'The Invitation'

One hundred years or a millennium later …

No human knew the extent of their own history because they were forbidden access to written language or symbols and could not engage in scribing activities.

Consequently, humans were only assigned manual labor tasks.

Sergio trained his apprentice, Mark. They worked as custodians in a historical dome-shaped museum built by the Kautushans—the aliens who dominated Earth.

Since it was after hours, past midnight, they were free to talk—otherwise, humans were never allowed to speak in the presence of the aliens.

"Sergio, what's this thing, right here in the center? It's so polished and bright." Mark stared at the shiny, flat, golden disc, hanging like a pendulum—but floating midair. "Is it something they worship?

"No, Mark, that's their 'pride and joy’—the Kautushans call it 'The Invitation' to their new home—Earth."

"How do you know that?" asked Mark.

"I've learned their language, but don't tell anyone. I could be executed for such knowledge."

"I still don't get it, 'The Invitation …'"

"Oh, no one ever told you? About the war that wiped out our civilization?"

Mark shook his head.

"There was a time when we were the dominant species of this planet, but some kind of war with swarms of tiny machines eradicated most of us—at least, that's what I overheard the aliens discussing."

"So you're saying we used to be in charge, but the aliens invaded us?"

"No, Mark, I wouldn't call it an invasion. We didn't put up a fight, we had no weapons, and barely any food or supplies left—that 'golden record' you see, it was 'The Invitation' for them to come over here."