The year is 3072. The xenon race took over earth 40 years ago. Humans take a test at age 18 which decides whether or not they are free to live an independent life to work for the economy or lose their autonomy and the very sense of being human, as a superior races pets. Aliens had conquered earth with the only intention of taking some strange, new pet under their wings for a source of entertainment. They had found our liveliness and our desire to explore and create new things refreshing as their species was old and although they did not live much longer than us they treated life as someone who had lived it twice.

For a while they just waited and watched, finding entertainment in our day to day antics. But soon they realised they could not be satisfied with just watching, they wanted to form a bond with us, an alliance between two different species, and like a moth drawn to light they came to us in the night.

They launched a full invasion, and our military was no match for their prowess. We lost over 22 million lives in the span of 3 days, all forms of communication broke down leaving most in a state of anxiety and unrest. Violence between small groups to massive rallies broke out as people looked for a scapegoat, someone to blame. And that was how, in the matter of one week, society crumbled. Of Course, Our military was able to put up some sort of a front against their advanced technology and new, callous military tactics, but it only spared us a few days leaving the government with the last resort, a negotiation. 

Humans should be given the chance to grow up on their motherland, amongst other humans, till they are ripe. We were given a chance to work for our freedom. So At age 18 us humans are given a day long exam to determine how the rest of our lives play out. Those who scored above 50% went into jobs in all areas, whatever jobs the aliens were lacking in. Even those who stayed on earth, found their soulmate, raised and cared for families, were just living off their scraps. 

The unfortunate 27% who failed the exams were taken into custody on alien territory where they were ogled at and bid for the highest prices. That's it, the second you fail that exam, you are no longer considered a human, you're just some dog to run around after the tall people up above. After you're taken into custody you're immediately stripped of your clothes and belongings, even your name and you're given a new life. A new identity, a new way of living. 

These are mostly ghost stories we are told as kids to scare us into doing well in our studies. Nobody really knows what happens to those that are taken other than what we are told. This is because less than 1% of ‘human pets’ are able to escape back to earth. We call them deserters. Not many get a chance to meet them or hear their story. It's unlikely you'll get to meet a deserter in your lifetime.

(btw this is not actually going to be in the story so don't come for me about how messily it was written)