‘Based on humanity’s evolution and the geomagnetic markers of where these bones were found…This is impossible,’ she said, handing the specimens back to the archaeologist. ‘These bones are either a recent evolution of humanity, and were somehow placed in a tomb, without disturbing any of the dirt, debris, and detritus on top, or-’
‘Or what?’ she interjected.
The researcher sighed. “Look, Brie, I’ve known you for a long while. I know your research is impeccable. Have you had anyone new on the team? Anyone who would swap results, or, or fudge the line with their data?’
Brie looked at her blankly. ‘No. Jinnie you know my whole team.’
Jinnie sighed. “Then this is worse than I thought. There’s either been an AI data breach affecting all my machines and readouts or…or-’
‘Or what?’
‘Or we weren’t taught history. We were taught formation theory and how to hide facts.’ Jinnie sat down on her stool and nudged it closer to Brie, dipping her head down so her mouth was hidden from the lab’s cameras by her hair. ‘I’ve been getting results like yours for the past two years. After Mr. Kletch left the program. Now, I can’t be conclusive, but, Brie, I think humanity evolved in multiple cycles, and this whole simulation thing people are on about…I think that’s just the next step toward active engineering of the human race.’
Brie bent down as if to retie her shoes, hiding her mouth from the cameras as well. ‘Thank you, Jinnie. For your honesty.’ She stood up and shook Jinnie’s hand, in full view of the camera. ‘I’ll be back for the printouts next week, thanks again.’
Jinnie turned her back as the door swung shut behind Brie, back to the microscope, back to the drawing board. All of humanity’s history. A lie.