avatarJ.C. Lovero

Summary

The provided content is a historical narrative detailing the impact of unseen forces, likened to a virus, on human civilization over various periods, culminating in a warning about the consequences of ignoring past lessons.

Abstract

The narrative, "The Viral Cycle," presents a series of historical events where an unnamed entity, akin to a virus, has influenced human history, from ancient times to the present day. It describes its existence before humans and its ability to adapt and affect civilizations through different epochs, including the fall of empires, the spread of disease with human exploration and warfare, and the continuous evolution of its destructive capabilities despite human medical advancements. The story suggests that humans have not learned from past encounters with these forces, leading to a foreboding future where hope is threatened by the same cycles of destruction.

Opinions

  • The narrative implies that humans are responsible for the spread of these forces due to their actions, such as war, exploration, and neglect of history.
  • It conveys a sense of inevitability and resilience of these unseen forces, which have been present long before humans and have adapted alongside human progress.
  • The story criticizes humanity's tendency to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as war and discrimination, which exacerbate the impact of these forces.
  • It suggests that despite human intelligence and medical advancements, the forces represented by the narrative are still a formidable threat.
  • The narrative warns that continued ignorance of history and the failure to learn from past mistakes will lead to dire consequences, including societal collapse.
  • It emphasizes the cyclical nature of history, with humanity repeatedly falling victim to these forces due to a lack of foresight and preparedness.
  • The author expresses a pessimistic view of the future, hinting that the next phase of the cycle could be the most devastating due to the loss of hope.

SHORT STORY

The Viral Cycle

We are inevitable

Post-apocalyptic city — AI image using Lexica, © Image created with AI; author assumes responsibility for the provenance and copyright.

We existed long before your arrival. Just the wind, water, soil, and sky, before this rock was given a name. We’ve taken many shapes and forms, and though you can not see us, you can feel our presence.

541

You were cold, tired, and hungry. As severe weather ravaged your crop harvests, you moved. We started with the rats, our vessels on those grain ships. The fleas hungered, too. And as we traveled together through Alexandria and Palestine, we gave you delusions, nightmares, and fever. Death was our gift, and empires bent to our will.

1347

Though we failed to eradicate you before, we came closer this time. Our rodent companions carried us all over Europe, aboard trading ships sailing from the Black Sea. We turned the skin black, covering your bodies in sores from all the bleeding deep inside. More punishing this time around. It took you over two hundred years to recover from our onslaught.

1520

Haven’t you learned your lesson by now? Every time you travel by ship, we come with you. But maybe that’s what you wanted. This time, you brought us to a place called Mexico. Within mere months, we swept through another empire, decimating the population, along with its rulers. We fought your war for you, and you claimed an easy victory as bodies lay scattered all over the city.

1796

The human body is fascinating. Your medicine improves, and you’ve gotten smarter. But don’t worry. We can adapt, too.

1918

In a matter of months, we circled the entire globe, killing more people than the casualties from four wars combined. Purple death, sand fly fever, and Blitzkatarrh. But no matter what you called us, we treated you all the same. It started with spots of mahogany, transforming into bluish-black hues before you drowned in your hospital bed. While you were busy fighting one another, we left our mark in history as well.

1981

You prefer war. The chaos, pain, and strife. You look for any reason to hunt one another. When you aren’t busy killing chimpanzees for their meat, you attack your brethren because of who they love.

2019

We condemn those who cannot remember the past. While you betray one another, we grow stronger. We see our enemy clearly, but your false truths blind you.

We will trap you in the cages you built for yourselves.

Armies will shatter.

Cities will burn.

Economies will fall.

Governments will crumble.

In this invisible war, we won’t take away your courage. Instead, we will take away your hope.

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