This is such a fantastic story, there are so many nuances i love, the way you skirt around Anomalys without explaining it yet saying just enough to create a space every reader can recognise, the extract from poem that hints at the society left behind, the character names and the high sci-fi terms used so casually that give it such a wonderful atmosphere. Have to say, saw the first few lines before the deadline and I was really looking forward to reading this. You have such skill in blending the known and familiar, with the new.

with a shock of white hair.

A phrase so familiar it has a domino of connotations relating to how it’s normally used, slipped in next to

Spatial Polynomics

His hair doesn’t relate to that at all, but the use of the familiar phrase creates a feeling of intimacy/trust with the reader so when the unknown comes into place, the extension of acceptance comes more naturally, especially given the connotations of that particular bit of phrasing. That’s just one example, but it something that feels effortlessly done in your writing, and i just love.

This is such an intelligent and sensitively written story, firstly the story itself and having the why of the prompt as the driving element is just wonderful. This is actually one of the most considered and intelligent bits of fiction comparing communal/social living and individual livin, or cooperation vs competition. This is fun, and feels full scifi, the hint of a message isn’t too heavy, the characters are well balanced, and the story itself is so enjoyable. I just love that it’s an expedition to find out, and then what they do find, the message, the sacrifice a few people made so the species could live on, the short term greed that caused this mass destruction (the very same short term greed that has been damaging the environment for years) is a delightful bit of realism. There is an awful lot to reflect on in this one, and it’s so subtle, you have made me so very happy. Thank you @Sarez, and not just for this story, but you have always entered at this standard, the way you are able to understand the world around you, people on a human level, and the finer elements of prompts really comes together in your fiction. You are an astute human, and a truly talented writer <3