Responsibility

They watched. And they giggled.

They watched some more, and continued giggling.

Often they would burst out into uncontrollable hysterical fits of laughter.

Falling of their seats, rolling on the floor, gasping for air, banging their heads on all surfaces yet not feeling how much it hurt because they sides hurt far more from the constant humorous spasms.

Anyone who saw them would have thought they had gone mad.

Nothing could be that funny.

One of them had even died. His body could not survive the strain. But at least he died happy.

This had been going on for years. For centuries even.

They had a function to perform, a task that had been passed down from generation to generation. It was carried out diligently by so many. Many died from it. Many more went home forever changed.

It was not an essential task. It did not serve any great purpose.

But oh was it funny!

Far, far away, a number of astrophysicists gathered to present to each other the latest development in their field.

Some had made marvellous progress and helped further the human race’s understanding of the way the universe worked.

Some were just laughed at.

Everyday something new and wondrous was presented and everyday people were congratulated on the new insights they had shared with their colleagues and with the world.

They had a task to perform.

It was a body of knowledge that had been developed, modified, and contributed to over centuries.

It was an important study that they performed.

They helped further mankind’s understanding, and cause man to cross boundaries that he never could before.

It was a burden and responsibility they were glad to bear.

Far, far away they continued laughing.

They could not help it.

It was so funny.

They were grateful for their task.

It was a responsibility they were glad to bear, because it was hilarious!

“Hahahahahahahaha,” they laughed, “it’s all just so wrong!”

“I can’t believe this is still happening! You think someone would realize…. Hahahahahaha!”

“Its expanding? Hahahahaha! That’s ridiculous! It might explode! Hahahahahahahah”

“Haha! Flashing lights and mirrors! That’s all it really is! Flashing lights and mirrors! Haha!”

And though their laughter was loud, no one was around to hear it.

It did not escape their spaceships as they circled the earth, angling mirrors and projectors at observatories and satellites.

Astrophysicists would continue to share their knowledge with the world.

And they would continue to watch and laugh, until some else came to rescue them from their hilarious responsibility.