Sins of the Children—Asterisk
Sins of the Children—Asterisk
This science fiction short story describes a human expedition on the alien planet Chelicer 14d, where they exploit the local "Farmer" creatures for their valuable crops. After encountering large, aggressive "death-fleas" that destroy their weather station and kill a crew member, the human Concern decides to eradicate this apex predator to protect their resource-gathering operations. However, this intervention unknowingly severs a critical link in Chelicer 14d's unique ecosystem, which consists of a single species that manifests in multiple developmental stages, leading to the rapid and complete extinction of all life on the planet.
Note
you knew where this was going from the beginning. and yet you stayed on the sinking ship anyhow.
Published
2024
Summary
This science fiction short story describes a human expedition on the alien planet Chelicer 14d, where they exploit the local "Farmer" creatures for their valuable crops. After encountering large, aggressive "death-fleas" that destroy their weather station and kill a crew member, the human Concern decides to eradicate this apex predator to protect their resource-gathering operations. However, this intervention unknowingly severs a critical link in Chelicer 14d's unique ecosystem, which consists of a single species that manifests in multiple developmental stages, leading to the rapid and complete extinction of all life on the planet.
Image
