A cloaked flying saucer orbited Earth …


    Nanobot-drones, invisible to the naked eye, roamed the planet and cataloged humans but intelligently marked only those interacting in groups of two or more non-household members.


    “Progress?”


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    “Yes, sir, I’ve cataloged billions.”


    The holotube streamed faces in a carousel.


    “So, have you found a way to rescue the wise ones along with all lower-tier lifeforms before the asteroid impact?”


    “Yes, sir, it’s very straightforward.”


    “Do share. What’s your plan?”


    “Well, sir, to our advantage, there’s a worsening global pandemic. If we recognize a face, we don’t teleport them.”


    “That’s fantastic! A brilliant strategy!”