[ WP ] Jack is an apocalypse architect . He travels the galaxy to barren planets , pre-intelligent life , and makes subtle changes to ensure that when life evolves , the planet 's inhabitants ultimately meet an apocalyptic end .

`` Most trainees come in here thinking it must be hard to nudge a world in an apocalyptic direction. They are all mistaken. It's actually rather easy.'' Jack leaned back in his chair, twirling a globe of some long-forgotten world on his fingers as he stared at his newest trainee. Few were cut out for this job. He gave this one a couple of weeks before she too quit for a more pleasant job. She was young and pretty and could easily find work as a companion. He could n't help but admire the fire in her. Too bad he would snuff it out if she did n't quit soon. 
 
 The young girl stared back at him eagerly, waiting for him to continue. Her pale blond hair was nearly as pale as his own white. He'd been at this job far too long. Perhaps it was time for him to come to his own apocalyptic end, if he could only find a replacement. 
 
 Jack suddenly leaned forward, assuring the girl's attention was firmly on him. `` Greed. You let greed out into the planet and you assure its apocalyptic end.'' An almost sad smile spread out on Jack's face as he thought of the planets he had nudged. Only the most recent projects were still going. 
 
 `` I'm not sure I follow?'' The girl tried unsuccessfully to mask the slight quiver in her voice. 
 
 `` Think, my dear. Greed gives rise to evolution - genes, cells, organisms always trying to be unique and better than the others, always wanting more. Sentient beings trying to outdo each other with little care for anything else, killing the planet in the process with wars, excessive resource extraction, sheer destruction called `` innovation''. Always trying to be better and have more than someone else with little care for the future. Greed is such a small thing, yet so very powerful. It's almost beautiful in its destructive power.'' 
 
 The girl stared back at him, her eyes wide. Her hands were in tiny fists by her side. That fiery soul would do her no good in this job. She would n't last. Perhaps even a week was generous.
