[2203 | The Farm]
It is now more than a year later, and Alexa finds herself in a city she doesn’t recognise, as the feed updates to “December, 2203.” Australia is no longer referred to by its previous name; it is now known as the Farm. The cityscape is being redeveloped, with new skyscrapers in the early stages of construction to accommodate people who will be moved from areas to be used for farming. Images of Santa Claus are illuminated on glowing billboards pushing people to buy the latest YutopiCorp gadgets. The Australian flag is nowhere to be seen; replaced by the YutopiCorp logo.
The advertising on the screens throughout the city disappears, replaced by Prime Minister Xavix standing behind a podium, looking as Prime Ministerial as one can after becoming little more than a figurehead spouting others’ words.
“YutopiCorp has been at war with New Zealand for thirteen months,” Xavix’s address begins. “New Zealand fails to recognise the Farm’s sovereignty; they fail to recognise what YutopiCorp has to offer. Once a great ally to the nation previously known as Australia, New Zealand must pay the price for its attacks on our great land.”
The crowd lets out an uproarious cheer and applause for the Prime Minister’s words. They know that the Farm—and YutopiCorp in general—is at war with New Zealand. However, what very few seem to note is that following the Parliament House massacre of 2202, all news making its way into the country is YutopiCorp-approved.
“I am pleased to confirm that fifteen minutes ago, YutopiCorp has taken Wellington. The New Zealand Parliament Buildings have been destroyed, and I can confirm that we have destroyed the New Zealand government. There need not be any further casualties. YutopiCorp is currently moving to occupy the country, providing the necessary infrastructure for New Zealanders to thrive.”
Again, the crowd hoots and hollers in excitement of the figurehead’s news. The excitement is short-lived, however, as the image on the screen disappears. In Xavix’s place is Prime Minister Zaavi’s replacement, Prime Minister Hash Ire. Behind him is a New Zealand flag, and behind that is what looks to be a military bunker’s wall. Ire is surrounded by his ministry.
“Greetings, Australia. My apologies; greetings Farm. A name fitting for your country’s ‘respect’ from YutopiCorp,” the address on behalf of New Zealand begins. “For the last fourteen months, New Zealand has been defending itself from attacks launched by the Farm on behalf of YutopiCorp. We have held back the attacking forces, resulting in far fewer casualties than there could have been. As you can see, Prime Minister Xavix’s declaration of victory was premature.
“Tonight, we begin a new era. A proactive era. An era where we will no longer simply defend ourselves from the Farm. New Zealand is a small nation, but a powerful one.”
Alexa watches as the screens turn to black, and all the neon lights throughout the city switch off. The power has been cut off, thanks to an electromagnetic pulse. Not just within this unknown city, but across the entire country.
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