ONE ⚠ video

[sonofabyte]

[ The video feed opens in a rather mundane fashion: an expressionless man sitting within the library in the Initiative Hold, his tablet on a desk in front of him as he pages through a book--a somewhat battered old volume of history. ]

I have two questions. I would appreciate some answers, if you could.

[ His voice is deep and serious, but also remarkably flat and toneless. ]

I understand that the other "Transports" here represent a wide variety of worlds. How many come from one with similar components to this one? A ruined Earth, or one near ruin, and a repressive absolute government guiding humanity in the wake of that disaster.

[ He closes the book and sets it down on the desk just out of the screen's frame. ]

The second question is simple. Can anyone recommend somewhere I can find decent coffee?

Comments

[sonofabyte]

He's resourceful.

[ For a moment, he looks just a little amused. Then it's gone. ]

It's dismaying that the scientists of this world were careless enough to let a much-used and widespread plant go extinct.

[onemoredeath]

Considering that a nuclear strike does not ask for people to gather the material of plant life together in order to preserve, I do not see why it would be their fault.

[sonofabyte]

The attack was that extensive, and completely without warning? I find that unlikely. They must have been complacent.

[onemoredeath]

There are history books. Do go read them and then make such assumptions.

[sonofabyte]

I'm reading them. They don't make my judgment of this world's people any more favorable.

[onemoredeath]

I never said that they do, only that it would explain why there is nothing.

[sonofabyte]

The damage to this world is extensive. Why has there been no exodus into space?

[onemoredeath]

Perhaps they wish to choke in their poisons. Perhaps they cannot because their government is stuck to one fixed place. Perhaps they think it would be better to just steal from other worlds.

I do not know which would be the closest to the truth.

[sonofabyte]

Yes. But if they have so little will to survive, it's pointless to recruit from other worlds to save them.

[onemoredeath]

I am speaking of the victors. It is the losers who wish to turn this world to one that can support coffee plants.

[sonofabyte]

Do you think them so different? I have yet to see evidence they have any true plans beyond this fight.

[onemoredeath]

I think they are lesser of the two evils at this place and time.

Their plans are to restore this world. Through that restoration, they will win their fight. I also believe that they are pulling us from outside since our actions can solidify changes more so than they themselves.

[sonofabyte]

Yes. In this we agree.

I believe neither side holds much future for this world, but the United Earth threatens the future of other worlds as well.

[onemoredeath]

They are a threat to many things, yes.