sixwordstories | (no subject)

It's obvious, isn't it? We're dangling out there in space. The only thing keeping the Earth from falling or crashing into other objects is the force of gravity if the objects surrounding it. But if something bigger were to move any of those other objects, Earth would move as well and then "bye-bye Earth"!

If there were an object that could effect our whole solar system in such a drastic way, we'd know long, long before it came close to Earth. It would distort the planets' orbits and anything else on its way. There's no way it could sneak up on us.

[His reply is almost reflective.]

Depends if they know what to look for... and people are idiots, so I presume they don't....

I agree that some people are, but those don't become astronomers. Really, there are so many telescopes, we are observing the sky every night ... something like that would be noticed.

[He rubs his temples.]

You don't get it. Even if it were noticed. It would be too late. There would be nothing we could do about it anyway.

Oh, I do get that, I'm not the one who's worried. But still, this is one of the most unlikely ways to die.

For you, perhaps. As to the mass-extinction of the entire planet? It is more plausible.

Maybe. But even if that's what will lead to the extinction of the human race eventually, it is not going to happen this year.

As far as science can tell us... no.

[But he's not ruling it out entirely. Stranger things have happened.]

Well, in that respect, I'm going to trust science. After all, it's accurate more often than ancient prophecies or calendars. Why, what do you think is going to happen?

Perhaps. Or maybe we've just convinced ourselves of that because it's easier to have hope if you don't know when the world will end.

Me? I don't care. As I've said, in the grand scheme it doesn't matter.

My trust is based more on the fact that this is what we have observed so far. No prophecy has ever turned out to be true, or it has been so vague that it could have predicted anything.

Wouldn't you want to know, though?

No. What would be the point in knowing?

[Sherlock is confused.]

Mh ... you could use the remaining time to do things you've always wanted to do. To say goodbye to people. Things like that.

That sounds as exciting as breathing.

[Which is to say boring.]

Well, why should it be? I suppose the end of the world afterwards is exciting enough. Besides, I think breathing is a really great thing. I like it.

Afterwards? There is no afterwards. Once the end has happened there's nothing left. And breathing is highly overrated.

But suppose it's a spectacular view. And believe me, you'll value breathing much higher when you're in danger of stopping it altogether.

Spectacular view? That's a matter of speculation. And just because breathing is necessary doesn't mean it's not boring or overrated.

[And he's had his breathing threatened.]

How can you overrate something you need for surviving? Boring or not, there are situations in which it can suddenly become the most wonderful thing ever.

*He too knows what he is talking about.*

You really don't get it, do you? It's not overrated because it's needed for survival. It's overrated because it's automatic and everyone makes a big deal about it.

[Sherlock's bored now.]

Ah, I see. Do you often meet people who do make a big deal about it?

Feeling the need to mention that 'breathing is a great thing'... is making a big deal about it.

[So, yes.]

Alright, good point. I just don't often hear it referred to as not exciting, I guess that's what prompted it. Usually, I don't think about it either.

Name one thing that's "exciting" about something that's automatic?

[Because in his mind, if it's automatic, it can't be exciting.]