Fragment

The letters appear on a normal Tuesday, just after lunch. One by one they stamp themselves onto the clear blue sky, each as tall as a skyscraper, moving slowly as if to rotate the globe. People stop to stare, the footpaths and windows quickly clogging. Cars slow, windows rolling down for a better view. Cameras come out; millions upon millions pointed up.

There are murmurs at first. A new style of skywriting, some wonder. Drones, others claim.

More letters appear. Confusion steals humanity’s voice; disbelief and fear bring it back.

ANALYSIS COMPLETE the letters say. 17% FRAGMENTATION. DEFRAG PROGRESS: 1%.