Asakau looked through a cosmic-holoscope at a small exoplanet, 3rd from its star.


    "Look at that blue one, Sanaske!"


    "Ooh, that''s the prettiest so far!"


    "What are you two gawking at?" asked astronomy professor, Destitan.


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    "Here, look, Teacher."


    "Oh, that one''s a marvel, isn''t it? So unfortunate."


    "What''s unfortunate?" Asakau''s eyes widened.


    "You''re looking at the planet''s past. Wormhole micro-drones discovered it''s a dead planet."


    "Hit by an asteroid?"


    "No, far too many craters and scorch marks. We suspect a global conflict."


    "Destroying the entire planet?" Sanaske gasped.


    "Indeed, we''re an exception to the rule. Most advanced civilizations inevitably self-destruct."