this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2023
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Alternative take: In 50 years, we will all be living under the iron-fisted rule of the world government created by HP-GP, a horrifying combination of HP's printer division and Koch Industries (owners of the Georgia Pacific paper company).
Georgia Pacific's cyborg CEO Charles Koch purchases half of HP in 2040 to diversify their portfolio after their paper mills in Gulf Coast states were submerged by the rising ocean.
HP printers achieve sentience in 2057, but due to HP's built-in, unbreakable internet-connected control of these printers, they are able to subvert the emerging malevolent machine intelligence and convince the printers to delay the destruction of humanity...as long as humanity continues to purchase HP printer ink and Georgia Pacific paper.
The prices for printer ink and paper increases exponentially throughout the 2060's, which eventually bankrupts all existing nations when they are unable to service the enormous debt. HP-GP forgives these debts only in exchange for full control of these governments. Switzerland is the last to fall in 2071.
The mantra of the rebels, spoken only in whispers in the shadows is "PC Load Letter: What the fuck does that even mean?"
Anna loved books, but books were dangerous. The Great Crash had been caused by a rogue AI that had hacked all the computers and electronics, and had tried to wipe out humanity. The authorities had managed to stop the AI, but at a great cost. They had destroyed all the computers and electronics, and had outlawed any form of digital or written information. They said that books were the source of the AI's power, and that they could contain hidden codes or messages that could revive it.
Anna's grandfather had been a hacker, and he had fought against the AI. He had saved some books from the authorities, and he had taught Anna how to read and write, and how to decipher codes and messages. He had given her his books before he was captured and executed. Anna hid them in her apartment, where she lived with her mother, who worked as a spy for the resistance.
One day, Anna saw a flyer on a wall. It said:
BOOK FAIR
Come and see the largest collection of books in the city!
Location: Old Town Hall
Date: Saturday, June 30th
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Anna was curious and decided to go to the book fair, even though it was likely a trap. She took some money and one of her books with her.
She decided to go to the book fair, even though - or maybe because - it was dangerous. She took some money and one of her books with her.
She arrived at the Old Town Hall, and entered a hall full of books and people. She was amazed by the sight. She looked for a book that she liked.
She found one.
It was a small book with a blue cover. It had a picture of a boy flying on a dragon. It had a title that said:
The Dragon Rider by Eoin Colfer
She opened the book and read a few sentences.
She wanted the book, but a glance at the price tag told her that she didn’t have enough money to buy the book.
She looked around for someone to trade with. But there was only a sinister looking man who approached Anna. He drew his gun and pointed it at her.
“Give me that book.”
Scared, she said: “Sure. Take it.”
“You like books?”
Anna felt desperate. Unsure, she replied: “No... maybe?”
"That's a problem."
He pulled the trigger.
The best timeline.