Self-preservation 3 Novels & Stories

“They have at least one defense mechanism but it only works when they’re eaten.” An epiphany comes over David’s head. “Ah, I see… Their species is going for the long term survival.” “They’re sacrificing themselves now so their future descendants will not have to suffer as much. Interesting… I can see millions of years’ worth of evolution in the time it would take me to blink.” For the first time in a while, David laughs.

“I’m aware.” “You could step back,” they suggest. “Distance yourself. Frame your involvement as advisory. Protect your position.” “And leave the structure undefended?” I ask. They shrug. “That’s not your responsibility anymore.” I stare at them. It’s fascinating how easily people confuse self-preservation with wisdom. “I didn’t build this to abandon it when it’s tested,” I say. “That’s idealistic.” “No,” I reply. “It’s accountable.” They shake their head slowly. “You don’t owe anyone this level of loyalty.”

Her expression was unreadable, the way it always was when she didn’t want anyone to guess what came next. “Guilt’s inefficient. It slows decision-making, clouds judgment, wastes energy. I needed it gone. So I removed the source. The kids just happened to be standing in the middle of the mess I was cleaning up.” A tiny shrug. “Self-preservation with collateral benefits. That’s all.” Silence settled between us, broken only by the soft hush of snow drifting past the balcony railing. “However you put it,” I said quietly, “you saved souls… isn’t that right?”

Protective measures under review. Protective. The word should comfort but it does not. Because in this context, protection does not mean safety. It means preservation of outcome. My mind moves ahead of the screen now. If they identified me at seventeen. If they placed Leah near me before I knew her. If Livia destabilized a projection they thought was fixed. Then what I am seeing now is not the origin. It is adaptation. The shape of something adjusting.