“Professor Wilkins, take a look at this …”

  Marsha, a predoctoral astronomy student, showed charts, pictures, and coordinates.

  “Oh my! Could it be the one? Let’s find out.”

  The professor asked ‘Fred’—a superintelligence plugged into every known database:

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  P.Wilkins: Is it the one?

  Fred: Yes, it is an E.L.E. asteroid.

  P.Wilkins: Any recommendation for a plan of action?

  Fred: None.

  P.Wilkins: You mean it won’t wipe us out?

  Fred: It will end all human existence.

  P.Wilkins: We want to save humanity!

  Fred: Negative. There’s a high probability a new life form will evolve—more intelligent, peaceful, adaptive, and eco-friendly.