The Eviction Notice

Our first sign should have been when every television, computer, phone and tablet on the planet went rogue, displaying "YOUR PAYMENT IS PAST DUE. THIS IS YOUR FINAL NOTICE!" upon every screen. However, after conducting lengthy investigations, world leaders eventually decided that they had more pressing concerns than what appeared to be an incredible but harmless hack-job. As I stated from the beginning, and we’re all now aware, this would be a colossal mistake.

It wasn't until the night sky turned a pinkish hue, and astronomers discovered the words, “EVICTION NOTICE" in massive red neon lights across the surface of the moon, that anyone realized we had a problem. Unfortunately, no one had any idea where the problem came from, or how to go about solving it.

NASA broadcast radio signals into space. Space Force went to inspect the moon. Tech companies sent messages out via electronic devices the way the original message had been received. The U.S. Government commissioned builders to construct the world’s most ungodly gigantic sign in the Mojave Desert.

The first clue to be discovered was by Space Force. Chained to the southeastern corner of the final “E" in the mysterious sign on the moon, was a small aluminum case, labeled “ATTN: EARTHPEOPLE.” Due to “safety concerns,” a decision was made to retrieve the case and transport it to Earth to be further inspected before attempting to reveal its contents.

For the next three days, headlines everywhere read “ATTN: EARTHPEOPLE,” as the citizens of the world anxiously awaited the return of Space Force and the delivery of the enigmatic case. Imaginations ran wild about what could be contained within the case. Some suspected a virus that would annihilate all life on earth. Other’s felt that microscopic, mind-controlling parasites were more likely. Optimists argued that aliens could have wiped us out already if they had so desired.

Finally, the fleet arrived and the package endured a vigorous testing process. Over seven days, scientists conducted all manner of thermal scans, x-rays, chemical tests, and even enlisted the help of a bomb-sniffing Labrador Retriever. Protesters passionately chanted outside government buildings, waving signs that read, “Fear the unknown!” and, “What we don't know CAN hurt us!” Televised debates were held. Despite the resistance, the case was deemed safe to open.

During a presidential address, it was declared that the case would be opened during a live broadcast. The president stated, “For the sake of transparency, I feel that it is of the utmost importance for all of the citizens of Earth to face this together. What we are experiencing now is unprecedented, and I believe that to keep this matter private would only drive suspicion and fear. We the people of Earth need to stand united against the unknown, for better or for worse, for the brotherhood of all mankind.”

Interestingly, in the days leading up to the unveiling, the world did become much more peaceful. Perhaps yesterday's troubles seemed insignificant in the face of these new developments. Perhaps everyone was too terrified of dying to concern themselves with feuding. Either way, all “non-essential” businesses were closed, and most people went home to spend time with their families.

The day finally came, 15 days after the case had been discovered. The entire world watched in silence as two men in sleek, futuristic hazmat suits stood before the tiny case and flipped open the clasp. Lovers squeezed their partners hands. Mothers pulled their children close. Gently, the lid was lifted. Humankind collectively held its breath. A letter was revealed. Shock and confusion could be heard among scattered sighs of relief. One man lifted the letter. From his earpiece, he was ordered to read it aloud.

“EARTHPEOPLE. OUR RECORDS SHOW THAT YOU ARE SERIOUSLY DELINQUENT ON PAYMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY LISTED BELOW:

EARTH

WE HAVE SENT MANY REMINDERS, BUT YOU HAVE IGNORED OUR SIGNALS AND OUR REQUESTS FOR TRIAL. WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO BEGIN EVICTION PROCEEDINGS. WE WILL NOW START THE FORCIBLE REMOVAL PROCESS OF ALL POSSESSIONS CONTAINED AT THE PROPERTY LOCATION. HOWEVER, WE DUE TO THE EVENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN YOUR REGION OVER THE LAST MILLENNIA, WE EMPATHIZE WITH YOU AND WOULD LIKE TO AWARD YOU ONE FINAL OPPORTUNITY. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE YOUR PAYMENT IN FULL WITHIN 90 DAYS, WE WILL RETURN YOUR POSSESSIONS AND RESTORE YOU WITH FULL OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY. WE URGE YOU TO COOPERATE THIS TIME. YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE. PLEASE SEND YOUR PAYMENT TO:

THE FORCES BEHIND THE GALAXY

42 MILKY WAY

UNIVERSE v9.0

-The Forces Behind the Galaxy.”

Before anyone had time to react, every fish tank and coffee shop on the planet had vanished. Then, when the live feed was terminated and the cameras had stopped rolling, the hazmat-suited man reached back into the case to retrieve what had been hidden beneath the letter; a single heart-shaped locket. A heart-shaped locket containing my picture.