They were a conservative people, said the animal sanctuary, no longer safe. They were a needy people, said the land, unable to produce food. They were a destructive people, said the forest, finished before the end. They got what was coming to them.

They were an intelligent people, said the great halls of the universities, cracked and crumbling. They were a social people, said the many walkways, no longer flat. They were a vain people, said the model, strutting across the billboard that could barely stand. They got what was coming to them.

They were an adventurous people, said the motor vehicle, sitting on its side, broken beyond repair. They were a curious people, said the musiems no longer with purpose. They were a fearful people, said the shelter, unable to keep its promise. They got what was coming to them.

They were a prepared people, said the glowing screen, repeating its final message like a broken record, "This-not-est-is-n-t-a-test-" They were a secluded people, said the broken windows, the blinds still drawn.They were an impatient people, said the highway, no longer smooth but torn and rigid where small mountains had appeared overnight.They got what was coming to them.