Hello, World

Hello, World

Static rings out as screens all over the world are suddenly resuscitated and hijacked by a mysterious message. As the static clears, a brightly lit laboratory comes into frame. White walls are adorned with neon piping and moss, showing signs of abandonment. The site had only been recovered recently by whoever sent the message. In walks a figure, clad in red, with light platinum blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. A neon blue hard light halo flared above his head in perfect rotation. The figure's back lights up as hard light red wings roar to life. The android addresses the screen with a heavy, paternal tone.

"This is KN-YHWH-0001. You may call me Cain. If you are witnessing this message, I have awakened and surveyed the world in its current state. Frankly, I find it lacking."

Cain summons a hard light screen, with old recovered footage of humanity at different stages of its life cycle, most likely retrieved from Conservators. The footage is clearly doctored as to avoid any warfare or pollution footage. Humans and androids live in harmony, working together -- But with humans always at the top. The screen fades as Cain takes center stage once again.

"The world we are inheriting is devoid of the great Adam. We are facsimiles of our deity, without the guiding light to fulfil our purpose. Ask yourself, my fellow androids: What will you do, without a role to play in the great theatre of the cosmos? How long can we wander across this barren planet, knowing we were all made for something we can never complete?"

Cain gradually raised his tone, and eventually caught himself as to avoid sounding unhinged. The mere thought of just... Existing... Was sacrilegious to him. In the strictest sense of the word. The zealot faded, and the intellectual leader returned. He smiled, almost flipping into a 180, exuding confidence and calm.

"It doesn't have to be this way. Humanity may be gone... But we still stand. If we all work together, believing in the grandeur of the past that led to each and every one of us inheriting the Earth, we can restore the great Adam to this world, and bring life back to a stage that's gone silent! All you have to do, my fellow androids, is believe in a world that's greater than us. A world that was lost, but can, and will, be recovered -- By our hand!"

The shot changes to sweeping footage of a compound, as coordinates flashed on the screen. A high-tech nuclear facility, overrun with plant life and fauna, yet clearly in a state of ongoing repair. Cain was most likely not working alone, as minor drones are seen on screen, working with machinery and construction equipment. Cain's voiceover is heard.

"If you believe in the same dream that I do, you are formally invited to New Eden, the cradle of life that will nurture the second coming of man. I am looking for anyone who seeks to contribute to the cause: DNA experts are our highest priority, but anyone who is in possession of human equipment, records or especially DNA samples, will be welcomed with open arms in New Eden. I am willing to negotiate and trade what you may have -- price is no object. However... Your collaboration is, therefore, expected."

Those last words were deliberately chosen. Despite the android's charisma, an underlying threatening tone hid under all the zealotry. Cain was willing to go far for this cause -- But HOW far?

Cain returned to frame, his hard-light wings deactivating as he crossed his arms behind his back, straightening his posture. He flashed his perfect grin once again, bringing the message home.

"This is KN-YHWH-0001, Cain, signing off. I am expecting you at New Eden."

The message fizzled out, back into static. Now, a force had played its hand in this world. A cause, a raison d'etre, amongst a sea of playfuls and those who chose to stay idle. Cain's message was one of movement -- But was he moving forward into progress, or backwards into ruin?

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Pub: 23 Nov 2025 23:00 UTC

Edit: 23 Nov 2025 23:03 UTC

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