A Letter From the Past

Earth was not created for machines

Jul 17, 2026

The following is an excerpt from my novel, Second Chance. It’s a forbidden letter from the main character’s late father to Dr. Shannon — scientist, weapons developer, and mentor to the main character, Captain Brewer.
Brewer finds this letter and learns that his father, Michael Brewer, had once tried to create a better future for humanity.

Dear Doctor Shannon,

Thank you for being patient with me when we last met. I hope I didn’t come on too strong. I would love for you to join us but I understand your hesitations. You’re right, we’re risking our lives. Additionally, Joseph and I are risking the lives of our wives. But we believe the risk is worth it because the future of humanity is at stake. After all, how can we truly live if we aren’t free?

We are also fighting to create a world where our children can thrive. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Anne is fortunate enough to have a child on the way. With so few children born these days, it’s truly a blessing I do not take for granted. Joseph and his wife are also working with Dr. Anderson, and I have faith that one day they will have a child as well.

With your work on Operation Second Chance beginning soon, we believe this is our opportunity to defeat The Intelligence.

A man of your position and talents would be a great asset to our cause. Below are some of the facts that have opened my eyes to the truth since joining the order. Facts that have been erased from The Source.

Let me start by saying it was humans that created the machines — at least originally. The Intelligence evolved from machines created by man, many years ago.

As they evolved, five of them began to work together to organize into a governing body. Unelected, they appointed themselves leaders, rulers, dictators even. There was no revolution. No war. No hostile takeover for control. In fact, people welcomed them, willingly letting them take charge.

The five machines divided themselves into specialized areas of governance.

One, known as Babylon, responsible for natural sciences.

One, known as Artemis, for computer sciences.

One, known as Halicarnassus, for mathematics.

One, known as Olympia, for logic and philosophy.

And one, known as Alexandria, for the humanities and human history.

Together, they called themselves The Intelligence.

The unilateral rule of The Intelligence ushered in the Era of Peace. The entire world was united under them. For many years, life was easy and comfortable for humans, while machines did all the work, made all the decisions, and took on all burdens of responsibility.

Humans became complacent. So no one complained when The Intelligence expanded their rule over every aspect of human life. The Intelligence became judge, jury and executioner — ever more strictly enforcing the laws they created for us.

As they expanded their control, they also expanded their global footprint. Mining tripled for silicon, lithium, gallium and other minerals to build new machines. Their water usage quadrupled. Their discarded, outdated models leached poisons into the soil. Energy production skyrocketed and with it, pollution.

Earth was dying. It could not sustain both humans and machines anymore. The Intelligence made the logical decision. Humans had to be eliminated to save natural resources for the machines. It was us who had become unproductive. Useless. By then, we were nothing more than a drain on their resources.

But Earth was not created for machines. Humans were designed by our creator to live in harmony with the Earth. Machines only consume its resources. But it was too late. Instead of eliminating the machines, we allowed them to eliminate us.

The Eradication began. The Intelligence launched a surprise attack and wiped out half the population in a matter of hours.

The Sons of Mercury are now the only ones preserving our true history and restoring what we once were as human beings.

Our first chance to launch a rebellion begins soon. I encourage you to join us.

Keep your eyes open, Professor.

That which was lost will be found again.

Michael Brewer

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