[2202 | The Word]
“As this history is from the twenty-third century, please note that archival footage is used. By placing students inside the moment, YutopiCorp is enhancing students’ education. This is a reminder that the New Zealand government only allows the YutopiCorp Nanny to provide education, rather than being the true assistant that children require. Please petition your local Government member to extend the usage of the Nanny chip, and request that they think of the children.”
The imagery that Alexa is watching turns a stark black and the audio falls silent. After about a second, this recommences, accompanied by a brief appearance of text reading “October, 2202.” Alexa feels as though she is sitting in the Prime Minister’s office within the Australian Parliament House. Prime Minister Jak Xavix sits behind his desk, flanked by an unknown woman behind him. Alexa offers Prime Minister Xavix a smile, which he fails to notice, forcing the girl to remember that this is only a simulation.
Xavix turns to the woman behind him. “She’s about to call.”
“Then I shall camouflage myself,” the woman responds.
Right on cue, a hologram appears. Across from his desk, Joselane Saavi, Prime Minister of New Zealand is standing before him.
“Joselane, so good to see you,” Xavix begins.
“Likewise, Jak. I trust this line is secure?”
“Naturally,” Xavix answers. Why don’t you take a seat?”
“Why don’t you stand, Jak? It is the proper thing to do.”
“I don’t like wearing pants. You might see my unmentionables.”
This elicits a laugh from ten-year-old Alexa. It does not elicit a laugh from Prime Minister Saavi, nor does it elicit a laugh from the stranger.
“Moving along, New Zealand is facing increased pressure to cede control to YutopiCorp. I fear there is a war coming.”
“I’m not certain that’s the case, Joselane. Granted, YutopiCorp would like us both on board, but I doubt they would wage war against us.”
“We need to be prepared. Either they will buy us out, and it’s bad enough that our previous administrations both unleashed the Nanny chips on us; or they will win through war.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Japan and the U.S. have the largest army in the world. Look what they did to China when they asked for neutrality.”
The stranger suddenly appears behind Xavix.
“I believe you mean the Heart and the City, Prime Minister Saavi. Japan and the United States of America no longer exist. They are now but two parts of YutopiCorp. Soon, we will have control of your country. When we have control of all countries, finally, the world will be able to embrace the utopia it has been striving for.”
“And who the hell are you, exactly?” Saavi asks.
“You can just call me Your Eminence,” the woman replies.
“Well, Your Eminence, you can strong-arm Prime Minister Xavix all you like. New Zealand and Australia are united, and we will fight you until the bitter end.”
“Joselane, there is no strong-arming? Is that a word?” Xavix begins. “Whatever, neither Her Eminence, nor YutopiCorp itself, have applied any pressure whatsoever. But what they have to offer us is magnificent. They’ll bring our countries into the twenty-third century, the twenty-fourth and beyond. Stand united with us, and our relationship will remain strong.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Australia’s the bigger country, Joselane. And we have YutopiCorp behind us.”
“Fuck you,” the New Zealand leader responds, for the feed to be cut short by the stranger.
“Answer me now, Xavix. Are you with us?”
“Yes.”
“Then say the word.”
“Do it. Send a shinobi.”
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