[ WP ] Scientists discover an algorithm for predicting a person 's date of death with 95 % confidence . When you finally decide to enter your parameters into the algorithm you see a surprising result .

`` I'm nervous..'' she said, anxiously pushing up the bridge of her glasses with her index finger in quick, short jabs. `` Do n't be. I think this stuff is full of nonsense anyway..'' I shoved my hands deep in my pockets, sighing softy as we walked towards the center. `` So, you're not scared at all? What if it says tomorrow?'' With a playful smirk, I shrugged, `` Then you and me would grab a few rounds at McGinney's and toast to my life tonight.'' Through her quiet laugh and elbow-jab to my side, I could tell she was n't herself. `` Just relax, Emily.'' 
 
 We turned the corner and walked up the stone stairs, large light-posts to either side still remained despite the city's vast remodel. These small hints of our past always comforted me. Not everything's changed. Perhaps a bit ominous however, one light was n't working and the other flickered and buzzed as we passed under it; Both of our eyes following it before opening the door and stepping inside. 
 
 Emily stepped in first and walked over to stand on line. There were confessional-style booths lined up throughout the center, along the walls. People would walk in, sometimes together, never more than 2 at a time. Some would come out smiling, some expressionless, and others appearing more shaken, shocked, or in full-on hysterics. As we stood there for what seemed about a half hour, taking only half steps forward at a time, I found that there were n't any older people. The oldest person I saw leave the center was mid fifties. Perhaps they knew something we did n't or maybe they just did n't care. Maybe they were taking the right approach. `` C'mon.. `` Emily grabbed my hand, sweeping me from inner contemplation, and walked us over to the booth, slipping behind the curtain and pulling me with her. 
 
 It was simple. You placed your finger in a small contraption which would insert a very tiny needle, draw a minute amount of blood and give you your results on a computer screen in under a minute. We gave the automated directions a quick once-over and I went to put my finger into it, `` No..'' Emily, pulled my hand out, `` I want to go first.. I ca n't wait any more.'' I gave her a small nod and she complied. The screen prompted, `` You will feel a small pinch''. I saw Emily's slender figure give a tiny jolt. For some reason I thought there would be some sort of computer sounds -- beeping or booping or comically amusing noises of what one might expect. Instead; silence. `` Your results are ready. Please sign, using the touch-pad that you are ready to see you results. Thank you and good luck.'' `` Good luck?'' I scoffed with a shake of my head at the screen. `` Ready?'' 
 
 `` No'' she said flatly and quickly signed her initials across the smudged pad before she could rethink the decision. `` August 14th, 3075'' appeared across the screen. Neither of us said a word as we tried to calculate how old she'd be in our heads. `` 92!'' she finally proclaimed, breaking the quiet. `` I'll be 92. That's good, right?'' Her face seemed much brighter now, hopeful and relieved. `` It's great, Emily. It's great.'' Stepping aside for me, `` That was n't so bad.. Now you.'' 
 
 I stepped forward, putting my finger into the finger-shaped resting pad. Out came the needle and the small pinch. I glanced over at her, she was smiling. When she caught my stare, she corrected her smile into a serious expression; as if not to rub it in. `` It's ok. It's great.'' I reassured her with a chuckle. The screen lit up again, asking for my signature. With a deep inhale and heavy exhale, I signed my initials. `` October 31, 4394''. 
 
 We stood there for a moment, `` Wait, what?'' I shook my head and looked again. `` It's broken... it broke.'' Emily popped her head out from the curtain, `` Excuse me. I think this one's broken... Can we get help?'' A larger woman in her early 40's in a blue uniform waddled her way over, a lit cigarette dangling from her chapped lips. `` Let me see.'' She pushed her girth past us, stuck her finger in the machine, pressed a few buttons, and up came `` July 9th, 3009'' That was next year. `` It's fine.'' she grunted while walking out, again brushing herself against us roughly before waddling back to her stool by the front counters. I guess she'd come to terms with it. Cancer, I'd imagine. `` Do it again...'' Emily demanded, urging me back inside. 
 
 `` Hey come on! It says what it says. We've been waiting an hour!'' We heard the shrill cry of a woman stuck somewhere in the center of the line which was now wrapping beyond the outside of the building. `` Oh hush..'' Emily growled beneath her breath as she physically placed my finger again and held it. We went through the procedure again, this time Emily rushedly signing my initials, `` October 31, 4394''. This time, we barely had a moment to face one another in contemplation before the curtain ripped back, the metal hooks clanking loudly. A large man dressed in a white collared shirt and brown trench coat stood ominously before us, `` Sir. You're going to need to come with us.'' 
 
 `` But I.. I did n't break it.. I swear..'' I stammered quickly as he took hold of my arm, `` It was like that.. that lady tested it..'' Using my free hand, I pointed over to the front counter, the stool now empty. `` She was just here..'' As I was escorted towards a back door marked, `` PRIVATE'', another trench-coat clad men, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, stepped in front of Emily, `` You can pay at the front before you exit, miss.'' She looked past him towards my direction `` No, he's my friend, I'll..'' `` You'll do as you're told.'' he barked, `` Pay at the front.'' 
 
 My last memory of Emily was that day. Her frightened, confused eyes peering beyond the wide shoulders of the living wall in front of her. She watched as I was lead around the corner. I wish it was n't my last vision of her; but sadly it's one of the only ones I've managed to hold on to as vividly. I wish the machine had said the next day and her and I would have had drinks and cried and laughed until the morning sun appeared. I would have been happy with that. I would have treasured that. Instead, I would go on to wage a war that would wipe out three quarters of humanity. I'd lead the charge despite the suffering and endless tragedy it would cause. I'd kill women and children for sport, watch everyone I know die painful deaths and I'd continue on to bring the legacy of my people to a harsh, tragic end. 
 
 It's October 30th.. and I can not wait until tomorrow.
