2012-03-15
Explanation
This comic presents a timeline of humanity'''s search for extraterrestrial intelligence, spanning from 2100 to 3000. By 2100, we have confirmed we have the solar system to ourselves after exploring every planet, moon, and asteroid. By 2300, we have the galaxy to ourselves, having found no intelligent signals anywhere in local spacetime of non-human origin. By 3000, it is certain we have the entire universe to ourselves, as any foreign mind'''s signal exists outside our visible cosmos.
Having established with absolute certainty that humanity is alone in the universe, the comic sets up the expectation that we would respond with profound existential gravitas. A leader solemnly declares: "It is therefore our duty to spread life to as many places in the universe with as much peace as possible." The narration then subverts this entirely: "Just kidding. We all did what you do when you have the house to yourself." The final panel shows an aide asking the president for a day off to engage in self-indulgent behavior, only for the president to reply that he'''s too busy doing the same thing. The joke equates the entire human species having the universe to itself with the experience of being home alone -- both situations leading to the same lazy, self-indulgent behavior rather than any noble purpose.
The votey shows a concerned-looking figure saying "Tell the Joint Chiefs to watch out the window just in case," adding a final layer of paranoid humor -- even after confirming the universe is empty, there'''s still a nagging worry about being caught in the act by some unexpected visitor, just like being home alone. The comic is a commentary on the Fermi Paradox and human nature, suggesting that cosmic solitude would not inspire transcendence but rather universal slacking off.