The Best of the Best

"Judy, hurry, we've received our orders."

"But, Frank, our friends, my sister, and your parents!"

"We can't take them with us, Judy. The committee didn't choose them. We volunteered to sign up for this emergency procedure if it ever happened. We've lived a good life because of it, and this is our payment. They'll need your engineering skills and my medical knowledge. We're going to save humankind."

"You're right, Frank, it's for the sake of our future ..."

"That's right, and we're not alone. The experts carefully chose people equally qualified to rebuild civilization."

Underground:

The chosen ones watched as the comet struck, scorching Earth's surface.

Years later:

"Judy, at last, we can go to the surface!"

"Can I bring Susan and Aaron?"

"No children." Frank shook his head. "Let the guardians watch over them. This first expedition is just for reconnaissance."

Outside:

While a group of survivors surveyed the surface, Frank and Judy wandered off a bit farther.

A spacecraft landed, then an alien disembarked.

"Greetings, Earthlings!"

"Who are you, alien?" asked Judy.

"I've come for you—the best of the best." The alien bowed with its hands folded.

"There are no others. We're the only ones left. There's no best," replied Judy.

The alien pulled out a tablet. "By my calculations, you're the best. I always get the best."

"Explain yourself to us, alien," said Frank.

"I thought you were an intelligent species."

"We are." Frank grabbed Judy's hand.

"So it should be obvious. I'm a galactic trader," replied the alien.

Judy and Frank looked at each other with an expression of bewilderment.

The alien pulled out a device, projecting a holographic replica of the solar system and the collision. "You see, I used my gravitational beam to send that comet in your direction."

Judy and Frank stared at the alien while stepping back.

"Do not be afraid, Earthlings. Be proud. Your people selected you, the best of the best, and I'm here to make my collection."