Nathan jolted awake, his breath catching in a gasp reminiscent of emerging from a nightmare—the kind where you’re plummeting earthward, the ground rushing up to meet you. A groan slipped through his lips as he shifted onto his side and propped himself up, his eyes gradually adapting to the glaring brightness. “Why am I on a beach?” he wondered aloud, the sound of his own voice mingling with the rhythmic lapping of waves. The last thing he remembered was standing in his kitchen preparing dinner for him and his daughter. The thought of his daughter caused a wave of panic to wash over him.

“Katie!” Nathan’s voice tore through the silence as he leapt to his feet. The abrupt motion unleashed a tide of nausea, dropping him to one knee. He drew in deep, steadying breaths, willing his heart to slow its frantic rhythm. Gradually regaining his composure, he rose and surveyed the desolate beach. With legs trembling like palm fronds in a storm, he trudged along the shoreline, his gaze desperate for a glimpse of his daughter. “Katie!” he called repeatedly, his plea carving into the vastness. “Answer me, damn it!” Exhaustion crept over him, slowing his steps to a weary shuffle. Nathan cast a glance toward the sea, then inland, where the forest’s shadow began to stain the sand. With a renewed sense of urgency, he steeled himself and ventured toward the darkening treeline. He found a shaded spot on the sand and sat. Tears slowly formed in the corners of his eyes causing him to place his arms on his knees. “Not you too,” he said as he dropped his head and sobbed. Nathan didn't know how long he sat and cried, but eventually he ran out of tears. When he raised his gaze, he was greeted by a floating blue box that simply read, “Don’t Panic”.

Nathan’s hand trembled as he instinctively reached out to touch the box. His fingers skimmed the surface, only to pass through it as if it were a mirage. Realizing the futility of his attempts, he rested his hand back on the cool sand, watching as the words on the box pulsed like a beacon. After a few moments, the box vanished, leaving nothing but the whisper of its presence. Nathan shook his head, a wry chuckle escaping him. “Too late for that,” he muttered, the irony not lost on him.

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Shortly after the original box left another appeared only this time the text within was filled with unknown words, slowly the words began to morph into a readable word:

Greetings inhabitants of Planet 6605 (known locally as Earth).

Your world, along with three others, has been selected for the honor of joining the Nexus—a collective of countless planets teeming with life. As members of the Nexus, you’ll be among the most thriving beings in the multiverse, empowered to achieve anything within your capabilities.

We recognize the overwhelming nature of this revelation. To ease the transition, we’ve sequestered all sentient beings into a tranquil pocket dimension, ensuring your safety and serenity during this initial phase. This sanctuary is exclusively yours until the integration concludes.

At this moment, your planet is amalgamating with the other three, creating a diverse new world. Yet, due to a scarcity of Cosmic Energy, only your species will advance, given its superior evolution. The other planets’ denizens will be repurposed, their Cosmic Energy redistributed to facilitate your growth. Remember, joining the Nexus is a choice. You now stand at the crossroads: to embrace this new chapter or reject it?

ACCEPT REJECT

Nathan furrowed his brow as he pored over the message once more. The implications were stark: his planet, along with three others, would merge into one, but at the cost of entire civilizations. Their histories, their triumphs—all would be obliterated to ensure Earth’s survival. The notion unsettled him deeply. He reflected on humanity’s own dark chapters, times when genocide loomed and yet, the world united to avert such atrocities, regardless of the cost. It was a deliberate choice, a risk embraced by humans, a chance denied to these extraterrestrial societies. A heavy sigh escaped Nathan as he contemplated the ultimatum hidden within the final lines. A grim choice lay before them: Accept and live or Reject and perish.

Nathan knew from previous experience that one could not physically interact with these floating boxes, so he figured that all commands had to be done mentally. With only thoughts of his daughter on his mind, he hardened his resolve and mentally selected Accept. A few seconds passed before he let out a breath that he didn't even know he was holding. A look of confusion washed its way over his face. He didn't know what to expect after being unceremoniously sent on a solo beach trip, but he expected something.