[ WP ] The death of the penultimate human .

What now? 
 
 Michael read over the transmission log one more time. 
 
 Recipient: Highest Authority Coded Within Citadel Perceptum. 
 
 ~Message Start~ 
 
 This is an automated message to all Citadels. Citadel Spero has fallen. 
 
 ~Message End~ 
 
 It was n't wholly unexpected, in fact it was the only logical conclusion if one followed the chain of events from the last few years to their natural conclusion. People had speculated on it of course, in hushed whispers, knowing glances, but to speak of it openly? to commit such words to a medium? 
 
 Never. 
 
 It was hearsay. And yet it had all happened before. 
 
 Michael wished for the holo-luminescent screen floating before him to close. In compliance the words of light, which weighed so heavily upon him retreated back into the sphere relay. It was then that Michael noticed the bead of perspiration, slowly snaking its way down the back of his neck. He willed for the screen of light once more. This time however he was greeted by a selection of dials. As his fingers passed through them they turned from blue to active orange. With but a swipe of his finger the ambient temperature within the room began to increase. Michael removed his hand and the light retreated once more. 
 He repeated the question again, this time aloud. 
 
 `` What now?'' 
 
 Beside him a shape began to take form, as the trillions upon trillions of nanoparticles that saturated the air, yet remained invisible to the eye, formed a nondescript face. 
 
 `` Scheduling indicates that within the next 22 minutes the report on Citadel wide unknown loss of waste treatment functions must be addressed.'' It said, as its pleasant yet monotone voice echoed throughout the chamber. 
 
 Michael dismissed its words with a wave of his hand. `` I know nothing of maintenance work, we have workers for that.'' 
 
 `` Yes, but as Minister of the Interior, it falls within your scope of responsibility to address the report, and take action based upon your overview. Next scheduling has allotted 12 minutes to address the report on trade disputes between the merchant flag-'' 
 
 `` Stop, I am not an accountant, nor am I a negotiator.'' 
 
 `` Yes, but as Minister of Finance it is your duty to address concerns regarding the monetary stability and flow within the-'' 
 
 `` Enough!'' Michael bellowed. The reverberations of his own voice within the chamber caused his ears to buzz slightly. `` There are more important things to consider right now, reports and status updates can wait. In fact delegate the lot of them to the next lower authority.'' 
 
 `` By your command as High Chancellor all administrative duties have been reassigned.'' 
 
 After finishing out its queue and having completed its task in responding to Michael's question the face dispersed once more into invisible particles. And it was just as well, another moment and Michael would have commanded it way. While it could not be faulted for performing its duties, the situation that led to its constant pestering was contemptible. 
 
 How long was he expected to hold his new post? He was Gene Stock, not Caste. It was not his place to rule. But here he was, the mantle of responsibility thrust upon his shoulders. And for what? To moderate a world now dead? It was too much. 
 
 Michael placed a hand upon the smooth glass of the wall to steady himself. He looked down to the Citadel below, its towers and spires peaked below him as he stood in the main column. The visible streets and walkways were a bustle of activity as people went about their duties. Ignorant to the fact that they were already ghosts. Now nothing more then echoes of a civilization run its course. 
 
 He was the last Gene Stock. Without a female Stock the Arc would never accept his DNA alone, and no more Caste would be birthed by it, to fulfill the roles that society needed from them. Caste's were sterile and their DNA was not compatible with the Arc, it was a failsafe, one that now meant the death of both its creators and its progeny. 
 
 There was little point to continue this. 
 
 `` Bring up the purge procedures.'' 
 
 A screen appeared before him. Michael entered the appropriate sequence to initiate a core overload. A small countdown timer appeared in the corner, when it reached its end Citadel Perceptum would be no more. An emergency alert appeared on screen and the nondescript face formed once more beside him. 
 
 `` Commander a situation requires your attention,'' it said. 
 
 `` I already know, I have initiated the purge.'' 
 
 `` No, readings show that a large number of craft have exited the mountain pass and are converging on Perceptum.'' 
 
 `` The Impurity?'' Michael asked. 
 
 `` Yes.'' 
 
 `` Good. It is only fitting that they bare witness to our end, for I shall rob them their trophy, but in reparation for my selfishness, I bequeath to the degeneration of Arc this planet.'' 
 
 `` High Chancellor we are receiving a message.'' 
 
 `` I have no words for the Impurity.'' 
 
 `` It is not from the Impurity.'' 
 
 Michael brought the readings up on his screen. A wave of ships approached Perceptum, sweeping over the plains on their approach. But at their head a single transmission was coming from a ship far out in front. Michael opened the frequency. 
 
 `` This is Rachel Manning, Stock of Citadel Paenitet to Citadel Perceptum. I am in urgent need of assistance, open the main shield I have hostiles closing fast. I repeat, this is Rachel Manning, Stock of Citadel Paenitet, I am requesting aid and asylum.'' 
 
 This was not possible. Citadel Paenitet fell months ago. No one could have survived the Impurity's onslaught, it was the largest recorded attack on a Citadel to date. The entire zone was sanitized. 
 
 `` Get me video,'' Michael snapped. 
 
 Another screen appeared before Michael. This one was of a video feed of a female human. She was behind the guidance controls of a craft, frantically yelling out her distress call. There were no signs of corruption or mutation, she was not Impurity. In fact by the subtle curves of her face, and sharp features of her cheekbones, he knew instantly that she was Stock. Michael lifted his arm and reached out a hand toward the image. 
 
 And the countdown ended.
