The Harvesters

An alien came down to Earth and manifested itself into a humanoid form.

It learned all the Earthly languages and brought other aliens to spread throughout the globe.

Each alien read its assigned cultural texts and mastered them. They became leaders of their sects and rose to prophet status. Undying faith, they demanded—proposing to expose the heathens.

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Joe Smith stood up for his skepticism and denial of false-prophets. He firmly believed in the ways of logic and science. Not so much as a non-believer, but rather a skeptic.

The aliens' followers searched out for Joe's kind to bring them before judgment …

Joe hid in a basement with a group of scientists wearing cloaks and the new local faith's symbolisms to blend in with the crowds.

He heard a banging on the door.

"We know the truth! You cannot deceive us! Come out heathens, and face judgment!"

Joe and his comrades got out their weapons and loaded them up. But before they could take aim, a swarm of believers overtook them and gathered all their books and scientific collections.

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"Bring him to me and close the door," said the alien prophet.

Joe came in shackled and undressed.

"Mr. Smith, you have one last time to renounce your heretical thoughts. Ask for my forgiveness, turn to our faith, and your life shall be spared."

"No, I will not!" Joe scowled. "You're an imposter! I'll not give up on my science! By all accounts, you're a false prophet. They think you brought them miracles, but they are fools."

The alien said, "Very well, Mr. Smith, I hereby recruit you ... "

"What? Recruit?"

"Of course, Mr. Smith. We're harvesters. We test civilizations and root out the gullible. We only want intellectuals. You've proven yourself, true."

"And if I refuse?"

"You'll return to the masses. To the hordes of believers. They'll choose your fate."