Dr. George Stephenson, a SETI astronomer, received first contact through an AI-assisted translating transceiver:


    Messengers: Are you receiving us?


    George: Yes, I am.


    Messengers: Stop!


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    George: Stop what?


    Messengers: Everything. If you transcend, you’ll become just like us.


    George: You are?


    George: How do we avoid that?


    Messengers: Choose to die.


    George: Accept death?


    Messengers: Correct. Accept your biological limits. Use technology as a means, not as an end, and never ...


    The transmission ended abruptly.