Asakau looked through a cosmic-holoscope at a small exoplanet, 3rd from its star.


    "Look at that blue one, Sanaske!"


    "Ooh, that''s the prettiest so far!"


    "What are you two gawking at?" asked astronomy professor, Destitan.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Here, look, Teacher."


    "Oh, that one''s a marvel, isn''t it? So unfortunate."


    "What''s unfortunate?" Asakau''s eyes widened.


    "You''re looking at the planet''s past. Wormhole micro-drones discovered it''s a dead planet."


    "Hit by an asteroid?"


    "No, far too many craters and scorch marks. We suspect a global conflict."


    "Destroying the entire planet?" Sanaske gasped.


    "Indeed, we''re an exception to the rule. Most advanced civilizations inevitably self-destruct."