The Simulocene Record

By Kaylee McCracken  

These recordings (see Exhibit 1) mark the end of the Anthropocene for those more concerned with geology rather than whole states. Recorded by [crow] between October 7th, 3039 and October 31st, 3039. Translated by [pigeon] for all known languages and placed in the Worldly Museum of Natural History (previously the American Museum of Natural History) like many other documents not previously recognized by the [bipeds], which (like the rest of our home) has flourished in the new era, rooted in being together, the Simulocene. 

Entries translated from [crow] 

10/07/3039 [pigeon] concession to the [biped] division of time as an act of goodwill.  

The sweet [honeycrisp apple] tastes tart but refreshing; its juice runs down my feathers onto the forest floor. The flesh quells the rumble in my stomach, and the scent transports me to a time when all I knew was autumnal satisfaction – the peace we feel during this change of season. I now know the [tree] that gifted me must be a breathtaking mix of orange, red, and brown, but I can’t see [it]. I can’t see anything anymore even though the colors of the sky used to be the only entertainment I longed for. The smog mixed with the rising heat makes it hard to breathe – let alone admire beauty. It didn’t used to be like this. Not when the [bipeds] sang like the [sparrows] or danced like the [hummingbirds]. When they were friendly. Kind. Kin. When we admired the shimmers and sparkles dancing on the ripples in a river together.  

10/13/3039 

I was deemed scribe today. My [friend] read my previous entry and brought me to a meeting of the [Murder]; their deliberation was quick and disorganized. It hurt something in me listening to the conversation. We have had to rapidly adapt our interactions to rely primarily on auditory cues: no more beaks bowed or feathers dramatically displayed to signal seriousness or quiet. Communication efforts are still difficult, so both pauses and miscommunications are frequent. The [Mother] of the [Murder] told me about a final plan to present to the rest of the [avians], and all they needed was someone to keep a careful record of minutes…in case…I’m not really sure. But apparently, they want what I’ve got to offer. 

10/15/3039 

As of today, there have been a total of 3 meetings – not including the above, with one remaining. First the [avians] had to agree on basic axioms. 

1. None may name nor classify another in a way that strips the identity of that individual without that individual’s consent. 

2. None may intentionally nor ignorantly cause harm to another’s life. 

1. Those that do either mustn’t be allowed to continue on this living [Earth] out of care for and respect for the rest of [Earth]. 

The next step was to get the word to the [insecta], who agreed with little qualm. Many were surprised they didn’t beat us to it. Then we met with the [earth walkers], who did not want to see many of the [bipeds] be harmed, let alone ended. While this was a point of contention, upon further stipulations, we reached an agreement that some [bipeds] may be welcomed to stay. 

10/16/3039 

Many [reptilia] convened near the [oceans] — or what was left of Her. Most of Her has become unlivable, but there are too many scrappy scavengers to kill off yet. Once the [reptilia] returned, the aura of our interactions became angrier. Seeing something firsthand can do that, but we had agreed upon something. We are beginning the healing [death] tomorrow. 

10/17/3039 

Step one (as described to me) seemed simple: use the basic axioms to determine who may or may not continue. Step one (in actual practice) has been terrifying. Even for me. We should have known that telling all [non-bipeds] that the death of those who have wronged this living [Earth] would be not only encouraged – but a display of celebrated justice – would be mass hysteria and…arguably a war crime. However, it seems to be achieving the goal.  

10/31/3039 

The bloodbath has continued with little rest. The [bipedal] population has been reduced to 200,000 people. Only those that have been kind and caring enough to impact all the kin in their environment positively have been spared. Today it was established that no more killings will be tolerated (force majeure). Today we – the real we – the new we – the true we – proceed new. This means not the [crows] as new conquerors, but we: all who are left simply as beings being together. We are leaders as we are followers, but none subjected nor othered. We proceed as one body with one goal – to live a life that allows our flourishing. There is no question of when to wake, where to be, how high to jump. There are no possessions and no decisions. There is only the sweet tanginess. The orange and red confetti not yet fallen. The care of and for one and another. The gift of love and life. This is a species of Earth.