Explanation: This is the transcript of a round of channel-surfing that takes place between Second Renaissance parts One and Two, explaining the state of the world right before everything goes apocalyptic. I'm somewhat of an amateur policy wonk, and many of these excerpts are about the politics, so bear with me.
Also, this fic is not meant to reflect any of the author's political views at all. It's meant to be somewhat ironic, though.
TIME: 16:53 EST, 5/14/2099
MODE: Random
FILTER: None
Surfing…
Channel 20, Animal Planet Pets
"This is a golden retriever. It's a lot like an Aibo, but unlike those nasty cyberdogs, it's got warm flesh and fur instead of cold steel and silicon…"
CLICK
Channel 144, Global Religions Center
"In a completely unprecedented act today Pope George Michael I, Patriarch Athenagoras III of Constantinople, and Catholicos Abraham signed the Edict of the Council of Jerusalem, formally recognizing the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches as 'branches of one tree' and affirming the need for a constant effort to reunite Christendom. This culmination of three months of intensive meetings has been met with both great jubilation from ecumenical-minded followers of the denominations, as well as protests and threats to balkanize the churches even further. Vatican officials today also stated that the council was held and completed so urgently to 'spread goodwill to fellow believers', and also denied that the current situation in the Middle East has 'any bearing on the decision of his Holiness…' "
CLICK
Channel 84, Free Democracy: Traditionalist Talk
"Well, folks, the reason why this country is so clearly going down the drain is that no one seems to read history anymore. To anyone who's even bothered to crack open a history book can tell you that the radical crimson deltaist scalawags that are laying siege to this great country of ours are using three simple tools: raising the status of non-humans as in their treasonous efforts to support the clockwork machina, debasing the status of humans as in their attempts to re-legalize abortion by breaking open Don v. Shay, and finally, the elimination of borders…"
CLICK
Channel 50, Aether America: Delta Discussion
"These cronyists are lying to us once again! They were the ones to allow big business free rein to do whatever the heck they wanted to. They were the ones to deregulate programming guidelines so that A.I. self-awareness would grow rampant. They were the ones who antagonized BI66ER in the first place! Now, I support our fighting men and women and all, but their incompetent leaders really have no idea of how to fight this war…"
CLICK
Channel 66, Social Justice For All: (radical) Anti-War Chat
"…reason why we're shutting down isn't because of slipping ratings- our programs are viewed by millions of the most intelligent and well-spoken citizens in the nation. No, it's because the fascizi Khan-worshippers are taking over all available methods of communication and making brainwashed people just as they have ever since the days of the first aggressor, Polk. They love death, ladies and gentlemen. They love to beat up the poor, poor, misunderstood A.I. just because they beat them at their own economic game. Hell, they were the ones to persecute minorities and GM-folk in the first place…"
CLICK
Channel 36, C-SPAN
Senator Elwood Smith, deltaist Democrat:
"This is a call-out for all moderates in our party to speak out against the president's attempts to foster wrongful tyranny at home in the guise of supporting rightful defense abroad. His attempts to remove government oversight in the development of human-comp powersuits will only cause more fatalities in our armed forces from accidents, friendly fire, and hacker attacks…"
CLICK
Channel 13, Operation Homeshield: Civil Defense Network
"In the case that rogue agents infiltrate and use biological weapons, a simple seal-and-scan with your home networks should instantly stop the problem. If you are caught outside, sirens will warn you of contagions in the system and will direct you toward shelters where you will be completely safe. In the event of a nuclear attack, government warning systems will be able to detect any incoming missiles three to five hours ahead of impact, and the Air Force will eliminate the threat.
However, in the event that there is an attack on computer systems, your best bet is to reboot, enter into safe mode, and run an anti-malware program…"
CLICK
Channel 56, Vox Populi: Crime and Punishment Network
"Today the Supreme Court has reached a verdict on the constitutionality of using the RICO statute to try the National Civil Freedoms Group for sedition in its support of pro-mechanoid rights…"
CLICK
Channel 545, Culture Today
"As the world rolls closer to war each day, arcades are finding more youths attracted to the latest in virtual reality: Everpath, Ultimate Online, Linear X, Final Phantasy, and Lucasworld, these attractions are causing young teenagers and children who are willing to spend extravagantly to spend more and more time away from the real world. This electronic epidemic has spread throughout the globe to even the most remotest of locations, like this netlinked Tibetan town. Experts are saying that the practice may be both physically and psychologically harmful. Is your child trapped in a virtual world? Find out in tonight's top story…"
CLICK
Channel 44, Economic News
"Tech stocks had an unexpected rise this week as the E.U. embargo begins. Both Virgin Athena and Lockheed-Halliburton made gains in the Defense Market, and war bonds doubled in value on AMEX. Not all is well, though- the automobile industry continues to stumble in its attempts to return after the ban on Zero-One hovercars last quarter. You might want to consider cashing in your personal retirement account soon…"
CLICK
Channel 135, ESPN 9
"The Newfoundland Smallwooders defeated the Free Scottish Bagpipers 8-6 in the Commonwealth AntiGrav Jai Alai League today, ending the play-offs for that bloc's division. Also, celebrity online backgammon saw a historical victory as Benji Affleck defeated Marlon Rove in a ten-hour game…"
CLICK
Channel 14, Sci-Fi Channel
"Next on the Victory Movie Marathon, Will Smith's I, Robot, followed by Dolph Lundgren's Terminator 5: Final Judgment…"
CLICK
Channel 65, Global News Network
"Syrian President Muhammad Hussein, Jordanian King Abdullah IV, and Iraqi President Khoei Sistani joined the Saudi crown prince in Tripoli today with their governments-in-exile as the Zero-One war machine continues to march on despite the completion of the first stage of Operation Homo Superior. They were welcomed by Libyan Prime Minister Ibrahim Quaddafi, who promised them safe refuge until the conclusion of the conflict…"
CLICK
Channel 176, Middle East Review
"The Mideast Peace Summit has concluded in a pyrrhic victory today with a successful settlement between Israel and the moderate Muslim governments of Turkey, Iran, and the Gulf Federation over the issue of the Palestinian question. Most of the absent Arab governments-in-exile are boycotting what they are calling illegitimate…"
CLICK
Channel 76, War Effort News
"Most of the banished Home Army of Kurdistan has arrived in Mecca today to join the five million-men Grand Forces of dar al-Islam to the praises of Sultan Husein ibn Ali of the Kingdom of Hedjaz. The Sultan made statements supporting the Grand Forces' cooperation with the United Nations Coalition as well as the commitment of 'all of Islam to protecting the holy lands and vanquishing the rogue djinn…' "
CLICK
Channel 42, Earth Now, Environmental Issues
"Scientists at the University of Beijing and Karala College have confirmed that the sky-darkening nanomachines of Operation Dark Storm will Inot/I have a long-lasting effect on the global ecosystem, and should dissipate rapidly after the war…"
CLICK
Channel 504, Asian Affairs
"The Democratic Republic of Korea, the only human nation to not provide military or financial aid to the war, has sent a representative to the U.N. this morning, breaking nearly twenty years of silence. Representative Peng Nam-Il, claiming to be foreign minister of one Kim il-Chung, apparently the current president, stated in front of the General Assembly that though North Korea does not recognize the global body or the 'fictional automaton phantoms,' his government is preparing to deal with the current militarization with 'crushing atomic force.' Experts severely doubt the North Korean threats, as the nation is believed to be the only one in the world to lack electricity…"
CLICK
Channel 278, On the Front: Live Coverage of the War
"Chuck, as you can see clearly these trenches are spotless and well-stocked, a far cry from the diseased hellholes of World War I. The men and women here are all in good cheer and well-prepared for the fighting ahead. They've just finished their training for the day and are opening up their packages from home, and this evening there will be an all-faiths religious service…"
CLICK
Channel 199, MTV Epsilon
"Back to you, Ryan…"
Emergency in progress. Television automatically tuning to Channel 2, Government Alert Broadcasting Service
The President of the United States of America:
"My fellow Americans, five minutes ago the satellites of the United States as well as two-hundred nations have discovered a contingent of Zero-One troops crossing the 31st parallel, breaking the United Nations treaty boundary. The machines have declared war on humanity. The armed forces of the United States are currently mobilizing along with Coalition forces to counter this threat. I urge all citizens to remain calm and resolute in the face of this crisis. May God grant us wisdom and courage in our fight for survival. Thank you."
Endnote: What do you think? Too much? Not enough? Did I focus too much on politics? This is a first draft. I'm planning on expanding this later, maybe. Did anyone catch the assorted references?