty Order.

Rigel arrived at the League base, unnoticed. With the advantage of an advanced Order spy ship, and detailed Order maps, Rigel had the upper hand. The League had defended its last stronghold with as much force as it could muster, yet this paled next to the mighty Order.

"Who are you?" The stunned League senior representative asked Rigel.

"Who are you?" The stunned League senior representative asked Rigel.

Just now, as things seemed to be straightening out, as civilization seemed to be recovering from its grave illness, here was Rigel, threatening to dismantle the whole thing.

Just now, as things seemed to be straightening out, as civilization seemed to be recovering from its grave illness, here was Rigel, threatening to dismantle the whole thing.

"Why are you going along with this?" asked an elderly representative.

"Why are you going along with this?" asked an elderly representative.

"Going along with what?" said Rigel.

"Going along with what?" said Rigel.

"Yes, of course I have," said Rigel. "Just what are you getting at?"

"Yes, of course I have," said Rigel. "Just what are you getting at?"

"There, you said it yourself," said Rigel, seeming to claim victory even though his opponent remained set against him. "''Or''. Or what? You admitted you don't know."

"There, you said it yourself," said Rigel, seeming to claim victory even though his opponent remained set against him. "''Or''. Or what? You admitted you don't know."

"So?" said the elder statesman.

"So?" said the elder statesman.

"Yeah, it's a game-changer," she thought she heard one guard say.

"Yeah, it's a game-changer," she thought she heard one guard say.

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"This is where it ends," said Rigel firmly.

"This is where it ends," said Rigel firmly.

==Collapse==

==Collapse==

Some locals here and on other asteroids throughout the mining belt began to have conspiracy theories. Some suggested that the pandemic was a hoax, others said that it was deliberately set loose by various nefarious agents.

Some locals here and on other asteroids throughout the mining belt began to have conspiracy theories. Some suggested that the pandemic was a hoax, others said that it was deliberately set loose by various nefarious agents.

The protective suits that had started as medical necessity, then become social token, had now become a standard fashion accessory.

The protective suits that had started as medical necessity, then become social token, had now become a standard fashion accessory.

Back on the Rasteroid, the dwellers produced more commotion. They didn't understand much of the pandemic -- many residents didn't even know that their asteroid was but a small part of a small corner of a much larger region of space.

Back on the Rasteroid, the dwellers produced more commotion. They didn't understand much of the pandemic -- many residents didn't even know that their asteroid was but a small part of a small corner of a much larger region of space.

The Rasteroid dwellers fought among themselves. As if that would turn the lights back on, or get their jobs back. The mines remained closed. Much of the population now depended on slime and slugs fished out of the lake.

The Rasteroid dwellers fought among themselves. As if that would turn the lights back on, or get their jobs back. The mines remained closed. Much of the population now depended on slime and slugs fished out of the lake.

The cure seemed to be having effect. At least, people behaved as if it did. Perhaps the placebo effect was all it had, or all it took. At any rate, civilization seemed to be returning to some type of normalcy.

The cure seemed to be having effect. At least, people behaved as if it did. Perhaps the placebo effect was all it had, or all it took. At any rate, civilization seemed to be returning to some type of normalcy.

A few more businesses opened. Now, not only were the basic food providers opening up on some of the larger, medium, and even smaller planets, but also a few restaurants and some other suppliers had opened.

A few more businesses opened. Now, not only were the basic food providers opening up on some of the larger, medium, and even smaller planets, but also a few restaurants and some other suppliers had opened.

The media had grown sick of being stuck on the Rasteroid. After the initial excitement of the cure had set in, many reporters had grown weary of the antics of the locals. The slime tasted unappealing, but admittedly some of the lake slugs had some flavor. There were definitely appealing parts of the asteroid, and it was better than being stationed in some other areas -- especially during this pandemic period. However, many of the media personnel yearned for more exciting places, with more cosmopolitan people.

The media had grown sick of being stuck on the Rasteroid. After the initial excitement of the cure had set in, many reporters had grown weary of the antics of the locals. The slime tasted unappealing, but admittedly some of the lake slugs had some flavor. There were definitely appealing parts of the asteroid, and it was better than being stationed in some other areas -- especially during this pandemic period. However, many of the media personnel yearned for more exciting places, with more cosmopolitan people.

Rigel deliberated. Should he do it? End it all? For his own sake, he was ready. The only thing holding him back now was his concern for other people. Was it really just to destroy the universe? As dark as he felt, what about Sophiy's relatives? What about Vespa? What about the quadrillions of people he hadn't even met? Surely they didn't deserve to die. And yet, maybe it was for the best.

Rigel deliberated. Should he do it? End it all? For his own sake, he was ready. The only thing holding him back now was his concern for other people. Was it really just to destroy the universe? As dark as he felt, what about Sophiy's relatives? What about Vespa? What about the quadrillions of people he hadn't even met? Surely they didn't deserve to die. And yet, maybe it was for the best.

Rigel felt fed up. ''Let's do this'' he thought to himself.

Rigel felt fed up. ''Let's do this'' he thought to himself.

''Boom.''

''Boom.''

The hydrogen in the room suddenly fractured out of space. Each hydrogen molecule snapped into a different configuration. Together, they made jagged lines throughout the ship. The lines breached the ship walls, spreading out into space.

The hydrogen in the room suddenly fractured out of space. Each hydrogen molecule snapped into a different configuration. Together, they made jagged lines throughout the ship. The lines breached the ship walls, spreading out into space.

Space broke into different regions. The hydrogen divided each region into compartments, like cells in a body. Huge clumps of hydrogen in some areas made densely pocketed prisons, impenetrable.

Space broke into different regions. The hydrogen divided each region into compartments, like cells in a body. Huge clumps of hydrogen in some areas made densely pocketed prisons, impenetrable.

Hydrogen atoms broke off many of the weaker bonds they had formed with other elements. This left the remaining elements broken, discarded. Many species died, wiped out completely.

Hydrogen atoms broke off many of the weaker bonds they had formed with other elements. This left the remaining elements broken, discarded. Many species died, wiped out completely.

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"Look what you've done!" screamed the elder League statesman. The displays throughout the secret station showed many flatlines. Much of the already dwindling remnants of the known universe had gone extinct.

"Look what you've done!" screamed the elder League statesman. The displays throughout the secret station showed many flatlines. Much of the already dwindling remnants of the known universe had gone extinct.

Rigel closed his eyes, and breathed deeply.

Rigel closed his eyes, and breathed deeply.

So this was it. How it ended. Rigel wept.

So this was it. How it ended. Rigel wept.

==Navigation==

==Navigation==

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