To Serve the Trees

None of the others believed me, but it doesn't matter now. I write this so that if humans return to this planet, they will know what the Trees expect and not be afraid to serve them.

They first spoke to me when we were tilling the soil for the experimental crops. I know of the studies that disprove telepathy, but there must have been something missed, for I heard them in my head. They said, "Do not dig into this soil, for the soil is ours and not yours, and you are doing harm."

Dr. Miska did not believe me when I told him of this. He directed me to get some sleep and talk to Dr. Baker if it happened again. Dr. Baker was our mission's therapist.

You must understand that it was necessary for the Trees' survival that I kill the others. There are nine billion humans -- what are five, more or less? The Trees willed it so.

I killed Dr. Miska first. I had to do it. I was with the Trees when he interrupted. He became forceful in trying to take me back to the compound. The trees screamed, "It is time, it is time, it is time!"

I tried to tell him before I killed him that he would be giving his nourishment to the Trees, but he didn't believe me and became fearful, so I had to do it against his will. When it was done, I buried him among the roots of a Tree.

The Trees asked me kill the others last night. Before I killed them, I tried to explain they were giving their lives for the Trees. But I don't think they heard me, not really. Some of them fought, but the Trees' will prevailed.

It was difficult to kill Dr. Baker. She was so pretty, so pretty. She tried to tell me she could make it so I don't hear the Trees. She said sometimes people on Earth hear such voices, too, but with treatment the voices can be silenced. She didn't understand. I want to hear them. I can serve the Trees, because I alone can hear them. There is no Heaven because this is not it, there is no hope, but I can do this for the Trees.

I have finished digging the final grave. I have dug it at the base of the Great Tree, the One Whose Roots Reach the Farthest. Tonight I will lay in that grave, cover myself as best I can with the fall leaves (so beautiful!) and give myself an injection.

I am not afraid to give my body and will to the Trees.