"That's what the cordyceps was like, back home," Melanie says with a thoughtful little nod. "It took over everything." She pauses, considering, then says, "I'm not sure if it's made it to the poles, though. So I guess there might be some humans still alive down there."

It's a strange thought, and she's not sure if she likes the idea. There'd be no harm so long as they stayed put, and she supposes there's nothing wrong with humans surviving where they can. But she doubts they could stay so cold and isolated forever, and they wouldn't last long once they left.