HiveComb

"Specimen 4 is infected and damaged. We must discard it on a nearby dead planet. If allowed to mature, it could become a telekinetic mutant."

On the barren planet in the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy, two scientists considered sending failed experimental subjects to the Milky Way Galaxy's laboratory - a facility established by future humans for testing and preserving the human species. Numerous experiments aimed to make panspermia easier during multi-galactic immigration.

Dr. Layla examined Specimen 4, a mere 4-year-old child. They had subjected it to virtual reality simulations testing its responses to real-life scenarios. Based on emotional and intelligence assessments, Specimen 4 scored extremely high in IQ yet displayed an emotionally cold and dark demeanour, factors used to filter specimens for colonizing new planets.

"Do you think Specimen 4 is cursed?" Dr. Layla asked Director Jerome.

As the senior lead, Jerome didn't want to discourage his team despite the experiment's troubling results.

"Specimen 4 is an extreme overthinker, devising thousands of pessimistic scenarios. It can foresee potential dangers and take pre-emptive action to its own benefit, potentially overthrowing any situation like a dictator. We cannot risk such an evil force slowing societal development while seeding other planets. Prepare the capsule and send Specimen 4 to the desert planet's laboratory."

In the near future, humanity ventures away from Earth, colonizing galaxies and planets devoid of other intelligent species. This has evolved into a galactic endeavor where generations of humans undergo genetic manipulation. A laboratory established in the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy experiments on children by immersing them in simulations, training them to sustain civilization.

However, failed subjects exhibiting domineering, torturous, and manipulative tendencies destructive to the population are isolated. These flawed specimens are then exiled to barren planets in other galaxies, kept separate from functional colony worlds.

Dr. Layla prepared Specimen 4 for cryosleep, ensuring it remained dormant until reaching its destination. The cryochambers' space travel capabilities eased intergalactic panspermia endeavours.

"Goodbye, dark one. The universe has inscrutable plans for you."

Dr. Layla released the capsule into deep space toward a solar system within the Milky Way Galaxy.

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Meanwhile, on Earth...

A group of thugs surrounded Melissa, the middle-aged woman on the farm, threatening her with raised voices.

"Hand over this place, and I'll allow you a few more miserable years of life," Karl screamed in a domineering tone.

"Never! We have plans for this land. Leave at once!" Melissa refused to back down, yelling defiantly.

Suddenly, Brad's car pulled into the farm, and Karl and his minions gave angry looks while their way before retreating.

Brad rushed to Melissa's side, confirming she was unharmed. However, Melissa seemed out of sorts, having wanted Brad to eventually confront these men, yet remained tight-lipped about Karl's harassment.

It was not the firs time they approached her. Whenever she was back in the town they used to harass her for the place. They were doing the damage to their property too. But Melissa decided not to make a fuss about it unless required. But this evening everything just went extreme. And now Melissa can't take it anymore. And it was also visible from her body language.

"Why are Karl and his goons harassing you on the farm?"

Brad asked Melissa, confused by their odd visits and her silence.

"We are in our 40s, Brad, and we have no children to inherit the farm and animals after we're gone. The vultures aren't waiting until we're elderly - they want this place while we're middle-aged."

Melissa spoke softly yet tiredly, burdened by her tolerance to keep brad from not able to swallow the reality.

Brad walked to a nearby lake, a small sanctuary to enjoy nature undisturbed. Gazing at the meteor shower-lit night sky, beer in hand, he pleaded to God.

"I know I was no saint in my life so far. But no child? Must Melissa and I die so miserably?"

Melissa's missed call reminded him of the late hour. He returned, inspecting the property before putting the dogs on the porch and joining Melissa, who is writing in her diary.

"Are we dying childless, Melissa?"

She stopped, confronting him. "We could adopt or try IVF. But our clock is ticking, and things are not in our favours."

Hurt, Brad retreated to bed, asking Melissa to dim the lights when finished.

At 1:30 AM, a thunderous crash sent shockwaves through the farm. Something had passed from the sky near the lake. When they reached the site, they saw small stones levitating and the lake's water twisting unnaturally.

"Brad, look - it's a child there!"